Stories from the Sales Frontlines

oldfarmer50

"...My Genny has been trouble free...ever since it stranded me twice..."

A brand new car stranded you TWICE? That's a record equal to my $900 Van. I've got to hear that story! :surprise:

oldfarmer50

"...Just in case your wife is reading this..."

Luckly for me she was researching garden gnomes when you posted.

604doc

I've been researching trucks too. My lease is up in December, so I'll be buying then. (I know, leases aren't smart. Did it once, wouldn't do it again)

Anyhoo, I'm leaning towards a Honda Ridgeline. I don't need a full size truck, since I don't tow or carry heavy loads, and living in the city, a smaller truck makes more sense for me.

If I can't find, or make a decent deal on the Ridgeline when the time comes, I will look at F-150 Supercrews. (That's the four door) You usually can't beat the incentives on Ford trucks.

I was disappointed that you can't get leather on the 2011 XLT. You also can't get nav or a sunroof if you're interested in those things. You have to step up to a "lariat".

Realistically, if I couldn't work out a Ridgeline deal, I'd probably go with the Nissan Frontier crew cab. Those F150's are sweet though!

Nelson

mac24

We bought it because that's what my wife wanted. She's had pickups in the past and likes both the higher driving position and the feeling of driving something big and solid.

We don't actually do that much hauling compared to some, but it's surprising just how useful a pickup bed is just for everyday use.

We got the SuperCrew with the short (5.5') bed.
It makes an excellent all purpose vehicle with more than enough room to seat three giant NFL players in the back, or if the seats are folded up you could stack a huge amount of cargo in there on the flat floor.
The short bed give a manageable overall size to the truck but will easily carry anything with an 8' x 4' footprint if the tailgate is opened flat.

Think of a pickup as the Swiss Army Knife, or Leatherman Tool of the automotive world.

jmonroe

I have had sa similar problem with the BMW. Radio, doesn't come on....leave the car for a few hours, it works again.

Are you trying to tell me my Genny radio is a cousin to your BMW. :confuse:

They are supposed to give you a BMW but all their cars were out apparently, so I got a Nissan Versa.

I don't know what I'm supposed to get from Hyundai (probably nothing) but my loaner was an Enterprise Kia Rio rental. It was better than having Mrs. j meet me the night before when I dropped off the Genny and then do the reverse when the car was fixed but that's about all it was better than.

When I mentioned this to Son #1, he just shook his head and said, "if Hyundai wants to play with the big boys they have to do better than that when you buy their upscale car". Then he goes on to tell me how you get a BMW when you have a BMW (didn't happen for you though) and when you have an MB you get a ... and so on.

Made me feel like I should be looking elsewhere for my next buy.

jmonroe

snakeweasel

Last week the temperature here in the Burgh was well into the 90’s but at night when the sun went down it was pretty pleasant. This explained why we saw so many convertibles.

Hate to say this but even with 100+ degree weather and high humidity I had the top down each and every day. I also have it down at high speed Interstate driving.

My philosophy is if it isn't raining and above 60 the top is down.

Me: There, see that. That guy doesn’t even have hair and he looks pretty good in that car. I’d look smashing in that thing. It just so happened to be a BMW but you get my point.

Very often I get very complementary remarks when I am in the Sebring with the top down, and usually from very young ladies. And I am a pudgy balding middle age guy. That won't happen in a Prius.

jmonroe

Very often I get very complementary remarks when I am in the Sebring with the top down, and usually from very young ladies. And I am a pudgy balding middle age guy.

Damn...makes me feel like I oughta take my 3/4 HP reciprocationg saw to the roof on the Genny. :shades:

jmonroe

jayrider

After market leather is an option and may run about a grand installed. Have the dealer where you buy give you an estimate. The jobs I've seen are nice and you can pick your color and style.

tjc78

Richard, I've always liked those Lincoln pickups. They aren't for heavy hauling, or contractors but are great for someone who wants some luxury in their pickup.

