Stories from the Sales Frontlines

oldfarmer50

"...Maybe I'll get some intended acceleration from a Mustang..."

LOL I like the way you think. If you get in that Twittybird yellow will you have the black stripe down the middle? I'd like to see a picture of that.

For me, I'd like it in Metallic Blue. I prefer a sleeper type style that fools the punk kids into thinking they can take me and then BLAMMM!

Maybe the 300 horse V-6 isn't enough. Do I dare get the GT? :shades:

oldfarmer50

"...Each year I get tired of the winter sooner..."

We just had the first snow of the season Monday. That's early even for NY. I share your dislike of winter more and more.

When i was younger I could never understand why these old timers hated the winter. I had so much fun fish-tailing about in the snow.

Now I have to wear two pairs of socks and long underwear just to go get the mail. :sick:

oldfarmer50

"...I don't have a specific vehicle in mind....could do some very light towing...I no longer drive very far..."

Have a trailer hitch installed on your present car (Infinity G, if IRC). It would save you a lot of money in the long run and you know you like the G.

oldfarmer50

"...The question is, what do we do about it?..."

usually, that type will self destruct. You can speed things along by arranging for management to witness some of his nonsense.

oldfarmer50

"...One year someone stole the DIPSTICK..."

If you catch him check his other pant leg for my TOMATOES! :mad:

604doc

" Anything removable would be stolen. One year someone stole the DIPSTICK out of an Odyssey! "

I noticed the gearshift knobs were missing on some of the cars. Probably to keep them from getting stolen.

On a side note, I was pretty impressed with the Honda Ridgeline. First time I sat in one. Got to play with the center console with all of its nooks and crannys.

I'm looking for a midsize 4 door pickup for my next vehicle. Without having driven any yet, my list in order of preference is:

1. Honda Ridgeline. (Some on the forums say they're under powered)
2. Ford Explorer Sport Trac. (2010 is the last year for them)
3. Nissan Frontier Crew Cab. (Nice, but the dash has a lot of hard plastic, and felt a bit "cheap")
4. Suzuki Equator. (Have to research a bit, but I think it's built by Nissan, basically a Frontier clone.)

They didn't have a 4 door Toyota Tacoma at the show, so I couldn't check out the back seat room. Plus, I think they're kind of ugly. Not " Ridgeline" ugly, just ugly.

I took a quick look at the Chevy Colorado. Tight in the back seat, and I just can't get past the "rent a car" interior smell that all Chevies seem to have.

kyfdx

You don't have to be able to get home from the bar... just to it..

Ground clearance? Get a Forester..

mako1a

Now that the Avalon is gone and I'm bucks up I upgraded the 98 Explorer with a
2007 Ford Escape.

The place was a small car lot attached to a big truck garage (big as in Peterbuilt).
Very low key. Almost a hobby kind of dealership. Most dealerships I want to bug out quick, but this place I wanted to stick around and talk rubber ducky, good buddy.

I really like the Escape. It has a great (much better than the Avalon) stereo with CD and tape. Lots of goodies like fog lights, independent rear suspension and no sunroof to leave open in the rain. (did I mention I don't like sunroofs?) And the e-brake on the console where it belongs. Also fits in the garage with room to spare.

fezo

Wow. THAT didn't last long!

driver100

You seem to like doing research on stuff like this, so see if this trainer can set up a similar training program for a 60 something male with 2 good legs

I think the Guiness program would work for you if you could run as fast as that horse. Otherwise, we will be wasting a good Guiness.

driver100

Maybe the 300 horse V-6 isn't enough. Do I dare get the GT?

Might as well, if you are going to get your dream car might as well go all the way.

nyccarguy

Go big or go home - Go for the GT 5.0. You won't EVER regret it!

driver100

I'm fairly new here and don't have neighborhood friends yet,

It takes time to meet people who you can get along with. You might consider joining something, health club (you'll meet friends who will go for a coffee or something), community centre, something........

One car I loved and you can pick them up cheap, it is great in snow, is more compact than it looks, can tow really well (what are you towing anyway), is high off the ground, has 4 wheel drive and can be put in all wheel drive mode so you don't forget and scuff up the wheels on corners, and is very enjoyable to own and drive! It is a ..............................
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Jeep Cherokee. Not a limited model, but the smaller one. Get one that is around a 2000 miles to get the best features. It rides rough and it is noisy, but it is a great little car.

mako1a

The Explorer was a step up from the GMC van, but not really all I wanted.
The headlights were manual on/off, no fog lights and being a 98 lacked new amenities.
This Escape has all I need without stuff I don't want. (mostly an excellent stereo)

And I still have $20k left towards the likely Mustang in spring.

mako1a

The Escape has 4WD and has Goodyear Wrangler RT/S tires on it.
I assume that means Rough Terrain/Snow.
Please tell me if I'm wrong and I'll change the tires to snow worthy.

