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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    GM, Ford, Chrysler, Volvo, Mazda, Mini Cooper, Hyundai, Porsche, Honda, BMW, Toyota, and Audi. These all have models without any spare.

    I can understand the cheapies in that group but…Porsche. BMW and Audi ? Whatever happened to the Ultimate Driving Machine thingy and the other slogans? If you can’t keep it on the road it’s all talk and it ain’t all that good. :mad:

    jmonroe

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    edited March 2011
    You don't know anything yet. Wait until you're my age. You'll really have some things to worry about then. Just putting on your socks and getting into your pants will be a challenge of its own.

    I heard this years ago when I couldn’t really appreciate it but now, sometimes…

    “You know you’re getting old when you bend down to tie your shoes and you ask yourself, is there anything else I can do while I’m down here"? (cry)

    jmonroe

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

  • canadiantoyotacanadiantoyota Member Posts: 148
  • canadiantoyotacanadiantoyota Member Posts: 148
    I will certainly back up the claim that this is a great book. Very insightful, very moving. If you have ever loved a 4 legged companion, this book is for you. Borrowed it from my local library. I may read it again this summer.
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    I purchased a Norelco Triple Head Razor yesterday

    Congrats on the purchase, Richard. Give it a few weeks because it takes some time for your face to get used to it. You will also learn how to stretch your skin a bit to get closer.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    The older the customer the more they wanted a "full sized spare". They called the temp spares "donuts" and when I asked them "When did you last have a flat" They wojuld tell me.." You never know!"

    The temp spares are used to save weight and space and they work fine!
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    You will also learn how to stretch your skin a bit to get closer.

    C’mon, do you really expect him to get rid of all those wrinkles? :sick:

    jmonroe

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

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    My 1991 Z28 Camaro came with a collapsable spare and can of air for trunk space.

    It had a radius about 8 inches less when flat that when inflated.
    I pumped it up and it became the same size as the factory tires.
    Deflated, it fit right back into its compartment.

    I think it had something to do with the posi trac rear and both drive tires being the same diameter so as not to ruin the clutches in the differential.

    I thought about this when someone mentioned getting a smaller spare for a Mustang. The Mustang with Brembo brakes likely has posi rear (Ford lingo trac-loc) and would have the rear singing in a couple hundred miles with different size tires.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    C’mon, do you really expect him to get rid of all those wrinkles?

    He just has to stretch the wrinkles out far enough to flatten them long enough for the razor to nail things. So, say, he'd stretch the skin on his chin until it is on top of his head. That should be enough.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    So, say, he'd stretch the skin on his chin until it is on top of his head. That should be enough.

    You are never ever going to get into anybody's will with comments like that, my friend!
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    As for driving a BMW like yours, you'll be lucky if you can get in and out of it.

    I know what you mean. The Fusion rental car in Florida was higher for getting in and out, and it had more room inside. I liked that fact. It didn't have quite the same feel of the road, and the driving experience, although very good, just wasn't the same. But, I do agree, it is getting harder and harder to get in and out of the bimmer........I have started my new weight training program 30 minutes with weights with Kellie Coffey Meyer.

    If I keep this up I might have a chance of being able to do contortions to get in and out of the BMW.
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I can understand the cheapies in that group but…Porsche. BMW and Audi ?
    Whatever happened to the Ultimate Driving Machine thingy and the other slogans? If you can’t keep it on the road it’s all talk and it ain’t all that good.


    If you get a flat in a bmw you will get the real feel of the road if you don't have a spare!!!!

    Actually, you don't have a spare because you have run flat tires. I know some people hate them, some people think it is an advantage. For me it is a definite advantage or I wouldn't have any room in the trunk. I don't understand how a manufacturer would not provide either a spare tire or run flat tires......it just doesn't make sense.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Yeah, but it's too late to delete it.....
    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
    I'm afraid I can't (in good conscience) help you with that.

    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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I purchased a Norelco Triple Head Razor yesterday---6940 series for $52.71 including tax.

    Well, it isn't a new car, but at least someone purchased something around here.

    After saying how superior blades were and how it is almost impossible to cut yourself with the new blades and with the new gels....I cut myself pretty badly this morning. I was in a hurry, and I just dug the edge of the blade into my neck.......took a lot of thet "New Skin" stuff and 3 bandages before it would stop.