JMonroe, You may have just been unlucky and the dealer was out of Genny loaners. I usually have no problem getting a loaner, but there was one time I ended up in an Enterprise.

Oldfarmer, long story short: The car kept having no power with a fully charged battery. It required a tech to re-torque and clean all the grounds. It died on highway once (but restarted), my driveway, my office and left me at a restaurant having to call roadside assistance.

driver100

It died on highway once (but restarted), my driveway, my office and left me at a restaurant having to call roadside assistance.

All the cars I have owned in over 45 years, about 20 cars, haven't broken down that many times.

sterlingdog

"Too much!"

Of course it is. I was just kidding you. It's an '08 with 23K miles. Edmunds says it's worth $12K on a trade and $13,600 on a private sale.

Richard

sterlingdog

I've looked at a lot of trucks and the F150 is the only style that I really like. I prefer the Supercrew as well. If I get one, I want a large one. I, too, am surprised that no leather comes on the XLT. As Jayrider says, it can be added for about one grand. I've seen it done and they do a great job. It looks factory installed.

Richard

sterlingdog

I totally agree with your wife. I like a higher driving position and the feeling of big and solid. I don't need one for hauling; I would just like to own one. With my poor vision, I can see so much better if the vehicle is higher. Your purchase is exactly what I would like to have. We'll see. Both of our cars are paid for now. I don't know for sure if I want to write another check for a car so soon. Though we are very comfortable now, I'm a little nervous spending so much money. We just finished a yard redo for $7k and the trip out West for $6K. I also chipped in $6k for my two great nephews to attend private school next year. We spent so many years working 3 jobs between the two of us, flipping houses, and selling antiques. I still can't seem to get adjusted to the fact that we can write a check for most anything we want. While I appreciate what our relatives left us, I just don't want to be wasteful with money. I remember too well how hard money was to come by during our years in education. Still, a truck would be nice. I'm still in the "thinking" stage at this point.

Richard

sterlingdog

Tom, I did some research on the Lincoln trucks. They look mighty fine but are really pricey. There were only four used ones within 200 miles of me. The two '08s were like $33K and had between 30K and 50K miles. That's a lot of money for a three year old truck. I can get a 2010 F150 Supercrew with low miles for the upper $20s. I would be just as happy with one of those. Still, it was great fun looking at the Lincolns. Thanks for the tip.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Damn...makes me feel like I oughta take my 3/4 HP reciprocating saw to the roof on the Genny."

Ahhhh---a Genny convertible. What a good looking car that would be.

Richard

snakeweasel

Ahhhh---a Genny convertible. What a good looking car that would be.

You mean one of these? To bad Hyundia nixed it.

sterlingdog

Can't believe they didn't keep that convertible.

Richard

snakeweasel

Maybe because they are supposedly coming out with the Sonata Convertible.

carolm3sams3

i rather use convertible

driver100

I've looked at a lot of trucks and the F150 is the only style that I really like.

They look nice in bright yellow...is that what you will be getting?

driver100

......or this one in California. He just wants $48,000 for it.


You could fly to Atascadero California, pick it up and drive it back.....
F150 For Sale

sterlingdog

I think that I would prefer bright red in a truck.

Richard

driver100

For anyone who might be curious, or likes to read these things, this was a very nicely report comparing the two cars. Seems both are great, if you need 4 doors go with the Audi, if you like to be edgier and are just going for the driving experience, then the 335 will probably be a better choice.
lCompare S4 to 335is

driver100

I think that I would prefer bright red in a truck.

Ahhh, more like this................

driver100

Or if you like that feeling of being higher....

roadburner

I have no idea, that's why I'm asking. I do like the automatic part. No clutch pedals for me, please.

If you want a slushbox the SMG is not for you(or anyone, really). Either buy an E36 M3 with a true autobox or get an E90 with the DCT.

roadburner

Seems both are great, if you need 4 doors go with the Audi, if you like to be edgier and are just going for the driving experience, then the 335 will probably be a better choice.

BMW sells a dealer installed Performance kit that ups the hp of any 335i to that of the is(sans the overboost function), so you can get a four door with equivalent performance. In fact, I believe BMW now offers that kit on new 3ers for only $500.

tjc78

They look mighty fine but are really pricey

I think new they are into the 50s. I just wanted you to look at them. I thought that they would be a little cheaper than the ones you found used.

Still nothing at all wrong with an F150. If I was buying a truck that is exactly what I would be buying.

driver100

BMW now offers that kit on new 3ers for only $500.

Very interesting....thanks for the comments, that is an eye opener. Surprising, the two cars have about the same level of performance, both cost about the same, both are excellent, but, they are slightly different.

fezo

Of course it is. I was just kidding you. It's an '08 with 23K miles. Edmunds says it's worth $12K on a trade and $13,600 on a private sale.

OK. I'll up my offer to $100. I have to spend the rest on this new expense of parking in New York City.

mako1a

Thank you, RB, I respect your advice and have questions.

E36 M3? What is that? A different version of a BMW M3?

Why not the SMG? Do you know how hard it is to find an A/T in anything foreign with 300+ HP?

What is an E90 and a DCT. I have no idea. If it's a Volvo I'll pass.

I just sold a pro street Camaro and want to get something more refined.

I'm 61 and want something slick looking/driving that won't break down,

but will still look sharp at the local car show.

fezo

"Damn...makes me feel like I oughta take my 3/4 HP reciprocating saw to the roof on the Genny."

Ahhhh---a Genny convertible. What a good looking car that would be.

Yeah, but getting that top back up is the real trick! May have to wait until they offer a factory one.

I'm waiting to hear something more solid on the Sonata convertible. I hear lots of rumors and really tempting pictures but no "yes, we're going to do it" or say an approximate date.

Until then I think I'l looking at a used Solara (Bill?) unless I can get richard down further.

roadburner

E36 M3? What is that? A different version of a BMW M3?

Soory, I lapsed into BMW-speak... An E36 is the 1995-1999 M3. A five speed automatic was an option. It actually works quite well, but most M3 enthusiasts dismiss it out of hand. Therefore, an automatic M3 brings less money than the manual. Horsepower is only 240, but it still moves out pretty well.

Why not the SMG? Do you know how hard it is to find an A/T in anything foreign with 300+ HP?

The SMG is a six speed manual box that has the shift rods and clutch hydraulically controlled by computer. The various controllers and pump are uber-expensive if they go south. It works OK on the track, but the shift action is slow and jerky around town. One fellow instructor had an SMG car and loved it; he told me that after you drive one for a month or so you will really like it. I hate them; I had to pass on a gorgeous Velvet Blue M3 for that very reason. If you want 300+ hp and no clutch look at a 2008-up Mitsubishi Evolution MR- only 291 hp, but it has a slick double clutch tranny. Just don't be surprised when you find that the only words Mitsubishi service people know are "Warranty claim denied."

What is an E90 and a DCT. I have no idea. If it's a Volvo I'll pass.

An E90 is the current M3. The DCT is a double-clutch transmission. Mitsu(as noted above), Porsche, and VW/Audi also use them(as does Ford in the Focus). It really is a nice box. You can set shift speed in both manual and automatic mode.

I'm 61 and want something slick looking/driving that won't break down,

but will still look sharp at the local car show.

How about a newer Z4 with the DCT? A really sweet car:

mako1a

If you want 300+ hp and no clutch look at a 2008-up Mitsubishi Evolution MR

You can't get into a car show with a Misterbitchy. Besides, aren't those for the tuner crowd?

I'm all done with street racing. Just looking to style around in a nameplate that's fun to drive.

Thanks for tip on SMG even though that might eliminate BMW. Z4-and the doggies go where?

sterlingdog

Did you give up on the yellow Vette? It certainly is a beautiful car.

Richard

sterlingdog

"...unless I can get richard down further."

All things are negotiable. :P

Richard

mako1a

Did you give up on the yellow Vette?

I've had a couple. Nice, but small on cargo and big in the garage.

BMW M3 was my target vehicle, Vette was just in the same place.

I think I'll blow off Raleigh and all of NC. Folks in W Va are amazingly

easier to deal with. Better than the same number stutter you get in NC.

mako1a

Richard, don't get to liking that Vette. I'm quite familiar with car selling/buying on ebay and that Vette just had a "cap bid" then a retraction. In other words, a guy bid $21,100 last night to kind of claim the car with a 2k bump then pulled his bid. Obviously after getting a closer look at the product, he saw something real bad about it. Just pass on that one.
Yellow 2004 Vette

oldfarmer50

"...You can't get into a car show with a Misterbitchy...aren't those for the tuner crowd?..."

Hey! :mad: Just what kind of car snobs do you hang around with? You mean they wouldn't let me in with my car:

http://ucimages.services.autobytel.com/cyber/158955/iHP4257A_1.jpg

It may not be in the same class as a BMW but at less than half the price you could buy two in different colors to suit your mood.

The tuner crowd abandoned Mitsu in 2000 when the Eclipse went from an AWD turbo to it's current FWD.

Just for the record I've had no problem with the little warranty work I've had done. I think that reputation came from owners of highly modified turners (voids warranty) and half-mad EVO drivers who tracked them like an episode of Top Gear.

roadburner

I think that reputation came from owners of highly modified turners (voids warranty) and half-mad EVO drivers who tracked them like an episode of Top Gear.

Here's my gripe: Mitsubishi promoted the car as a track-ready monster- ads showing WRC cars blasting through the woods and product placement in the Fast and Furious films. Yet they would void a warranty for simply competing in an autocross or -in one case I know of- voiding the warranty for touching the rev limiter too many times(np over-revs, just hitting the limiter). I've tracked a bunch of Bimmers as well as my Mazda and track driving was never an issue.

mac24

Mitsubishi promoted the car as a track-ready monster- ads showing WRC cars blasting through the woods and product placement in the Fast and Furious films. Yet they would void a warranty for simply competing in an autocross

Similar to Ford's current attitude towards their customers who purchased Raptors, which Ford heavily promote as desert race pre-runners with videos showing them flying through the air and leaping over sand dunes.

Unfortunately, when their customers took them at their word they ended up with bent frames.
"Well", said Ford, "you've abused them haven't you. No warranty for you!" :mad:

mako1a

The old dog-new trick mantra seems to be catching up with me.

While those "foreign jobs" look nice and some nameplates are catchy,

I better go back to what I know and find some way to put a Shaker

Stereo in a Mustang without buying all the garbage I don't want.

mako1a

Ford's current attitude towards their customers who purchased Raptors

Am I really that old? Ford Raptor?? I've never heard of that (or seen one).

isellhondas

" Am I really that old"

Yeah, you are. Me too since I've never heard of a Raptor either nor have I seen one.

oldfarmer50

"...voiding the warranty for touching the rev limiter..."

Yeah, that does sound kind of unreasonable when you market a car as racer. Maybe Mitsu just had one too many claims from boi racers who blew out their transmissions street racing and expected the company to foot the bill.

Just TOUCHING the rev limiter? Yikes, even I have done that. :surprise:

houdini1

I think it is a hybrid...half truck and half dinosaur.

oldfarmer50

"...I've never heard of a Raptor..."

Geesh, try to keep up old fella. :P

Here's a picture of richard64 test driving one:

http://thespeedzine.danielvining.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/FordRaptor2.jpg

I understand that he's waiting until the extracab model comes out.

sterlingdog

"Better than the same number stutter you get in NC."

That's why you needed me to negotiate for you. You mountaineers are tough to handle. :P As for the Vette, not to worry. I'm in the truck mood (mode) now.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Here's a picture of richard64 test driving one."

Talk about "feel of the road"! I didn't even see a road.

Richard

mac24

Here's a picture of richard64 test driving one.
I understand that he's waiting until the extracab model comes out.

Here he is in the now available Supercrew version: