Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, I'm well aware that Esso is alive and well in your neck of the woods. They gave up the name in the states in 1872. Oddly their excuse at the time was that they wanted one name to use everywhere. Guess they meant everywhere in the US where we had Esso, Enco and Humble depending where in the US you were.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    We've been trying a new method of removal - it's called melting.

    That's the one that works the best; it just takes even more patience. :surprise:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    This is another common factor with us. My dad was a gambler too. It explains the succession of $150 cars.

    Ironically, when he passed his safe investments had gotten killed (he liked banks - that worked until 08) and were pretty well worthless. However he had $15K in cash in a safe deposit box that he won at OTB picking a race in order of finish. Go figure.

    In my first 12 years dad probably had as many businesses as I had years.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    I use my credit card for everything and have since the mid 90's, it's just too convenient to do it any other way.

    That's how we operate. Around here, the supermarkets installed credit/debit card terminals in the early 90s. When that happened, we stopped paying for groceries with checks or cash & went over to plastic.

    I can withdraw $20 from an ATM & walk around for 2 or 3 weeks with that money.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Somethings not right, 197,000 miles on a 6 year old vehicle? Over 33K miles a year? Thats a lot even if it is towed a lot behind a motor home.

    Secondly the Malibu is front wheel drive so if its being towed the front wheels would be (or should be) lifted so miles shouldn't accumulate.

    I would avoid it like I would avoid Europe during the Black Death.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Thanks, I appreciate your help. Most computer stuff is greek to me !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    n my first 12 years dad probably had as many businesses as I had years.

    One day I would love to hear about those businesses. I find that fascinating. This week on MSNBC Biographies they had Sears of Sears Roebuck and Marriott of the hotels and Hot Shoppes. Businesses just start with an idea, a lot of work and good decisions and a bit of luck.......some work and some don't. But it is amazing to actually create a business that works.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I can withdraw $20 from an ATM & walk around for 2 or 3 weeks with that money.

    That sounds like me. We were going the Science Museum on Christmas Eve day with my son’s and their families and I knew I would need some cash. I was down to about $12 in my wallet so I stopped at the bank and got $100. That’s very rare for me to get that much but since I figured that I was going to be taken advantage of, I did that very rare withdrawal. As it turned out I could use my credit card for almost everything but the parking. There’s no telling how long that cash will last.

    We started to use the credit card back in the 90’s when we lived in SC. US Airways offered a free card (no yearly fee), a free ticket and we got frequent flyer miles for ALL purchases. I told Mrs. j to put everything including supermarket and gas purchases on that card and I mean EVERYTHING. I came home one day when she got the first bill in the mail and she met me at the door. She said with her eyes so wide open all I could see was the whites of her eyes, “do you know how much that Visa Card is”? I said, “no, how much”? She said, “almost $2000”. I said, “if you’re trying to scare me, tell me we don’t have that in our checking account”. She is now used to that type of credit card bill but the first one was tough for her to swallow.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    edited January 2011
    While eating at the fine dining establishment of Pizza Hut today, with the family, the "cook" forgot to prepare the second of two pizzas we ordered. While bringing out the first pie, the host said they forgot to load the second pie, and it would be out in 10 minutes. I quickly switched to jipster mode, and said, "Could we get a order of breadsticks on the house while we wait?". The host and my wife laughed, the host saying she would ask the manger. I hear laughing in the kitchen area, a few minutes later we get a free order of breadsticks. How does this tie into car sales you ask? You don't ask you don't get. Of course what you are asking for has to be reasonable. :shades:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Next time I'm buying a car I'll be sure to ask for free breadsticks..... ;)
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,571
    You can eat them, while waiting for them to re-locate that shifter.. ;)

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  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,556

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,800
    Six more weeks until my Pilot lease is up. Still undecided on what is next; seems like the list should be shorter at this point...

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    "Could we get a order of breadsticks on the house while we wait?".

    The Jipst Method for buying a pizza!

