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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    Are you in Oakland

    I don't remember where he lives, but I do know for a fact that it's not Oakland/Shadyside/Squirrel hill area. IIRC, it was a suburb rather than in the city itself.
  • 28firefighter28firefighter Member Posts: 9,824
    For some reason I pictured Murrysville, but I could be wrong.

    I am in the East End of the city myself.
    2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Are you in Oakland, Highland Park? You keep

    saying you live in Pittsburgh, but it's a long drive thru construction

    zones to the PaTpk.


    I know I keep saying the Burgh but most of the time I say the “Burgh area” because I don’t live in the city itself. Not too many people actually live within the city limits anymore compared to the suburbs. Sorry I confused you.

    About the PA pike thing. I drive it about 20 miles each way to and from work, a very easy ride. I just turned 33K miles on the Genny on Friday going home. I got the car in March of ’09. How many times, at trade time, have we heard salesman mention that people say, “those are all highway miles on my car so don’t worry about the higher miles for its age. They were all easy miles”? Well, in my case it’s actually true. When I’m home we almost always take Mrs. j’s car when we go anywhere because I don’t want to mile up the Genny any more than I have to. Her car doesn’t even get 5K miles per year on it. The reason I know this is because we have PA state inspection once a year and her car has been “emission exempt” (5K miles or less) since I turned it over to her when I got the Genny.

    jmonroe

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    For some reason I pictured Murrysville, but I could be wrong.

    You’re very close. It’s Monroeville. I tried not to move back into Allegheny County AGAIN when we move back to the Burgh area from SC. Anybody with a pea brain wouldn’t have moved back to Monroeville again but we couldn’t find what we wanted in Murrysville which was my first choice. Mrs. j found the exact house she wanted 2 streets away from where we lived before moving to SC and she liked the idea that it was close to her old friends but I have to admit it is close to any shopping that needs to be done. You’d think that she actually walked to those places. :confuse:

    I am in the East End of the city myself.

    That’s where I grew up, from 3 rd through 8 th grade. Garfield section to be exact.

    jmonroe

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

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Thank you. I deleted my request for your exit as you answered it to

    28firefighter by the time I asked. I also added that Monroeville

    (jmonroe-get it?) could have been named for ours truly. That is the

    place to go if you're car shopping. Miracle Mile has dealers galore.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    (Which reminds me, where is Richard?
    He hasn't posted since before my new car story on the 12th. I hope all is well with him.


    I hope so too, I miss his calm and wise comments.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Richard is just fine. I have continued to receive private emails from him. I think he is just taking a break.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    The car is 16K, I have 15K,

    What about taxes, licence fees, destination, doc fees and other costs? Others have said it right exactly, you will be in over your head and you will be stressed out over what should be an enjoyable experience.

    What would happen if you banked the money, and leased the car for 3 years, with an option to buy at the end of the lease. At least you have enough money to get through 3 years of a lease, and you can save more on the side to buy back the car later. It will cost more to do it this way, but at least you should have enough money to get you through the lease period...if you save the money in a car fund and don't spend it.

    I would say, consider this if you really need the car to get to work or something. Don't do it just because you want that particular car.

    The others gave good advice, buy a used car from a reputable dealer and save the balance of your money for emergencies.

    The last thing you need is to have a new car and be broke.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    Richard is just fine. I have continued to receive private emails from him. I think he is just taking a break.

    Thanks Houdini. Appreciate the update...glad he is fine. Hope he comes back soon. :)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    Good hear he is ok. I just figured he made another computer upgrade. ;)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Now the killer is when he comes back he's going to fill several pages replying to a couple of weeks worth of posts.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    edited October 2011
    Number 1 on the list of Top 100 car songs

    http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef3d172/23785#MSG23786
    We love #100 too. :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    That's a great list of songs. Going to have to start thinking of things to add to it.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,950
    What would happen if you banked the money, and leased the car for 3 years, with an option to buy at the end of the lease. At least you have enough money to get through 3 years of a lease, and you can save more on the side to buy back the car later. It will cost more to do it this way, but at least you should have enough money to get you through the lease period...if you save the money in a car fund and don't spend it.

    I think he only secured a loan for 15k. It didn't sound like he had the cash lying around.

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    So where did everyone go? Here I am hanging out getting blood (they finally have wifi in here!).

    Zzzzzzzz....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,675
    Glad they've got WiFi for you now. That should help move the time along faster.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    So where did everyone go? Here I am hanging out getting blood (they finally have wifi in here!).

    Steve, I posted this in CCBA, but i'll repost here to spark some discussion:

    What new car would you buy in the following categories.

    (Domestic is Ford, GM, Chrysler; foreign is everybody else)

    B car? (Fit, Sonic, etc.) Must be a manual transmission
    Domestic 4 door sedan under $30K
    Foreign pickup truck
    2 seat sports car under $75K
    Convertible
    You're married with 3 kids - what do you get to haul the family around?
    You can only have one car in your life for the next 10 years - what do you get?
    Car you'd like to pick up with European Delivery
    Indulgent, over-the-top, lottery winning purchase

    No cop outs .. you've gotta have an answer for each category.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    I think he only secured a loan for 15k. It didn't sound like he had the cash lying around.

    Thanks! Gottcha, I guess he can't secure a loan to get a lease? It would probably make more sense in a way, though not the best thing to do. I wonder what he decided to do.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    edited October 2011
    What new car would you buy in the following categories.

    (Domestic is Ford, GM, Chrysler; foreign is everybody else)

    B car? (Fit, Sonic, etc.) Must be a manual transmission Kia Forte
    Domestic 4 door sedan under $30K Fusion
    Foreign pickup truck Frontier
    2 seat sports car under $75K Mecedes SRX (or whatever they are called)
    Convertible BMW BMW 335 Cabriolet
    You're married with 3 kids - what do you get to haul the family around? BMW 328i
    You can only have one car in your life for the next 10 years - what do you get? BMW 335iX
    Car you'd like to pick up with European Delivery BMW 335iX
    Indulgent, over-the-top, lottery winning purchase BMW 550iXand a Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    B car? (Fit, Sonic, etc.) Must be a manual transmission Kia Forte

    driver, thanks for playing, but unfortunately the Forte is a C class (Corolla, Civic) car, not B class. For Kia that would be the Rio or Soul.

    Care to make another choice? ;)
  • kpl1228kpl1228 Member Posts: 5
    edited October 2011
    Ok, all done. We found a great guy down the street who did the deal, as originally desired. The other place refused to let me talk to the sales manager AT ALL !!!!! Then they raised the price by $1000 on their Ebay ad that same day.
    Thanks, all, for the posts. LOVE the car.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Well, at least tell us what you got....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Indulgent, over-the-top, lottery winning purchase BMW 550iXand a Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

    What’s so indulgent about an SLS AMG Roadster ? Isn’t there one in every parking lot? There is in ours and it belongs to one of the young ladies here. She’s not a new hire, not an old salt either. I don’t know her but I’m told she’s been with the outfit for about 6 or 7 years. OK...her husband is a surgeon. Nothing to it.

    jmonroe

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Ok, all done. We found a great guy down the street who did the deal, as originally desired.

    Congratulation and enjoy it.

    There's nothing like a home cooked meal deal. :)

    jmonroe

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

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited October 2011
    B car? (Fit, Sonic, etc.) Must be a manual transmission Sonic
    Domestic 4 door sedan under $30K Chevy Cruze Eco with manual transmission, and I'd put the extra $10K in the bank
    Foreign pickup truck Hmmm, Toyota Tundra, but I'd prefer domestic
    2 seat sports car under $75K Nissan GT-R
    Convertible BMW 3 series - big shout out to Driver
    You're married with 3 kids - what do you get to haul the family around? Toyota Sienna AWD
    You can only have one car in your life for the next 10 years - what do you get? Probably that Sienna due to versatility
    Car you'd like to pick up with European Delivery That convertible BMW 3 Series
    Indulgent, over-the-top, lottery winning purchase Ahhhhh, retirement. Home in Italy with a Golf TDI manual tranny parked in the garage, another home in Park City with a Toyota 4Runner in the garage, and a third home in Hawaii with that 3 Series convertible in the garage
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Never heard of a B car. Is that better than a C car, but less than an A car?

    Seriously, where is the list that tells me what letter designation is for all cars?

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,345
    probably one someplace, but I find it easier to assign a known car to each. I assume there is some European official rating system.

    A- too danged small to be a real car. Think, Smart. Fiat 500 could fall in here I think.
    B- what I consider to be a small car. Hyundai Accent, toyota Yaris, Honda fit.
    C- compact cars, which keep ballooning up into former mid size. Elantra, Civic, Corolla.
    D - "mid size". Your traditional Accord/Camry stuff.
    E- not sure when they stop counting, but I guess this is traditional "full size" (crown vic, impala?