    Blades are good...just be careful!!!!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited March 2011
    For some reason Honda decided to make V-6 Hybrid Accords.

    They never sold well. They were expensive and they didn't get much better mileage than the non hybrids did.

    The first year, they made these, they had no spare tire at all but they did come with a 12 volt compressor and a can of fix a flat.

    I was working the local Auto Show and we had one on display.

    Now, hybrids tend to attract....well....let's just say the type of customer that can be "different" and these people will come up with the strangest questions you can imagine.

    Well, some crusty old guy managed to get my attention as he sat in the hybrid. I showed him a few of the features and of course, as I knew he would he asked...." I'll bet it's got one of those damm DONUTS"

    " No sir! It doesn't have a spare tire at all!"

    " Well, that's a bunch of BS"

    " Look at what you do get! A compressor and a can of flat fixer!"

    He wasn't amused.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,229
    Same thing happened to me...went from a 30" to a 29" now which I attributed to just gettin' older. Even my waist has shrunk down to a 32" from a 34" even though I've still got a little paunch...but sit ups are impossible for me to do, about all I can do is walk down to the end of the street & back. That accident really took so much out of me it ain't funny! The last few weeks have been particularly painful as most days I can't get out of bed anymore until at least 9:00 though I set the alarm for 8 a m. The recent epidurals don't seem to have done much good sadly with the next set due on April 5th for my cervical area. It's so hard to hold my neck up without some support which is why I've been in bed so much with a cushion supporting my neck. Chronic pain is sooo bad most of the time it's starting to depress me that I don't log into my computer as much! This is a particularly bad time for me so don't expect to see me around too much! :(
    The Sandman :( :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,229
    Need to take the wife's car in tomorrow morning to get her oil changed. Mazda gave us a $50 coupon when we complained about the check engine light coming on so much when the weather got cold down here. They wouldn't accept any blame as to why it kept happening & didn't offer to pay to fix the problem or even go 1/2 but instead sent the $50 bucks. Oh well, we'll use it tomorrow but doubt we'll buy another Mazda next year when she's ready to buy. Shame as it's been a great car actually but we couldn't get a new S model now for what we paid back in 2005...only a I Touring which is just an o k car. Think the Elantra is a much better car for the $ right now. Really waiting to see the new Verano as I think the wife will really like it also. But to be fair, I plan to take her to the local Ford store to try both the Focus & Fiesta so she can make an informed decision and not blame me later.
    The Sandman :( :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    T, someone about 2 miles from my house has that exact car. I see it driving it around on occasion.

    as to the 18" spare, just make sure he gets a taller profile tire, to get the overall diameter the same, and there won't be any problem.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    the Focus is expensive. Edmunds has the pricing up now, so I specced out a couple.

    an SE with the decent stuff (stick, sport package, convenience package, and moonroof) was I think 22K? move up to an SEL with an AT and it was darn near 24K. I did not bother to price a titanium!

    Still, I am very interested to try one out when they show up (next month I think).

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

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,229
    That's a bit pricey for a Ford and I do believe that she'll not spend over $15k plus her car. The Elantra is looking better and better in the GLS edition with the Preferred Package as she hates a sun roof. Pricing isn't out on the mid level Verano yet so we'll just have to wait & see. Back in '05, we did test drive the VW Jetta so not sure if she'd even bother with it this time...we don't buy German cars...ever up to now. Time will tell!
    The Sandman :( :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    had an interesting experience today, while at the Honda dealer waiting for an oil change to get done on my Acura.

    was sitting next to a guy in a suit in the waiting room, who was on his cell, doing business. I could hear what he was saying, and it turns out that he was the dealer rep from Autotrader.

    he was calling in some changes to some ad the dealer does with them, and the primary one was changing their "conquest" credit. They were adding Hyundai to the list, and taking Toyota off of it!

    not sure if they were getting too many Toyota trades and did not want more, or were starting to get worried about Hyundai (though why not just add the other H maker?).

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    sandy, I guess I should have pointed out that I was pricing the hatch. I believe the sedan is a bit cheaper.

