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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,229
    But it's "season" right now & those things are just part of having warm temps this time of year. We live in a bedroom community just west of Pompano Beach and it's not that bad really. Went to a Ruby Tuesdays last night with no waiting at all & at Target Superstore around 1:30, got a handicapped parking space right in front...the point being season & off-season are two different beings which must be taken into account. I've seen a lot happen in the almost 42 years of living here & it's all good...except the hurricanes!!

    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: 53,435
    we have the advantage (disadvantage?) of not having any family in this area, so there really is nothing keeping us here post-HS. I also doubt my son (currently in college) would end up back in this area after graduation (based on where most opportunities likely are), so we might as well follow the younger one!

    Actually, my son is studying engineering, so the RTP area (raleigh-Durham) that I like would probably be better for him anyway.

    not a chance in the world I am spending my golden years (if I have any, or whatever passes for retirement!) around here, so might as well get a head start in someplace without mind numbing taxes.

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

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,229
    Gotcha. At this point we're here so only time will tell, our middle girl will graduate in April from grad school then onto find full time work. Only G-d knows the end of our story and so far, he's keeping his lips shut!!! :)

    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
    Funny thing on the tax front. My theory goes that in some way or another every state has to generate a similar amount per person to provide services. While Florida has lower property taxes and no income tax it has a high gas tax and I don't know where the other things are hiding. Do you pay a property tax on your car there? It's always something.

    Of course here in NJ there is the part about paying everyone's corruption fees.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,766
    Interesting experience.
    The sales guy was a veteran. He actually walked outside to chat me up, despite the fact that it was cold and breezy. Probably the Sales Manager volunteering him.
    Anyways, we talked Explorers for a couple of minutes, then I asked to take one for a test drive. They have 3 and he asked which one I wanted to try out.
    I picked the least expensive one, an XLT with cloth seats and some options
    He got a plate, started it up and said take it out, I'll be here when you get back.
    While we were outside he asked me for my license and copied down some gibberish from it.
    So off I went. I drove it about a mile then pulled into a closed business parking lot and started playing with the toys.
    It had dual sunroofs, backup sensors plus a rear view camera, and MyTouch (large screen , but no Nav).
    I didn't even realize it had a rear view camera until I happened to notice it by chance.
    Overall, it is much bigger (wider) than my current Explorer, and the steering is much lighter.
    The driver area was pretty nice, although lots of buttons and switches.
    Got used to the ones I figured out pretty quickly.
    Next, return from the test drive and back into the showroom.
    To be continued... :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,681
    edited March 2011
    >To be continued...

    No. No. Please... That was Mack's forte! of discontinuing a story until tomorrow! :sick:

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,766
    edited March 2011
    OK, so part 2.
    Go back into the showroom, and the salesman says 'what did you think?'
    I say 'It was good, I drove it about a mile and pulled over and started playing with all the toys.'
    I really like the backup camera and the steering wheel controls.
    He asks why are you shopping here?, so I say I've been checking inventory. He says so you are interested? and I say sure we can talk some numbers.
    He says it has a $1000 rebate, so i say that's good.
    He writes down MSRP - 1000 and says I know you just started shopping, so I ask is there there is some Explorer loyalty.
    From across the showroom, the Sales Manager pipes up and says what year is your Explorer? I say, It's an '02, and he booms across the showroom, that's $1500.
    I say do I need to trade in my Explorer? He says no, so i say 'Good i want to keep it'.
    The sales guy subtracts another $1500 from the last number and says, this is before i do anything for you.
    I say I'd be looking to trade my Fusion. He asks a couple of questions and he and the Sales Manager take a literal 'Walk around'.
    They never even asked for the keys or opened any doors.
    After coming back into the showroom, they talk for a couple of minutes and the sales guy comes back and adds the trade in number to the worksheet.
    To be continued... :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    TWO to be continueds? This had better be a sale.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,766
    How much of the down payment should I put you in for?
    That should shorten up the process.
    Haven't posted part 3, yet.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,435
    the explorer and the new Durango both had nice interiors, and were nicely styled.

    but way too big, bloated, bulbous and heavy for us now, especially since our next move is to downsize from a minivan (over 15 years now that my wife has been in a minivan, hard to believe).

    Not to mention dismal real world mileage, and dang, are they expensive.

    Much more interested in something like the upcoming ford C Maxx, or the variant that I think is coming out as the next Escape. I really hope to get down into something more that size, but having to learn to travel lighter might give my wife a nervous breakdown.

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Looks to me like the manufacturers are getting the message that nice interiors are desirable.

    I'm the one stuck in the Ody (and, yeah, mileage is lousy). This is because my wife drives a lot for her work while I just have a 5 mile commute. If the money was better around here I'd dump the van and get something in the way of a car. The older kids don't travel with us at all to speak of. When we went on vacation last year with the younger ones we took the Camry.

    But for now we are hanging on to things. That's why I have to live for explorer's story...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,435
    Oh yeah, money. I knew there was some reason our "new" cars are now 5+ and 6+ years old! Both barely have over 60K on the clock now, so not like we are wearing them out.

    my grand plan is to replace the van for Christmas, 2012. Coincidently, right when we make the last tuition payment on child #1 (assuming I don't get hit up for his grad school $). then we have a year off before the last kid hits college.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,435
    true also about the interior. Much more important to me than exterior styling. the new ford's really look nice.

    and seats are my other big obsession. I have eliminated many cars from consideration due to uncomfortable driver's seat. And that includes cushions that are too short (something that seems common on Hyundais)

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    my grand plan is to replace the van for Christmas, 2012.

    So you are planning on surviving the end of the world.

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,435
    No, I just figure there are going to be killer "post-apocalypse" deals to be had!

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I love the new Explorers, and enjoyed your first two chapters. Get on with chapter three!

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    What is your average mileage in the Ody? My SRX only gets 16.8 highway. It's a V8, so it drinks the gas.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You said that you didn't want to move to a climate that was too cold. Though we would love to have you in North Carolina, I do need to warn you. We have the mountains, the Piedmont, and the coastal regions. I live in the Piedmont (middle fo the state). The last three winters have been pretty cold between December and March. We had an unseasonably cool temperature of 39 today for a high. Naturally, the mountains would be out of the question for you. If you're moving here and still wish to stay warm, I would recommend some location in the Coastal Plain. Places like Wilmington, Southport, Elizabeth City, Morehead City, Ocean Isle, Sunset Beach, etc. are nice---but pricey for real estate. Raleigh, Chapel Hill---but NOT Durham are also nice. Chapel Hill real estate is out of the question. There's no room left for building, and resales are out of the roof because of the high demand.

    The Pinehurst/Southern Pines area where we live is very nice, but can get pricey depending on what you want. We live in a small village outside of Pinehurst. There are now 79 houses for sale in the village, ranging from $1.4 million to $325,000. These old people die at the drop of a hat, and their children put the houses on the market. Still, there are some good deals to be made. We're getting some military traffic because we are only 45 minutes from Fort Bragg. The officers don't want to live in Fayetteville---home to Fort Bragg. It's a rough town with a poor school system. We have a pretty good school system here---though i wouldn't recommend any public school in this country today. That's another story and just my opinion based on personal work experiences.

    If I can assist you and stickguy in any way, don't hesitate to let me know. We live only an hour from Raleigh and ninety minutes from Greensboro. North Carolina is a pretty state, no matter where you decide to live.

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Haven't posted part 3, yet.

    I couldn't sleep last night wondering what is going to happen next.

    Good story explorer.....what happened next?

    If you buy a new Explorer you won't have to change your Edmund's name....

    These sales guys don't seem to be too generous with the discounts!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    So you are planning on surviving the end of the world.

    What day is the "end of the world" scheduled for?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    The last three winters have been pretty cold between December and March.

    Awww! Try cold weather from October to April with lows around zero at times.

    We had an unseasonably cool temperature of 39 today for a high.
    39 would be like a heat wave....it will be 34 today, and that's about normal.

    Actually, just joking, I don't mind our winters too much, as long as we can go to Florida for most of it!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    What day is the "end of the world" scheduled for?

    The Winter Solstice 2012 (I believe its Dec 21), thats when the Mayan Calender ends its something like 5 or 6 thousand year cycle and there are some cosmic alignments that are going to happen. Some say that this would be the end of the world, at least the end as we know it.

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    The Winter Solstice 2012 (I believe its Dec 21),

    I won't make any plans for that weekend.

    Maybe, I should put off a place in Florida until after that date, just in case.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    The last Checker rolled out of Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1982. I recall being on I-80 about 30 years ago and seeing a car carrier with a load of Checker taxis travelling east, probably to NYC.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    edited March 2011
    about 30 years ago and seeing a car carrier with a load of Checker taxis travelling east, probably to NYC.