    Of course, if you are a rental car company, then a "B" would be called "full size"!

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,198
    "...Where did everyone go?..."

    Me? I've been searching hi & lo for that Solara Convertible you wanted.

    http://cnj.craigslist.org/ctd/2611519788.html

    Also, earlier today the Edmunds site went all screwy with 404 error messages. It was either my old computer or Edmunds is under hacker attack.

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    edited October 2011
    Also, earlier today the Edmunds site went all screwy with 404 error messages. It was either my old computer or Edmunds is under hacker attack.

    It never happened until you started paying your dues with that new frequent flyer miles earning credit card they talked you into getting to make your life easier. Maybe you should go back to paying with cash like you used to do. I hope you know you're now being tracked just like the rest of us. :sick:

    jmonroe

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

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    It wasn't your computer because I kept getting the same 404 error message on the forum pages.

    Probably a big Halloween party going on at Edmunds with Kirstie kicking up her heels again !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Yeah, the KCMO Edmunds branch office was kickin' it up yesterday, sorry about that. :)
    I did do a little work on my Halloween costume... still need one last accessory. Halloween weekend is one of the few nights we ever go out, just because it's fun to find/create silly costumes. Last year's costume was fun... we'll see about this year's.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,325
    edited October 2011
    B car? (Fit, Sonic, etc.) Must be a manual transmission: Mazda 2

    Domestic 4 door sedan under $30K: Yuk! Ford Fusion if I HAD to buy one.

    Foreign pickup truck: Nissan Titan

    2 seat sports car under $75K: Porsche Boxster S

    Convertible: Shelby GT500

    You're married with 3 kids - what do you get to haul the family around?: Is suicide an option? If not, a Mazda CX-9

    You can only have one car in your life for the next 10 years - what do you get? BMW M3 Sedan w/Competition Package

    Car you'd like to pick up with European Delivery: Porsche Cayman S

    Indulgent, over-the-top, lottery winning purchase: Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

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

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    B car? (Fit, Sonic, etc.) Must be a manual transmission
    Domestic 4 door sedan under $30K
    Buick Regal

    Foreign pickup truck
    Toyota Tacoma

    2 seat sports car under $75K
    Porsche Cayman S

    Convertible
    Ford Mustang GT

    You're married with 3 kids - what do you get to haul the family around?
    Toyota Sienna AWD

    You can only have one car in your life for the next 10 years - what do you get?
    Cadillac CTS

    Car you'd like to pick up with European Delivery
    Volvo S60 R Design

    Indulgent, over-the-top, lottery winning purchase
    MB CLS63 AMG
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Here's a real marker in life. Got my last paycheck today (well, actually my last direct deposit from my former (that sounds weird) place of employment. I'm still a couple of weeks away from the first pension check and at least a week away from the temporary disability from the state.

    If anyone wants to send me money to make me feel less insecure at the moment feel free....

    Michaelll doesn't count. He sent me a nice Suzuki tshirt that fits just fine. Well, I wouldn't want him to feel bad so he could send money, too.....

    We'll be OK. All the bills are current.

    I have the 00 Accord with something like 230K on it in the shop for a timing belt, exhaust work, two new tires, replacing the platinum plugs - all told about $1,300 plus tax. If I get another year out of it that way it's well worth it.

    She actually doesn't like the car because she still feels funny with a stick. I'm thinking of working out some sort of deal with her and keeping the Accord for myself and when it dies I'll push it up to brentwood's dealership and let him sell me either a nice convertible or a loaded Hyundai of some sort....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    ...or a loaded Hyundai of some sort....

    I’d rather you not do that. I want to be the only one in here with the distinction of having a loaded up Genny V8. :(

    If you don’t mess with me you’ll get a pretty good deal on it when I’m through with it. Not a will thing but a good deal none the less. :)

    jmonroe

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

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,345
    To Fezo, I think loaded means an Accent with the deluxe Walmart wheel cover package.

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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,493
    B car? (Fit, Sonic, etc.) Must be a manual transmission: Fit Sport

    Domestic 4 door sedan under $30K: Fusion

    Foreign pickup truck: Nissan Titan

    2 seat sports car under $75K: Corvette Grand Sport

    Convertible: Porsche Boxster S

    You're married with 3 kids - what do you get to haul the family around?: Honda Pilot

    You can only have one car in your life for the next 10 years: BMW X5 Diesel

    Car you'd like to pick up with European Delivery: Porsche Panamera Turbo S

    Indulgent, over-the-top, lottery winning purchase: Ferrari 458 Italia or a Porsche 911 Turbo S

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Nah. An Elantra or Sonata.

