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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Nebraska for two weeks? You had better take lots of DVD's and good books.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    If you move next door to me, I'm getting you a tall fence. :P

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Why do I feel that chapter 4 will take a couple of weeks?

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Cary is a very nice area---good homes, good schools, and lots to do.

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    And they must be building like mad! I went over on trulia and the first two pages are all new construction!
    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
    Richard, you wrote this? 'though i wouldn't recommend any public school in this country today.' :mad:
    Egghead graduated from a public high school last June(only 1400 students).
    Despite having almost perfect grades for 4 years, 800 math SAT, 5's in 3 math/science AP's, class VP, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, State Field Hockey Scholar/Athlete award, part of the first public school girls crew to ever make the grand finals in the New England's, couldn't crack the top 20 of her class. :surprise:
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Nebraska for two weeks? You had better take lots of DVD's and good books.

    You can visit the house where Johnny Carson grew up from age 8.

    Actually born in Iowa but raised in Norfolk Nebraska:
    before moving to Norfolk, Nebraska at the age of eight. At the age of 12 Carson found a book on magic at a friend's house and immediately purchased a mail-order magician's kit. He debuted as "The Great Carsoni" at 14 and was paid $3; many other performances at local picnics and country fairs followed

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    He says 'After you shop my numbers, just give me a shot to get your business.'

    The sales guys sound pretty low key. I like that. I am waiting for Chapter 4, if there is a Chapt 4 now that your wife knows what you are up to.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,766
    The Dealership is 'Family Ford'. Fezo can relate to that.
    My sales guy hasn't made me an offer I can't refuse, yet. ;)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    My sales guy hasn't made me an offer I can't refuse, yet.

    And we haven't even gotten to the end of the month yet. Your phone should be ringing pretty soon. But you've got to recognize a good deal and not blow it.

    jmonroe

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    other direction. Voorhees. We look down our noses at Cherry hill.

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

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,766
    The end of the month for sales is April 4.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,766
    Nope, I'm one those "Let's get'er done" yankees. :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    well, almost. A few years back, I spent a month in Iowa on business, including over the weekend. So needless to say, not much to do living out of a hotel. So after 1 movie by myself (I felt like a creeper, until I noticed another guy, complete with raincoat, that I am sure was one) sitting way in the back).

    anyway, for a diversion, I went exploring one saturday (driving a total turd of a G6 rental). Lots of nothing in Iowa. 1/2 the day, and I found some covered bridges (I think the ones where madison county was filmed), and a dinky little town with the house that John Wayne grew up in.

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    In that case, I look forward to chapter 4 soon.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I painted too broad of a stroke. There are a few good ones still around. Sorry about that.

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    other direction. Voorhees.

    Wow. And you still read my posts. I'm honored..... :blush:
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Richard, you've got yourself a good deal on your property taxes. We pay about $2500 for 1600 sf on a 5000 sf lot here in Colorado.

    My folks, OTOH, bought their house before Prop 13 was passed in California. I think their PT are quite low - $1000-1500 a year, I believe.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Wow! $1,000-$1,500 PT in California. Your parents did very well. Even yours aren't too bad when you consider that some of our psoters friends pay $5K and $6k for PT.

    Richard
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    It's funny ... my parents were very much against Prop 13 when it was on the ballot. Since my dad was a firefighter, there was great concern about jobs.

    Since then, however, they decided to stay in the house all these years specifically because of Prop 13 - if they sold it and bought a new house, they'd lose the exemption. The low PT was very nice when the appraised value of their house exceeded $500K a few years ago, before the housing bubble burst. Now probably worth around $350K.

    And this is for a 1400sf ranch home on a 7200sf lot in a 45 year old neighborhood.

    As for us, we really don't know any better. The house I'm living in is the first one I've ever bought. The wife and her first husband owned a house in Cheyenne, but the purchase price was something like $58K, so I can't imagine that the PT were very much.

    When the time comes for us to move to warmer climes, PT will certainly be something to take into consideration for the next house we buy.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Wow. And you still read my posts. I'm honored.....

    Nah, he can’t read but he does like the pictures.

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I've got a customer at work who has a place in California that she keeps specifically because it is pre-prop 13. Great move by the haves to make sure the have nots stay that way.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Even yours aren't too bad when you consider that some of our psoters friends pay $5K and $6k for PT.

