Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    OK - here's the deal. They still very much recommend the transplant.

    All the best with the transplant. Sounds like that will make a huge change to your life...a very positive change.

    I am hoping for everything to go 100%, and hopefully you will have internet access. We will want daily updates.

    Hospital parking is getting very expensive these days...if you can get a space. I thought visits were a good way to make patients feel better....not to be used just as a money maker.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,560
    Oldfarmer - tires are probably the 1st performance upgrade I'd make to any vehicle. They can alter a vehicle's ride & even dramatically alter the way a car handles.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,701
    edited July 2011
    A friend spent lots of days in two Cincinnati area hospitals in N. Kentucky--free parking at both!

    Our local hospital, 1 of 2 that control everything now, has $3 parking for the day.

    I feel that we are lucky after hearing others' comments.

    IIRC the University Hospital in Cincy had a weekly parking pass for purchase for patients and their visitors. That was years ago.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Are you kidding? The lousy hospitals charge for parking???

    Can't you get your ticket validated? What a bunch of crap!

    Hang in there tough guy! We will all be here for you as in the past!

    You'll probably outlive all of us!
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,560
    If anybody can pull through this, you can. I know you can do it.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    and more to the point how my wife deals with things and four kids (older two are more or less grown at 22 and 19 well 19 in a matter of days) but the younger two are 9!

    If they're not grown up at 22 and 19 I'd despair. I bought my first (used) car at 17 and my first house at 22, and without any financial help for either.
    Hopefully they'll be helping to lift the load from your wife's shoulders while you're away.

    I can't believe they hit you with parking charges. Parking for your visitors should be included with the cost of your room and be picked up by insurance.

    I certainly hope you do have internet while there. I couldn't imagine 100 days without it now. In fact I find it hard to imagine 100 days in hospital. When I went in for a quad bypass I was back home four days later.

    When you post you must let us know if you're confined to bed or are able to wander around the place. That way we'll be able to picture you when we read your posts.

    Like the others, I wish you the very best.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,145
    j....you're right about my addiction to different sheet metal. It doesn't take much to give me the itch. I view it as a hobby....not a cheap one, but a hobby nonetheless.

    Actually, getting my son graduated from college, almost having my house paid off, I've given myself a huge raise. Some of that raise has gone into my hobby.

    Richard...thanks for keeping us up-to-date on your travels. Hope to hear more when you return.

    Fezo...good news. That makes me happy (I'm sure makes you even happier).

    As Craig said, we're here for you.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    Richard-- I'm so glad that you enjoyed the trip up Pikes Peak. It is amazing when you get above the tree line. I found myself thinking about how tough it was for those people who took wagons or hiked up that thing.

    Fez-- Glad the test went well and it sounds like you are looking at some pretty good numbers. I agree about hoping that you will have internet access while in the hospital.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Can't sleep---must be too much driving and too much rich food. Glad that I came back and read your post. The #2 is very positive news. Don't worry about writing the checks. Your wife will take care of it. I'm also the check writer in the family, but my wife can do it if push comes to shove. The older children will help her and the two young ones. Your main focus has to be on getting better. Don't worry about the other things. They will work themselves out for you.

    If your room doesn't have internet service, go down to the nurse's station late at night and use theirs. After all, you're paying plenty to be there. If all else fails, call me collect and I'll post your experiences here. Where there is a will, there is a way. It's just not possible to go without that humor of yours for 100 days.

    I hope that the transplant will be soon. We'll keep our fingers crossed as well as sending up prayers. You're the toughest guy that I know. Hang in there.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    LOL! That was cute. I imagine that the poor Caddy will enjoy a nice rest, some fresh oil, and a good detail cleaning. She has worked hard of us.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    That's a great way to try the TC. I'm sure that he will be flattered when you ask him. Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

    Richard
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Steve,

    You are gonna pull through this, believe you me. If I can beat Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma you can easily beat this! I even beat ALL when I was a young'un.

    Because of my health history they won't likely take me as a donor, but if they will I'll volunteer to be tested.

    And you know.. Vauxhall makes some nice ragtops :)
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    I run the Nero A/Ss, they're rather cheap and I like them. They have nice turn in, good grip, pretty good in the wet, so so in light snow.

    Thinking of getting a set of Continental DWSs, those are as good in the snow as many snow tires and still pretty darn decent performance tires, only downside is that they can be a bit noisy.