    Most likely an SE with convenience package AT 4 door would be comparable to the Hyundai in price.

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

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Well, it isn't a new car, but at least someone purchased something around here.

    Gee, I went to the grocery store yesterday and bought:

    bottled water
    yogurt
    ice cream
    bananas

    We could go crazy with this. I also bought some office supplies last Friday - a PostIt (TM) wall chart with some Sharpie (TM) chart markers (they don't bleed through!) for my wife.

    BTW, I've been a blade guy all my life. Tried shavers on a couple of occasions, but never liked the way they feel. I'm currently using a Fusion 5-blade.

    Regarding the price of compact cars - I'm not surprised the Focus can be priced out to $24K. The Cruze can cost over $25K when fully loaded. Same with the Mazda 3 - the S Grand Touring H/B with tech package stickers at $25K as well.

    Pretty soon, it will be the A class cars (Accent, Fit, Yaris, etc.) that will run $15K -- if they don't already.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Regarding the price of compact cars - I'm not surprised the Focus can be priced out to $24K. The Cruze can cost over $25K when fully loaded. Same with the Mazda 3 - the S Grand Touring H/B with tech package stickers at $25K as well.

    Ford has always said the Focus was going upmarket. They feel the market is ready for compact vehicles with bells and whistles people want.

    I don't think you'll find much at the $15K point unless stripped is what you want.
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,841
    They can give us the donut all they want. It will NOT fit over the brembo brakes, so it won't do much good.

    I could take it and sell it on Craigslist....
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    So, how do 5 blades compare to, say, 3? I would hope they've maxed out the number of blades on a razor. If they go more you could accidentally cut your nose off!

    kirstie - you SURE you couldn't do anything there? I'd pay an extra year worth of dues....

    It will be interesting to see how the Cruze and Focus do. This is the big test - do people really want really nicely done small cars and pay for that?

    I don't get why the hatch costs more but it does. Maybe they figure those of us who want hatches are willing to pay for it. I'll pay for it as a used car....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,229
    Have this on my Fusion and also on my Schick Hydro 5...both give very close shaves without too much irritation...very happy with both & interchange them each week now. Since I'm still home, and plan to be for the foreseeable future, there's no need to shave more often. Luckily, I started a goatee sometime back in November & still have it thanks to my old time barber...he makes mine just like his which I commented on.

    Had an electric once but never liked it that much as it wasn't as close as a razor!
    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    edited March 2011
    Fusion and also on my Schick

    With all the words in the English language...
    Now we have to specify whether it's a Fusion (shaver) or a Fusion (Ford).

    Add to that list the Edge (shaver) and Edge (Ford).

    Oldfarmer, I think we've uncovered another naming conspiracy.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I suppose we should have a Ford Mach3......

    No doubt followed by a Ford Burma Shave....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    If GM comes out with a Gillette Sedan I'll know we're on to something.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    It seems ironic to reduce weight in a car trunk to reduce the fuel used starting the vehicle moving due to the lesser mass and reduce fuel due to increased rolling resistance due to higher weight on the road tires and yet turn around and carry an air compressor to partly compensate for the missing real size spare tire. It sounds like something the government politicians would come up with.

    I don't have the compressor to compensate in any way for having a smaller spare. Even if I had a full sized spare I would have a small compressor. One reason is to inflate my bike tires before heading out. Another is if my car tires start getting low I don't have to ride to the gas station on low tires.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    The older the customer the more they wanted a "full sized spare". They called the temp spares "donuts" and when I asked them "When did you last have a flat" They wojuld tell me.." You never know!"

    Couldn't tell you the last time I had a flat but I could tell you about the one time I was really upset that I had a donut spare. I got a flat in Alaska 50 miles from the nearest town and 40 miles of that was rugged Alaskan gravel road. I don't think that donut tire made it 25 miles.

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "You are never ever going to get into anybody's will with comments like that, my friend!

    Every time I start to put him in my Will or send him a T-shirt or a watch, he pulls a stunt like this. Do they still teach that course entitled "How to Win Friends and Influence People"? (Grin)

    Richard
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I suppose we should have a Ford Mach3......

    I do believe Ford did make a Mach 3, but IIRC it was only a concept car.

