Stories from the Sales Frontlines

mako1a

$975 in an enclosed carrier to my door. Affordable, with
the money I could save buying a 2 year old new car.

Checked it out after your last offer.
via Watkins Glenn and Talladega wasn't it?

sterlingdog

They didn't have the air miles program back then---1992. Wouldn't that have been great?

Richard

sterlingdog

You and I both enjoy large cars with a certain amount of luxury. I totally agree that there just isn't much out there to get excited about these days. Fortunatley, I do enjoy a really nice SUV like our SRX. Since you don't care for the SUV's, how about considering the F150? You get the large vehicle plus any luxury items that you like. The red one that I've been considering is nicely loaded with luxury options---power this and power that. It's just a thought.

Richard

fezo

Is it me or is there something seriously wrong with the concept that if you like a cushy ride you should buy a pickup truck? :confuse:

sterlingdog

Oldfarmer and I can't be the only ones here who still use check books. I still have two or three checks to write each month. Some things don't do well on bank draft. For example, my water bill can vary between $45 and $122 each month depending on how much I use the irrigation system. I just don't want that much guessing with my bank account balance. It would be covered, but I like to know what I have pretty much to the penny. It comes from those early years of living really close to the chest. Also, my lawn care guy comes every ten days. His figure varies depending on what he does. I have to give him a check. I also write checks for church and charities. There are just times when you need a bank book.

Richard

sterlingdog

"...if we could get the Smart Chip and PIN cards that a lot of Europeans use."

Our credit union just sent us our new Smart Chip and PIN cards. It is a better protective measure, and I'm glad that they did it.

Richard

tjc78

Since you don't care for the SUV's, how about considering the F150

I guess trucks would fall into the category as well. I just like the feel of a car. I do have a truck (well. a 99 Chevy S10 mini truck) and its fine for now, but, its only a matter of time before I tire of driving it. I've had it for four years and its primary function is for light duty hauling (Home Depot trips, etc).

sterlingdog

"Is it me..."

It is definitely YOU. :P

Richard

tjc78

Oldfarmer and I can't be the only ones here who still use check books

I use a check book and balance it to the penny! I could never not know what is in my account at any given time.

FWIW... I hate writing checks (try to pay as much as I can online on my terms not auto-debit) and also hate cash. Unfortunately, there are times when both are still needed.

sterlingdog

I can appreciate your response. There is nothing like a nice, large car with luxury items. Have you considered any of the Cadillac sedans?

Richard

mako1a

I hate writing checks (try to pay as much as I can online on my terms not auto-debit) and also hate cash.

Haven't you ever bought a private party used car by fanning out about an inch of greenbacks? You can talk a seller from 8500 to 7500 with the fan and shake.

oldfarmer50

"...There are just times when you need a bank book..."

I just got rid of may bank book after 40+ years with the same bank because of all the fee increases. Now have a credit union account with no fee checking but only monthly statements for the various accounts.

Still don't trust online banking. Heck, I won't even get undressed in front of the computer out of fear that somehow you people are able to ogle me. :P

tjc78

The only Caddy I would consider is the DTS. New they are out of my price range, two years old would be much more in the ballpark. Once I get serious I'll have to drive one, haven't driven a Caddy in a while.

Mako, you are right. When buying a used car from a private seller, cash does all the negotiating.

mako1a

I won't even get undressed in front of the computer

I worked for the govt so I'm used to working on camera, but

my wife has layers of tape over her computer cam and had

me install blocks on the mic and speakers of her Denali's OnStar.

driver100

I just like the feel of a car. I

I am trying to put together a profile from what I remember you were looking for....correct me if I am wrong.

I think you wanted a luxury car but you want some enjoyment from driving it.
If I remember correctly, you like a softer riding car, like a Buick. Cadillacs could be worth checking, and the Lincoln MKS, MKZs MKT and MKXs seem pretty nice with a fair bit of room. Lincoln Lineup
Here they all are because those letter names are confusing.

Not sure about your price range but even a one or two year old car could be worth considering. SAVs like the Ford Edge offer lots of room and are nicely designed.

To overcome real serious case of boredom though, you have to go with an Audi, BMW or MB.

Maybe some of the Mazdas or Nissan cars offer more engaging driving, and cars like Honda Accords and Acura's have some driving dynamics that could be of interest.

What are your thoughts......anything sound interesting?

robr2

Haven't you ever bought a private party used car by fanning out about an inch of greenbacks? You can talk a seller from 8500 to 7500 with the fan and shake.

A former poster on here used to call that the "Hip National Bank".

explorerx4

First time I've heard that one, but it sounds like a Terry'ism.

sterlingdog

Well, I have waited until it was all over to share this with my fellow posters. As you may remember, I had my last speeding ticket two years ago. We had a big discussion here about how I needed to slow down. I did. I became a reformed driver and a recovering speedster. Suddenly, my wife and I were faced with FOUR tickets---two each between June 2nd and June 30th! My wife had never even had a ticket before. Here is the story.

You remember the experience of my wife's first ticket on June 3rd when she got sassy with the cop and blessed him out. He even said that he wouldn't have given her one if she had exhibited a nice attitude. Here is the tale of the other three tickets. When we left at 8 AM on June 23th for our trip out West, we were so excited. We had reached the edge of our village and were both just talking away about the fun days before us. Suddenly, I heard a siren behind me. I pulled over. A very nice young policeman walked up to my driver's window and asked me why I was in such a hurry. I was shocked---had no idea that I was speeding. I was doing 61 mph in a 45 mph zone. That's the one mph over limit for losing your license in North Carolina. I was just sick about it. I used all of the "sweet talk" that I could muster, but to no avail. We decided then and there not to let it ruin our trip. I put the ticket in the glove box and told myself that I would worry about it when we returned.

On June 30th, we were traveling in Wyoming. We were to meet my sister and BIL at the airport in Jackson Hole, WY that evening. We were a little ahead of schedule and not in a hurry at all. I was driving through this little town (name withheld for a reason) and enjoying the quaint architecture. Suddenly, a siren pierced my ear. Yep. I got stopped. The nice policeman said that I was doing 41 mph in a 35 mph zone. Once again, no amount of sweet talk would work. He flat told me, "Our town is in serious financial trouble. We need every penny." Little did I know then just how much this ticket would cost me. As I drove away, my wife remarked, "Two tickets! You better let me drive for a while." I pulled over and she took the driver's seat.

About an hour later, we stopped for gas. As my wife was leaving the convenience store, I noticed that she seemed to be going a little fast through town. I opened my mouth to say something, but it was too late. Another siren. If only you could have seen the look on my wife's face! This time she was all sugar and syrup. It didn't do her any good. Her ticket was for 51 mph in a 35 mph zone. As you can imagine, we were both stressed beyond words---four tickets between us! For the remainder of the trip, over 3K miles, we crawled all of the way. Still, we had a great time. We simply blocked it out of our minds until we got home.

The day after we got home, I went to work on these tickets. I took my first ticket to our local attorney. He thought that he could get it fixed. I then researched Wyoming attorneys. I found one who had experience and who had obtained her law degree in North Carolina---a real plus for bonding here. Her office was located where I got my Wyoming ticket. She had a branch office in the town where my wife got her second ticket. She told me that in Wyoming, there are many ways to "fix" a ticket. One way is by making a donation to a local Wyoming charity! I had never heard of such a thing. She decided to approach the city attorneys in both towns and make an offer. We both agreed on a limit for the donations. She called me this week to say that both attorneys took the bait. Happy Days!

Here is the cost of the four tickets:

Wife's local ticket from June 3rd---$385 including attorney fee---Solution: Improper equipment (no points on license and no increase in insurance)

My local ticket from June 23rd---$485 including attorney fee---Solution: Improper equipment (no points on license and no increase in insurance)

My Wyoming ticket---$350 to charity of their choice---Solution: Ticket dismissed

Wife's Wyoming ticket---$250 to charity of their choice---Solution: Ticket dismissed

Wyoming attorney fee---$500

Total cost of four tickets: $1,970

Had I done nothng about the four tickets, here is the cost:

Insurance increase: $750 per year for both of us for three years equals $2, 250.
Driver's license: two points each and a loss of our license for 30 days each.

It was just another chapter in our lives. We move forward now trying to be careful---and much more aware of our speed.

Richard

explorerx4

That car has a 40K+ MSRP. There's maybe 3k headroom from invoice.
Edmunds does have an 'up to 2k' dealer incentive.
There are no manufacturer to customer incentives.
I don't think you are going to get a positive response, if any at all.

snakeweasel

I will have to check to see what size wheels my wife has on her car. But this is the first time I have heard the drift issue linked to wheel size.

michaellno

The only Caddy I would consider is the DTS. New they are out of my price range, two years old would be much more in the ballpark. Once I get serious I'll have to drive one, haven't driven a Caddy in a while.

Hey, if the DTS is good enough for Peter Egan, they've got to be good enough for you.

Richard - shame, shame. 4 in a month? How much lead is in those shoes you and the wife wear?

Ah, well --- lesson learned. An expensive lesson, perhaps, but a lesson nonetheless.

tjc78

If I remember correctly, you like a softer riding car, like a Buick. Cadillacs could be worth checking, and the Lincoln MKS, MKZs MKT and MKXs seem pretty nice with a fair bit of room. Lincoln Lineup
Here they all are because those letter names are confusing.

I have always liked Lincolns, however, the current lineup does little for me. MKZ (upscale Fusion) is too small
MKS (upscale Taurus) Is just OK and a bit overpriced IMHO
MKX/MKT/Navigator are SUV's just no interest

Now for the best Lincoln: the Town Car. It has everything I like, but unfortunately there is a lot of old technology and many things aren't even available on it. Stability control, Bluetooth to name a few. Probably aren't deal breakers and BT can be added. A little down on power compared to my last two cars.

The main thing in a car I am looking for is something big and floaty. There just isn't much out there. Like I said earlier, the Avalon and Town Car are probably the closest. I have had multiples of both and liked them very much. I went outside my comfort zone with the Genesis and look what happened, so who knows.

My budget would be no more than 27/28K for something used and if I decided to go new and lease again something with a sticker under 40K would be in my comfort zone.

Thanks for all your comments and keep them coming!

snakeweasel

I know I'm probably in the minority, but I like it when companies ask you to show ID when using a credit card.

I personally don't mind when they do that.

I actually have written "must show ID" on the back of my cards, but almost no one checks.

I take it you did that where you normally would sign. If you did your card is not valid and the merchant is not supposed to take it.

fezo

Richard, you are going through my future money like a drunken sailor! Watch yourself, buddy....

I still write checks. I slowly move to doing things electronically....

I hate to admit it but I kind of have a thing for Caddys - particularity DeVilles. Probably from my dad having a bunch of them later in life and getting to drive that 62 convertible my buddy's mom had.

mako1a

That car has a 40K+ MSRP.

Once a car is over 1 year old, MSRP is out the window.

Since the Escape I paid $13,500 for 10 months ago is now worth

$7,500 dealer trade, His price will be $30k-$31.5k straight cash.

explorerx4

I wish you the best of luck.

stickguy

I was going to post a link to that Peter Egan article too. Sounds perfect for you!

Ever go look at the Volvo? Not figuring it would stay on your list, but just curious what you thought about it.

I assume a CTS Caddy is not big or cushy enough?

I know. Swing over to Northeast Philly, and boost Lemko's DTS. He has plenty of cars. Probably won't even miss it.

tjc78

I couldn't open the Peter Egan article told me access denied. When I get serious I will check out the Volvo. It didn't feel very roomy to me at the car show, but you couldn't adjust the seat, either. Beautiful car though, and Volvo has "complimentary" maintenance.

Right on about the CTS. The shame of it is, I really like the looks of it.

If you like smaller cars or SUVs the choices are seemingly endless. If you want a large cushy boat, the choices are slim.

sterlingdog

"I hate to admit it..."

I know how you feel. After my DeVille from hell, it's still hard to imagine that I purchased a Caddy. My wife reminds me every day of how much I enjoy the SRX. I hardly drive the convertible. She's taken it over---with the top up of course. :sick:

Richard

mako1a

Richard, times have changed. It used to be the Red sports car

getting the ticket to slow traffic. Now it's the expensive car funding

the local community without breaking the bank of a local couple.

isellhondas

WOW!!

I would venture to say that nobody on any of these forums has received more tickets than I have. the majority during my misspent youth including the week I got THREE and two of those were on the same day by the same cop.

But now, it's been over 25 years. I did get one about 6 years ago but I paid 100.00 and had it deferred. Doesn't go on your record or get reported.

