Stories from the Sales Frontlines

snakeweasel

I like the new Sonata alot and if a 6cyl option was available I wouldn't hesitate giving it a look, but it is on the smaller side for me.

As someone who regally drives a Sonata (wifes car) I will be the first to say that the 4 banger in that car is far more than enough power for the car. If you really need more than you really need power you can always get the turbo one. As for size my 6 foot 2 inch frame sits comfortably behind the wheel and I never have the seat all the way back. And with the drivers seat at a comfortable position I have no issues with room sitting in the back.

If you are thinking of the other cars you listed I would seriously recommend looking at the Sonata. It's comparable in size, better mileage and costs a lot less.

oldfarmer50

Best drivers:

1. Farmers...

LOL. To be honest it's hard to get a tractor pulling a hay wagon to go fast enough to get in much trouble.

houdini1

Most Lexus dealers have plenty of RX's since they are mostly made in Canada. They are short of most other models.

Those color choices surprise me also, as does buying with nav. I can see the pearl white with tan, but black on black?

isellhondas

It sounds like, right or wrong, those sales people sized you up and figured you were a non serious shopper.

sterlingdog

"Going in you're not sure about it, so I can tell you right now, you'renotgoing to be satisfied."

I think that Driver's anxiety lies more in giving up the convertible than purchasing the 535. He's loved his convertible for so long, but I feel that he is being pulled toward a more conservative, well built machine. While he is far from elderly, he is getting older and perhaps a little more refined in his out look on cars. Besides, most of us begin to get the itch after a few years of ownership. Often times, we want something different than what we had.

I also love my convertible but, with age, I'm no longer anxious to have the top down during these hot summers here. That, along with my wife's dislike of the convertible, has placed me more into a different mindset. Since I have long wanted a pick-up truck, I suppose my thinking began to turn in that direction. Though not thoroughly convinced, I do keep pondering the new possibility.

Richard

sterlingdog

I am glad that you have the Cadillac listed as an option. With a one or two year old model, you can drive in style and comfort for a lot less than the $45K-$55K sticker price. It is unbelievable to me that I am pushing Cadillacs to a living soul. Still, I have been so pleased with the SRX. You also mentioned the Town Car. You know how much I love those as well.

Though I am sure that your other options would be comfortable and nicely appointed, there is just nothing like the ride in a Caddy or Town Car. In addition, you do get such nice appointments on the interiors. Either way you go, do keep them in mind.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Yep, I am not the first one to make a mistake buying a car..."

You have plenty of company. A Buick Skylark, a Cadillac DeVille, and a Ford Granada come to mind for me. Test drives are one thing; living with it is another. All of the research in the world doesn't guarantee satisfaction. We win some; we lose some.

Richard

sterlingdog

"I know that Richard will concur with me on this one."

I don't know. I've had some "professional" students who took 6 or 7 years to graduate! :P Come to think of it, I've had some students who turned "professional". :shades:

Richard

sterlingdog

I'm really glad that you posted again. It shows that you are open to discussion and advice. We get so many people who post once and disappear into the night.

I can certainly understand how you feel about not be waited on at the dealership. In these economic times, or any time, there is no excuse for such behavior. Someone could have at least said, "We'll be with your shortly." or "Please give us a few minutes and we'll be glad to assist you." Dave (Makola) gave some good advice. A telephone call wouldn't be a bad idea. I would even be tempted to let the owner of the dealership know what happened.

I can also see why you were looking at the Focus. That 40mpg factor is certainly a drawing card. Still, as you say, you have a very nice Golf with excellent appointments. There are so many good dealerships wanting business just now. If you want to make a change, don't let this recent negative experience keep you from looking.

Hope to hear from you again. We welcome new posters to our ranks.

Best,
Richard

sterlingdog

"I can see the pearl white with tan, but black on black?"

I agree. Also, black on black would be mighty hot where I live.

Richard

explorerx4

Why didn't you just ask the receptionist to find a sales person for you?

fezo

Ah! Another man who knows the pain of a Grenada. I was fortunate in that it was my dad who bought the thing. What a piece of junk! I hated driving the thing. Unfortunately so did dad and would try to find ways to make it the only car available to drive. Thank goodness I had my own car that he didn't have keys to!