    But remember, what *_I_* like in tires (And cars) is far from what most normal people want. Fezo has met me, I am pretty far from normal!

    Oh, and someone mentioned 40 years ago... I have bought plenty of Bias Ply tires for my old cars, the Lincoln that I am buying (I know Fezo, I know but the ragtop 56 Lincolns bring $40-50k for a so-so car and that's way way way outta budget) is going to get a new set of shoes.

    8.00-15s are $191 each and the 8.20-15s are $231 each. I get a discount of about 10% from Coker via the H.A.M.B. but stilll... oh yeah, and they last 10-15k miles! If I want performance tires for the Lincoln Dunlop Roadspeed RS5s are blackwall only in 8.00-15 and are over $400 each!

    But radials just look flat-out WRONG on a 1956....
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Lincoln Dunlop Roadspeed RS5s are blackwall only in 8.00-15 and are over $400 each!

    But radials just look flat-out WRONG on a 1956....


    Blackwalls sound just flat out wrong on a 56 Lincoln. Gotta have white walls.

    By the way, how do they get white walls for those 50s cars?

    I am going tomorrow night to see some 50s and 60s cars at the local cruise night. One guy has a Sunbeam Tiger, that's one of my favorites.
    image

    Story Behind the Tiger

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Yes, radial tires do look wrong on a 1956 and they don't ride well either.

    Those suspensions weren't tuned for radials.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Where there is a will, there is a way.

    I'm always happy to hear that phrase from you..... Going to have to check out mass transit options for the back and forth to the hospital. They only have to break even to be worth the while.

    No hitting the nurses' station for Internet. For the first while (not sure how long a while is) I'll be more or less quarantined because I'll have next to no immune system. Under such circumstances the slightest bug could be fatal. I'll no doubt be spending that time reading germ free books (no dirty books for me - sigh) and such. I'm sure they can clean up my laptop to proper standards.

    Gonna be tough on the family but each in her own way is behind this.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Yeah, you can get me a nice Vauxhall convertible... that would certainly make me stand out in the crowd. Every so often if I mention you the older kids will say "is that the guy with the funny car in Orlando?"....

    As soon as you have that Lincoln rolling I need to check it out! Tell me when you are ready.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,093
    No hitting the nurses' station for Internet

    I am sure most hospitals today offer free wi-fi. If not there are plenty of options for getting on the web. 3G cards for your laptop, smartphone hotspots, etc.

    I also have to say you are certainly taking this really well. What you have to go through seems like a tremendous undertaking and you seem very positive.

    Take care and best of luck through this.

    Tom

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Steve's attitude has always been amazing.

    I can't say I would be the same. I hate even getting a shot and there is a "procedure" I've been putting off for years...I know.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, that procedure is nothing - they put you out for it. Anyoen that wants to give me a nap is OK in my book.

    The day BEFORE the procedure is another story!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    I can't say I would be the same. I hate even getting a shot and there is a "procedure" I've been putting off for years.

    I was the same until I had to inject insulin. Now it doesn't bother me at all, although it makes my wife cringe and she hates to see me do it.

    With the fine needles they have now it really is painless 99.99% of the time.
    The other 0.01% is like a small pin prick. You feel it more taking a spot of blood from your finger tip to measure the sugar, although even that doesn't actually hurt.

    For most 'procedures' these days you get a shot that while it doesn't knock you out, leaves you feeling totally remote from what's going on, and certainly not in any discomfort.
    Afterwards you have only a partial memory of the event and are left feeling slightly sleepy, but so relaxed and comfortable that you'd happily take another shot of the same thing if it were offered!
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    The good news is that this new bone marrow test was better than the last.

    OK - here's the deal. They still very much recommend the transplant.


    I’ll say it again, we’re pulling for you and with your toughness you'll be fine. However…while you’re there see what they can do for your head. From where we’re sitting, this is really where we think the work needs done. :P

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Ya know, the thought has occurred to me.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I hate even getting a shot and there is a "procedure" I've been putting off for years...I know.

    ‘isell’…you’ve got to get this done already and stop playing around. The consequences are too great. If not for you, do it for your family. Like the others have said, there is nothing to it. I had it done about 2 years so I speak from experience. OK, maybe the day before the procedure is a little uncomfortable but that’s it. I’m sure you’ve had customers that have given you more discomfort than this, for days, so this is nothing, really.

    I don’t usually preach but I had to here.

    jmonroe

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

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,217
    Hi: Which Jag do you have? Do you run it in the winter? Forgive me if you've already gone over this...

    (New Jag XK owner, trying to figure out the coming winter!)

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,298
    "...isell...you've got to get this done already..."

    That's right, don't believe those internet myths about patients waking up with an advertisment for the doctor tatooed to their backside. That's no more likely than having the service tech take your car for a joyride and crash it.

    BTW, does your doctor look anything like this?

    http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/crime/joy-ride-with-customers-car

    No reason, just asking. :blush:

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

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,621
    'isell’…you’ve got to get this done already and stop playing around. The consequences are too great. If not for you, do it for your family.

    Absolutely -- what he said.

    I had it done a few years ago and it was pretty much a non-event. Compared to the hernia surgery I had a month ago, it was nothing at all, and the hernia thing wasn't that big a deal.

    Take care of yourself, Craig. You're among the two or three actual car sales people who are still willing to be seen here. We can't afford to lose you! :D
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    I'll add my name to the list of those who say "git 'er done," isell. I don't even like taking aspirin. However, the procedure is nothing. The only problem I had was trying not to eat too much afterwards... but I ate tons anyway.

    The prep is a pain but you are home for that. Drinking the stuff is a challenge but the results just involve sitting. :)

    They found a couple of small, non-cancerous polyps so my five years is up soon. No fears of going back.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    No problem Richard, nature was against us. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the rest of your trip. If you are like us the best part of a long trip like this....is getting HOME !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Oh it's getting whitewalls! :)

    There's a few companies who specialize in Vintage tires, Coker Tire (coker.com) in Chattanooga is one of them. They use the original molds, etc and reproduce the original bias ply tires for these cars.

    I'm probably going to order a set of General Dual 90s for the car, made off original molds. Depending on which size I use I can get Generals, US Royals, Firestones or BFGoodrich tires for the car.

    Those H rated 8.00-15 Dunlops are built for old Jaguar sedans.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    I have an 06 XJ8, it's not bad in the snow.

    If you're not running snows get the Continental DWSs, they are a bit noisy but they're as good as some snow tires in the white stuff.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    You sir will get to drive it!

    I should have it by the very end of the month... when do you start treatments?
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,829
    DWS is Dry Wet Snow
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Yowzer! Can't wait,

    I don't know yet when treatment begins. Next appointment is in either two or four weeks. Was going to be in three but the doc is off at some other thing. Guess that happens when dealing with a bigwig. Heck, in the week between my first and second appointment with him he was out of the country on some presentation he was doing. That said, he doesn't strike one as being that busy - he gives you all the time you need.

    You are my role model for this stuff. I figure that given the odds that you beat I'd be letting the whole group down if I didn't sail through this. Besides, there's the pressure on keeping the record clean for people born on our day. (Yes, folks, Bill and I have the same birthday but, shall we say, not the same year....)
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,701
    "Dual 90s".

    It's been a long time since I heard about those tires...

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    OK you guys, I'll get it done and it'll be soon.

    Heck, they might even find Jimmy Hoffa!
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I went to Dealer B today and I like the salesman's method much more than at my original dealer A. Dressed casual and don't act like corporate businessmen.

    Gave me a price with a fair size discount and lead me to believe he's work on getting a bit more off. Trade in was $2000 over the price I found on the internet.

    Seems the salesman goes with you on all test drives these days. I think it is an insurance thing, and even if they have my car and all my information, they probably have to treat every one the same.

    I tried the 535 again and I really liked it this time. 8 Speed automatic, so changes are smooth. Lots of power, solid as a rock, no bumps, no noise. Very comfortable. The gear shift is so electronic you just touch and move it about a half inch forward and the car is in reverse. A half inch back and it is in Drive. There is a button near the shifter, and when it is on it will automatically put the car in Park when you come to a stop. Just put your foot on the gas and you start to move forward again.

    I love the feel of the 5 Series now. But, I am still enjoying the convertible...but I think the next time I would consider a 535x for AWD. I am not in a rush, so I told him if someone comes in and desparately wants a car like my trade in, and they can give me top dollar, for it, and if they have a special discount on new 550s, I might be persuaded to buy a new one.

    No rush, I am enjoying the convertible for now, and I probably like 80% of convertible buyers, it will only be a one time thing. So, when I am ready I'll seriously consider the 5er.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    OK you guys, I'll get it done and it'll be soon.
    Heck, they might even find Jimmy Hoffa!