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    This is the second time that your conscience played in my favor. I'm so glad that we have a Host with integrity and intelligence.

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Absolutely. Even though Dale Carnegie has left us his course hasn't.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Blades are good...just be careful!!!!"

    I have done the same thing, and it certainly isn't a pleasant experience. I think that the Norelco will be fine for ordinary days, but I don't plan on giving up my blades.

    BTW, I got my Edmunds T-shirt in the mail today. It was very nice of Makola to trade with me for the Orient T-shirt. Still, I was surprised. The print on the Edmunds T-shirt is super small. You would have to be standing on top of me to read it. As a marketing tactic, I would think that they would want the print to be larger. Then again, perhaps they want people to wonder what the T-shirt says.

    Richard
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Suck your gut way in, tuck the bottom in the waistband, then relax...the letters get HUGE lol.

    Mail here in the mountains is a little slower. I'm sure I'll get mine tomorrow.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I'm so glad that we have a Host with integrity and intelligence.

    Sounds like you haven't received a T-shirt yet either. :mad:

    Just kidding....we have the best hosts in the world. :)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    BTW, I got my Edmunds T-shirt in the mail today.

    My mistake, sounds like you did get your T-shirt.

    What are you shmoozing for now?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I know that living with chronic pain is a terrible challenge. i hate that you are having so much trouble. My niece has that situation which resulted from an automobile accident five years ago. She has found some help with pain management classes and a good physical therapist. She had to give up her six figure job, and she no longer has a husband. She was always an avid snow skier, horse woman, and swimmer. The accident has changed her life forever. She is now a medical drug consultant from her home. She was a pharmaceutical sales person before the accident---the company's #1 person in sales. Still, she's a fighter and won't give up on getting better. She has made some great strides in recent years. Hang in there. You're a tough guy. Things will get better.

    Richard
  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,229
    edited March 2011
    Mine was an on the job injury back in April of 2005 and yes, it did change our lives dramatically. At this point, my marriage is in trouble as my wife doesn't believe me in respect to the amount of pain I have so it's a real problem...we no longer talk about it as she mentally makes it worse for me. I don't think this marriage will last to be honest but time will tell...my oldest, who came back home to live for a bit, doesn't understand why I put up with her bullying but I explain that at almost 30 years, it's tough to just walk away. Again time will tell. My leave from the post office runs out in less than 2 weeks, so I know things will go from bad to worse. If my plans come to fruition, we'll only have about 2 months without my paycheck. But that's what her paycheck is for, to make up any shortfall in mine which has never happened yet. I've really cut back my spending by almost 80% so I'm definitely trying.

    I feel for your niece, as she well knows it is a life changer & many spouses can't deal with it. Am glad she has bounced back in the way she did. She'll find someone who'll love her for who she is, chronic pain & all. Tell her I feel her pain!

    The Sandman :( :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    There is much to be said for being a fighter. I will tell you that with all my maladies it is a full time job staying in one piece and as a result I went into work that doesn't pay terribly well (not to say I'm flipping burgers or anything) but keeps me insured and doesn't tax me too much.

    The idea that it's too much never enters my mind. i just go onto whatever is next. I'm 60 and still rolling along. Heck, i still have nine year olds...

    I got a message yesterday from my diabetes doc telling me because of blood tests I just had I should call immediately or go to the ER. Since I was seeing the blood doc and knew my numbers scare anyone who doesn't know all that I've got I let that go. Saw the blood guy this morning and I'm more or less the same as I've been for the last year or so.

    Pain is a tough one. Especially back issues. Don't give up.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "...the letters get HUGE lol."

    Now that was funny!

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "What are you shmoozing for now?"

    I still want my "Dick and Jane" book with the original yellow cover! I've given you over a year and you stil haven't produced. (Cry)

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Wow. You mean you can't read yet?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You and Sandman amaze me. You're both so strong in dealing with the cards that you have been dealt. My troubles pale by comparison when I think of you two. You're both an inspiration to others.

    Richard
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,618
    No doubt followed by a Ford Burma Shave...

    He lit
    a match
    to check
    the tank
    that's why
    they call him
    skinless Frank

    Burma Shave

    From (way) back in the day, between Santa Rosa and Tucumcari, New Mexico.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
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