This is funny, but I change vehicles so often that I haven't bought tires in 20 years.

gogiboy

I just saw a shirt with the following phase: "I am the grammarian about whom your mother warned you"

This should be required attire for Richard whenever he logs on to get him in the proper mood. Either that or a shirt that states: primum non nocere, which could be directed at all of us.

Gogiboy

jmonroe

I think the Guiness program would work for you if you could run as fast as that horse.

You never saw me move when Mrs. j took off at me.

Otherwise, we will be wasting a good Guiness.

Try me.

jmonroe

mako1a

primum non nocere translated to American means "First, do no harm"

That applies to Richard how? Is he a PHD or MD? Doctor Richard?

Is there a doctor in the house?

graphicguy

Maybe the 300 horse V-6 isn't enough. Do I dare get the GT?

Well, duh.....!!!!!!!!!!! Of course you do!!!!!!!!! :shades:

Fishtail that thing in a K-Mart parking lot at the first dropping of snow flakes......360s required.

Seriously, I've only driven one 6 cyl Mustang. It was a rental and it was a couple of years ago (before the current drivetrains came out). It was pretty dismal...course, made more noise than power, and didn't really handle all that well, either.

The GTs? Of any stripe? Much different story. Better in every measurable way, by a fairly large margin.

I'm really interested in trying out the new ones. Again, pretty big upgrades to the new Mustangs across the board.

graphicguy

kirstie....while everyone's tastes are different, I'm intrigued by those Nissan Jukes. Kind of hits your hot buttons......4 door, a bit sporty with a turbo 4 banger, and it's available with AWD. Saw one on the road yesterday (first time seeing one in the flesh). Pretty slick looking pieces.

Just a thought.

tjc78

Fishtail that thing in a K-Mart parking lot at the first dropping of snow flakes......360s required.

If the electronic nannies allow it! You actually can't fully shut off the ESC/TRAC system in my Genesis. What is the fun of having a high HP RWD car if you can't break the back end loose?

roadburner

Might as well, if you are going to get your dream car might as well go all the way.

Exactly. I've never heard anyone say "I wish I'd bought the model with 100 less bhp."

sterlingdog

Imaginary friends?! It's nice to know that I am only a "pigment" of your imagination.

Richard

sterlingdog

Knowing you, I bet that it was more than a "couple" of all nighters.

Richard

houdini1

Looks like you are looking at all the right ones. My son shopped for the same type vehicle recently and kept coming back to the last generation 4 door Tacoma (prior to 2005). We both agreed that they looked better, drove better, and the size was better. Just had a better feel to them.

If you can find a good one of those don't expect much of a bargain though. Dealers were asking $13 to $14 thou. He ended up paying $9 thousand and then another thousand on brakes, timing chain and water pump. He knew that going in and now he has a great truck.

Also with that generation you have to make sure they don't have any under body rust issues. Some of them do and some don't.

sterlingdog

You're half way there. Good luck on the remainder. It's more a matter of perseverance than actual hard study. One thing that I learned was to give the "ivory tower"what they wanted to hear. Many of them would die if they had to work in the real world.

Richard

sterlingdog

You just have to weigh the positives against the negatives. Also, does a person want advancement and increased benefits vs. remaining in their old comfort zone? With all of the out sourcing today, it is difficult to ignore a directive from the home office, unless you plan a career change. I had a friend who was ordered to go to South America. He balked. He now works for himself....less money but greater peace.

Richard

sterlingdog

I can't blame you for wanting to get away from the snow. You are correct about the South---heat is one thing, but the humidity is very bad in many areas. That's what drains you. Besides, if you don't like your new location, you can always move to another place. That is the nice thing about retirement; you are the boss.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Being gone 2 weeks out of the month is no picnic."

My nephew is in China two weeks out of each month. Golf development has taken a terrible hit in the U.S. during the last two years. Greg Norman told him to go, so he did. It's not easy on his wife and two little boys. My nephew doesn't complain. He understands how the bread gets buttered.

Richard

sterlingdog

Another word of advice to our young posters: Marriage is not for every person. I have one friend who has been married five times, and another friend who has been married three times. They just don't seem to get the message. If you argue a lot and don't enjoy some of the same things when you're dating, can you imagine what married life will be? The sex may be good, but there is much more to marriage. It's a relationship that goes far beyond the bedroom.

Richard

sterlingdog

Just a question here: When you went to Carmax, could you have negotiated on the trade? I understand that the selling prices are pretty fixed, but are the trade-in values also fixed?

Richard

sterlingdog

Watch out for Driver. He'll be back on the GLK before you know it. (Grin)

Richard

sterlingdog

You stay out of "school" so much now that you forget what I taught you. Remember: You're means "you are" and your means "something that you own or possess". Still, we love hearing from you.

Richard

sterlingdog

Too late.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Does anybody do that on this forum anymore?"

Only when we get bored. (Grin)

Richard

sterlingdog

"I would be careful..."