    Actually, more businesses should just do this automatically. What do breadsticks cost them....and it makes the people who are waiting through no fault of their own happy. It is a real win - win all around.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Six more weeks until my Pilot lease is up.
    . Still undecided on what is next; seems like the list should be shorter at this point...

    Maybe a Piper Cub?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You are beginning to scare me with how much we have in common. If we met in person, we probably couldn't stand one another. At our age, who likes to look in a mirror? :D

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I am progressing slowly but surely. I swiped my card at all of the pumps on our trip to Key West. Also, my sister was getting on me for not using one credit card for all monthly purchases. I'm getting tired of using my debit card all of the time. When I get home, I have to subtract all of those debits from my check book. My wife hates using a debit card. She goes to the ATM for cash. Here again, I have to put those in the check book. I think that I will begin the new year using one credit card. Like your wife, the first bill will probably knock us down. I guess we'll get used to it. Thanks for the reminder.

    Richard
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    >I think that I will begin the new year using one credit card. Like your wife, the first bill will probably knock us down.

    If you view your finances as I do, you'll note that without the debiting or checks during the month your cash position will increase in your checking and savings accounts because you're not paying out. You are borrowing money on the grace period from the credit card company bank.

    Then when you do get the bill for that previous month's expenditures, you'll see the aggregation of all your little spending items in total. But you will feel like you actually have spent less after you subtract that payment, a month late, for those things you enjoyed the month before.

    When it will be noticed is if you stop paying for some items on the card and start making them a cash expenditure again. It will seem like your total cash position has gone down because you are no longer floating the $4000 of expenses per month on your credit card no interest period.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Why not another Pilot? Did you enjoy the one you leased?

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I would also earn more money on my interest checking account. The bulk of my monthly expenses would stay in the account for a longer period of time. Imagine. I would be making money by borrowing money. What a clever idea.

    I'm amazed at the things that we learn on this thread.

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I heard an ad on the radio and they have a sale on Fords at this time. Pretty good discounts, but they also give you $1000 off if you are a Costco member.

    I was wondering how can they do that? I mean, what could Costco be throwing in there to give Ford enough to throw in a thousand bucks?

    Do you think Ford would give you a $1000 off anyway?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    edited January 2011
    Some cards offer a lot of perks...like 2to 5% cash back on all your purchases. Consider this when deciding which card to use. Discover is the one my wife uses, etc.

    Charging 2 or 3 grand each month adds up. You are spending the money anyway so you might as well collect. Just pay in full at the end of the month.

    Or better yet use the jipst method, talk to them, and negotiate the best deal !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I could see a military discount or a college grad discount, but Costco? Not being a member, I would feel discriminated against. I would have to demand equal treatment for the $1,000. If I had waited and purchased a new Explorer, I would be facing this problem. I'm much happier with the SRX.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Just pay in full at the end of the month."

    Amen to that! Can you imagine how fast that balance would increase if you didn't?

    Cash back sounds nice. It's another way to make some money in addition to the interest checking. Wow! I should have been doing this long before now.

    Richard
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I have no use for something as big as a Pilot.

    I don't need three rows of seats or a big bulky vehicle that gets 15 MPG.

    Pilots are great cars just more than we need.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I mean, what could Costco be throwing in there to give Ford enough to throw in a thousand bucks?

    Do you think Ford would give you a $1000 off anyway?


    The Friday after Thanksgiving in 2007 I went into a mom and pop Buick store just to look. The salesman came over and I said I wasn’t buying I was just looking and I didn’t want to waste his time. There was nobody in the store and he said, “I’ll answer any questions you have were not busy”, as he pointed to the empty store. GM was having their Red Tag Sale at that time and he mentioned that the prices were very good as a result of that and if I wasn’t a Buick customer, I qualified for their “Conquest Discount”.

    We had a conversation that went like something like this:

    Me: That’s nice for me but like I said I’m just looking. Are you saying, that me, as a new customer, I would get a better price than a customer that you already have that is coming back to by another Buick? I can only imagine what your current customers would say about that.