    You would think one manufacturer could make a special car that would be ideal for use as a taxi cab. It should have a strong 4 cylinder engine, be taller than most cars, have lots of legroom in the back seat area. Interior should be made of strong materials that will hold up and be easy to keep clean. Easy maintenance, with strong door hinges etc.

    They might even sell a few of these to the general public, who just want a durable strong car at a good price.

    You would think if they can build a minimum seller like a Solstice, they could make a larger category seller like a special taxi model. These same cars might make a great rental car or even fleet car for business or government.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Explorer for a test drive

    This might not be a great time to buy a new car. That earthquake in Japan is causing huge shortages. Toyota is losing more in sales than they did during the braking crisis. Most electronics for all cars are made in Japan. For some reason paint, especially in some colors is affected. That nice "Tuxedo Black" Ford has - black with silver flecks, is in short supply as are reds. Dealers have been told to limit color choices...Chrysler has narrowed choices to ten colors to choose from.

    Dealers are asking for full MSRP on some models because there could be shortages for awhile.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Actually, the plan is May 21, 2011. You only have less than two months to buy cars, houses, and enjoy yourself. I was frantically running around making plans until I discovered that there are over 220 dates to mark the end of the world. When I noticed that 2068 was one of those, I figured that my world would come to an end before then. As for Washington, D.C., I am hoping that their world will end in November of 2012.

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Compared to your SRX my Ody is a Prius... gets your highway mileage in town and as high as 25 in careful highway driving. A couple mpg less if I drive like I drive on the highway.

    So what's wrong with Durham?

    I've got a nephew in Apex. Works for the state as a legislative analyst. Hearing him tell stories of what happens behind the scenes makes me a little less wary of either party.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,013
    You would think one manufacturer could make a special car that would be ideal for use as a taxi cab.

    You are right. IMO Ford should take the Panther platform and revise it slightly and put it a more fuel efficient powertrain and own the fleet market. The Panther is the toughest vehicle out there. I've seen examples with over 400K on the odometer. Old school yes, but they can take a beating. I've seen cab drivers go right over curbs at speed, etc. Try that with a Charger or (current) Impala.

    Doing this would also preserve resale values of the mainstream vehicles. Resale takes a giant hit when thousands of cars are put into fleets, because in a year or two when they are due to be turned in it turns into a fire sale. You ever look at Impalas used? Dirt cheap, really sucks for people who bought them new at retail.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Last week I was cleaning the pool in 72 degree weather.
    This morning 2 inches of snow covered all but the water.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "So what's wrong with Durham?"

    Too many are on welfare and Medicaid, plus lots of crime. Their school system makes an inner city ghetto look like Harvard or Yale. Their property taxes are out of sight from keeping up the poor.

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Well, yeah, but other than that.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,435
    thanks Richard. After I run out of posts to read here, I make a regular stop at realtor.com and check out the (extremely large) supply of house for sale in Cary. Looks like just the type house and neighborhoods my wife will like.

    as for schools, my youngest is a freshman in HS this year, so 3 more years for us. As long as there are houses in a good HS district (like we have now) that is all we need. At this point, I am much more interested in looking ahead to getting her into one of the state colleges at in state rates!

    well that, and slicing $10,000 off my annual property tax bill, for a house every bit as big and nice!

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Whoa! You must live in one of those pricey parts of Jersey. If they lowered my property taxes by 10K they'd be sending ME money!

    My late SIL (mother of the nephew in Apex) lived in Cary.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    edited March 2011
    If they lowered my property taxes by 10K they'd be sending ME money!

    That makes two of us.

    I live in a suburb of Pittsburgh which is known for higher than normal taxes and I don't pay anywhere near 10K in taxes. But I don't live in a 1M house either.

    I guess some of our poster buddies like the high life but don't like the idea of paying for it. Probably the same guys that grind ;)

    jmonroe

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,435
    last I saw, we were in the upper 11K range, dangerously close to 12K. And we are far from teh most expensive neighborhood in town! Similar house 9style/size/age) in Cary will have property taxes of around $2k/year.

    there are houses in my town with PT of over $60,000/year.

    Camden county is not the place to go for low taxes, but at least we are in a very good school district. Which, in 3 years, will be of no use to me at all!

    If it doesn't happen sooner, the day my daughter gets her diploma, the for sale sign is going up on the front yard.

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

  • 604doc604doc Member Posts: 182
    I'm heading to Lincoln Nebraska for a couple weeks next week for business, and was wondering if there is anything to do on the weekends there.