Definitely. He sounds passive aggressive. Those people will make YOU look like the villain. They are the most dangerous of "seeds". I would leave it up to the boss.

Richard

sterlingdog

No way! I owned one of those small Jeep Cherokees. It's like riding in a buck board with no leg room. I got rid of it after a year. It was the boxy design that hooked me. One summer afternoon in the Southern heat, the tail gate window imploded. I nearly wrecked the darn thing trying to avoid all of the flying glass.

Richard

sterlingdog

That was a nice thought, but I never wear shirts which hint at who I am. I could get shot. (Grin)

Richard

snakeweasel

Exactly. I've never heard anyone say "I wish I'd bought the model with 100 less bhp."

I heard that a few times when gas went north of $4/gallon awhile back.

sterlingdog

There are no medical doctors at my house. That's my sister's job. There are, however, gourmet chefs, interior designers, antique collectors, and car enthusiasts. (Wink)

Richard

jmonroe

You're doing the right things. Continue with your efforts. It will all pay off in the end.

C’mon…the guy is young. Why are you taking him to the end already? Back in the 70’s I worked with a guy my age and since we sat across from each other we had life talk philosophy sessions all the time. We both felt that you had to keep an eye out towards retirement but you also better live your life as you are living it. When I was living in SC in the mid 90’s, I heard that he died of a heart attack (mid 50’s). At least I knew that he knew how to live while he was living but tough to hear just the same.

There is a balance that has to be met and I was extremely lucky to have done it. I have grandchildren now and that is the real fun part of life.

jmonroe

driver100

Watch out for Driver. He'll be back on the GLK before you know it

Yes, I start slowly with a used Cherokee and then work you into a GLK. You were right, I would make a great car salesman!

driver100

small Jeep Cherokees. It's like riding in a buck board with no leg room

Good description. But that's all part of the charm, and besides Kirstie is probably a lot younger than you are (had to get that in there).

I will admit the back seat is small and the back door is very narrow. You have to be a contortionist to get in there if you are an adult.

But, as the salesman said to me...he had a guy that came in every 2 years to buy a new one, there was nothing else he liked more.

I call it honest. You get what you are getting. No gimmicks, no padded riding, no fancy controls, just a good old workhorse.

28firefighter

I was hoping that when he referred to "the end" he was referring to the end of Law School! Now that I re-read it, I'm not so sure...

fezo

"I am the grammarian about whom your mother warned you"

I'd LOVE a a shirt like that! If I saw one at a store I could buy it when I go through the checkout line for 10 items or FEWER. It's a special line for fussy English major types.....

I like that mako has $20K burning a hole in his pocket. This could keep us entertained all winter!

jimbres

but I never wear shirts which hint at who I am

Sorry to have to slap your hand, Richard, but it's my duty as Number Two Grammarian to point out that "shirts that hint at who I am" would be the preferred usage here.

See Rule 2 at GrammarBook.com.

crkyolfrt

I liked the look of them then best. Very tidy looking....the last generation being the tidiest. (the one pictured in your post)
And that venerable inline six, was a real torquey motor, although since there are rarely free rides, did come at the expense of fuel consumption.

Kirstie, if you see this...Is your G35 a rear wheel drive right? Burns high test gas?

When you kick tires on replacing it, it might be a good idea to consider vehicles which are predominately RWD, then transfer torque to the front if slip is sensed, because once you get used to rear wheel drive, it is hard to go back to FWD. Just ask any BMW or MBenz driver how excited they would be to trade their present ride for a (so-called) new and improved FWD replacement. Be ready for a verbal onslaught of "they had better not"....maybe even a spit or two, haha.

And is your G35 a std tranny? Is an auto a must-have?

If it weren't for my hill, (needing AWD on mild wintery days) I'd trade you my CRV for it. I have half the miles, but don't drive much so your 100k wouldn't bother me too much since I suspect you cared for it always. The one thing that would be a deal breaker for me though is if they weren't doing full body hot galvanizing back then? I'd like to have another rear wheel drive car again someday even though I still consider a FWDriver.

jmonroe

I could have "loaded" a condensor and you would have picked it up.

I know what you mean but if you did that in any of my lab classes or when I was in the Navy, you wouldn’t have finished the course. In the Navy it would have been even worse. Although you’d probably be getting out about now, though.

FWIW, if you said “condenser” in one of my classes you’d have a lot of make up work to do. I had a professor that had a guy tear one apart one day and said, “do you see any condensing action going on in there? Maybe you’d be better suited as an ME not an EE”. It’s a CAPACITOR idiot and don’t forget it, at least in my class”. Touchy guy, but he was right.

I believe the “condenser” term came from England. The same guys that called vacuum tubes “valves”. Strange people those Englishmen. :confuse:

jmonroe

tallman1

I know we have a few vets around here. Have a great day and thanks for all that you've done!

crkyolfrt

Since we have two experts here, and since you guys still like to joke and step in it at times... I'd still like to know the answer to my question in post #60580.