Yeah, especially in today's environment there is no reason for salesman that don't want to even get up with a "can I help you?" If I'm the salesman in that situation I figure I can look at as "this guy is in a new car already; he's not really shopping" or I can look at it as "gee, if he's gonna trade in a new car we can make a mint selling it." Oh, well...

I met a guy in the neighborhood who used to sell BMWs back when there was a dealership just up the road. One day this guy shows up in a nondescript car and still in what looked like his pajamas. None of the salesman were interested so he took the up. Turns out the guy was a local known eccentric and loaded. He bought five new BMWs for his company. You never know.

Meanwhile, on the new car front my daughter's boyfriend showed up today in a nice new Chevy Cruze. Very nice. This kid may be OK.

sterlingdog

I wonder what he thought when he met her father. :P

Richard

fezo

Good question. I like this kid. He treats my daughter right.

Such a relief after his predecessor.

I haven't gotten to really check out the Cruze - things like sitting in it - but it's a nice looking car. Looks well screwed together. My daughter of course now wants one...

driver100

you're NOT going to be satisfied

You have a good point...I think I have to want the 535 or I will miss my convertible. I am probably close to going for the 535. There are lots of advantages, more comfort, safety, larger, big tax advantage...write off 30% the first year and 20% the 2nd and 3rd.

I will miss the convertible because it will be my last one, so I have to really want the 535. If we get a place in Florida that would make the 535 more of an incentive...I would like it if we made that trip every winter.

jmonroe

If you are thinking of the other cars you listed I would seriously recommend looking at the Sonata.

I don’t mind spending someone else’s money and since ‘tjc’ said he liked everything about the Genny other than the ride, I say go for the Equus. That thing has a button to turn it into a soft rider. He’d probably never have to hit that thing again after the first push.

Just had a thought; ‘tjc’ is a Joysee guy and ‘imbrentwood’ is at a Hyundai store in Joysee, so maybe we can have a sale/purchase between posters. We haven’t had one of those since I’ve been here although I’m sure it’s happened on one these Edmunds boards somewhere.

jmonroe

driver100

take an extended test drive on the roads you drive everyday.

Excellent advice. I think we sometimes drive a car for a short distance on the roads the salesperson tells us to drive on. An extended drive wioth different conditions sounds like an excellent idea.

I calculate almost any descent car will cost about $4k to $5k a year to drive, so you didn't do too badly at all.

I guess soft ride and firm ride are big factors. What kind of mattress do you prefer. Maybe that would save every one time and money if you can equate your mattress preference to ride preference. I like a firm mattress and ride.

jmonroe

But, what is more important, enjoy the car you have or the write offs.

I don't know a whole lot about write-offs but I'm pretty sure there ain't no "feel of the road" with them. :surprise:

jmonroe

driver100

I feel that he is being pulled toward a more conservative, well built machine. While he is far from elderly, he is getting older and perhaps a little more refined in his out look on cars.

That is exactly right. I love the convertible and know it will be my last one, but there are lots of practical reasons for wanting the 535. It is more comfortable, it will be safer, it will have more room and be much better for traveling to Florida, the tax advantage is huge. Not to mention starting over with 4 full years of warranty. Another big factor is my wife doesn't really like the convertible but she does like the comfort and safety of the 535.

I think I will have to go for another test drive, with my wife and really decide. I did decide though, I won't get another convertible, I'll keep driving this one until I am ready for another car.

I have had this one for 4 years, and I haven't kept a car for that long very many times.
Decisions, decisions....but you did get my reasoning, and I think it is similar to your views on trading in the convertible for a truck. Things change, and our needs and desires change. Decisions, decisions..........

driver100

Ah! Another man who knows the pain of a Grenada.

My dad loved Fords. Bought a new Ford or Mercury every 2 or 3 years from 1954 until he bought his 76 Granada. That was his last Ford. Unfortunately he bought an Olds Omega and that was even worse. Then he bought a Camry and another Camry, that's all he wanted after his experience.

driver100

I don't know a whole lot about write-offs but I'm pretty sure there ain't no "feel of the road" with them.

No, you get "the feel of the wallet".

fezo

Just had a thought; ‘tjc’ is a Joysee guy and ‘imbrentwood’ is at a Hyundai store in Joysee, so maybe we can have a sale/purchase between posters. We haven’t had one of those since I’ve been here although I’m sure it’s happened on one these Edmunds boards somewhere.

Well, brentwood sold be an 07 Camry at his previous location but he was on Edmunds hiatus at the time so it may not count....

stickguy

different part of Joisey. probably 1.5 hours apart.

