Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    A great way to deal with those warning lights is a few well trimmed pieces of electical tape. Worked great on a 79 Caprice I owned. Gee, a convertible in Seattle -- hope the top is tight but when you're young it is a different world.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    However I am everyone else who posts here.
    BTW how are jipster and me similar?


    I think the confusion is because you and Jipster never post at the very same time.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I drove it in. It's sitting in front of your store.

    If you ever had to deal with my local Ford guy you'd better bring Vinny with a bat. He's just that anal.

    They will shovel snow off them and wait for spring rather than make a penny less in the fall. ADMs in this market. I hope they go out of business.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "I can't believe the grammar/spelling police missed that one."

    Oh, I didn't miss it. It jumped out at me like blood on a white sheet. I let it pass because he got ticked at me when I pointed out an error last month. I was a little surprised because he always takes it in good stride. He also got on my case for reading instead of watching the scenery on our trip. We were in Nebraska at the time. There's only so much scenery in Nebraska. He's usually such a nice guy---must have had a bad two days. It happens.

    Richard
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,144
    mako....I know those types of dealerships. There's a local dealer group that has stores for Chevies, Infinitis, Jags, Audis, Porsche's and probably others I don't know about.

    Every time I'm in the market for one of the the brands they carry, I take a little trip to one of their stores. Every time, they try to bump me, even though they know I'm a "one offer" customer. Invariably, I walk out, only to be called a day, a week, a month later by them asking me to come back in to deal. As I tell them, "Said it before, say it again, I made one and only one offer".

    It's not like Mustangs aren't plentiful. How a dealer can try to hold ADM on them just seems crazy to me. They've got some competition in the Camaro (which is actually outselling the Mustang). I guess some dealership's are oblivious to the competition. That's a recipe for failure.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I thought that you wanted a yellow one.

    Richard
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I did, but now I don't. I saw one up close.

    It's like a mustard gold and looks well...not good.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,394
    edited August 2011
    Just to have a little fun with one of the dealers, I visited after a phone call they made to me stating they were giving "great deals" on Mustangs.

    As I told them, "8 months ago, you said there was no way anyone would sell one to me at my offer (about $100 above invoice on an X-Plan). I ordered it at that price and got it 3 months later. I drove it in. It's sitting in front of your store. Now, you say you would have beat that deal?"

    I smirked and left.


    I think I mentioned this before, but I considered buying a new 2008 Mustang Bullitt, but the local dealer laughed and scratched when I mentioned X-Plan(their Bullitt Mustangs were wearing $10K ADM stickers.
    Ten months later the same Bullitt Mustang was nailed to the showroom floor and they were frantically emailing me with offers of employee pricing and rebates. I wished them a very Merry Chapter 13 and told them to pound sand.
    All the way to where the sun don't shine...

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

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    edited August 2011
    I'm already thinking into the fall.

    I like what isell did and buy something totally off the norm.

    I'm thinking big honkin' Truck.

    2007 F-250 Hi Miler

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    edited August 2011
    "Oil prices have dropped almost 20% in two weeks. Get that screaming truck deal quick..."

    Maybe in New York, but not here. In the last two weeks, we've gone from $3.65 to $3.80 a gallon.

    That screaming truck deal took a nose dive when I screamed at the 600+ drop in the market yesterday. The only thing that I'm buying today is a loaf of bread. :sick: It's pretty sad when your country loses its AAA credit rating that was assigned to it in 1917. Stupid Congress---playing political games and a president frightening the elderly with a threat of no Social Security checks. Those boys need a good old fashioned trip to the barn for a horse whipping.

    Richard
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    My mom just bought a 2011 Ford Fiesta. Trading in her 2003 Malibu.

    Gee, how did this Chevy owner ever turn to Ford?

    I know how the owner of a ‘95 Monte Carlo turned to Hyundai. It had everything to do with a drinking problem that it acquired in 2005 with 67K miles and this car was babied too. Then there was the ’95 Bonneville that couldn’t hold onto its paint in 2000 with less than 48K miles. That was enough for me.

    It’s going to be a cold day in Hawaii when I ever set foot in a GM store again or own another GM car and that’s all I ever owned, EVER, until 2005.

    jmonroe

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "I like what Isell did..."

    We could do the same---split the cost. I'll keep it six months and you keep it six months. :P We actually live close enough to do it. :D

    Richard
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Fuel prices are the least of my worries. 6k miles/year won't break me.

    When my wife went Diamond Jim Brady on the grocery account...
    part of what she bought doubled in value yesterday, so we're good.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    To be honest, I felt the same way---stuck with Ford and Chrysler for years after such bad luck with Buicks and Cadillacs. Then my wife drug me to GM with the SRX. So far so good. I would have never believed it. Still, it hasn't been a year yet. We'll see.

    Richard
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,394
    "My mom just bought a 2011 Ford Fiesta."

    We considered a Fiesta for my son. He likes the hatchback so I had my uncle(a retired Ford employee) look up X Plan pricing. On an SE hatch with just the 203A package(sound system upgrade, essentially) X Plan saves you less than $50. Which is still several hundred more than a Mazda2 Touring.

    So we are back to looking at used cars. We checked out a 2002 Mini Cooper on Friday; it was at the MINI dealer. The young sales guy was nice and not at all pushy. They had just taken the car in trade and it wasn't detailed yet. I still drove it and I told the sales guy I was interested. He said it was going to be detailed and he'd call me when it was ready. We drove by the dealer last night and the car was still sitting where I parked it on Friday. I do think it is kind of odd that they didn't detail it ASAP since they have an interested customer...

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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,088
    edited August 2011
    It’s going to be a cold day in Hawaii when I ever set foot in a GM store again or own another GM car and that’s all I ever owned, EVER, until 2005.

    I had a 98 Olds 88 that was a nightmare, but, things change. I think GM is better than they were 15 years ago in terms of the products they are producing. There are still some models that need to go away (Impala) but they are getting there.

    In the next few weeks I may test drive a Buick LaCrosse and I'll report back. It would take a hell of a car to get me back in a new GM, but you never know.

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "6K miles/year won't break me."

    You made a good point. Neither one of us would probably drive a truck more than that per year. I'm thinking that maybe I won't trade the convertible, just buy a used truck for fun. The '07 that you posted looked nice, but that price seemed a little high. I'll have to check out the "used but not abused" ones in our area.

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Keep the convertible? NOW what am I supposed to do?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Regardless of the warning lights, you got a beautiful car at a great price. Perhaps the BMW service department can give some advice as to how to fix those warning lights. Wonder if it would cost much to do this?

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "NOW what am I supposed to do?"

    Make an offer and see what happens. :P

    Richard
  • tommister2tommister2 Member Posts: 393
    According to trucar I can get a Mustang GT Premium for $4900 off MSRP in Virginia. I bet you can find one at the price you want closer than Texas. You might be able to make a nice trip out of it.

    I'm all for a big F250 as well! Either way could be a fun vehicle, just different kinds of fun.

    Tom in Virginia
    2011 Toyota Camry, 2014 Jeep Wrangler, 2017 Honda Civic Coupe, 2019 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid XSE, 2021 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Toyota 4Runner, 2022 Tesla Model 3
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "It's like a mustard gold..."

    Yikes! I agree. That color would have to be removed from my list.

    Richard
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,144
    edited August 2011
    burner.....the sad part regarding Mako's Ford dealer, he apparently learned nothing over the last few years given the woes the auto industry went through.

    I don't know of ANY car buyer that would look at ADM sticker and say...."well, that's a fair deal".

    Car buyers left GM, Ford and Chryco in droves. You would think the dealers would have learned that lesson, but apparently not.

    It seems whenever I'm in the market, and the dealership(s) that don't get my business never seem to want to know why. Some want to know, most don't however. You would think that would be a learning opportunity. They had a person with cash in hand, wanting to buy a car, but couldn't turn me into a customer. Wouldn't the reason "why" be a good source of information to a dealer?

    How can you improve unless you know how you failed?

    Then, there are some dealers, although rare, who want to know why you shopped and bought somewhere else. They contact me. And, I'm more than happy to share my thoughts an feelings with them. You can bet when I'm shopping again that I'll talk to those dealers again.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,556
    Nice Car Dude! You'll have tons of fun in your new (used) E36 drop top.

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Nope, the SRS light stays on all of the time. Surprisingly, this didn't bother the guy I bought it from one bit.

    I have learned that it's probably the worst thing it can be and if it is, it just may stay on forever.

    Son called, on his way to work this morning at Nintendo, another lovely warning light came on. Now, it seems to have a burned out tailight.

    It is so typically a BMW!

    Oh, the seller only had one key. Of course, the replacement has to come from BMW and it'll ONLY be 150.00 or so.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited August 2011
    Well, I'm pretty savvy when it comes to cars and I can usually tell the good from the bad. I look at the overall car a lot more than what the odometer says.

    And, I really drill the sellers.. If they have the wrong answers to my questions, I'm gone. If they stutter and stammer and tell me they are selling it for a friend, I'm gone. Ditto with the flippers or the people who can't understand English.

    If the title is in someone else's name, no matter what their "reason for selling" is...goodby.

    Craigslist is a haven for curbstones, flakes and salvage titled cars!
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited August 2011
    " Wonder if it would cost much to do this"

    Well, of course it's going to cost a lot. It's a BMW!

    Breaks
    More
    Wallets

    Remember?

    I have a great Indy shop 5 minutes from my home that some of my fellow Kiwanis swear by so I'll check with them.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I'll probably be in for this before long - Sorry you're sick, but wow, you're so skinny!

    :(
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,556
    I just built my own 2011 Mustang GT with a 6 speed manual transmission, cloth seats, no sunroof, brembro brake package, & 412 hp V8 with an MSRP of $31,800! Assuming a moderate discount (and that you can find such an animal at a Ford dealer) that is a screaming bargain of a performance car for less than $30K!

    I know 2 guys who have bought cars with ADMs.

    One has an '07 GT500 Shelby Mustang (Black/Silver Stripes) that he paid $20K over sticker for. He's barely driven the car & has had it for almost 5 years & LOVES it. Never plans to sell it.

    The other guy has an '09 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 that he paid $10K over MSRP for. He's been trying to dump his car & rarely ever drives it.

    fezo - Best of luck to you my friend. I'm going into the hospital for a small procedure (Hernia) on 8/19 & will make sure they swab me for bone marrow.

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    In the next few weeks I may test drive a Buick LaCrosse and I'll report back. It would take a hell of a car to get me back in a new GM, but you never know.

    If, by chance, I ever decide (highly unlikely) to set foot into a GM showroom it will be a Buick store. The most reliable car I’ve owned so far was an ’80 Park Ave. I had that thing until ’97. I should never have gotten rid of it. The body was perfect and all it needed was a $400 tranny. Everything worked on it, even the A/C. Guess what replaced it? The no good alcoholic ’95 Monte Carlo that drank itself to death with 67K miles on it. :mad:

    jmonroe

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I'm thinking that maybe I won't trade the convertible, just buy a used truck for fun.

    I would check with headquarters first to find out where you will be parking it.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    mako--

    Just for kicks I checked out the Ford dealership in my old hometown because they always claimed to have more Fords on their lot than any place besides River Rouge. I only saw two 2012 Mustangs, but one was this incredibly cool looking GT coupe with most most aggressive looking paint job I have ever seen on a production car (a bit like the mid-60s Batmobile). You'll definitely stand out in the crowd with that model, but resale could be problematic. Go to Varsity Ford and plug in 2012 Mustang GT to check it out. Of course, the MSRP is $48K. Ouch! Maybe you should be looking at BMWs.

    Gogiboy
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,769
    sounds like a Laguna Seca model.

    '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

  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    "Stock Market go's down 635 points and I buy another car??? "

    That's okay isell because you get the residuals for having your own list (craig's list, that is). So now you're buying cars off your own list to keep the economy solvent--good for you. A BMW and a Buick, are you working your way through the auto manufacturer's alphabet? Don't worry, you'll have to work through a lot of brands before getting to VW.

    Gogiboy
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I have learned that it's probably the worst thing it can be and if it is, it just may stay on forever.

    It is so typically a BMW!


    Well, I’d like to say congratulations on your purchase but I’m not sure that is appropriate now. I’m confused as to why you would buy an aging BMW given your experience with them over the years.

    Just be glad you don’t live in PA. We have annual state inspections and all lights MUST be out (no tape allowed) and I mean ALL lights and they jump all over the safety and emission system lights here.

    jmonroe

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Oh, I've owned VW's and will probably never have another.

    I grew up with REAL Volkswagens! Bugs and busses that were simple and as tough as a box of rocks!

    Not anymore...
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,394
    edited August 2011
    Son called, on his way to work this morning at Nintendo, another lovely warning light came on. Now, it seems to have a burned out tailight.

    Relax, it's an ridiculously easy fix; use only silver base Osram Sylvania bulbs- available at Autozone or Advance Auto. When replacing the bulb, clean the socket using electrical contact cleaner and apply a thin coat of dielectric grease to the base of the bulb. For what It's worth, I don't think I've replaced more than 4 or 5 bulbs on my 2004 and 1995 BMWs combined.

    Oh, the seller only had one key. Of course, the replacement has to come from BMW and it'll ONLY be 150.00 or so.

    It's because BMW uses a rolling code immobilizer- EWS in BMW-speak. It prevents the car from starting unless the key has the proper code- and the system resets the code every time the key is used to start the car.

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Thie is BMW number three for us and I fully under theri strengths and weaknesses. Of all of the European cars, I think they are the best.

    They are, however, quirky, fussy and expensive to fix.

    Some people have picked on my for defending Hondas.

    Hondas may be boring and they may lack the "feel of the road" but they simply don't break. I can count the times on five fingers that I have seen a Honda with a warning light on. They never burn oil and never leak oil until the pan gaskets start seeping around 150,000 miles.

    I knew what I was getting into and I may regret this later.

    Anyone want a Reatta? I'm out of garage space now!
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I appreciate the tip on the bulb. I may be leaning on you a lot.

    Yeah, Hondas uses anti theft keys too and they are a PITA.

    It was so much simpler in the old days when any hardware store could cut a key for a dollar!
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,144
    Did a quick search for Mustang GTs within a 100 mile radius. There are 57 GTs, 32 are convertibles. That doesn't include a bunch of Shelby GT's either (which seem to be plentiful, too).

    Mako and NYC, come to Cincinnati. We'll go trolling the Ford lots for a GT 'vert. I'll pretty much guarantee we'll strike a skinny deal with that kind of stick situation.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I just built my own 2011 Mustang GT

    Actually you just built a 2012 since they quit building 2011s three months ago.

    Don't worry, just a quick price adjustment (holy$%^%%) and we're done.

    Don't forget you have to go premium for 2012 to get brembos and you don't get a spare tire.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Fezo, you made me spill iced tea on my keyboard.

    Keep the convertible? NOW what am I supposed to do?

    That's just too funny.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I see your point. If a second key will cost $150, I hate to think what any repair bills would be!

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Ah. Just doing my job.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,297
    RE: 20% drop in oil prices----

    "...Maybe in NY, but not here. In the last two weeks, we've gone from $3.65 to $3.80 a gallon..."

    It takes a few weeks for crude prices to be reflected at the pump but my prediction still holds. In fact, since I made the mistake of locating you in the wrong Carolina I will use my influnce to get your gas prices down to around $3.25 by labor day. ;)

    Buy that truck with confidence my friend, oldfarmer will take care of you.

    Just promise to get those chrome pipes that run up the side of the cab like a big rig.

    An air horn would be nice too. :P

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "That's just too funny."

    Isn't the guy a scream? I really should include him in the Will. He's worked at it harder than my niece and nephew. :P

    Driver: I checked with headquarters. She says that I can park the truck where our street dead ends at the lake. That's what another neighbor's wife had him do. His truck is a small Toyota.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You gave me a wonderful idea. I would love to have one of those air horns and the big yellow lights sitting on top. Move over Viagra. Big Daddy has come home! :P

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Isn't the guy a scream? I really should include him in the Will. He's worked at it harder than my niece and nephew.

    Now you're talking! :D
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Well now, all modern cars (I think) use a chipped key and they are all expensive.

    I called BMW and the way it works is I go in, show proof of ownership and they copy that and my driver's license. Then they submit this to BMW who shipps out a replacement key. They don't need the car for anything.

    I just spent fifteen minutes on the Reatta. I used McGuires cleaner wax on that back panel and was shocked with the results! A HUGE improvement!
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    but one was this incredibly cool looking GT coupe with most most aggressive looking paint job

    I was curious gogi so I checked it out...I see what you mean. I kind of like it but I think I would get tired of it pretty fast, and I might feel embarassed getting in and out of it. $48,500!
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

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