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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    Didn't you know that once you retire, you never have a day off?
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    If I need a day off I'll just go back to work and hang out...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I am not giving up the ragtop anytime soon. I was thinking it would be the last one we own but a month or so ago we were going someplace with the top down and she who must be obeyed said "lets get another ragtop when we get rid of this car". So another one is in our future, I hope Hyundai puts out that Sonata ragtop.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    edited September 2011
    My wife used to do all of the house cleaning before she developed COPD and a bunch of allergies.

    Richard has your wife been tested for any Mast cell disease (mastocytosis)? my sister had been diagnosed with multiple allergies and other assorted melodies. Then one day she was diagnosed with a mastocytosis. It is a disease that is greatly misdiagnosed. It might be something to check into since she "developed a bunch of allergies" as it mimics allergic reactions.

    Edited to add: gee what a poor spell checker they have, it didn't recognize "mastocytosis". :P

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I am now officially engaged and starting the process of planning a wedding.

    We are gathered here today to morn the passing of tjc78's bachelorhood. :shades:

    Congrats on the upcoming nuptuals.

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

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,675
    >If I need a day off I'll just go back to work and hang out...

    ROFLMAO, Slapping knee in process.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,675
    > I am now officially engaged and starting the process of planning a wedding.

    Be sure to get a prenuptial agreement allowing you to spend enough time on Edmunds...

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,348
    I'm the local guy, so I am sure I will be invited, and I will bring back a full report.

    Open bar, right?

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    ONE of the local guys.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I'm the local guy

    I think you misspelled the third word.

    Ducking and running

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

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    I would to some research on HEMI fuel mileage.
    Just being a friend. :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    The factory hitch setup is way more expensive than aftermarket, but does look more integrated.

    It looks like the hitch is part of the steel bumper under the foam. It's about $200 more than the regular steel bumper. Since the Hidden Hitch I planned on using is about $140 maybe I spend the extra.

    You might need some skull protection if you give your wife a bumper protector for her birthday.

    You're probably right. Something that special would be great for our anniversary in January. Besides, I already bought new floor mats for her birthday. :)
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    You're such a romantic. Did you ever see the movie 'War of the Roses'? :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito - yep I saw it. Don't remember the details though.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Congrats TJC. Between the two of us, my wife and I have been married to each other for 88 years.

    Just remember two things to get along:

    1. Make her think she is getting everything her way.

    2. Go ahead and let her have everything her way.

    Works like a charm !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,330
    Congrats!

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I'm very happy for you! I guess that great vacation netted an added benefit for you both. The next few months will be an exciting time for you. Enjoy every minute of the planning and the festivities. You're about to embark on a very important journey. Though it will have its bumps at times, it will be great to have a soul mate to travel life's road with you. By sharing your burdens and your successes, both of you will have lives that are more rewarding and meaningful. May your union be blessed for as long as you live.

    Richard
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,348
    I got the Honda hitch on our Odyssey. I was going with an aftermarket, but after seeing how far it hung down (really unattractive too!) I spent the extra $100 or so (maybe closer to 200) for the OEM one, and had the same trailer place put it on (same labor cost). Huge difference, since everything but the receiver is tucked away behind the bumper cover, and even that is partly behind it (you actually notch out the cover to pike the receiver through).

    Every time I see a cheap hitch on one of these I cringe.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "If I need a day off I'll just go back to work and hang out..."

    May you never get that desperate! When I walked out of my office August 12, 2005, I never looked back. It's been six years and I've never been back to visit. I ran into my secretary last Chrismtas in a shopping mall in Raleigh. I have one friend that I have kept up with since my retirement. Other than those two exceptions, my past is dead. I like it that way. I spent 40 years taking orders, putting up with politics, side stepping back stabbing, protecting my students, and supporting teachers. I was a survivor. I loved my jobs, but I turned to a new page when I retired. When I cut the cord; I cut it permanently. No regrets thus far.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Your wife is very wise and optimistic. You are too young not to have another convertible. Now you have something to look forward to at some point.

    Thanks for the health tip, but my wife was tested for it. Now that the dogs are gone, we have seen some improvement in the allergies. Still, dust and cleaning products can be a problem.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "I'm the local guy..."

    Well, I can drive it in 11 hours, especially if there is an open bar. :P

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Did you ever see the movie 'War of the Roses'?"

