Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I don't know what the big deal with replacing a timing belt is?

    Once every 105,000 miles or every seven years.

    Besides, the newer Civics use a chain and not a belt.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    As it stands, I use my son's former daily driver (8 year old Elantra-120K miles) to drive to the airport when I need to. It's getting a bit ragged, though. It's going to need a clutch soon. A new battery and tires aren't far behind.

    That makes sense ... invest, what, less than a grand on the clutch, battery and tires and you're good to go for another few years.

    Or, as you noted, you can get something for a few grand that will serve as your "airport" car whilst you leave the TL at home in the garage.

    At some point, I'm thinking of doing the same thing. Continue to use the ION for pizza duty, and get something fun and sporty for the special occasions. Wife still has her VUE so we've got the whole "family car" thing covered.

    Now, like jmonroe, I'm faced with the challenge to convince the wife that this makes more sense than putting in hardwood floors in our house .... somehow, I kinda know how this is gonna turn out.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    of sharing bargains -
    Today only, $10 for a $20 gift card for Amazon.com.

    http://livingsocial.com/deals/21336-20-amazon-com-gift-card

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Now, like jmonroe, I'm faced with the challenge to convince the wife that this makes more sense than putting in hardwood floors in our house .... somehow, I kinda know how this is gonna turn out.

    I don’t know how long you’ve been married but when I got the Genny, by the time I was finished with Mrs. j, I had her believing it was she who wanted the car (as a V8, in a particular color) and I was just an innocent bystander.

    It takes experience. :D

    jmonroe

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

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    I don’t know how long you’ve been married but when I got the Genny, by the time I was finished with Mrs. j, I had her believing it was she who wanted the car (as a V8, in a particular color) and I was just an innocent bystander.

    It takes experience.


    Well, this is the second marriage for both of us, and we've been together 13 years, so I suspect I've got quite a few years to go before I have a story like that to share. My wife is a sharp cookie.

    The problem is that the cost estimate for the floors will be around 6 grand (we've decided that we're only doing the downstairs - approximately 800 sf) and I've mentally limited myself to a budget of around $25K for the new (or used) whip.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Today only, $10 for a $20 gift card for Amazon.com

    I'll offer them $5 for that $20 gift card! :mad:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,372
    It’s nice when you’re dealing with a place that has the same people when you go back to buy again.

    That's the way it is at my BMW dealer. I also have a friend who has worked at a Chevy dealer for at least 10 years. If I walk into his showroom his first words are usually "I guess we must have a used BMW on the lot."

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Did you buy that 4-wheel drive yet? It is snowing HARD here on the west side !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    Sometimes it’s a good thing when they think “hell, he must be dead by now. Let’s not waste a stamp”.

    If oldfarmer's dad is any indication, your kids will get a call in 10 years asking for you. :sick:
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Did you buy that 4-wheel drive yet? It is snowing HARD here on the west side !!

    You got a different pop up than I got.

    They must know I live in the Burgh area and I got a pop up that said:

    365 Things to do in Pittsburgh.

    There are only 2:

    (1) Go to Steeler games
    (2) not go to Pirate games. :confuse:

    jmonroe

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    If oldfarmer's dad is any indication, your kids will get a call in 10 years asking for you.

    Would you mind pushing that out a few years? :confuse:

    jmonroe

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

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Naw, she mentioned a Ford Escape was in the running...and I saw the word escape in the pop up, so I put 2 and 2 together and, as usual, came up with 5 !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,254
    "...he has always bought used Cadillacs..."

    The 93 Deville hasn't been too much trouble. It has the older 4.9L rather than the Norstar and from what I hear most people like the older motor over the Norstar.

    It hasn't been without it's problems though. We replaced The master cylinder after purchase ($300) and then a heater hose burst ($75) and we had to fix a parasitic draw that killed the battery ($100). Nickel and dime stuff that I would expect with any old car.

    I supose I will feel different if it continues to chip away at my wallet. :confuse:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,254
    "..it's an oddball car that few people have any desire to buy..."

    That's for sure. If I wanted a performance car I'd look at a Mustang before a SHO. For $31K you could buy a loaded V-6 brand new.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,254
    "...Would you mind pushing that out a few years?..."

