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Comments
I think I'm prety good at pulling my punches and backing off when I see there is no chance. Guys like that usually end up getting bored when we ignore them or else they finally go too far and get booted.
Hate to admit it but I've been gulity of pushing them toward the door.
Indeed that was not right.
Someone mentioned some folk using a 2nd or possibly a 3rd logon name. I recall one person jumping me because under his previous name we had some disagreement. Then under his new name he reacted almost immediately to my opinion. I got a host-o-gram. I replied to the host that this was the same person who had previously been banned. The hosts handle so many threads and so many posters that it's easy to understand not catching something like a person sneaking in under new log ID. I had suspected and then when that person reacted using the same terminology they'd used before, I was sure it was the same person.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
LOL Our school bus fleet contains two Chrysler T&C minivans used as school buses. To be allowed to drive them is considered high status amongst the drivers. The comment is often made "What did YOU do to deserve driving the Chrysler?" I guess when the alternative is a Freightliner a minivan doesn't seem too bad.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
You folks on this site are probably the most decent, kind and courtreous people it has ever been my honor to meet. You have always been helpful with my questions and more than tolerant of my frequent silliness. Dispite your greater wealth and knowledge of car matters you have never talked down to me or made me feel less than an equal. The worst disagreement I have ever seen here is nothing compared to the abuse heaped on people at other sites. You have nothing to apologize about.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
????? :confuse: :confuse: :confuse:
If you are talking full size box vans, sure. Most minivans, which will hold more than any SUV, have five star crash ratings, a huge collection of sir bags, adequate visibility (more than enough if you actually qualify for a driver's license) and, while not fun as a segment certainly some are more fun than others. An Ody is more fun than several sedans but it's no BMW. Heck, it's not even an Accord.
Actually the wife drives the Hyundai, I drive the Sebring ragtop. Thats more of a want as no one really needs a convertible. If I was driving what I need I would be driving this:
Ok its more of a want, no its s need, definetly a need.
If you've got children, an SUV is a necessary evil as long as you can afford it.
My parents did a good job with Ford sedans. But personally I think a van would be better as it can carry more kids and more kids stuff.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Richard
I knew someone would think of that as soon as I wrote it. I still think passengers are more exposed from the sides in a mini-van. Seems to me there is less structure....and I know many have 5 star ratings and Honda's are basically cars....but i wouldn't want to be sitting in the 2nd seat when a car hits you from the side. Not to mention they seem to roll easier with that high centre of gravity.
I have driven vans and rear and side vision is hindered from seats being in the way. I could have used a van when I was starting my business, to carry books, but I like the strength and the vision of an SUV, mainly a Jeep. It seemed there was more strength and much better lines of visions...and yes, I do have a licence but that's how I see it. I don't like driving vans (not a status thing)...but that's just personal preference.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
one problem I have though is the mainstream vans are actually too big now! And that is a big reason my wife wants something different for he next car (go smaller), plus after 16 years, she is "over" the van thing!
we have an odyssey. My SIL until recently had a tahoe.The van had a smaller footprint, but was vastly better at carrying people. And the 3rd row in the Tahoe was a torture chamber with nada for cargo room behind it.
But, the SUV did get worse mileage and drive like a truck!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Different strokes guys, different strokes....
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I don't like to drive them or find myself sitting in one. I particularly dislike them as taxis. I cringe when I have to get in one. Seat belts are all over the place, usually hanging from the roof or from way behind the seat. The middle seat is for two so there is a big gap between the window and the passenger. It feels clostrophobic inside because of lack of light and seats are everywhere.
They are useful for many people, but I would prefer an SUV or station wagon personally. I don't get much pleasure from driving them. I also like some metal and a real hood in front of me and a trunk behind me...but that's just me, that's why they make vans and SUVs I guess.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I agree... but then they shouldn't try. Just fess up and say "I WANT it." It is when people say "I NEED it" that the debate starts. If you say "I want it, end of story." then there really is no argument to be had. (as nycarguy said in 69450, actually)
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
On the minivan conversation: I learned to drive on a minivan, and I will never own one. I see the utility of it, for sure, and as a passenger they are very comfortable. I just hated the way it drove. Particularly, the center of gravity made it feel as though it was going to tip over on sharp turns. My fiancee isn't opposed to an SUV, so I think when the time comes that we need more space, something along the lines of an XC60 or XC90 will fit the bill.
My C30 has just over 750 miles on it now, and I love it. Getting about 32 mpg on all highway driving, about 22 mixed. If I get some time I'll snap a few pictures for all of you.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Ah, I was thinking of trading in the Cabriolet for a Kia Sedona...thought I would become more practical.