    I've seen it at least 7 or 8 times. It's the house, the furniture, and the art objects that we love to see. :D Besides, Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner make a great pair. They made several movies together.

    Richard
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,955
    edited September 2011
    You're about to embark on a very important journey

    Yes, we are. Thanks everyone for the congrats and advice. The planning I can tell is gonna be an adventure for sure. We have looked at two places and the price swing for seemingly equal packages was over 50/head. Of course the second (cheaper) place had its merits, but the fiance didn't see any of them.

    I suspect I'll have to bite my tongue alot during this process. LOL.

    Richard, did you realize your quote was straight out of the movie "Back to the Future?"

    On a car note (who would have thought?) I saw a new Kia Optima last night in white and pretty decked out. From a distance thought it was something much fancier. I really liked the look of it (minus the wheels).

    Stickguy, open bar of course.......

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I was on vacation last week and I’m catching up on some posts.

    I think they started blocking people who haven't paid their dues.

    I hope I’m not the one who gets the blame here. :cry:

    I remember saying something about dues way back so I did a search on the word “dues” and the earliest post that had it was mine (10339) back in April 2007. I need someone to say it ain’t me. Like when Edmunds did a system change and the old timers (I was not around then) got bumped to a seniority date of April 2001 with reduced vacation and retirement benefits along with a dues increase at the same time. There shoulda been a protest over that one. :mad:

    I’m hoping it’s just an April thing and I’m off the hook. :sick:

    jmonroe

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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,499
    Congratulations on your engagement & upcoming wedding!

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I told him that trucks now interested me.

    Another one bites the dust. Are you really a truck person? I never was.

    To me a truck is something you wouldn’t hesitate about throwing a concrete block into without a bed liner and not even giving it a second thought. I just can’t help but remembering the pickup trucks when I was a kid that had painted bumpers (now they’re huge chrome things) and they belonged to the guys that used them to make a living as real work vehicles. I often think about the guys today that need real trucks and the price has been driven sky high for them. A lot like what happened when jeans became the “in-thing” to wear. Now those poor guys get hit with their work attire and how they do their work, a real double whammy.

    You gotta give some thought to owning a truck these days. They hold a lot of wax and I doubt most owners even consider that yet they care about MPG. I just don’t understand that thinking. :confuse:

    Having said all that, when I lived in SC I thought about buying a big pretty one just for self defense (gotta do what the Jones’ do). :)

    Good luck with your new younger mans thinking.

    jmonroe

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

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    To me a truck is something you wouldn’t hesitate about throwing a concrete block into without a bed liner and not even giving it a second thought. I just can’t help but remembering the pickup trucks when I was a kid that had painted bumpers (now they’re huge chrome things) and they belonged to the guys that used them to make a living as real work vehicles. I often think about the guys today that need real trucks and the price has been driven sky high for them. A lot like what happened when jeans became the “in-thing” to wear. Now those poor guys get hit with their work attire and how they do their work, a real double whammy.

    I've only owned one truck in my life - an '86 Isuzu P'up. Actually, it was bought by my first wife before we got married, but I spent a lot of time driving it. Used it as a truck, and, as the only person in my social circle with one, it was borrowed a lot for hauling.

    My dad, as has been previously noted, has a '70 Chevy C-10 that he bought new. He's used that truck as a truck for most of its life. He worked part time as a handyman / carpenter and carried his tools around in it. He also owned a bass boat for a number of years so the truck was used to tow it to the lakes.

    Now, it seems that trucks have become "lifestyle statements" - "I want something big and tough but I don't haul around a lot of people so I don't need an SUV".

    I don't see the appeal in using a truck as a daily driver if you don't regularly haul stuff in the bed.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I am now officially engaged and starting the process of planning a wedding.

    Congratulations ? :confuse:

    The first 4 years are easy…it’s the 40 afterwards that’ll get ya. Your home posting privileges will probably be waaay gone by then. :)

    Hang in there…it gets worse. Welcome to the club that has never ending dues increases. :sick:

    jmonroe

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Used it as a truck, and, as the only person in my social circle with one, it was borrowed a lot for hauling.

    I always liked the idea of someone that I knew would have a pickup truck when I needed one. There are times when they are invaluable but I never wanted one in my garage for those few times. A couple nephews have one and both of my sons have vans. When I need a hauling vehicle, they are only a phone call away. :)

    I swear, when my sons hear that I’m about to take on a project, their phones goes to the recording mode. :(

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Count me out of the truck crowd. I don't get the appeal. Heck, I'd like to be rid of the Ody because it's too big. Some of the issue is mileage but plain old size and visibility get into it as well.

    Just back from two more units of blood. Will be nice to be able to make my own again.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    Fezo, Are a fan of vampire movies? ;)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,200
    "...my past is dead..."

    Ha ha, THAT'S why I like you so much!

    They say you should never look back lest you see what is gaining on you. ;)

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,200
    edited September 2011
    "...I don't see the appeal in using a truck as a daily driver if you don't regularly haul stuff in the bed..."

    I think to some, a truck is like an SUV, an impractical status statement. Kind of like wearing a cowboy hat in Texas when you live in the city. But that's OK if you have the money, buy whatever the heck you want if it makes you feel good. Life is too short. I think many people use a truck as their daily driver instead of getting a car and a truck.

    I'm not an SUV guy for a whole bunch of reasons but I've had either a van or truck since 1986. That Isuzu was one of the ones I was considering but I went with the Toyota based on a Consumer Reports rating. Biggest mistake of my life. The Pup would have been a lot less expensive and I can't believe it could have rusted any faster than the Toyota. :lemon:

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

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "I hope I'm not the one who gets the blame here."

    You may be tight, but you always pay your bills on time. :P

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    We all know what happened to Lot's wife. ;)

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    "...my past is dead..."

    And the future ain't looking too good either..... :P
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Are you really a truck person?"

    Though I have never owned one, I always liked them. It started in 1951 when my dad bought a red Ford pick-up truck. It made quite an impression on me. It was so big to me and it had this wonderful smell inside. My mother nearly had a cow and made him park it in the back yard. I must have loved it more than I knew because the following little story seems to confirm the fact.

    I was in a high school rock band for six years (grades 7-12). We did pretty well, making it to statewide television two or three times. I was the lead vocalist for the group. My best friend was the band leader and head guitarist. We went separate ways after high school---he went to California to make it in the music business and I left for college. As the decades slipped by, I would hear about him from time to time. He ended up owning a string of radio stations out West and, believe it or not, married an Italian countess. They have homes in Rome, Miami, and Salt Lake City. What does all of this have to do with a truck? Be patient.

    One Saturday afternoon last summer, I was sitting in the breakfast nook having a cup of tea and going through the afternoon mail. I saw a white Jag sedan coming up the driveway---you can't mistake the grill on a Jag. There was a driver wearing a black cap. From the rear seat exited a man wearing a white suit and a white Panama hat. Joining him was a beautiful blonde in a white suit. The man was carrying a large white box tied with a red bow. I figured that someone had made a wrong turn into our drive as so often happens. They rang the doorbell and I answered it. With his dark glasses and the cocked white hat, I had no clue as to his identity. He greeted me by name with a large wide grin. I responded with, "Hi. I'm afraid that I don't know who you are." He said, "It's a shame when you don't recognize your best friend from high school." It dawned on me as we hugged, and I warmly welcomed them into our home. It turned out that he and his wife decided "to motor" from New York to their home in Miami in order to see North Carolina relatives along the way. I ended up on their list of people to see. Now for the truck part.

    My friend told me that he had purchased something for me in New York---thus the large white box with the red bow. He handed it to me and asked that I open it. You can imagine my surprise when out popped a 1950's made to scale red pick-up truck. The detail work is so exact. The hood, tailgate, and doors all open. The wheels turn, the horn blows, and the engine compartment is very detailed. Trying to gain my composure I said, "How did you know?" He responded by saying, "All through high school, you always said that some day you were going to own a bright red pick-up truck." His memory was better than mine. I had long forgotten that I used to say that. This was a very touching experience to say the least. To top it off, his wife had purchased a beautiful vase for my wife at Tiffany's in New York. Unfortunately, my wife was out of town that day on a shopping trip to Raleigh with my niece. I fixed some drinks and we visited for about two hours. It was a grand experience after so many years. He doesn't like to email, so we exchange hand written letters every two or three months.

    So, am I a truck person? I guess that I am.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "And the future ain't looking too good either...."

    Now, now. Let's play nice. :D

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    edited September 2011
    I hope that Driver didn't fall from a ship without his life jacket or jump from an airplane without his parachute. It's not like him to be away for so many days. Perhaps he returned from abroad and went to see about his new home in Florida. Edmunds to Driver: Check in please. :D Then again, he may be the one who didn't pay his dues. :surprise:

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Sorry. It was the best I had at the moment......