Wife did the same thing two years ago when she got her FIRST EVER ticket.

Neither of us has ever put a scratch on a car. Knock on wood.

There are a couple of local lawyers here who, for 300.00 can get any ticket dismissed. They don't guarantee results but I have nevr heard of them failing.

In my not so glorious days, somehow I kept my license and my insurance co. never found out!

isellhondas

You are 100% correct.

Cop sees an expensive car that he knows he would never be able to afford and they will cut ZERO slack. They take satisfaction in giving what they perceive to be a "rich" person a ticket.

I never ever had a cop use a siren when stiopping me. Just the lights and almost every ticket I've received was by a motorcycle cop.

explorerx4

Richard,
If you are thinking of buying a pickup truck, check out this Top Gear USA episode.
Despite the host's vote, there is no doubt which one is the
Mac Daddy
I think it's full episode, so set aside 45 minutes or so.

mac24

..........this is the first time I have heard the drift issue linked to wheel size.

It may have nothing to do with the size of the wheel, just that that particular wheel is the identifier for the vehicles with the problem.

Maybe it's just that alignment figures for 18" wheels were entered incorrectly on the alignment rig at the factory.

driver100

But this is the first time I have heard the drift issue linked to wheel size.

This article and many more refer to the 18 inch wheels...which seem to be an option I suppose.
Sonata Steering

Just google sonata steering problem 18 inch wheels

sterlingdog

Andy, that truck episode was fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing. I really enjoyed it. It certainly puts you in the mood to buy one.

Richard

verdugo

Holy Cow Richard. Talk about bad luck. Glad you both had a good attitude about it.

driver100

Total cost of four tickets: $1,970

Sorry to hear that, you had been doing so well. I have a feeling law enforcement is tougher than ever, because of our economic times. This is probably a very good warning, and I am going to keep it in mind especially if we drive to Florida this winter.

I hope it won't put you off and you will continue to try to drive ticket free. You were doing so well. If you take the number of miles you travelled and compare it to your rate of getting tickets in the past it isn't too bad. Just a bump in the road so to speak.

Some of those tickets were very minor and most people are driving 5 to 10 miles over the speed limit...in fact, if you drive the speed limit you will be causing a problem by going too slow in many places.

I think the thing is, keep in mind, all municipalities are looking for money, so we all have to stay on guard.

Thanks for the heads up.

mako1a

I scrolled back to the email I sent to the dealer
in New York with the (new) 2011 Red Mustang.

I was somewhere between stage 5 gout pain in my ankle
(1-10 scale), the dizzies from the indomethacin and a nap.

I should not have sent that! I wouldn't answer me back either.

driver100

If you like smaller cars or SUVs the choices are seemingly endless. If you want a large cushy boat, the choices are slim.

There is a reason for that....most people don't want that floaty ride any more.
Maybe you should try that Lucerne....that might be just perfect for what you are looking for.

There are some SAVs, that are large like an SUV but are really a car under all that metal. A GM Terrain or Chev Equinox or Transverse.



Otherwise, you may have to find a 1985 Lincoln.

tjc78

Maybe you should try that Lucerne....that might be just perfect for what you are looking for

I've driven the Lucerne back in 06 (it hasn't changed). I liked it but the Avalon was a better choice at the time. Toyota's V6 was nearly as powerful as the Northstar V8 and better on gas. The base engine (GM 3800) is certainly reliable but not the smoothest thing in the world.

Its funny, since I started driving I was always lusting after my next car purchase. Right now I really don't care. I have transportation and my GFs car is only three years old (23K miles) and is doing fine its just small (Elantra)

I was thinking the other night, and maybe we will trade her car in on an SUV (something really nice Enclave, Highlander limited, etc) and I'll pick up a 03/04 Town Car. I could easily find one of those for 10K and they don't look any different than a 2011. Could I be any more across the board? :shades:

Oh, and I'm not too sure about people not wanting floaty rides. The Camry and Corrolla sell in pretty hefty numbers and they ride very soft.

oldfarmer50

"...equals $2,250...loss of our license for 30 days each...we need every penny..."

As I read your tale I wondered to myself what would have happened to some poor slob who didn't have your knowledge and resources to "fix" these things. Most likely they wouldn't be able to pay the fines and would lose their licence all together.