    Although I live in a place where the taxes are considered on the high side for the Burgh area, they are not nearly as bad as other parts of the country. CA and New England to name only two.

    When we were in the process of moving South, our friends that were already there for a few years said to be sure to move to the Augusta suburbs because the taxes were less than the area in SC that I was considering. My response to them was, “c’mon you know where I lived in PA. Taxes don’t scare me”. I eventually moved to SC because it was closer to where I would be working at the time. Even though the taxes were higher for the town we moved to in SC compared to GA they were still a bargain compared to where we were moving from. It’s all relative.

    To keep this somewhat car related I still kick myself for being talked out of building a 3 car garage vs. the oversized 2 car job that I did upgrade to. For a few measly feet I should have just done it and been done with it. The cost of square footage for the garage was way less than the house per square foot price. :mad: It would have also made the bonus room above it bigger too although we never did really use that room in the 5 years we were there.

    jmonroe

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    If it hadn't been for Prop 13, my parents wouldn't have been able to afford to live in their paid off home after my step-dad retired.

    Of course, now the state is broke and it shows. Potholes everywhere, run down public buildings etc. Much of CA looks like a third world country now.

    Very sad.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    I've got a customer at work who has a place in California that she keeps specifically because it is pre-prop 13. Great move by the haves to make sure the have nots stay that way.

    There have been several attempts over the years to repeal Proposition 13. I think that eventually, everybody who owns a house that was purchased pre Prop 13 will pass away and the issue will sort of resolve itself - unless the house is passed down to heirs and maintain the exemption.
  • luvmybuicksluvmybuicks Member Posts: 26
    www.pioneervillage.org/

    If you can make your way west on I 80 (exit 279) about an hour 15 minutes...this is a place to see. Over 350 antique cars; 100 antique tractors; and 17 historic airplanes. More antique appliances tv's etc that you will ever see anywhere else. I absolutely enjoyed my visit...and only about $10.

    Kevin
  • luvmybuicksluvmybuicks Member Posts: 26
    My wife and I have just placed an order for a new Buick Enclave CXL. Should arrive in 4 to 6 weeks.

    Color White Diamond
    Interior; Titanium leather
    DVD, Navigation; upgraded Bose sound system
    MSRP 44780

    Purchase price 43180 minus rebates (currently $2000..but will be what is in effect on date of delivery). Purchase price was offered without haggling.

    TTL paid after purchase.

    Chose to order due to not wanting a sunroof...or chrome wheels...just didn't want to pay for options I didn't want...and wife was picky about colors.

    Will be trading in a 2007 Buick Rendevous CXL 68500 miles for $11700. Right at KBB...but my wife fought for the additional $200. (They mentioned the could not go above $11500 but my lovely wife said no deal unless they came up to $11700). They caved.... they mentioned they sell new cars...just to get trade ins to sell on their lot. The Rendevous is still under 5 year 100,000 mi powertrain warranty.

    Had to get a large SUV and DVD entertainment system just in case our two grandkids (3 and 5) would be traveling with us for an extended trip. Grandkids are expensive!!!

    My concern is that my wife has a long commute to work...about 25000 miles per year...I hate to think about what the resale value will be in 5 years and 125,000 miles. Come to think of it...wives are expensive too!!

    One more thing...Buick's have great seats for bad backs.

    Kevin
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,681
    edited March 2011
    Comparing property taxes from state-to-state is tricky. The states have different distributions of ways they suck in income along with cities, counties, etc. We really need to look at the total cost of living in a state.

    Some states have no income tax while others have it. Some have extra sales taxes for counties or cities. It's a mess.

    For example, here in Ohio the legislature and governor past didn't take care of reducing spending and now there's an 8 billion dollar cut to be made over two years. So they try making cuts in what they send back to schools, cities, and agencies. The first thing we start hearing is that cities and schools are going to start asking for higher levies from the voters at the local level. It would have been better for the state to raise taxes back one step and get more income from those higher income earners. The state has had 4 tax reductions in the last 5 years on the income tax schedule. Dumb, dumber, and dumbest.

    So the talk of being frugal at the state likely will add to property taxes (and others) locally. So I'm back to my point that property tax only is not a good comparison for state costs.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I think you are right.