    Are there any car or aircraft museums around? World's largest ball of twine?

    I'm willing to drive a couple hours...

    Thanks!
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I'm willing to drive a couple hours...

    Are you kidding? Its Nebraska everything is a couple of hours away from anything else.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,237
    "...extremely congested in Clearwater Beach..."

    From what I gather, Clearwater Beach is the latest "trendy" location and is undergoing a tremendous building boom. Did you notice all those construction cranes everywhere? As such everything is in short supply.

    We have visited Largo just south and a few miles inland; and have found none of the problems you mention. Even during Christmas week it was not that bad.

    Traffic is always a pain in the Tampa area but that's because no one stays home due to bad weather (except huricanes).

    A lot of NYers talk about locating to NC so there must be some nice places there too.

    I think I could be happy anywhere they don't put down salt in the winter.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,237
    "...If they lowered my property taxes by 10K they'd be sending me money.."

    Location is everything. Here in NY (The Vampire State) the city taxes are out of this world. I live in a town set between several cities. Houses in the small city a mile away easily top 12K a year. My taxes for the house and farm combined are under 5K.

    Also, since we are discussing gas milage, my son's 93 Deville gets 28mpg @ 65mph. Same as my wife's PT Cruiser. 2.4L vs. 4.9L.

    of course if you stomp on the Caddy it gets 4.

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Where are you? Cherry Hill or something? Camden County is hideous on taxes because you have to make up so much shortfall from Camden City contributing nada and expecting help.

    We have the advantage of a lot of houses that people only live in for the summer but pay taxes year round. It's still not down in the $2K range.

    I was looking at stuff up in Sussex County and the taxes there are pretty insane. That likely makes it a no go.

    Maybe we'll move next door to Richard....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I like that Caddy mileage. Up until the stomp on it part you had me....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Hey, in about an hour you could see Omaha! Who could ask for anything more? :blush:

    Well, you could say hi to Warren Buffett while you're there...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,766
    edited March 2011
    Part 3.
    The sales guy writes down a huge trade in number for my Fusion and says once again 'This is before I do anything for you'. After that, 'Do you think you are ready to buy today?'.
    Although I was kind of stunned, I say I need to verify my numbers and run it by my wife(True!).
    He says 'After you shop my numbers, just give me a shot to get your business.'
    So I say I will, thank him for letting me take a test drive, and say goodbye to the Sales Manager on the way out.
    When I get home, I tell my wife I took a test drive and the showroom conversation. Didn't get a 'No'.
    To be continued...
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,435
    next town over from Cherry hill.

    and don't worry, you are paying your fair share to support camden. Most of their money comes from the state.

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Well, you can stand on a pack of cigarettes and see the Pacific Ocean!
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,013
    Ahhh.. yes good ol Camden County. Just about 6K for a 3BR ranch w/basement.

    Fezo, Cherry Hill actually has lower per thousand taxes than some of the "poorer" towns around these parts.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Yeah. We had an old poster who has since passed on who was from Cherry Hill. Never heard the end of he taxes part but he really liked it as a place to live. Was originally from Youngstown, Ohio. I'd like Cherry Hill better than that, too...

    stick - there's a lot of places next to Cherry Hill... Collingswood?.... I can keep guessing.... We should have an NJ members get together. Go to someplace like Uncle Dewey's..... We'd all have to travel a bit.

    We pay just under $6K but that's 5 bedroom colonial.

    Of course right next to us is the king of low tax rate per thousand - Long Beach Island. They pay for 80% of the regional school system here and are angry as hornets about it. It gets pointed out to them that when they had the chance to vote on it it passed with only 18 no votes to over 1,200 yes. Of course that was in 1953 and at the time it was a good deal for them. They want to redo the whole agreement on the region. Not a chance of that happening in my lifetime.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "...Cherry Hill actually has lower per thousand taxes than some of the "poorer" towns around these parts."

    Excellent point. In North Carolina at least, property taxes are based on the number of Medicaid recipients you have. I now live in the most affluent county in the state. My property taxes for 3,500 square feet are now $1,700 for county and city combined. We have very few poor people. Our previous home of the same size in the county where we lived had taxes of $6,000. Our utility costs here are $200 per month inclusive. Utilities in our previous home were $500 per month. Our total savings by moving here are $7,900 per year. In five years, those savings would buy you a very nice car.

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    In five years, those savings would buy you a very nice car.

    So what are you getting me? :D
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
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