    Ha ha. By my reckoning, he's got you dead already! :sick:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,781
    If it was 45+. I could see around 42.
    It probably has the sports package which has summer only tires.
    Personally, I would be ok with that since I have the old Explorer when I need it.
    Speaking of second cars, one idea I have toyed around with is doing a low mileage lease on a Civic or Mazda3 or similar.
    No money down, and you don't have to worry about a bunch of maintenance.
    Insurance cost is probably the biggest unknown.
    A couple of other things I like about having a second car to drive is that one, I can spend as much time as I want cleaning the one I am not driving, and two, I can avoid the gas price spikes because I can go a long time before needing fuel, so I can hopefully avoid the price peaks.
    These are just 'feel good' justifications. :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,781
    My point was, if the timing belt went out, maybe you can't blame the car.
    Also, a Civic engine isn't cheap, either.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    The Northstars were known for a nasty oil leak where the two parts of the block are stuck together. They all did it until they fixed (?) the problem around the 2000 models.

    The problems you are having are nothing, really.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I know. I just think some people make too big of a deal out of having to replace a timing belt. They won't break unless thye don't get replaced on time and even then, I've seen hondas with over 200,000 miles on the original belt.

    And, when they do break a lot of times there is no damage. About the worst thing that happens is valves get bent. Rare to have to replace the entire engine. VERY rare.
  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    I know many of you have been around long enough to remember my interstate accident of Jan/10 and recall how our dog, Sweebie, was lost for two weeks in the MI winter and then miraculously found. Some probably remember the link I posted to an article written about his survival.

    The day before yesterday we had to have him put down after a cascading series of problems that began with a spinal arthritis diagnosis back before Thanksgiving. He endured a variety of therapies, some of which seemed to really improve his condition for a time. I now very reluctantly join the secondary club of members who have lost a treasured canine friend, companion and life partner.

    We feel so blessed to have had the additional year with him after that awful period of not knowing in the wake of the accident. I want to thank all the members of the forum who wrote posts of encouragement last year. I commiserate with all of you who have pressed through this incredibly difficult period, and particularly those members who wrote so eloquently about their own loss(es) in forum posts over the last year.

    I'm not the most frequent poster, but I do enjoy reading the posts and feel a kinship with broad assortment of personalities who contribute to the lively discussions (even when we disagree) that often fall well outside the scope of car sales stories.

    I apologize for going off-topic and thanks for letting me share.

    Gogiboy
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I apologize for going off-topic and thanks for letting me share.

    No apologies necessary.

    When I returned home from the Navy on leave about 6 months before I was discharged my parents had to have our long time friend (about 15 years) put down. I can still remember her not coming to greet me when I opened the door.

    You more than anyone knows the joy you had with your dog. The memories of the good times help.

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, I am sorry to hear that. I remember us all waiting on Sweebie's adventures last year.

    You did the right thing. I am too slow about acknowledging that point when the dog can no longer be the dog he wants to be. Gromit, who we lost in August, went through more pain than he should have. I still miss him every day.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    VERY sorry to hear of your loss, Gogiboy.
    Dogs can endure levels of pain without even batting an eye, so to know your best friend is suffering is really tough to witness. I commend you for gathering together the strength to help him be free of the suffering.

    I love dogs. I've been where you are. While I don't want to risk belittling Sweebie's loss, sometimes the new slight romp with a smile-on as a new pup comes toward you with love in his eyes, helps. Consider it in a few months and let us know?
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Sorry to hear about your loss. Our rat terrier is 14 going on whatever (sometimes she is pearky as a pup other times I have to carry her up the stairs) and I do dread the time when she won't be here any longer.

    Dogs become a part of the family and their being gone does leave a hole thats hard to fill. Just remember all the good times you had with him.

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited January 2011
    No need to apologize.

    Having been in your shoes twice I know the great sense of loss you are going through. It's far more than "just a dog" and anyone who has had a dog, loved a dog and lost them, the pain is intense.

    Look back at your memories and realize that others care about your family during this tough time.
  • carstrykecarstryke Member Posts: 168
    what about the penguins :(
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Mark, I am so very sorry to hear about Sweebie. It has been a year and three months since we had to put Sterling to sleep due to bladder cancer. I still get a lump in my throat when I think about him. We got a new puppy 7 months ago. Though we love Coco very much, Sterling will always be in our hearts. We had 12 wonderful years with him.

    Perhaps in time you will feel the need to get a new family member. It does bring great pleasure to have a creature who loves you unconditionally. The next few days will be hard ones for you. As jmonroe said so well, you will always have the wonderful memories.