    In a lot of ways Prop 13 was kicking the can down the road and indeed - people like Craig's folks were able to stay in their homes. But at the same time it made it darn near impossible for someone starting out. And it certainly made people stay put!

    Does it allow a property to pass to heirs without the tax increase? I ask because I know in NJ there are a ton of rules on such things. We are selling my folks place (much against what I want but it's not doable for us at this point) and I'm amazed at what things have to be done to the place just to get a CO. All things would have applied if we tried to run it as an inheritance (though it turned out I couldn't have done that anyway). Things like a requirement of 20 ft of paved driveway (this place has a horseshoe driveway so it's 20 ft at both ends). A lot of niggly and not so niggly things.

    The good news, as much as it kills me since the house has been in the family for all of its 83 years, is we got an offer right away. We came down a little and he came up a little and agreed to an "as is" sale which means we don't have to do that stuff.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    You've got a point there, Keith. It's like three card monte with taxes.

    Does NC, with its low property taxes have a property tax on cars? That's one I've learned along the way. Had no idea states did this until my buddy in NH told me how he got mostly around that.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    NJ does not have separate county taxes, everything gets rolled up into the one PT # that you pay (well, there are taxes for all the various leeching entities, they just get collected at one time).

    But, we also get hit with pretty high (relative) income tax, and a sales tax (7%, so lower than some states) including on cars. No VAT though.

    so overall, NJ still comes out at or near the top in terms of total tax burden. They take perverse pride here in screwing you every which way to Sunday, but hey, you have to keep all the relatives of every hack local politician on the public dole somehow, you know?

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    but hey, you have to keep all the relatives of every hack local politician on the public dole somehow, you know?

    You have hit on the exact reason we're up that high. :(
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    It's a whole mish mash of things when it comes to taxes. I don't know how old this is but it gives you an idea:

    http://www.e50plus.com/public/202.cfm

    Maine has the highest tax burden. My state - fondly nicknamed Taxachusetts - is rated 28th.

    Somebody mentioned NH - it's a no sales tax, no income tax state but you get nailed on property taxes. My rate just north of Boston is about $11/K. A friend in NH pays over $15/K and gets fewer services. To top it off, a good chunk of Southern NH residents commute to MA for work and pay MA income taxes. NH has a higher corporate tax rate than MA and as I noted, NH cities and towns tend to provide fewer services.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    NJ does not have separate county taxes, everything gets rolled up into the one PT # that you pay (well, there are taxes for all the various leeching entities, they just get collected at one time).

    But, we also get hit with pretty high (relative) income tax, and a sales tax (7%, so lower than some states) including on cars. No VAT though.


    Here in CO, we have a state income tax (4.67%), plus income tax (varies by city and county - I pay 7.5% in my town), plus vehicle ownership tax (sliding scale, based off of 85% of the MSRP of the vehicle - 2.1% first year, 1.5% second year, 1.2% third year, etc.). Plus property tax, which includes state, county, city and other jurisdictions (fire district, etc.).
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    My wife and I have just placed an order for a new Buick Enclave CXL. Should arrive in 4 to 6 weeks.

    Congratulations on your new purchase, and especially because it is an actual sales story which we despaerately need about now...unless you want to share with us what your property taxes are.

    I am sure you will love your new Enclave and now you can keep your name, luvmybuicks. I am curious about a few things, being an inquizative person, so answer if you feel like it, please:
    * You are devoted to Buicks. Would you even consider test driving another make?
    * Your wife is driving alot of miles, was gas mileage considered in your purchase?
    * Does your wife like driving a large vehicle?
    * Do you have a 2nd car....what is it if you do?
    Thanks,
    Driver

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    edited March 2011
    Congratulations on your new Buick

    Seat comfort being important to me as well, the Rendevous had the most comfortable seats of any car I tried at the auto show a few years back.
    Looked to be a suede or almost suede seating surface.