    After your inspection tell the doctor that you expect a phone call the next night, you are now going steady,
    OR
    Tell him you always wondered what it felt like to be a muppet.

    The worst part is drinking all that liquid. The exam is easy, your asleep any way.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Remember these for the occasion.....

    1. "Take it easy, Doc. You're boldly going where no man has gone before!

    2. "Find Amelia Earhart yet?"

    3. "Can you hear me NOW?"

    4. "Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"

    5. "You know, in Arkansas, we're now legally married."

    6. "Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?"

    7. "You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out..."

    8. "Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!"

    9. "If your hand doesn't fit, you must quit!

    10. "Hey Doc, let me know if you find my dignity."

    11. "You used to be an executive at Enron, didn't you?"

    12. "Boy, now I know why I am not gay."

    13. "Could you write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up
    there?"

    And of course this wonderful chestnut - Dave Barry's colonoscopy.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,829
    edited July 2011
    After 1 through 13, I afraid to click on that link.
    I'll just wait someone else to do it first.
    I think a #14 with a reference to Jimmy Hoffa could be a good fit...err, um, could work?. :blush:
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,145
    edited July 2011
    Driver....if I hauled more than just the GF and me around, I would have considered the 5 more seriously. As it stands, last time I used a back seat for people was when I still owned my Tahoe.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    7. "You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out..."

    It's always fun to hear those. And Dave Barry's experience is a medical classic.

    The exam is so important some Hollywood people have Colonoscopy parties...they all go at one time and make it an event.

    Hope this doesn't scare him though..............

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    if I hauled more than just the GF and me around, I would have considered the 5 more seriously.

    GG, I know what you mean. The first time I tried the 5 I thought it was just a big American car that handles much better. But the 2nd time I could appreciate the smooth, quiet, solid ride and the comfort.

    But the 3 is more nimble and really more fun. It is a more youthful car. Your still pretty young and you don't need a 5 yet. I think you should enjoy the 3 for now...it's fun and it is a great car for 2 passengers, with a bit of extra room if you really need it.

    I pretty much came to that conclusion. I am going to keep the 3 for awhile, I still like the fun element for now. I can wait for the 5 when comfort is more important than fun. I don't think anyone under 55-60 should choose a 5 over a 3.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Disclosure - I'm 47 and will turn 50 in December 2013, so I've not been through this process.

    Now - I was brave enough to click on the link.

    Good thing I was on mute on my Korea conference call, as I laughed out loud several times. Dave Barry will do that to you.

    While I will celebrate my 50th birthday with all the gusto I can manage, I do expect to have this done not long afterward -- hey, perhaps a Christmas present to myself! Woo hoo!

    Can't be much worse than the 'snipping' procedure I had .. heck, I had the procedure on Friday and was on a plane to Philadelphia on Sunday. Just walked slow through the airport.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    I don't think anyone under 55-60 should choose a 5 over a 3.

    What about a 1 over a 3?

    As I continually bat about the fun car I will eventually get myself, I admit to having thoughts of a CPO BMW.

    I've test driven both a 128i (auto) and a 328i coupe (stick) in the past couple of years.

    Since we already have a family car (the CX-7), utility isn't a huge priority for me. But, I do tote golf clubs around from time to time, and the trunk on the 1 is only 10 cu. ft. Guess I should take them to the dealer and see if they fit.

    And, would be nice if the wife and I could get a weekend bag or two into the trunk for a trip to the mountains.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    If you are considering a 550 over a 535 might wanna take resale into consideration...

    V8 engined 5 series = bad resale.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    The exam is so important some Hollywood people have Colonoscopy parties...they all go at one time and make it an event.

    If any of you watch the TV series "Men of a Certain Age", that's exactly what the 3 characters did .. drove to Palm Springs and made a boys' weekend out of it.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Well, us and Rod Stewart too ;)

    I should have the Lincoln here hopefully by the last weekend of the month, if I am lucky, failing that first week in August. So we should have enough time to get ya behind the wheel of it.

    I'm ordering tires for it this week :D
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,398
    I run the Nero A/Ss, they're rather cheap and I like them. They have nice turn in, good grip, pretty good in the wet, so so in light snow.

    I like them too; I run them as winter tires on the MS3 and year-round on the X3.

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,398
    If you are considering a 550 over a 535 might wanna take resale into consideration...

    I spent about 30 minutes in an F10 535i and all I kept thinking was, "Old man's car."

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

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