    I'm glad that you felt that you could share this with all of us. Those of us who love animals understand your pain and your loss. My thoughts are with you.

    Richard
  • carstrykecarstryke Member Posts: 168
    Well i called up my local Chev dealer today, and got some information on a Sierra 1500 me and the wife are looking to upgrade too. I am going to stop in on my next day off and try to make a deal!

    Oh this may be my 3rd vehicle from the dealership and 2nd off the same salesmen. (Thought id throw that in for iseehonda's to prove to him there is some loyalty left in this world )
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,299
    Oh this may be my 3rd vehicle from the dealership and 2nd off the same salesmen. (Thought id throw that in for iseehonda's to prove to him there is some loyalty left in this world

    Iseehonda's might not say anything, but his brother isellhondas might want to know why you didn't buy all 3 vehicles from the same salesman. ;)

    Good luck. Hope to have a good story with all the juicy details.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • carstrykecarstryke Member Posts: 168
    lol oops typo :) sell*

    My quick question is.........is the paint/interior protection even worth it? Last time i declined everything except this and got it because i wasnt sure if it was good or not.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    what about the penguins

    Yes, I should have mentioned them too but since I'm not a hockey fan I didn't think of it. I'm not anti hockey it's just that since I never played it I haven't followed it much.

    If it makes you feel any better my sons and grandsons like it very much. My grandsons are playing it but my sons never did. FWIW, the 6 year old is especially good at it. He gets mean as hell when he's out there. He gets that from his grandmother. :)

    GO STEELERS :D

    jmonroe

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,372
    So sorry; we lost our German Shepherd a couple of months ago.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,372
    It's called "mop and glow" in the trade, and 99 times out of 100 it is NOT worth it...

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • oldbearcatoldbearcat Member Posts: 197
    I agree. I also like to see the same faces in the service and parts departments as well.

    Regards:
    OldBearcat
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,794
    how many cars can the same small bunch of us buy though? need new blood!

    Hey I did my part; when I mentioned that I had a real sales story last week, no one even asked. Unfortunately, it was about a car and not a blender. :blush:

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    The day before yesterday we had to have him put down

    Sorry about your loss gogi. We become so attached to our pets, especially dogs. Sweebie will always be Sweebie for you, but hopefully one day you will have a new dog....the new dog will be different than Sweebie, and you will become attached for very different reasons.

    Good luck!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I am going to stop in on my next day off and try to make a deal!

    Give us all the details. What are you trading in? Do you have a number in mind? Are you using the Jipst method or any other stategy? Did you check other dealers?

    We can use a real sales story so we can make our quota for this week.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,132
    edited January 2011
    gogiboy....hey....very sorry about you losing what was a valued and treasured part of your family.

    carstryke...I would go one better on what "roadburner" said and state that paint and interior protection sold by the dealer is NEVER a good deal. No wax, no sealant, no protectant, etc. If you look at the fine print of the contract for that stuff the dealer sells, it usually states you have to bring your car in for a reapplication (usually at an additional fee) in order to keep the warranty valid.

    Get a good synthetic wax (Zaino.com, Meguiers NXT, etc) and put it on your car a couple of times/year (I prefer Spring and Fall). Get a couple of cans of Scotchgard and spray your interior. You'll get better protection all for way less than a $100 than you will buying the dealership "stuff".
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,056
    edited January 2011
    I swear I am cursed at things happening to my car. I took clients to the airport the other day. A simple enough task. It was dark, so I didn't see my car until the next morning. The guy must have had a ball point pen in his back pocket. You guessed it... blue ink all over the back of my ivory leather seat.

    I freaked, naturally. I broke out the Lexol and Zymol leather cleaners and nothing would touch it. I looked online and the recomended fix was rubbing alcohol and more than one person said it wouldn't hurt the leather.

    I really didn't want to try it, but felt I had other choice. When going to the closet to get the alcohol I saw a "Mr Clean Magic Eraser". My GF must have bought them, because I never tried one. I figured what do I have to lose.... well it worked like a charm with just a little warm water. I didn't even have to rub that hard. So, if anyone gets pen marks (from an inconsiderate ^&^&*() person you know how to get it out safely.

    To Gogiboy, very sorry to hear about the loss of your pet.

    To carstryke, follow the other's advice and skip all the add-ons they are not necessary and simple profit centers for the dealers. For the prices they charge you can buy alot of cleaning, and waxing supplies.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    The guy who owned out Detail Shop at work stumbled across the Magic Erasers by accident and absoulty swears by them.