Then how would they get to work? Probably drive illegally, get caught and do jail time which would cost them their job. Life pretty much ruined in other words.

All because the politicians can't stop spending.

Back in 1972 I got 2 speeding tickets back to back. First one I just mailed in and paid $35. The second, I went to court and there were so many people there due to some "sweep" that the judge offered the crowd a $10 fine for all who just pled guilty. I took it and ran.

Flash forward many years and I'm in court with my son for HIS tickets. There are now fines, surcharges, assessments that raise his cost to over $1000. Other people are in there on charges of unlicensed operation because they couldn't afford previous fines and are now looking at a year in county jail. Of course some got off by paying even larger fines. Those that were broke when behind bars.

I know it's not right to speed or disobey the law but when did it change from safety to revenue? :confuse:

driver100

and I'll pick up a 03/04 Town Car.

That sounds like a great plan, like you say, you can get one easily for $10k and it would be a lot of fun having a big boat, and you will certainly have the ride you desire.

I read in the paper today, car sales are down, and showrooms are really empty on days when the stock market is down...like it is all the time lately. Might be good to go in on a down day in the market, fan out $8k, and drive off in an 04 Lincoln.

robr2

Nice used Town Cars are getting harder to find. Now that they are out of production, the livery companies in NYC are buying up as many used ones as they can driving the prices up.

isellhondas

Nissan has a new commercial that they are running.

A guy walks into a Nissan store.

" Do you have any silver Altimas?"

" Oh yes, we have a large selection to choose from"

" Do you have any black Pathfinders?"

" Oh yes, did you want leather,? With or without a sunroof etc"

" Do you have any red Versas"

" Sure, did you want automatic or a five speeed we have lots of them!"

The shopper than sighs, says he has to go back to work and puts on his Honda badge
and mopes through what is obviously disgused as a Honda lot.

It sounds like Nissan didn't get affected by the earthquake like Honda did and they are gloating
about it while Honda stores struggle with few cars to sell.

Just unprofessional advertising in my book!

tjc78

Nice used Town Cars are getting harder to find. Now that they are out of production, the livery companies in NYC are buying up as many used ones as they can driving the prices up.

I've been poking around looking and there tons for sale within 75 miles of Philly. The prices look very much in line to me. There are a few low mileage 2007s floating around for about 21K and 09/10s are in the mid to upper 20s. That isn't bad for a car that stickers in the mid 40s.

The ones I did see going for higher than expected are the "L" models (extended wheelbase) that are very popular with the livery trade.

roadburner

I've finally found enough time to -hopefully- reassemble the interior of my 1975 '02; if all goes well the little Kraut Rat Rod will be cruising the boulevard tonight.

mako1a

Hey, roadburner, this is the sales front lines...not the "I fixed it myself and saved lotsa bucks Front lines". How's a BMW dealer supposed to get rich? :confuse: :shades:

sterlingdog

Though I am the first to admit that we were 100% guilty on all four counts, I agree with you that it's so much about revenue. These economic times have made that philosophy even worse. As I wrote the tale, I also thought about how $1,970 would have killed my bank account years ago. Though I received my share of tickets back then, I paid fines like $35 and went to driving school for a day. There were times when I was released with only a warning ticket. You don't see many warning tickets today. They want the cash.

Also, I'm amazed that more people don't either know or use an attorney for speeding tickets. Just do the math. Though attorneys charge fees, it's still cheaper than having your insurance go up for three years. Also, you still have to pay the fine and court costs which can range from $100 to $200. Take my wife's local ticket as an example. Our attorney charged her $385. The ticket was $150 so his charge was actually $235 to prevent loss of license and higher insurance premiums. I say that she got a very good deal.

Isell: I've never seen a motorcycle cop. I suppose that it has something to do with where we both live. As for the sirens, the cops in Wyoming don't have much to do in those small towns. It gave them a chance to create a little excitement. The local siren used on me the day that we left town was my fault. We were so absorbed in conversation that I never looked back and saw the flashing lights.

Richard

isellhondas

Wow...you've NEVER seen a motorcycle cop??

Come out to the west coast sometime. We have no shortage of them!

If you relly want to impress one, just ask him..." Hey, weren't you one of the Village People?"

They just love that!