    Salesman: Yes, you would get a better price with our “Conquest Discount” than our current customers and believe me we have had customers go through the roof when we tell them that they can’t get that discount. That is established by GM and we can’t do anything about that. We can’t pass on that discount to them because GM won’t reimburse us and we don’t have that kind of money to give to them from our profits.

    Me: That sounds like a business decision that is going to kill GM. Why would you turn your back on a loyal customer?

    Salesman: I know. Try telling that to GM.

    Me: I’m not working for GM that’s what you should be saying to GM.

    Salesman: Believe me we have and other dealerships are all up in arms about this too but they’re the ones that are trying to get new customers not just us and they THINK this is the best way to do it.

    Me: Doesn’t sound good to me. Good luck trying to sell your loyal customers on that idea.

    The car companies do strange things to sell a car but maybe at the expense of selling cars the best way. This seems like this is the “flavor of the month” thinking that gets them in trouble. Ford has been doing pretty well lately so they must have a plan.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,144
    ti...depends on your needs, of course. If you NEED something like a Pilot, those along with the new Explorer or the new(er) 4Runner really are the cream of the crop.

    A car? Well, you can drag me into the whole evaluation process, with all the models I did last year before buying the TL. :P

    As a bit of an update, I had mentioned that a good friend's wife had bought a new Taurus SHO. Personally, I think they are really good cars sold in a very narrow niche. Ford seems to be doing a lot of that lately though.

    Mustang GT vs a BMW M3.....Taurus SHO vs an Audi A8.....etc.

    Anyway, I do think there's a stigma (rightfully or wrongfully) with buying a performance Ford over a similar Audi.

    Well, seems as if the wife finds the SHO a bit too powerful (is that even possible?). Got a call from her last night asking me about the TL. As I told her, it's still going to be a fast sports sedan. But, I've driven the SHO. The TL is a teeny bit slower.

    BTW, these are the same folks who took a bath on a 2008 Ford KR Cobra, too. So, looks like another one is in the works.

    Who knows? If I can score a good deal on it, I may buy it myself and flip it for a profit after driving it a year or so.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Are you serious?

    I guess I'll have to take a closer look at the shift lever on our 2003 CRV and try to understand how anyone can think it looks "tacky". Never heard that one before.

    And the idea of hitting a bump and having it jump into park seriously gave me a much needed laugh on a cold and dreary morning.

    But, I rest my case. Maybe I should have used 99.9% instead of 99%.

    Guess I had better keep a sharp lookout for potholes! :confuse:

    One of our CRV's has a hand operated hand brake and the 2001 has a foot operated one and I could care less either way.

    Exactly what I was talking about!
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited January 2011
    From time to time, Honda would decide to paint one of their models some horrible color.

    In 2001, they painted some Civics Inca Gold. They were saleproof so they dropped the color after the first year. Then in 2002 when they came out with the Civic SI hatchbacks, Inca Gold came back as Euro Gold. Once again, they bombed.

    In 2007 Green Tea was offered as a color choice on CRV's. Everyone's reaction was "Oh, yuck". Of course they matched ivory interiors with the Green Tea making things worse.

    But...once in awhile (not often) we would get a customerwho just HAD to have Green Tea!

    Nothing else would do. If we had to do a dealer trade to get one, we made VERY sure we had a solid deal out of the fear we would get stuck with one.

    As they say in the car business...

    " There's a "butt" for every seat"
  • tommister2tommister2 Member Posts: 393
    Funny, when I was shopping cars last year Mazda got a negative mark from me for the opposite reason. They had an additional $500 rebate for current Mazda owners. I have owned Mazda vehicles in the past but did not when I was shopping, so no $500 rebate for me.

    I personally find these rebates with odd requirements as a negative. I can see why Buick owners would have been angry. It's hard for the salespeople to explain "you can't get this rebate because you own X or do not own Y".

    Although, I don't mind special military discounts. That's something I feel is deserved.

    Tom
    2011 Toyota Camry, 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 2017 Honda Civic Coupe, 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Tesla Model 3
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    And the idea of hitting a bump and having it jump into park seriously gave me a much needed laugh on a cold and dreary morning.

    Yeah, that made no sense at all. There's a greater risk of being hit by space debris.

    But what do I know? I own what is probably the only CR-V in my county with a 5-speed stick.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    With a console shift lever you have your arm on the console lid
    and use your wrist to move it. That dash lever makes you freehand the lever.
    Go into reverse, the car moves and next thing you get is Park at 3 MPH.

    Kind of like trying to hit the preset radio buttons on a bumpy road.
    You try to hit #1 and end up hitting anything but the chosen station.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Go into reverse, the car moves and next thing you get is Park at 3 MPH.

    Except that you have to depress the shifter button to shift from reverse to park or vice versa.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Exactly.

    I suppose it "could" happen.

    I "could" win the 375 Million Mega Lotto tonight too!

    About the same chances.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I'm not the argumentative type so I'll just leave the dash shifter as odd looking.

    If there is still dissension I'll turn it over to Driver who will argue it to death.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Odd looking? O.K, I'll give you that. It is different.

    Hardly a reason to not buy a car though.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Very much a reason.
    It looks like a weenie-mobile and I, for one will NOT buy one...ever!

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    edited January 2011
    Or better yet use the jipst method, talk to them, and negotiate the best deal !!

    That actually worked too. Another credit card copany was offering a more attractive cash back program than my Chase Visa card (A FEW YEARS BACK). I called up Chase Visa to cancel. They go, "whoaaahhhh... hold on a minute thar bubba boy.", and ended up matching the better rate. So, while the jipst method can be used for purchases other than cars and breadsticks, I recommend only seasoned negotiations pros attempt with credit card companies. WHATS IN YOUR WALLET? :P
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Some cards offer a lot of perks...like 2to 5% cash back on all your purchases.

    Check out Pentagon Federal Credit Union's Cashback Rewards Visa - 5% rebates on gas purchases, 2% rebates on supermarket purchases & 1% back on all other purchases.

    If you're not employed by the DOD (I'm not), you have to pay a one-time $20 fee to join the National Military Family Association. Otherwise, no fees.
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,800
    edited January 2011
    Actually, I recently thought about your shopping process, GG. Too bad we aren't looking at the exact same class; it would save me a lot of time!

    The Pilot has been a good car; I leased it in the beginning of 08 when Honda was really subsidizing them to move them out ( Isell might remember this). I could buy it at the end of the lease. My issues with it are pretty short - 1. MPG is meh, but I work from home so this is not the end of the world, 2. It is really wide; I moved from WA to CA since I bought it and it just barely fits into my garage. I can do it, but it is a challenge every time, and 3. Its the base VP 4WD model, and I often wish it had a few more things like heated seats and dual climate control.

    This is our trip car, so comfortable and quiet are plusses. Mrs tifighter and myself cycle a lot, and I like putting the bikes inside the car where they are dry, don't whistle on the roof and are not coated with bugs after a 3 hour drive to the central coast. In the winter, we drive to Tahoe a lot to ski with skis, boots and gear. So a sedan is out. Wagon might work though most are too small for bikes. AWD is nice as it means you can get past the winter checkpoints here requiring chains for 2wd vehicles. However, this might not necessarily be a requirement.

    Here's some things I'm looking at in no particular order- RAV4 V6, Murano, Ford Flex, CX9, maybe a CPO RX, maybe maybe the new TSX wagon.

    Some things i've pretty much written off - New Pilot (UGG-LEE), Outback (I work in the outdoor industry and everyone has an Outback. Plus they're ugly), most European (from a former mutliple Audi/BMW owner), V70 (the prices for low mile ones here are nearly the same as a new TSX wagon).

    I've got work to do...

    25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0

  • m6vxm6vx Member Posts: 142
    I, for one, would not buy a vehicle with the shift lever on the dash.
    It looks tacky and all I see is hitting a bump and going into park while in motion.


    I'm having a hard time seeing how that can happen.
    Do you ever worry about that happening with the shifter located between the front seats? The shifter between the seats is more likely to get knocked than a dash mounted shifter.

    The first week with dash shift seemed a little funny - not good, not bad, just different. After three years, it seems normal and driving a vehicle with column shift seems weird!
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    edited January 2011
    I see that one of my favorite shows to watch for the cars in it is coming back in February on Bravo--The Millionaire Real Estate Sales Guys, Million Dollar Listing . What a life they live, supposedly. :blush:

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    Costco: They have an auto buying program that offers discounts on lots of cars if local dealers participate. You can probably do a little better by negotiating on your own but for those not into that, it's a good deal.

    Cash Back: I've been using a cash rebate card for years. I put everything on it instead of writing a check, using a debit card, or paying cash. I end up with a large chunk of cash back every year. That works better for me than airline miles on one of my other cards. No annual fee either and I pay off my card each month so no extra interest payments. Sweet deal.

    It was really great when I was working and traveling a lot. I'd use my credit card for hotels, meals, etc. and then get reimbursed for the actual amount. It still counted toward my rebate though.
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    I'm familiar with Kerbeck in Palmyra, NJ and I fell for one of their screamer ads when I was younger. There was a 1992 DeVille advertised at a ridiculously low price. It turned out to be a "one at this price" deal and the car looked as if it spent six months at the bottom of the Delaware River and was recently dredged up. Then they try to sell you them more expensive cars in their inventory. No doubt, many appeared to be ex-rentals or cars that were buy-backs from the manufacturer. I see the "KERBECK" placard on the back of many cars in marginal neighborhoods in Lower NE Philly - lots of folks of modest means trying to look rich for cheap.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You didn't mention the Ford Explorer in either list. Could that be a possibility? I'm with you on the Ford Flex---beautiful vehicle with any option package that you desire. My wife hates the looks, thus we bought the SRX. Had she liked it, we would be driving a new one now. I was offered a great deal on a new 2010---$36,500 loaded to the top. I also like the two tone color options. I saw a candy apple red one with a white top on our way to Key West. It was really sharp. My wife reacted as usual, "There goes the rescue squad on its way to the funeral home." Since it was Christmas, I let her have her laugh. Then again, I do that frequently during the year as well. ;)

    Richard
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    edited January 2011
    Richard, as a fellow retired education administrator, I love ya, man... but I have to agree with your wife on this one. I just about gagged the first time I ever saw a Flex. I'm always taken aback when I read that you like the looks. I know, I know... you are a boxy-look fan. I always figured that people bought a Flex for roominess or something but never for looks.

    It just goes to show that we all have different tastes. And there is nothing wrong with that. :)
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Hardly a reason to not buy a car though."

    I'm not so sure about that one. If it's odd to you and you don't like it, you'll be the one looking at it each day. Personally, I wouldn't care for the look myself. Then again, I'm the one of "very, very few" who didn't like the redesign of the CRV. :shades:

    Richard
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    "I'm having a hard time seeing how that can happen"

    It can't happen. Impossible.

    Assuming hitting a bump could cause the shift lever to move which would be HIGHLY unlikely, the lever would have to move through neutral AND reverse before it got to park.

    In order to shift into reverse it requires that the shift lever be pulled toward the driver.

    I don't know how people come up with these ideas?
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Yeah...I guess.

    If I liked the car otherwise, I sure wouldn't let some petty little thing like the placement of the shift lever stop me from buying a car!

    But...that's me.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I love you, too because you know what my 40 years were like. As for the Flex, I can understand your opinion. When my wife wouldn't even consider a ride in one, I turned to my sister for help. It didn't help my cause at all. She said, "Mother's good taste influenced our upbringing. How in the world can you consider a Flex anything but ugly. Mother would be ashamed that her son had evolved to this." My response, "Dad would like it." My sister, "Even Dad had better taste than that." When your wife AND sister gang up on you, you just go buy an SRX. :D;)

    Richard
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