    He said that those take off things he never could get off in the past.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,056
    edited January 2011
    I really was stunned. I bet the guy who cleaned my car from this incident used one. They are a permanent addition to the supply of detailing stuff.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Did you buy that 4-wheel drive yet? It is snowing HARD here on the west side !!


    I wish. STILL waiting for the State of Missouri to get the duplicate title to me. I am, however, using the "extra" 4WD Chevy pickup, so I can get around if I need to. I went out yesterday before the storm and got anything I thought I might need.

    My poor daughter - she went to work in Overland Park yesterday in her Cobalt, and couldn't get home. My brother had to pick her up, then took her to work this morning (he has a Liberty 4WD). Thank goodness for wonderful family!

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,372
    So, if anyone gets pen marks (from an inconsiderate ^&^&*() person you know how to get it out safely.

    Thanks for the tip; I'm looking at a car with a light colored interior and the possibility of the leather getting stained or marked up was a real concern.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    You'll get better protection all for way less than a $100 than you will buying the dealership "stuff".

    I’ll second that.

    Son #1 worked for a very large Chevy dealer as a lot boy in the summer following his high school junior year. When they applied that “all-mighty wax” that “you as an individual just can’t buy for yourself because it is only sold to dealers”, he was told to apply it to the roof, hood, trunk and doors but only down to the chrome strip or middle of the doors if it didn’t have a chrome strip. When he asked, “why not the whole car” he was told the area he was told to do are the most noticeable and to not WASTE his time or the wax doing anything else.

    He was allowed to do his car (mine really) when he had some spare time, so he did. However, I got the “full wax job” and the “all-mighty wax” wasn’t any better than what I got at the auto parts at the time, which was Turtle Wax.

    Hopefully, ‘carstryke’ will not fall for the “mop and glow” again.

    jmonroe

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Thanks for the tip; I'm looking at a car with a light colored interior and the possibility of the leather getting stained or marked up was a real concern.

    You’ll never guess who put me onto the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser bar. Yeah, geeky car dude, Son #1. Mrs. jmonroe likes it too but I better NEVER have to use it on either of the cars I own with beige interiors. :mad: :mad:

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Having gone through four artistic type daughters when they were young I learned the value of the Magic Eraser. It did a better job of removing crayon from walls than anything else.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I can testify that the Magic Eraser is the Eighth Wonder of the World. We couldn't live without it. My wife was putting on make-up in the car while we were rushing to a meeting. I had to stop suddenly. When I did, she braced herself by putting her hand on the dash. She had make-up on her hand. Later, I couldn't find a single thing that would take off the make-up. When I used the Magic Eraser, it came off with the first wipe.

    Naturally, it works great on wall marks and even marks on the hardwood floors. The product is worth its weight in gold.

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    OK, so now we've moved onto household cleaning products. I'm sure dishwashing detergents can't be far behind. :surprise:
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Why don't we go ahead and launch the topic? Regardless of brand, use only a little of it. Most people use way too much. That's one reason their dishes look cloudy.

    I had rather discuss dishwashers. We currently have a Sears Kenmore top of the line. It is the worst dishwasher that we have ever owned. The second worst is the Kitchen Aide. We payed big bucks and it didn't clean well. The best one that we ever had was a Whirlpool (though I think that Sears makes it). Isell might know. We are currently in the market for a new one. What brand do you guys favor?

    Richard
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,056
    edited January 2011
    We currently have a Sears Kenmore top of the line

    Oh no.... I am redoing the kitchen (full gut job) in the next month and just ordered a kitchen full of Kenmore. The fridge I have now must be over 25 years old and the washer/dryer I bought two years ago works great.

    Kenmore is made by various name brands. The fridge we picked is clearly made by LG. I can't remember who makes the dishwasher we bought. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

    I just couldn't pass up the deal on the Kenmore stuff. 30% off, energy star credits and an extra 5% for putting it on my Sears card (which will be promptly paid off by cash and or my equity line at a fraction of the interest.

    I hope I have better luck, although most stuff today isn't made nearly as well. FWIW I passed on all the extended warranties.

    In reference to dishwashers, my GF's parents had a Miele. Very nice unit and dead silent while running. It seemed to take a long time to wash a load (almost two hours) but from what I understand that is commonplace with the new high efficiency units.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

This discussion has been closed.