From his description, TJC sold it to autolenders, and most likely the voorhees location that I drove right by today.

sterlingdog

It nearly happened between me and Joel---red Explorer. I really miss his being here. His boss got on him for visiting this thread during work time. We never heard from him again. He was a super nice guy.

Richard

tjc78

You got it Stick. Actually they ask you to take it to their service facility on Cross Keys in Berlin.

J, the Equus is out of my price range but I certainly wouldnt mind parking that in my driveway.

Snake, I sat in the Sonata at the car show. I guess the seat wasnt adjusted right, because it just felt tight to me. I've never owned a 4 cyl (other than my GFs Elantra) so I would be leary, however, the specs on the turbo look pretty good.

Driver, go figure I like a firm mattress but a soft ride!

tjc78

Richard, you certainly right about winning some, loosing some. In ten cars this was the first one I didn't like. I've had two that were repair headaches but I liked the car otherwise.

driver100

Driver, go figure I like a firm mattress but a soft ride!

There goes that theory

I was thinking of a business where you sell mattresses and cars, and you match peoples preference....you sell 2 items at once.

Have you driven in a soft riding car lately? I am wondering if that will really be your preference. There are firm rides and there are firm rides. My Jeep Cherokee, though I liked it, was extremely firm and was only for very hardy people while the BMW is mildly firm....you just get feedback from the road, but you don't get bounced around.

Just a suggestion, go on a long ride, maybe some curvy roads, and make sure you really do want a soft ride.

driver100

It nearly happened between me and Joel---red Explorer.

I remember that. The boss should have waited until the Explorer got sold before stopping Joel.

Joel always took the time to answer all questions, hope he is selling lots of cars.

driver100

I just happened to turn the TV to a station with an info commercial for CAR MD. You plug the device into a panel near your dash, then hook it up to your computer, and it gives you a complete diagnosis of your cars engine, just like the $5000 machines the garage has. Cost was 4 payments of $40.
It looks like this;


This is what they say it can do:
CarMD simply plugs into a port found inside your vehicle – click here to find out where yours is.
Uses the same technology as those $5000 scan tools found at a local repair shop – CarMD reads powertrain (Check Engine – vehicle sensors), body (ABS – brake system), and chassis (SRS – safety system) codes.
Connects to both PC and Mac to link to CarMD’s unprecedented and award winning fix database.


► Proven & Accurate Solutions


Solutions are derived from top ASE Certified Technicians across the U.S. who understand the vehicle you drive.
The CarMD database of solutions is a living, breathing system which started over 14 years ago!
Solutions include a “real world” fix with estimated costs for your particular year, make and model.* CarMD does not give a broad fix with a wide price range; instead it provides you with a specific solution with the parts and pricing to purchase & repair your problem. Click here to see a sample.

Techies, check out the site and let me know what you think.......
Car MD

sterlingdog

You are correct. If the boss had an ounce of sense, he would have realized that Joel was working with a customer. Joel always had a strong work ethic and tried to help his customers. I always felt that he should have had his own dealership. He had experience in all departments.

Richard

sterlingdog

Me, too---firm mattress but a soft ride.

Richard

sterlingdog

Finally, I know what you mean about "feel of the road". My Jeep Cherokee bounced me all over the road. After two years of agony, I traded it for the Tahoe---loved that SUV. The ride was as different as night and day with that suspension.

Richard

mako1a

It nearly happened between me and Joel---red Explorer.

Joels store in Nashville

oldfarmer50

"...I haven't gotten to really check out the Cruze..."

If you get a chance check out the engine compartment. Tell me if you think it was designed for a much bigger motor.

driver100

Joels store in Nashville

No pictures of the sales staff.......some places do that. I wonder what the thinking is, if it is better to show sales staff or not. Might depend on how long they stay, or on their appearance I guess. I think if you were a customer coming in cold it would be better to see who you want to deal with.

driver100

Me, too---firm mattress but a soft ride.

This isn't making any sense. Two people so far who like firm mattresses and soft rides, and me, I like both to be firm...I mean mattress and ride.

We need to have more people reporting in to try to figure this out. It doesn't seem logical to prefer a firm mattress, but soft ride, but we need more data to come to any conclusions. Please offer opinions.

oldfarmer50

"...let me know what you think..."

I think that is a simple code reader similar to ones you can buy in auto parts stores for a lot less than $160. I see it on TV down here too but I think it's only $99.

Most of those same auto parts stores will read a code for you for free. My indie shop doesn't charge me either but most dealers charge $50-$100 for the service so if you only go to the dealer it might be worth it.

IMO the trouble with pulling a code is that it doesn't really tell you what the problem is but rather which sensor is detecting a problem. Take for example stickguy's relative with an "oil pressure failure". That didn't tell her what part to replace.

driver100

it doesn't really tell you what the problem is but rather which sensor is detecting a problem

I wonder if there has ever been an item advertsied on paid for TV advertising, that isn't a scam. If the item was so good why wouldn't it be in Sears and other automotive stores?

I think they say in the ads, it will tell you what the problem actually is, and how much it should cost to fix. They show people telling the mechanic his diagnosis is wrong, but the CarMD saves them hundreds and even thousands of dollars because they will know what is wrong.

The price was closer to $99 because they would make one payment for you, making it $120, plus about $50 worth of extra stuff including a carrying case.

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

mac24

You plug the device into a panel near your dash, then hook it up to your computer, and it gives you a complete diagnosis of your cars engine, just like the $5000 machines the garage has.

That's what they want you to think.

Uses the same technology as those $5000 scan tools found at a local repair shop

That's factually correct. However, it doesn't have the same features as the $5K scan tool.

Basically it's a code reader gussied up to appear to have more functionality than it actually does.

For a start, this thing reads only the standardized OBDII (and presumably CANBUS) codes that are generic to all vehicles since 1996.
However, every manufacturer has their own set of proprietary codes which are not read by this device.

Also, claim #3 is a vast oversimplfication. While there are a very small number of generic codes that indicate a failed component such as a sensor, for which the cure is to replace it and therefore the cost of parts and labor can be easily referenced, most codes refer to a fault condition which can have many causes and requires analysis of other systems and sub systems to track down the cause and therefore the cure.

The implication that this will enable you to tell the service tech what's wrong and how much he should charge you is laughable.

mako1a

Interesting chart about 2 pages down called Automotive Family Tree shows the links between car manufacturers.

CarRelationship

sterlingdog

"It doesn't seem logical to prefer a firm mattress, but soft ride..."

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the mattress doesn't move. :P

Richard

gogiboy

Damn Mac, you're bursting everyone's bubble! Does that mean that I can't count on any of those helpful products being touted regularly on TV infomercials--especially late at night? What about that stuff to help me quit smoking while burning fat and enhancing my libido?

Oh well, at least I have my overpriced Shamwow rags to keep me company when I buff in that wax that protects against flaming lighter fluid and wire brushes assaulting my car hood.

Gogiboy

driver100

While there are a very small number of generic codes that indicate a failed component such as a sensor

Great explanation...........I thought there was a scam here, but couldn't quite detect what it was. It doesn't make sense, or garages would just buy a CarMD device and save $4900!

Very nicely explained, and I liked the graphics.

driver100

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the mattress doesn't move.

I am still ROFLMAO at that comment.

fezo

Informercials.

Every so often one of these products will actually work and the stores then start selling them. The garden weasel was one of those.

driver100

The garden weasel was one of those.

I heard those garden weasels are pretty good. I listened to the song and it was quite good...I liked the line about he got presidential commemorative plates and now he can he eat his eggs off the presidents face.

mac24

I listened to the song and it was quite good...I liked the line about he got presidential commemorative plates and now he can he eat his eggs off the presidents face.

Wow, not only do you watch those infomercials but you pay close attention too! :surprise: :P

oldfarmer50

What about this product?

https://www.myfastbrite.com/?tag=im|sm|go|gn&a_aid=011&a_bid=26d6f896

I've repolished faded headlights with good results but it took a heck of a lot more than 30 seconds. More like 30 minutes if your arm doesn't give out.

driver100

Just apply Fast Brite™ Lens Restore to your yellowed, oxidized headlight lenses and watch them return to their showroom shine in just seconds!

I never had yellowed, oxidized headlight lenses before, that I know of. Is there any social issues related to this awful afliction?

mac24

I've repolished faded headlights with good results but it took a heck of a lot more than 30 seconds. More like 30 minutes if your arm doesn't give out.

You should have got this kit: H/L Kit

It's cheaper, the description is more honest, and no elbow grease is required.