Actually, if Richard had done that instead of buying the SRX it would make Fenzo much happier.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
And the difference among a minivan, SUV and station wagon using these parameters is what???
We've had a minivan for 11 years and are trading in on an SUV. The van has been the bet vehicle we've ever owned when it comes to transporating people, gear, building materials and for travel.
Do we need an SUV? No but my wife wants one. We've done the minivan thing and it's time for something different.
I've been looking around for a car, without really deciding on whether I'm in the market.
Well, as these things go, that changes once something hits that really strikes me.
Here's the quandary....there's a dealer who has found exactly one of the cars on my short list, and it even is the color I like with the options I want at the best price I've seen, while stepping up on my trade (actually going about $500 better than I thought it was going to bring). It's a BMW 335 xi coupe. But, the dealer isn't local. They're about 30 miles away.
The car is in port, waiting for someone (some dealer) to claim it. Neither local dealer looked and found it. But, the further one away, did.
Knowing I'm going to get it serviced locally, do I tell the local dealers about the car so they can snag it for me (and I can get it serviced locally?). Or, give the deal to the sales person who found the car, but would be more of a hassle (actually a big hassle) to do service work?
Please chime in!
You wouldn't have known about the car except for the fact that the farther away dealer did the search .. why wouldn't you reward them with the business?
Service is a separate issue. The dealer you buy from should know that you have two closer dealers from which to choose for service and maintenance. If they want that business as well, perhaps they can step up with something 'over and above' what the local dealers offer.
Wow, sounds like this was meant to be. And not to be bias but a new BMW just the way you want it at a good price....don't hesitate one second.
It's just my opinion but I would definitely buy it from the guy who found it and is doing it at the price you like. Just do what my friend does, he picks up the car at the dealer who does the deal, then drives to the local dealer, gives them the keys, and he is in the system for service work.
Why take the chance the local guys wouldn't do it at the same price. I am in the same situation....the dealer that is further away found and will sell me a car for $8000 less than the local dealer.
No question, I want to sleep at nights so I will buy from the dealer who will do the work...it is the fair thing to do.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I think I would give my business to the guy who took the trouble to find the car you really wanted.
He took a hell of a chance telling you about it knowing you might just pick up the phone and let a closer store know about it.
Of course you can get it serviced at a closer dealer. You just might not get welcomed with open arms but then again, they might not care at all.
And the difference among a minivan, SUV and station wagon using these parameters is what???
The difference is I feel like I am driving a bus and I don't get much enjoyment from driving a bus, unless I am getting paid for it.
I like a hood, the longer the better. I like a trunk where washer fluid doesn't slosh around or I hear stuff sliding around.
I like metal in front and behind me...it is just in my head but I feel more protected if there is more metal.
These are just personal preferences, and i know people have vans and love them. The worst part for me is the seating, the seats are never that comfortable (haven't been in one with captain chairs though), and getting in and out is a hassle...you climb in, often from one side, then sit on a seat for two, while others are going past you to try to get in the back. Then the seatbelts aren't easy to reach.
I don't want to argue about it......if you like vans then that's great.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I've purchased a couple of cars far away and had them serviced locally. I never experienced any anger from the local dealer, mainly because the sales staff never really knows that I'm in the service dept. anyway. The service dept. certainly isn't complaining about more business.
Now if you know people there (as I'm sure you do, gg) you may run into the GM or sales staff, depending on how the store is laid out. If they say anything, I'd just be honest and tell them that they couldn't find the exact car you wanted and dealer B did. They should be happy that you would come to them for service.
Except that BMW service is included in the selling price of the vehicle and the servicing dealer gets no where near shop rates for doing the service.
Thanks for all of the advice. I was leaning the same way, anyway.
And, isell, I'm glad that you chimed in because I wanted to hear it from your side.
Thanks again!
The dealer is reimbursed for warranty work. Service and warranty work may be built into the cost of the car, but it comes out of head office's cut.
The local dealer will probably make more on the service then the selling dealer will make. But, it is a quick fast sale for them...no advertising or carrying costs. They did their homework and deserve the business.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
335i, the one every BMW owner aspires to. I can hear driver now...
hey, that's the one I want.
And letting go of the damaged vehicle, also a good move. Wow!
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
besides, on a new BMW, unless there is a warranty issue service is maybe 1x a year, on the program. so no biggie.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That is true but they dealer is not paid at shop rates. If the dealer normally would get $100 for an oil change, BMW is probably paying them somewhere around $50 for that service.
The local dealer will probably make more on the service then the selling dealer will make.
Only if they get work outside of the warranty and included service.
Typically service is where the dealer profit it. Selling new cars is designed to drive service business.
In my recent experience, it shouldn't. I don't think the service departments care (if anything, they are happy to get "conquest" business).
the sales department should be happy too, since odds go up that you buy your next car from them if they make you happy (and you are in the building occasionally).
We have a 2005 Odyssey (first year on the new design) that we got when they are first out, and still in short supply. We happen to be roughly in the middle of 2 big dealers, and 1st shopped the more convenient one. They had nothing suitable (and big ADMs) but we found exactly what we wanted at the other dealer (literally minutes off the truck), and managed to haggle a much better than expected deal with no add ons (since they had not had time to load it up!).
I took it back for the first oil change and 1-2 minor warranty/prep type issues, and it was a logistics hassle. So after that, I brought it to the other dealer, and they were happy as a clam to see me, and could not care less where I bought it. They have also stepped on on warranty issues when needed.
Of course, I bought my Acccord there a year later, so that might help. I even take my Acura TL there too, so they get plenty of business off of me!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I can't even imagine what a BMW dealer charges. The Honda dealer (for anything but the oil change special) is bad enough.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Good luck with your 335xi Coupe - GORGEOUS car and quite the performer too. You may want to inquire about their service department (the 30 miles away place). They may offer a valet service that will drop a loaner car off at your house and pick your car up for service.
As far as servicing the car. Even IF BMW dealers don't get paid shop rates for warranty work, some business is better than NO business. In my neck of the woods (tri-state NY/NJ/CT), a very large percentage (somewhere north of 80%) of BMWs are leased. So that means the dealers are doing A LOT of warranty/service work paid for by BMW.
I bought my Acura TSX on Long Island, about an hour away from my old apartment in Westchester. I service is in Westchester. I brought it in for an oil change once, chatted up the service advisor, and asked him what I had to do to get a loaner car. I slipped him a $20 bill and he told me next time, no problem. Now I also do synthetic oil changes (even though Acura specifies dino oil) & have bought snow tires from this dealer, so it's all good now.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Interesting .. I have a similar situation with the new Mazda. The dealer I bought from is north of where we live, about a 20 minute drive.
However, with my wife in school and doing some extra curricular teaching gigs on the side, getting her car in for service is a bit of a scheduling nightmare. She travels to Colorado Springs once a month (about a 30-40 minute drive) once a month during the school year, and more frequently in June and July.
The 10K service interval is coming up in the next couple of weeks, and the only Saturday in July where she isn't in school is the 2nd. Should I:
a) take the car to the dealer where I bought it on the 2nd; or
b) take the car to the Mazda dealer in the Springs on one of the other Saturdays in July?
Factors to consider:
1) I don't know if there is any difference in the price of an oil change - I can check on that.
2) The dealer we bought from sells Mazdas only; the dealer in the Springs is a combo Mazda / Volvo / VW dealer - much larger service space
3) I would use the Springs dealer only because of the frequency that we're in town ... very rarely are we up in the Denver area
4) This next visit is oil change / tire rotation only - no warranty work needed
Thoughts?
I absolutely agree.
If I were the service manager and found out my employee pocketed $20 and gave out a free loaner car, I'd have a long talk with him. If he turned in the $20 and told me what he did, it would be a different story.
To you it was probably just a tip. To me it's an integrity issue.
If I were the service manager and found out my employee pocketed $20 and gave out a free loaner car, I'd have a long talk with him. If he turned in the $20 and told me what he did, it would be a different story.
To you it was probably just a tip. To me it's an integrity issue.
My first question is this -- does the dealership have a loaner car policy?
If yes, then nyc shouldn't have had to do anything to get a loaner car.
If no, then the service advisor is behaving unethically, could be in breach of the terms of employment at the dealership, and could be dismissed.
I would imagine that loaner cars are insured by the dealer, with some level of contribution by the manufacturer - Lexus comes to mind here.
If there is no manufacturer involvement, then it's possible that the dealer is self-insuring the loaner fleet and there shouldn't be any restrictions as to who qualifies - other than first come, first served.
I have a friend in CA who owns an early 90's Infiniti J30. He took it to the dealer for a timing belt change, and they gave him a G35 as a loaner. Certainly was incentive to stay with the brand!
I think that whenever you are driving a loaner vehicle, your own insurance is primary...even with Lexus. They always ask for proof of insurance, etc.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I agree on the integrity issue!
At least at my Honda dealer, they offer express service for basic stuff (like oil changes). no appointment needed, usually out in less than an hour. Not quite jiffy lube, but perfectly fine for fitting in on the fly. Night service too.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
And, they won't try to sell you an engine flush.
The car companies got smart a few years back when they started the surveys. Warranty customers get surveys either on the phone or in the mail.
Stores that get lousy surveys will get "punished" by the manufactures.
Years ago, I watched (and listened) as the cranky owner of a very small town Buick Dealer threw out an equally cranky old guy who was demanding warranty service on a Buick he had bought from a nearby Mega Store.
His words..." If they were good enough to sell you a car, they ought to be good enough to do your &%%$@ warranty work!"
That Buick store is now a Mexican Restaurant.
While waiting for our flight, a woman goes up to the Hertz counter and says, "her daughter is coming on July 28th, she needs a car for one week, what is the cost of an SUV and the cost of a full size car for the week. The guy at the counter was very polite and gave her two amounts.
Then she went to Budget right next door and asked the same question. He was equally polite and gave amounts, but said she should go on Expedia and compare rates....very nice.
Then she went over to the National guy and asked the same question.
Am I being overly sensitive or is that being a little bit ignorant?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Many dealers have Saturday service hours, too.
I bought my new Explorer from a dealer about 40 miles away and intend to bring it back there for service.
It's not the first time we have bought there.
It's about 25 miles from where I work, and I would just rent a car on my own dime, for the day.
I didn't hear back one week ago when he said he would email me....so I emailed him today.
He said the 2012s won't be out until October or November. He said he could order me one if I wanted :sick:
I wrote back and said I need to know the price of the new one and I need to know what he will give me for the trade in.
I don't know. He might have found the 2011 Cabriolet all loaded up on some other lot and gave me a low price just to get me going...and hoping the dealer with the car is desparate to move a car. Who know, he could have done his homework and found a car or he could be leading me on. :confuse:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
nyc...that's a very good point. I was just thinking about this last night. There are some dealers who are eager to do business, and they've shown it. Then, there are others who really are quite nonchalant about it. What they have is what they have. They're not going to look around.
One dealer was willing to build the car for me (the one that said it would only take 4 weeks to have it built and delivered from Germany). The sales person also said he looked around but couldn't find what I wanted.
One, who seems to be the preferred dealer in my area, was keen on selling what was on their lot, and didn't offer to do any search (although they were wanting to move some of their loaner cars...none of which appealed to me).
I had resigned myself to expanding where I was looking, geographically. Which is how I found the sales lady who worked hard on what I wanted.
Then there was the sales lady who kept calling me when she found something close. I was mistaken , they're actually about 60 miles away (on the north side of Dayton). She would call when she found something close. Finally, she called yesterday and said she found exactly what I wanted at the port.
She emailed me her price (the lowest price on TruCar). I emailed her the details of my car. It must not have hit CARFAX yet as she came back with an offer $500 more than the highest trade. I told her that it had some work done, but the work is guaranteed for the life of the car (it is) and it's still under warranty. She didn't ask the extent of the work, but said if the CARFAX is clean, it's all good.
Then she said something I never thought about..."besides, if someone wants a perfect car, used is not the way to go. You should buy new for the perfect car."
Good point and well taken.
I gave her a credit card deposit with the understanding she could secure the car. Apparently, she has to tell the port BMW offices to move the car to the sold lot and schedule it for delivery so the dealer can do PDI on it.
It's supposed to be here next week. She's done a lot of work.
I guess push comes to shove, the local dealers will have to service it. I guess I just won't get their loaner cars as a benefit, worst case.
Will keep everyone posted as this transpires. Sales lady said she'd like to get the car delivered before July 1st, so she can get it in this month. It doesn't matter to me as the girlfriend and I are going away for the July 4th weekend anyway.
Will keep you posted, if interested.
Definitely, this has been one of the best storries in awhile. It's got it all intrigue, mystery, suspense and a happy ending.
I don't think free loaners come up too often any way. Dealers try to do everything possible so they don't have to loan you a car.
Sounds like a great car and when it works out so perfectly you have to go with it. What colors? Any options?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Pack some gloves and a couple of paper towels to check the level.
Give the sale to the guy who did the work. Have it serviced where ever you want. Service departments are so desperate these days they don't care where the car was purchased. I had some routine service done on the Eclipse today and I think my car was the only one there.
A 335xi coupe....mmmmmmmmmmmgood!
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible