Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,688
    Does anyone else think it's odd the couple had a recorder going from before they pulled up--apparently the first words were captured?

    It seems they wanted to provoke an incident. I wonder if they were part of a group like the website on which the audio was posted.

    Like I said, we couldn't see the body language "tells" that the border guard was seeing. There is a lot more to the story than it "sounds" like: all we heard were the "sounds."

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Lots and lots of snow and lots and lots of wind. Yes the snow in front is much higher than the hood.

    A nice farther would allow their child to park THEIR car in the garage, then this wouldn’t have happened. Cheer up, something tells me that you’re not going to work today so you can make amends for this by shoveling your child out. :sick:

    jmonroe

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Yes the snow in front is much higher than the hood.

    Wow, you got a lot more snow than we did in Southern Ontario. We ended up with about 6 to 8 inches. You always blame us for snow and cold weather coming down from Canada. This one came up from the Gulf then hit us.

    We are off to Florida (I call it Canada 2) tomorrow, for 2 weeks. I was ambivalent before, but now I am looking forward to it.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    edited February 2011
    Yes, I noticed exactly that - provocation.

    My experience has been if you are low key and cooperative the border goes pretty much OK but don't screw around with these guys. Some can be really anal but that's what their job description calls for. They aren't paid to just waive everybody through.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Same scenario here in KC. We have all cars parked in the garage, but of course we got plowed in, and of course with the high winds, the largest drifts settled on the driveway. We'll be taking turns digging til we can get OUT.

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  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Like I said, we couldn't see the body language "tells" that the border guard was seeing. There is a lot more to the story than it "sounds" like: all we heard were the "sounds."

    I’ve wondered the same thing. How were they able to get a studio sound quality recording like they did. Cell phones today must be gobs better than the one I have but I’ll admit that I have the basic giveaway type that comes with the plan.

    All that said, most people that have the kind of authority that Customs Officer’s, TSA clowns and the like have, very much like that kind of power. All the while using it under the guise of protecting us but most of us know better. However, we better not challenge them because that makes their day. Just like the mother that argued and was subsequently put in a glass cage for an hour because she had the audacity to question TSA clowns that her breast milk was exempt from being x-rayed. From what I’ve heard about that incident, it’s not over yet. She was a lawyer and is still building her case.

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    driver - where the heck in Ontario are you? That chunk above Lake Erie?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    driver - where the heck in Ontario are you? That chunk above Lake Erie?

    Along the northern side of Lake Erie they got a lot of freezing rain and the roads were icy.

    We are at the western edge of Lake Ontario, 45 minutes from Niagara Falls.

    I don't think we got hit nearly as bad, and we have pretty good snow clearing.
    Buffalo often gets hit because of lake affect snow. Toronto has sent down equipment to help them out. I think customs is very nice to those guys.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Since these folks live quite close to the border, they probably cross it all the time. My bet is that they have had some runs ins before, so they decided to tape an "incident".

    I still think the guard was much too thin skinned, and IMO, no one is above the law and there is no excuse to bully someone. Here in the U.S., some states and/or cities have made it a crime to video tape a policeman ! This is in reaction to all the brutality that has been caught on tape and I find that reprehensible.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    I told you to get that SUV. You could just bull rush that pile of snow in the d/w and plow on through.

    I managed to keep up yesterday and today with my snow blower. After the 4th pass this morning my drive in clear. Hard to tell with all the wind and drifts but I am certain we had over a foot of snow. Like you, much more in the d/w.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Oh, we've got a big Chevy 4WD pickup that does fantastically well. The problem is getting it over the 3-foot high mound that was plowed at the end of the driveway! Roads are pretty well cleared here, which is pretty impressive... getting out of one's own driveway is definitely the most difficult part.

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  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I think the lack of AWD limits it's sales potential in the northeast.

    I think you’re right.

    My brother leased one for his wife after Son #1 gave her a test drive in mine (which she obviously liked) when they came to the Burgh for a visit in the summer of ’09. They live in Southern Fl and he said they are not so rare down there. FWIW, they have the White Pearl which is pretty popular down there.

    jmonroe

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    A nice farther would allow their child to park THEIR car in the garage,

    Then where would my and the wifes car go? The basement?

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Only 6 to 8 inches? You are lucky.

    image

    Ok so it was at a drift but it wasn't the deepest part and most of the driveway was at least 18 inches.

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Here in the U.S., some states and/or cities have made it a crime to video tape a policeman !

    I didn’t know that but I can understand why they did it. I can’t imagine that it hasn’t been challenged in the courts yet. It must be some invasion of privacy thingy.

    This is in reaction to all the brutality that has been caught on tape and I find that reprehensible.


    Me too. I’m all for law and order but from what we’ve seen all too often, you’d think they’d clean up their act rather than ‘shoot the messenger’.

    jmonroe

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Then where would my and the wifes car go? The basement?

    Well…it is warmer there, isn’t it? You’d still get the best spots. :P

    jmonroe

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

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,688
    >the 3-foot high mound that was plowed at the end of the driveway

    That's a pain. Our little city is really good at keeping ahead of the snow. I have learned to not pile any snow onto the edge upstream from my driveway end; it all gets plowed back into my drive when they go along to clean the edge of the road.

    It's really bad when there is salt mixed in with the street snow. It seems to form a solid mush that is really hard to shovel out of the end of the drive. I don't mind the soft fresh snow that gets plowed into the drive.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,050
    I drove my SILs Suburban once and I thought it really felt unsafe to drive. Big bulky vehicle with absolutely no feel of the road.....no connection between the steering wheel and what you are doing with the steering.

    Driver, aren't you being a little much here? Unsafe? There is no way you can compare the handling of a 5000lb+ SUV to a BMW 3 series. I've driven the Tahoe/Burb and also a Chevy 2500 HD truck and none of them were unsafe even a higher speeds. For their size I think they are pretty damn nice. If you need a large SUV for hauling, whatever the Tahoe is hard to beat. Just because something can't take a curve at 80 and have ultra-direct (IE needs constant correction) steering doesn't make it unsafe.

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

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    I agree. Sounds like driver just does not know how to drive !!!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,250
    "...a few gathered around it when I returned...They usually say "I've heard/read about these cars but never seen one before...pretty nice"..."

    That's exactly what I'd say if you caught me trying to break into your car. :P

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

  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    I didn't notice any hiccup. What did I miss?

    Things didn't load properly. It took forever and when I finally got something, it wasn't in HTML.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Driver, aren't you being a little much here? Unsafe?

    I guess i used literary licence to make my point. To me it did feel unsafe though. You don't feel you are part of the car, and it just is awkward. And the steering wheel was the thinnest one I have seen in a long time, even the Kia I rented had a modern steering wheel you can grasp.

    I guess I also thought it wasn't safe for me to park it in a multi-level parking garage that is always full. I can't imagine going around those turns in the garage or trying to get into a parking spot.....most aren't large enough.

    I agree, it is a judgement call. I think it is unsafe to me. I am sure people drive Suburbans and Tahoes all the time and probably enjoy them, and think they are fine. I think if they are going to make large vehicles they should be engineered better, but, you can get used to almost anything I guess.

    The main thing I was pointing out was "I am not the only one who appreciates good steering and handling", Consumers Report noticed these cars lacked good these features as well.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I agree. Sounds like driver just does not know how to drive !!!

    I guess the people at Consumers Report don't know how to drive as well!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    After watching the news, seeing Snake's pic, and hearing other stories... living with the rain in the Pacific NW ain't all that bad. ;)

    And actually, we've had nothing but sun the last couple of days. :)
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I guess the people at Consumers Report don't know how to drive as well!

    I’ve never heard anyone say they knew how to drive at all. The way they rate a car is ridiculous, place one knob where they don’t think it should be and wammo, failure.

    They ought to stick to rating toasters.

    jmonroe

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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,050
    I’ve never heard anyone say they knew how to drive at all. The way they rate a car is ridiculous, place one knob where they don’t think it should be and wammo, failure.

    They ought to stick to rating toasters


    +1

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

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    Can we get the administration to put controls on the Mexican border equivalent to the Canadian?

    Are you kidding? They have them in place. They are a lot worse than that.

    Of course most illegal aliens and drugs don't use official border crossings.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    I would be inclined to warn them

    That was hilarious. I don't mind it either. I just wish it wouldn't take so long.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,370
    I had a similar experience with Canadian Tire. They changed the oil in my wife's Camry and left the filler cap off.

    I've got you beat; I had to get a tire replaced at the Tire Kingdom in Hilton Head and an idiot removed the oil filler cap...

    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: 18,370
    You let someone get away with this type of behavior, and it will continue. Gotta hold them accountable.

    Which is why -speaking as a semi-retired state court judge- think that ALL judges should be elected. Serving by an appointment or for a life term just breeds a sense of entitlement and superiority...

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

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Which is why -speaking as a semi-retired state court judge- think that ALL judges should be elected. Serving by an appointment or for a life term just breeds a sense of entitlement and superiority...

    On the flip side, elected judges may be influenced by contributors. IMHO, judges having to run for office just doesn't seem right. I expect judges to be above the political process.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,144
    Serving by an appointment or for a life term just breeds a sense of entitlement and superiority...

    Gee... I haven't noticed that the elected judges act any less superior.. ;)

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  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,778
    edited February 2011
    I have a pile of snow on one side of my driveway I have named 'Moby Dick'.
    For at least an hour today, I had to walk each shovel full of snow 30 to 40 feet to find a place to put it.
    By end of day tomorrow, everything should be in good shape, though.
    At work, there is a pile of snow I christened 'The Matterhorn'.
    Since the kids are at school, I have been driving the Explorer every day.
    Can't remember the last time I drove the Fusion.
    It's AWD, but just can't compete.
    I think I need another SUV. :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    It took us six hours (with a few breaks) to clear off the driveway. Now my big fear is that in the middle of the night they will come by and finish off plowing the road and plow me in.

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

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,778
    Not too many people are in shape for doing that much snow removal.. and be able to function the next day.
    I think the new car incentives will get bumped up this month, due to all the snow.
    If you want a new car in white it will be easy to find. When spring comes, it may change color. ;)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Believe me when I say I am feeling it right now. :sick:

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

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,778
    I saw a report showing all the abandoned cars on Lake Shore Drive today.
    Glad my car isn't one of those.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    So am I. Prior to the storm they kept reporting that they may have to close down LSD due to wave action. So with a major blizzard coming and the idea that LSD may get closed down I don't see how anyone would want to take it.

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

  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,847
    My Fiancee's brother was one of the cars stuck on Lakeshore Drive, but towards the front of the line. He ended up being able to drive up on a sidewalk and get around the stuck vehicles after waiting about 7 hours. If you read an article in the Chicago Tribune, it talked about how several people were pushing cars and cones out of the way - he was one of them.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    they may have to close down LSD due to wave action.

    I know you mean Lake Shore Drive but I was wondering if an old Californian with a VW bus might get all depressed reading that statement. ;)
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    edited February 2011
    So with a major blizzard coming and the idea that LSD may get closed down I don't see how anyone would want to take it.

    I don’t know if it was in Chicago but I saw a car that was doing a perfect 90 degree entry into a snow bank. Since it didn’t seem to have any other damage, like rolling into that position, that oughta buff right out, once they get the snow out of the grill. If this was Chicago, you guys are good. :)

    jmonroe

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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,050
    My GF the other night was pulling into her mother's driveway (with mounds of snow on each side) and BAM she hit the snow pile with the pass side front of her car hard. I got out and couldn't believe no damage. The lower grill and foglight was completely full of snow.

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

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    ...awesome way to avoid hitting other cars...

    http://www.leftcoastrebel.com/2011/02/video-pictures-i-93-new-hampshire-south.ht- ml

    93 south about 4 miles from the MA border
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Hmmm.. If you could predictably put the cars up like that it might solve your Boston parking problems.

    Looking at the Lake Shore Drive pictures I am reminded of my brother's ill thought out adventure in the big blizzard in 78. He went up to Boston visiting his girlfriend meaning to come home on Sunday. She talks him into staying over until Monday. His thought was that the weather forecasters never get it right so what the heck. Leaves Boston as the flakes are beginning to fall. Decides to take the coastal route because the snow isn't as bad on the coastal routes.... except this was a coastal storm where the coast gets all the snow!

    He gets halfway home and is in the middle of the blizzard. He decides to head back to Boston. Yeah, like the guy who swims halfway across the lake and decides he can't make it so swims back.... So now he's in the middle of the storm and traveling with the storm. Incredibly he makes it up to route 128. He sees taillights in front of him and stops. He opens the window and looks out and sees taillights as far as the eye can see. He spent the next several days there under four feet of snow.

    Luckily for him right behind him is a guy in a semi who was fully prepared to sit and wait it out - full tanks so he's in a heated cabin that whole time. They hadn't thought of food which made for a long four days.

    I was down in Florida at teh time. My mom back home in Jersey was worried sick until he was finally able to call in. Then she was ready to kill him....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,130
    edited February 2011
    Serving by an appointment or for a life term just breeds a sense of entitlement and superiority...

    roadburner.....couldn't agree more. :)
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,472
    you people should spend some time looking into pennsylvania politics (and in particular Philadelphia). Judges here are elected, and are basically wholly owned subsidiaries of the political parties. Right down to very questionable fund raising practices.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • crkeehncrkeehn Member Posts: 513
    "Hmmm.. If you could predictably put the cars up like that it might solve your Boston parking problems. "

    Hey, they used to ship Chevy Vegas that way.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,778
    I saw a still picture of that car, but thanks for posting the video.
    Now I know what the underneath of a Fusion looks like.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,847
    Don't get me started on the Pennsylvania Judiciary process. I have a major problem with the fact that Judges are supposed to remain neutral, but are elected and must campaign.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,370
    Judges here are elected, and are basically wholly owned subsidiaries of the political parties. Right down to very questionable fund raising practices.

    In Kentucky the races are non-partisan and fundraising is closely monitored. I think that the KY system beats having an entire court system populated by appointed judges who don't answer to anyone.

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

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