    Two more days of work. This is so weird.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    I remember my first ride in a pickup truck.
    It was a red ford, maybe about a 1960 or so that my dad brought home from work. He took the neighborhood kids for a ride in the bed.
    I think an appeal of pickup trucks to Americans is that they love to have something that can do everything, kind of like a Leatherman tool.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    When I was a kid I git to ride in old panel trucks. My dad had a 49 Suburban to deliver for his grocery store. My grandfather (mom's dad) had a 49 Dodge truck for his plumbimg business. He had shelves he built in it to hold parts. It was an adventure.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • Great story. Thanks for sharing, Richard. The Salt Lake City part caught my eye as I call the area home. Does he own a house out here for winter vacations?

    I owned a Toyota 4X4 when I moved to Utah for college, and it was fantastic for the northern Utah snow, but I wound up selling it when I married and needed something more practical than a two-seater. I haven't owned another pickup since that time, but it looks like my company may opt for an F-150 when I replace the Journey next year. I say if it makes you happy and you can afford it, have fun and enjoy the experience!
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    Between the two of us, my wife and I have been married to each other for 88 years.

    Glad that those (*whole*) numbes add up to an even number :P

    Congrats to the both of you
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Does he own a house out here for winter vacations?"

    Yes. As I understand it, they spend 6 months in Rome, 3 months in Miami, and 3 months in Salt Lake. He's a very private guy. Though I have seen pictures of the Salt Lake house and the villa outside of Rome, all of my correspondence has to be sent to an address in New York City. After all of these years, I don't ask any questions. He'll tell me what he wants me to know.

    "I say if it makes you happy and you can afford it, have fun and enjoy the experience!"

    Thanks for those positive comments. BTW, we really enjoyed Salt Lake City on our trip out West this summer. The Morman Church organ concert was so moving. We were spellbound. The Salt Flats at sunset were absolutely beautiful. The people made us feel welcomed at every turn. It was such a great experience.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    edited September 2011
    "...they love to have something that can do everything..."

    I think that you may be correct. To me, the cab is like a luxury vehicle and the truck bed is great for hauling those small antique furniture pieces. For example, last week I had to move a 1920's English oak gate table and four Windsor chairs. The SRX held the table and two chairs. I had to return for the remaining chairs. A pick-up truck would have done the job nicely. The way that we move furniture in and out of our house, I probably should have purchased a pick-up truck years ago. Even my wife can see the usefulness of such a purchase. At this point, I don't know that I will purchase one. I'm still in the looking stage.

    Richard
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    I grew up with a green 1950 Ford pickup. What's it called, a L-Head V8 motor? Idling, you could hardly hear that motor running.

    I'm not going to mention my red Ridgeline again.

    With your history, get a red Ford pickup.
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Richard, the story of the red pickup you always wanted and the model given to you by your high school friend was a great read.

    My dad owned a Ford pickup - his was a '53. His was black, but was well used (he owned it in the late 60's, before he bought his '70 Chevy pickup which he still has). Was just a used truck, but for some reason I remember it pretty well, even though I was only 6 or 7 at the time.

    oldfarmer - I really liked the Isuzu. It was a 5-speed with the gas engine, and I commuted to Los Angeles with it one summer. I really liked the "Spacecab" models they came out with in the late 80's. We sold it after our son was born.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,348
    I had one. Briefly. In 1990 we bought a new house (1st single family one), and decided I could get a new car. Originally was looking at a Mazda MPV (the old style) of all things, for utility value, but I got sidetracked looking at Mazda PUs. Ended up with a Nissan. Nice burgundy color, with the extended cab. Stick shift of course, and RWD.

    It was handy at times (picked up a used dining room set from a private seller and hauled it home in 2 trips, but I could have easily just rented a van for that). Got some free mulch from the town. And hauled all the crap from my parents garage down. Picked up some other odds and ends, so it was handy.

    Only had it for about 1 year, since right after we got it, child 1 was conceived. And the side folding jump seats just weren't going to work, so it got traded for a 5 door mazda 626.

    I would not mind one again, but the choices in small ones are so limited now, and I have no need for a big one.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I want to be like that friend of yours - several insanely nice houses and the mysterious mailbox in NYC. Maybe I can rig the next Powerball...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
This discussion has been closed.