    Depending on how much of the life jmonroe squeezes out of the Genny I could be interested in that. Bill had a CPO 6 cyl Genny that had me tempted.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,950
    edited October 2011
    Bill had a CPO 6 cyl Genny that had me tempted.

    You could have had mine for 22K!!!!!! J's is nicer though (V8 w/Tech). I would challenge him for who had the better shine. I do a nice wax job.

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

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    I'm not posting any choices because it would just lead to frustration. :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    You moved too quickly! I could have been talked into that!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    thanks for playing, but unfortunately the Forte is a C class (Corolla, Civic) car, not B class. For Kia that would be the Rio or Soul.

    I think I would rather walk or ride a bike than own a Rio, Soul or anything else in a B Class............or I would get a used C Class Forte.

    Hope that complies with the rules.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    Hawaii with that 3 Series convertible in the garage

    Some great choices, especially all those 3 Series convertables.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    You moved too quickly! I could have been talked into that! (in reference to 'tj's' V6 Genny)

    Nah, you don't want a Genny V6, even 'tj' didn't want his. And don't let 'imbrentwood' get in your ear with that talk either. I'll do my best not to mile up mine and like I said a few posts back, "almost all of the miles on mine have been on the PA Turnpike" and there has not been an oil change that went longer than 6200 miles. Plus, you know mine has been waxed for it's entire life not just done by the dealer detail shop to put it on their used car lot.

    On top of all that, with a Genny, you do like Son #1 said, "DON'T GO HALFWAY. GET THE V8".

    jmonroe

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    Got my last paycheck today (well, actually my last direct deposit from my former (that sounds weird) place of employment

    It might take awhile to get used to your new lifestyle but I guarantee you will get used to not working. I am still working about half time, but I could leave it entirely....though it took awhile to realize that.

    it will take sometime to figure out how you will fill out your week. Once you have some sure things to fill in 2 or 3 times a week, you will buid up the rest of the week and it will get filled in, and you will wonder how you did all the odd things that had to be done when you were working.

    Good luck, and good plan with your cars.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    On top of all that, with a Genny, you do like Son #1 said, "DON'T GO HALFWAY. GET THE V8".

    Have you considered getting a job selling Gennies? You'd make a super salesman, you got me almost wanting to get one. ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    I have listed my snowtires on Kijiji...4 Blizzaks, on wheels, BMW wheel covers, includes carrying totes, used 2 seasons, about 6k miles on them.

    I've had about 10 replies but no sale. They are listed for $800, new they were $1500. One guy said he would give me $500 cash and would pick them up the next day. I told him it's too early to sell them at that price. One guy said he was very interested but wanted to look at some others first. One guy wanted pictures of the treads. One guy wanted to know what percentage of the tread was used.

    My BMW salesman said if i have a problem he could probably sell them for me. I just sent him the details.

    I hate selling stuff this way.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    We are flying to Florida in November to close on the Florida home. We need a rental car for a week. There are only 2 rental places at the airport. We went with Hertz and they said the mid size was a Mitsu Gallant. I could drive for years without seeing a Gallant. What are the chances I am actually going to end up with a Gallant?

    Another thing is we are in Chicago for 3 days. We got a Dodge Caravan taxi at the airport. It was the dirtiest taxi I have ever seen. The drivers armrest was stuffed with used kleenex tissues in the door handle. The 2nd row of seats are about 1 inch thick. It felt pretty solid though...no rattles or loose parts....it just seems kind of minimal though.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,590
    We found a great guy down the street who did the deal, as originally desired. The other place refused to let me talk to the sales manager AT ALL

    Great, and it was nice of you to actually let us know what happened, that doesn't happen too often.

    It would be nice if you could tell us what car it was and how you did the deal and got your price.

    Glad you are enjoying your new car.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    What are the chances I am actually going to end up with a Gallant?

    Considering probably 99% of the Gallants sold probably get sold to Hertz maybe pretty good..... From what I hear that wouldn't kill you but I'd try to sweet talk them into a Mazda 6....

    So far occupying my time isn't an issue. Between medical things and stuff around the house that has gone to hell because I've been functionally absent (just out of things once home from work) for a few years there's lots to do. I need to find social contact. Even though I've lived here a long time my entire support network and such is two hours north. We'll get there.

    My retirement dinner is a week from Friday.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
This discussion has been closed.