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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    Maybe if I told you AT&T was on my black list you'd have more sympathy!

    I'm sure some of you have to hate AT&T too. They are constantly on the TOP 10 worst customer service lists next to cable companies.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    I think I'll send him the 5 bucks if he won't ever mention this incident again.

    I'll take the 5 dollars happily, on the one condition that you don't require me to spend it at Rite Aid ;)
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    What happens to getting in with the keypad if the battery has discharged, shorted out, etc., and you're punching the buttons to get entry?

    Geez, it's a backup and a nice to have. You always have a key. In my example, my wife would just have to wait for me. Or better yet, she can call me after she's called Roadside Assistance.

    I'm not advocating that this should be the only way to get into the car.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    As you know, their fries are unbeatable. The one in East Liberty didn't push the fries like the one in Oakland.

    Thanks for the background info. Very interesting.

    License to print money is correct. I'm jealous.
  • m6vxm6vx Member Posts: 142
    I think I'll send him the 5 bucks if he won't ever mention this incident again.

    And if he does mention it, he will owe you $12.50!
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    Ironically, I've never had a hot dog from there. Only bought beer and fries.

    Now that I think about it, me too.

    For those of you who don't know what we're talking about:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essie%27s_Original_Hot_Dog_shop Looks like the CMU location closed in 2005.

    Stop by if you're in Pittsburgh. Just make sure your cholesterol is ok.
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,834
    I would also advise going on a Friday or Saturday night before, say, 12am. Quite awesome people watching, but too much later and the characters there turn a little seedy.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    Sometimes just increasing the dosage level of your medication does wonders!
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Now that I think about it, me too.

    You never had a hot dog there? You gotta be kidding me. When I was school age I ate the hell out of those things. :)

    Looks like the CMU location closed in 2005.

    To be honest I never knew they had one at CMU. Their closing of satellite shops seems to be a habit with them. They opened one on Route 286 in Plum Borough in the early 2000’s and it’s gone now too. I think it closed about 2 or 3 years ago but don’t hold me to that. That place was a lot closer for me than running to Oakland and when I heard that it was opening I was a little excited about that but it wasn’t run quite the same way. The dogs weren’t quite as good although the fries seemed be the same. The dogs and the way they ran that place killed it. I heard that the daughter ran that place but that is just hearsay.

    Get this, since you know how the one near Pitt operated. At the 286 location, a lot larger building I might add, you went to the counter placed your order then sat down and waited and waited and …for your order. In Oakland you walked up to the counter, after waiting your turn, gave them your order, they slapped the dog on the bun, condimented it to your liking (right the first time) and you sat down. This seemed to work perfectly but somehow they couldn’t do it like that at the 286 location and the patrons got fewer and fewer and fewer (I helped out here) then they were gone. Can you believe that? :confuse:

    jmonroe

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Sometimes just increasing the dosage level of your medication does wonders!

    And sometimes you go too far. :sick:

    jmonroe

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

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    edited August 2011
    That engine has been out in other vehicles since 2010. Taurus SHO, Flex, MKS, MKT.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    Richard, Although I remember the song and posted a link to a video of it, I had no idea what a 'Moon Pie' was until I watched it.
    Now I want one! :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,974
    edited August 2011
    Car and Driver seemed to like it.

    If you overlook its rather flat exhaust note, it would be easy to mistake the EcoBoost V-6 for a burly V-8. We drove several F-150 models—as well as competitive trucks—both unladen and towing trailers weighing up to 6700 pounds, and the EcoBoost felt noticeably strong and never seemed to run out of breath. Ford says 90 percent of the engine’s torque is on tap from 1700 rpm to 5000. We observed that the new turbos spool up quickly and emit only a slight whistle under load.

    Acceleration is almost diesel-like in its relentlessness, and the truck has more than enough in reserve for passing maneuvers, even with a trailer behind. Capable of tugging 11,300 pounds or carrying 3060 in the bed—both best in the segment—the F-150 EcoBoost managed Ford’s trailers with ease, chugging along smoothly in top gear on uphill highway sections.


    I'm not so sure about a turbo V6 in a pickup, however, it certainly seems like it has the guts for the job. Ford did change up some of the internal components and the turbos for the F150 configuration. It will be interesting to see how these things hold up in the next year or so.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    That engine has been out in other vehicles since 2010. Taurus SHO, Flex, MKS, MKT.

    It has, and IMO that's the size of vehicle it's best suited to at the moment.
    With twin turbos, high pressure direct injection, and an intercooler, that style of powerplant is going to be the way of the future for all manufacturers in order to meet rising ecomomy and emissions standards.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Yeah, and I'm one of those guys who lost my Charter Member status along with two weeks of vacation etc.

    Trust kirstie, you DO NOT want any new changes!
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    It did pretty well according the the 'Torture Test' videos, so I think it's appropriate for an F150.
    I'm more worried about transmissions in modern vehicles.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    Now that you are retired, you have lost all your vacation.
    There's never a day off. ;)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    And he has also lost the thing I miss most....a paycheck !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Well, those are Ford videos. ;)

    It doesn't appear to having any major problems so far, although there are many owners who are unhappy with their fuel consumption.
    With ECO in the name I think people had expectations that it would produce better than advertised figures.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    edited August 2011
    " Tipton Honda in El Cajon CA probably likes me"

    Yeah, I'll bet they do! You bought what is probably the most oddball, near impossible to sell Honda ever produced!

    An LX V-6 coupe! I can honestly say I NEVER ONCE sold one and I don't recall ever getting an internet hit on one.

    Most stores don't order any and I don't believe they are even made anymore.

    Nothing wrong with them, just an oddball car.

    Coupes don't sell well in the first place and the people who do buy them usually buy the EX models.

    We had a V-6 LX coupe for over a year once and we were the highest volume store in nine states. FINALLY we dealer traded it!

    Yeah, you made their day that day!
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    From what I have read on some Ford forums, the owners are are happy with the fuel mileage. The car review magazines, not so much.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Nope, I know when to pull my punches and I think the hosts know this.

    I was in my hometown in California for a few days visiting friends. We had a Rocking Pedro Event and I think I danced three hours straight!

    It's fun when your wife doesn't come! :)

    We had over 400 people there and I saw people I hadn't seen since H.S.

    I made up for the guys who wouldn't dance!
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Maybe after Fezo and the other kids go to bed you can actually get an answer.

    Kids? Thank you! Having passed the 60 mark I'll take being called a kid every time! :D
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    edited August 2011
    Well, being as it was early November of 2002 and I got the brand new redesigned 2003 model, I'm sure it wasn't on their lot much more than a few days probably; cause I had been looking around everywhere for one for a couple of weeks by then.

    You are right, when asked about having LX V6 coupes, one Honda dealer said "now that's a rare bird."

    At the time, I wasn't a fan of leather, and I still don't care for moonroofs, so the LX V6 coupe was perfect for me. The only thing I made them do was change out the ugly 16" hubcab plastic and steel wheels for real 16" alloys (though 17's would have looked better, I wanted to keep costs down and let them use the same tires). The only differences between the EX and LX in V6 trim in 2003 were those 3 things, leather vs. cloth, alloy vs. steel wheel w/ cover, and moon roof vs. sheetmetal. And the cost was a lot less :P

    Perrrrrfect for me. :) I like oddball cars. Heck, when I got my A3 most dealers in CA were like why wouldn't you want an overpriced thousand dollar opensky double moonroof! I think 90%+ of A3's are ordered with the stupid Opensky roof in CA.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I think 112,000 miles on a domestic is considered all of its useful life.

    I would argue that point. I had a 1991 Chevy Corsica that Irouble. took to about 150K then sold it to a friend who put over 100K more on it. Not much was done to keep it running. I know quite a few people with Detroit Iron that are in the 150-200K range with little problems. Most Domestic cars should be able to get 200K with little t

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,934
    A domestic with 200,000 miles or more that isn't a truck?

    I want to see pictures of the Odometer to believe that!
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Today's HD cameras would easily get enough detail.

    I dont think todays survalence cameras would have enough detail to identify exactly what is happening at the register. They are made to identify people incase of robberies and actions in case of employee misconduct. Getting cameras that detailed is costly and truely not needed.

    Now that's just foolish.

    No it's not, if the store can prove that that is their return policy the judge will look on it as a contract that is enforceable. And the policy doesn't have to be on the receipt, just posted in some place that a reasonable person can be expected to see it.

    Again, not exactly sure what a judge would do but thats my educated guess. If I see one of the lawyers at work and we both have time to chat I will ask him.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I don't think there is anything in the world you can buy that doesn't have a "cooling off period" besides cars and real estate.

    Actually real estate does have a cooling off period, why do you think closings are done days after the contract is signed.

    Now the reason cars don't have a cooling off period is that after you drive away there is no contract to "cool" off from. The contract is completed and neither party owes the other anything.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    edited August 2011
    I've been reading all the posts that have been going on here lately, and as much a I would like to weigh in, I've just stayed out.
    There is an old guy at the end of our street.
    I just saw him wheel out his recycle barrel out to the curb.
    It's pretty big, holds 80 gallons(?) and is rated for 335 lbs, although I'm sure there wasn't much in it.
    From what I know about him, he was a POW back in WW2 in the Pacific theater.
    He's pretty much a local hero, wears a bunch of medals on his uniform and always gets a ride in a nice car for the Memorial Day parade.
    Anyways, back to him bringing out the barrel, he's 90+ years old and is still thinking about other people and the future by recycling. The world does not end an inch from his ego.
    Pretty awesome.
    I don't think he drives anymore, but there are 2 Buicks in the garage.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I want to see pictures of the Odometer to believe that!

    Sorry can't do that, I don't have the car. When my friend wanted to return it I had to say no. You see he lost the receipt.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    edited August 2011
    "...A domestic with 200,000 miles..."

    I ran a 69 Plymouth up to 160,000 miles. Like most of my cars it died of rust not mechanical failure. I have no reason not to believe that many of my domestic cars could have made it to 200K. Rust, accidents or just giving them away prevented me from finding out.

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

  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    From what I have read on some Ford forums, the owners are are happy with the fuel mileage. The car review magazines, not so much.

    I think we must be reading different forums, or different posts on the same forums! ;)

    However, I will say that many ECO owners are quite fanatical in recommending that engine when anyone comes on to ask which engine they should go for; it's almost a religion to some of them. :surprise:

    Another issue was Ford's insistance on only making the 26 gallon tank available in previous years, although a 36 gallon tank was available on other models.
    When towing a heavy load, it's rated for 11K lbs+, fuel consumption drops well into single figures and in some parts of the country gas stations can be a lot further than 150 - 200 miles apart.
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    I made up for the guys who wouldn't dance!

    That would be me. When I used to dance, people would rush up to stick something in my mouth so I wouldn't bite my tongue, thinking I was having a fit or a seizure! :sick:
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I had a 1991 Chevy Corsica that Irouble. took to about 150K then sold it to a friend who put over 100K more on it. Not much was done to keep it running. I know quite a few people with Detroit Iron that are in the 150-200K range with little problems.

    They must have made them better by then. My 86 Corsica fell apart at about the 70,000 mile mark of pretty easy driving and good care.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    So what are you reading? I'm always willing to be educated.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Today I took my wife's BMW in to service the road noise issue and the mirror that sets itself when it wants to. While I was there I saw the salesman who tried to sell me the new 535.
    He said he had a gift for me and came out with a box of $150 wine glasses. I asked him if he got my email explaing why I didn't buy a car from him. He said he didn't, and I wonder if the SM monitors his emails. I said to him the email explained that my wife and I like you very much, but your SM was rude and arrogant. I told him twice I did not want him in on the discussion and he came barging into the room. Then he was insulting by offering me a 2011 demonstrator and telling me in 4 years it would be worth only $1000 less than a 2012.

    I said I went to my friends dealer and got a 2012 for slightly more than they were selling a 2011 demo for. His eyes almost popped out and he said "Wow". I said I just couldn't accept this gift. He said, no I want you to have it and maybe you'll buy your next car from me. I said maybe...but I said to myself I doubt it.

    Then I was sitting in the lounge area and the SM came in to make a coffee. I acted like I was reading the newspaper but he kept looking like as if he had seen me before but couldn't place me. There was no point in telling him why he messed up a possible sale. I am sure he doesn't think it is his fault at all.

    They said my wife's car needs about $1000 worth of work....alignment, wheel balance, wiper blades, a/c reconditioning, and refill. I am wondering if it is worth getting these things done or buy a new one and it will be covered for 4 more years.

    When I traded my 328 in the depreciation worked out to 7800 a year to drive a car under warranty for 4 years...with no repairs. Mako's 2007 Escape is worth $6100. After 5 years it has depreciated about $20K so it cost $4000 a year to drive plus repairs, maybe $1000 ayear for repairs if you are lucky. That's $5000 a year. So, for the cost of a package of cigarettes a day, or a cheap bottle of wine a day, I can drive a new BMW. Think about it!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Someone sent me some of these and I thought some were fitting, especially the 2nd one;

    1. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

    2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

    3. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

    4. Was learning cursive really necessary?

    5 Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

    6. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

    7. Bad decisions make good stories.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Mako's 2007 Escape is worth $6100. After 5 years it has depreciated about $20K

    Not sure why it dropped in value so much. Before buying

    I looked it up on Edmunds and got $14,700 retail so I

    thought $13k wasn't bad. One year later the trade-in was

    a pitiful $9k and you know the rest of the story. I guess

    Fords have a shelf life of 3 years and BMWs get 4 years...

    before dropping off the proverbial cliff.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Those are great! Yeah, especially #2, though #7 is might true.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    My 86 Corsica fell apart at about the 70,000 mile mark of pretty easy driving and good care.

    Might be, what size engine did you have? I had the 4 banger in it and most of the horror stories I have heard are from people who had V6's.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    the mirror that sets itself when it wants to.

    Trying to resist but resistance is futile.

    Are you sure the mirror sets itself and its not the bolts holding your head on your neck that need tightening?

    Ducking and running

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I've been keeping a log of funny quips for years. Here are a few.

    If a man makes a statement in a forest, and there's
    no woman there to hear it, is he still wrong?

    President - National Sarcasm Society
    "Like we need your support!"

    Life isn't about waiting for storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain

    "He's dead, Jim. You take his Tricorder and I'll get his wallet."

    If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.

    We all pay what the guy in line behind us is willing to pay.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Well, you better believe it because 200K on a domestic is common.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I just checked KBB.com for the Sebring we bought 2.5 years ago for $15K and they have the trade in value at $10,700 and a private party value at $12,200. Not bad, but of course it stickered for around $27K in 2008.

    And according to them the Sonata would get at trade in what we paid for it. That I like.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    most of the horror stories I have heard are from people who had V6's.

    I had a V6. Everything about the car was minimal...cheap plastic, cheap seats, minimal amount of metal. I actually liked my 92 Cavalier with a V6 much more...it lasted about 90k miles before getting kind of loose all over.
    That was the last of many GMs for me.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I never saw a Korean make that would bring anything near KBB but I wouldn't be surprised it that could be changing slowly as people are gaining confidence in them.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    You bought that Sebring at exactly the right time. Great car to buy at the age of two or so.

    I remember Corsicas as rentals. They were cheap but they were decent enough for what they were. The just weren't up to the competition at the time.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Yeah I got the Sebring at just the right time, plus they put it on their website for about $3K less than the sticker they put on the car. I already decided to buy the car before setting foot in the dealership barring findng anything wrong on the test drive.

    As for the Corsica, it wasn't much in looks and material but it held together well was reliable and never failed to start up even in the coldest of days (think sub zero temps).

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Yeah, and even with the four it was quick enough to get a speeding ticket in. Don't ask how I know......
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • ventureventure Member Posts: 3,168
    edited August 2011
    I told you I was going to. :P

    I drove two different LaCrosses. One AWD and one FWD. They were both nice and handled fairly well, but they are bigger than I like. I didn't realize how big they are until I crawled behind the wheel and launched it into traffic.

    I was pondering whether I liked them more than the Fusion(s) I drove a few days ago when the salesdude asked me to try the Regal. I hesitated because I didn't want to bump my knee on the dashboard. ;)

    I decided to try the Regal Turbo since normal 4 cylinder cars don't seem to do "it" for me. The turbo was nice. A little lag, but not too bad. The car itself is very nice in my opinion.

    After we got back from me scaring the salesman a little, he asked if they could appraise my Mazda. I figured there would be no harm.

    He came back with a 4 square sheet. I started to laugh. He knew what I was giggling at. He said he hated them, but someone at the dealership decided they were going to use them. After we both seemed to agree that it was silly we got down to serious number crunching. The price they offered on the Regal was very good. The price they offered on my Mazda was horrid. Can't blame them for trying.

    I told him I was going home to do some research since I didn't intend to buy today. That's when the sales manager appeared in the office. I left anyway; promising to return. >

    2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport

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