    That was to luvmybuicks...not driver...as we know Buicks have no road feel. lol

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,766
    Richard, Sorry, that was just the proud papa coming through.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,766
    Hopefully not a couple of weeks, either way.
    Chapter 4.
    Last night I applied for a loan around 9 pm and it was approved by 9:30 this morning.
    Going back on Thursday so my wife can drive it. I expect to do the final negotiations at that point.
    I've been watching MyFord Touch videos on Youtube to find out more about how it works.
    My sales guy doesn't have voice mail, a cell phone or email that works, so I don't expect him to be able to tell me much about that feature.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    This is good - a developing story.....

    I don't have Brainiac for a kid (well, yeah, one of my 9 year olds might be...) and the public schools here had a bit of a problem when the population here exploded for a couple of years but it's been a good system overall. Especially now for the younger ones.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Do you really want that? I hear the Sync system is complicated and more trouble than it's worth!
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,681
    >This is good - a developing story.....

    Developing story, my foot. It's a MINISERIES!!!

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    At this rate it may be renewed for next season...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,766
    Sync has been out for a few years now.
    My wife's '09 Escape has it and the only problem she has had is that it dropped the Bluetooth connectivity a couple of times.
    I think that was really due to a weak battery in her phone.
    MyFord Touch is a whole different level.
    I saw one video that broke it down into basic concepts.
    It took the intimidation factor out of it.
    A good instructor can do miracles.
    Hopefully, I will be able get the chance to use it.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    as we know Buicks have no road feel.

    I think you mean "feel of the road".

    "Road feel" is what it feels like riding in a Corvette - it feels like your bum is dragging along the road, and that feels like "Road Feel". :surprise:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    My sales guy doesn't have voice mail, a cell phone or email that works, so I don't expect him to be able to tell me much about that feature.

    He must be an old guy like us. Everyone else uses cell phones, blackberrys or ipads. That would be refreshing to buy a car from a salesperson who doesn't have to be online.

    Good luck, hope your wife likes it too.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Does your sales guy have a pen and paper or is he still carving messages onto rocks?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,766
    I find it kind of scary. If we do make a deal, I am going to pitch my soon to graduate from college kid as a 'technology consultant'.
    They really need someone like that to survive.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,439
    might sound good driver, but think if you needed him to answer a question about your car, and could never get to him or get him a message. Suddenly not so enticing!

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

  • luvmybuicksluvmybuicks Member Posts: 26
    We did drive a Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot and the new Ford Explorer. The CX-9 drove nicely; however the 3rd row was not really useful...except for small children. The Pilot..drove nicely; however the road noise was pronounced; also a little sluggish. They were both a little cheaper in price. The Ford Explorer wasn't being discounted at all!! The Explorer had a 4 cylinder (I believe); and I just didn't think it would hold up as well. It did have decent acceleration.

    The Buick was favored for 3 things really. We really liked the styling..larger 3 rd row seating; and very little road noise. Our last 3 vehicles have been Buicks and completely trouble free except for steering shaft issue on our 2008 Buick Lucerne (that was fixed under warranty).

    My wife has trouble with her back at times...and Buick's seem to have the most comfortable seats for long drives.

    Used Buick Enclaves were $35000 with 30,000 miles...so no bargain there.

    EPA gas mileage on the Enclave is 17 city and 24 highway without AWD. Not bad really considering the size and heft. I would be more than happy with 20 MPG for her mostly highway commute.

    If it was up to me...I would drive cars...but the once or twice per year the grandkids may ride on an extended drive....the wife said it would have to be a SUV.

    Our current car is 2008 Buick Lucerne CXL. Not my favorite car....but it is great for long drives and gets a respectable 27 MPG on long highway cruises. Extremely comfortable and quiet to drive and ride.

    I am 45 and my wife is 44...not your average Buick driver.

    Kevin
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    but think if you needed him to answer a question about your car, and could never get to him or get him a message.

    I agree. Our salesman was very slow on the computer and it was painful to watch. I am not that good at it but I felt like going around the desk and taking over. He couldn't find the info we needed on bmwcanada.com so I haqd to tell him to look on bmwusa.com.

    Calculating prices also took longer than it should have. I thought maybe it was part of his technique to ware you down so you would just buy the car to get out.

    He wasn't there a year later, and though he was a nice guy, I think he just isn't with it for todays kind of buyers.

    I am glad I don't have to update my skills in the job market, I would be so far behind I would never catch up. Todays salespeople have to be able to sell, plus be an IT expert.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

This discussion has been closed.