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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    Driver - you still have the convertible? You could send it my way and get to see how happy I would be with it rather than putting it in the will.

    I am fairly generous, but, not quite that generous. I needed that one as a trade in to bring the cost down on the new one. I wish I could have kept them both, but we only have a 2 car garage, and my wife won't allow me to part in the garage....apparently that's what garages were made for.

    Good luck with the ranch in Alabama, maybe we can do an exchange program for a week (as soon as you get possession).

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Dang. I was counting on the car....

    If I figured there was a way to work it financially I'd have jumped for that and forgotten about the Solara!

    I am beginning to think I might never get that BMW that's on my list of cars to own before I go.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,324
    edited November 2011
    The Mazdaspeed needed some new all season rubber. I used to have Tire Rack drop-ship tires to a local shop that only charged $12/tire to mount and balance them, but the owner retired and closed the shop. Fortunately, a local tire chain opened a store less than 1/2 mile from my house- so I decided to give them a try.

    Cooper Tire is trying to crack the UHP all-season tire segment with its Zeon RS3-A and the tire has garnered good reviews from Autoweek, Road & Track, and the pocket-protector brigade at Consumer Reports. This chain of shops advertises an all-inclusive price that covers mounting, balancing, and a free alignment check. They quoted me a decent price so I had them order a set. The tires came in one business day later, and when I drove over to have the tires installed I was pleasantly surprised to find that the price had dropped by $25/tire. On top of that, when I picked up the car the tech reported that the alignment on the Mazda was fine- no attempt to upsell any unnecessary service. At my next fuel stop I checked the tire pressure and found they had set the pressures to the exact numbers on the tire placard.

    It's good to know I still have a competent and trustworthy tire shop so close to home.

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    If I figured there was a way to work it financially I'd have jumped for that and forgotten about the Solara

    It's too bad because the car was in perfect condition and had 36k miles on it.
    Not a scratch either. I will miss it, but the new one brings driving to another level of quiet, smooth and comfortable driving. The Canadian dollar is down to about 96 cents US lately, so you would save about 4%. Not too many people buy cars in Canada and take them to the US because our prices are higher.

    You will have more chances to get a bimmer one day, if you can wait 4 years I might be able to get you one.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    edited November 2011
    As if everyone doesn’t already know but I got Mrs. jmonroe the Legacy and it’s now in the garage. As I posted before, Son #1 went on the internet to find the exact Legacy I wanted. It’s a 2012 Limited 3.6R (that means a 6 cylinder boxer engine in Subaru speak) in Ice Silver Metalic with dark charcoal grey leather seats (I call it Black) with Nav and a back up camera that Mrs. j wanted to have. She didn’t care about the Nav but to get the backup camera we had to get the Nav too. Nothing special other than I had to go to Columbus to get it because there were no 6s with that color combo in the Burgh area. We could have gotten a 2.5 i four cylinder that was equipped the same as the 6 in the same color combo when we first looked at a Legacy but I wanted a 6 not a 4. I admit that it’s in my head but I wanted a 6.

    The part I guess everyone wants to know about is how did the negotiations go? Well, there was no negotiating because the price that my son saw on their web page was reduced when I got my personal email from them. Yes, I said reduced from what my son thought was a decent starting price that enticed him to ask them to send me the particulars on the car.

    The night before I called the salesman I had a conversation with Son #1 that went like this:

    Son #1: What are you talking about? That is not the price on their web page. Their web page is over $800 higher than that. So where did that price come from that you are talking about?

    Me: I have an email from them per your request and they have an E-price that is lower than their web page. They acknowledge what their web page price is but this is a special price. They call it their E-price.

    Son #1: What did you say that number was again?

    I told him again.

    Son #1: WOW. You know what that means? If they are going to sell it at that price they are into their hold-back money from everything I have found doing research on that car. Truecar is a good bit higher than that price and I thought Truecar had a good price if you could even get that!!!

    Me: I was thinking the same thing. That is an almost unbelievably good price but I’ll find out tomorrow morning when I call if (1) it is actually what they are going to sell it for (2) if they are playing games by tying it to a high finance rate along with the condition of buying the mop/glow and that type of stuff with it, or (3) if it’s a typo.

    Son #1: Good luck. Let me know what happens. WOW.

    I call the salesman the next morning and I ask a few questions about the car. He answers my questions and I said, “you have an E-price of xxxxxx, is that what you are committing to sell it for”? He said, “yes, that’s why I put it in the email”. I’m almost stunned but I said (because if you don’t ask you don’t get), “is that the best price you can do on the car because I’m fairly serious about buying but I’d like a better price”. Guess what he said? He says, “Mr. jmonroe, you seem to know a good bit about this car so you should know that we are well into our hold-back money on this deal as it is. I can’t go any lower. :surprise:

    We are now down to the deposit and he wanted $1K but I balked loudly on this and offered $300. He said he’d have to check and get back to me. He calls back in a few minutes and says OK. I gave him a credit card deposit to hold the car until we drove to Columbus on Saturday to get it.

    Sorry guys it was pretty painless and not too exciting.

    jmonroe

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

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Nicely done, JM. That bigger engine must be a Burgh thing.

    I'm the same way. If a 6 is good, a V-8 must be better.

    Or in this case if a 4 is good, a H-6 must be better.

    Back-up camera eh? I'm seeing those on a lot of cars lately.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    Sorry guys it was pretty painless and not too exciting.

    I read your post completely and found it very interesting....and well written. It actually had me wanting to find out how it all turned out...which you kept from us until the very end. This seems like a really down to earth dealer who is really trying. I think the fact the price was lower than posted shows they are giving you more than anticipated....smart!

    Sounds like a great color combination. I like the idea of a 6 because I think (with my limited techno knowledge) that it will probably last longer...it works less to do the same work...that's my theory any way.

    I like the fact you got the navi and camera. It probably doesn't cost that much more and one day we will wonder how we got along without those features. I used the camera to back into the garage but I still use the mirrors, to see the sides of the garage as I back in. I do like the view directly behind as that could help in some situations. Also, it beeps as you get closer to an object, which can help too.

    Good luck and a great choice.....I have only heard good things about Subies.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    I too just bought Tires - Costco was offering $100 off a set of 4 bridgestones, but their schedule did not match mine. The Discount Tire near my home (not vouching for all discount tire locations) advertises that they will beat Costco. I called and checked if they had the tires in stock (they did) and if they would match prices, which they would. They too did not have any open appointments, but the guys tells me if I can get there at 8:00 am sharp they could fit me in - and likely would take ~ an hour.

    I get their black Friday at 8:00 am - and show them the Costco print out. They beat it, by a few bucks and get to work. 25 minutes later all done no fuss no muss.

    Again I can't vouch for any of their other locations, but this is the 3rd set of tires i have purchased and every time they have been fast, easy to deal with and no pushy upselling of stuff.

    :shades:
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Trust me - you got a lot more for your 3er than I paid for the Solara.

    The way I am with cars I'm likely to have that car into my 70s. I tend to hang on to cars that I like. I've still got that Accord I bought 12 years ago. It was unlike me to trade in the Ody but I was really vanned out....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Boy, you sure know how to negotiate.....

    Nice. I'd love that car. Will you wax it as much as the Genny? Just looking down the road.....

    In matters Canadian, congrats to the BC Lions on their Grey Cup win. Doesn't look right without the snow.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I too bought a new set of tires last weekend. I noticed this summer that I really needed new tires but for some odd reason no one had the correct sized tire. Well to be honest most places did have tires the correct size if I wanted to go either cheap low speed tires or far more expensive high speed racing type tires.

    So I decided that the tires would be OK for a while but needed to be replaced before the winter weather arrived so I kept an eye on the various tire stores websites and found that stores had gotten reasonable tires in stock.

    Well the best priced ones were at a Sears store right near me and they had them in stock so away I went. I got their and they quoted me abiut $20 a tire more than the web site had them. The clerk told me that the web site always had them for less, I asked for internet price and they said I would have to order them off the web site.

    So out comes my cell phone, I get on the web site and order the tires online in front of the guy. Less then a minute later I get a text stating that my order was ready to be picked up at the store I was at. An hour later i was out the door with a new set of tires.

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Before I get into your post, let me congratulate you on the 5 Series purchase. I’m sure it rides a lot softer than your 3 Series. Your trip to Florida should be very comfortable. Now what are you going to say about the “feel of the road”. ;) I think we should demand a dues reduction since we have made a car purchase. If we unionize they might be more willing to listen to our demands.

    I like the fact you got the navi and camera. It probably doesn't cost that much more and one day we will wonder how we got along without those features. I used the camera to back into the garage but I still use the mirrors, to see the sides of the garage as I back in.

    It costs enough but I’m worth it. I’m surprised that your 3 Series didn’t have a back up camera. My Genny has it and when Mrs. j first saw it she said something like, “how many people really need something like that”? Now it was on the top of her list. I’m sure the regulars here remember me telling about the passenger side mirror she whacked on her ’06 Sonata that was traded in for the Genny. I warned her not to get tranced by the back up camera on her new car because she still has to watch her passenger side mirror when she backs out of the garage. I think I told the tale about DIL #1 still backing into someone (no damage to either car, fortunately) even though they have a backup camera in their Town and Country van. The camera is only something that can help while backing up. It’s not a car guidance system.

    Obviously she is still getting used to her car but she’ll catch on. I know this is hard to believe but she didn’t even test drive ANY of the cars we looked at although it would be her car, even this Legacy that we got. She says I know what car we should get and she trusts my judgment in cars but even she doesn’t fully understand why I wanted a 6 but Son #1 knows.

    On the way back to the Burgh from Columbus Son #1 drove the Genny while I drove the Subie with Mrs. jmonroe going along for the ride. I tried several times to get her to drive it a little bit but she doesn’t like to drive while I’m in the car. About 70 miles from the Burgh we stop to get something to drink and Son #1 says, “I always liked how your car goes but it definitely takes some work to hold it under 80”. I know, several times he was out of my sight and his mother commented that he was going too fast and that I should talk to him about that when we stopped. So I said to him, “it has cruise control you know”. He answers saying, “aren’t you the one that once said when you use cruise control you’re not really driving…you’re aiming”? His mother said, “oh, now I get it, I should blame you, not him”. :sick:

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    She knows you too well....

    A backup camera would be really handy on the Solara. It has huge blind spots - even for a convertible. That's OK. I'll manage.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,324
    I too bought a new set of tires last weekend. I noticed this summer that I really needed new tires but for some odd reason no one had the correct sized tire. Well to be honest most places did have tires the correct size if I wanted to go either cheap low speed tires or far more expensive high speed racing type tires.

    The Mazda also has an uncommon tire size- 215/45-18 with a Service Description of 93Y and an XL load rating. The Coopers were actually not all that expensive- that certainly won't be the case come April when I buy a set of Bridgestone RE-11 summer/track tires... :cry:

    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
    Congratulations on a smooth, painless, and successful purchase. It sounds as if you did really well. We have certainly liked the back-up camera on the SRX. I was backing out of the garage the other day, and the camera sounded. I had forgotten to bring in the trash can from garbage puck-up that morning. It is also helpful in backing out of those shopping center lanes when the rows are pretty narrow. Though we don't use the Nav, it looks pretty when it is set on full map view. :D Hope you both enjoy the Subie. Some friends of ours have a 2011 Outback and they love it.

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    The camera is only something that can help while backing up. It’s not a car guidance system.

    Exactly! You still have to do all the things you normally would do backing up, the camera just helps refine the process by showing you what you can't see.

    I will have to fool around with the 535 this morning to see if I can find the radio. They should have a course at BMW U so you can understand half the gadgets. Many of them I will never know.

    Now what are you going to say about the “feel of the road”.

    BMW still brings feel of the road to the 5 Series, but it is different. Steering is lighter but pretty responsive to the patterns of the road, which do come through. The 3 Series is not as refined, and that is still part of the charm of the 3. The 5 Series is for us more mature drivers which I will be soon - old age is 10 years older than you are now.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,491
    Congrats & Mazel-Tov on your new 5er! If I were closer, I'd throw a dollar (American of course) in for good luck!

    I know you had to use the value of your 328i drop top to help pay for the new 535i, but that would've been THE PERFECT car to leave in your new FLA home. Drive the 5 down & this way you & the Mrs. Each have a car to drive while you are there.

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,194
    "...it was pretty painless and not too exciting..."

    Drama is over-rated IMO. Congrats on getting a good deal. You may have hit upon a car that was "unsaleable" in the eco-oriented yuppie Subie community. Hence the rarity of the 6-cyl. model and the dealer's willingness to make the deep discount.

    Sometimes it pays to go contrary to the herd. :)

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

  • I leave for vacation for a few days only to return and learn two of the regulars have new cars. Congrats to Driver and jmonroe. It's almost enough to make me think this forum is for sales stories or something silly like that :P

    jmonroe, locating a newer but used Subaru in Utah is challenging because of brand loyalty and owner satisfaction. The flat 6 is a gem of a motor and the AWD really is that good, all hype aside. If your son ever weasels the keys from you in snowy weather, prepare yourself for stories of controlled and intentional four-wheel slides. Regarding the Hyundai, is the dealership pressuring you to pay for a repair of have the XG towed away? I'm curious about their attitude with it sitting there, and I'm assuming they'll move it outside. Hopefully they'll either reassemble the motor before doing so, or at least protect the exposed metal surfaces to prevent corrosion (and damage evidence of a well-maintained motor).

    Driver, I wasn't aware BMW was shipping vehicles with auto-shutoff. Is there a delay after you stop before the motor is shut down by the computer? What happens to the environmental controls when the motor shuts down? After a minute or so I can only imagine the heated air cooling down and the chilled air warming up considering the AC compressor and radiator flow would both shut off. No doubt the concept will help EPA city mpg figures, but I do wonder if it's practical for real-world city driving. I'd love read your thoughts on the feature after a little break-in time.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    edited November 2011
    THE PERFECT car to leave in your new FLA home.

    Thanks for the good wishes, much appreciated. Oh, we thought about using the 328 in the garage in Florida. Believe it or not, I didn't see to many convertibles in our area of Florida. In Sarasota luxury cars are in the majority, and a lot of the cars are convertibles. I don't think you get too many days that are ideal for a convertible there. Nothing is nicer than a drive with the top down on a perfect day, but a convertible isn't as ideal as it seems unless you use it a lot.
    *If you have back seat passengers they won't want to be in it with the top down.
    *Back seat is smaller and often awkward to use
    *It won't be as solid as the equivalent sedan
    *Often trunk space is compromised
    *More can go wrong
    If we do get a car to leave in Florida, I would probably choose something more mainstrea. Sonata and Optima just came off my list (I don't like it when companies try to weasel out of a warranty), but a used Fusion is high on the list, and a Subie sounds good too. A used Accord could be considered. I doubt I would choose a Camry just because of the bland steering...that would be culture shock.

    Well, I have to look at the online manual and see if I get figure out where my good old AM and FM radio stations are...I can't get out of Sirius.

    I might try to turn off the motor going off when you come to a stop feature too, if I don't get used to it.

    And, I have to try getting the garage door opener programmed sometime soon. I think, one thing a day would be a good start(at that rate it will take about 16 years to get to know my car).

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I was backing out of the garage the other day, and the camera sounded.

    The strange thing about the Subie is, while it has darn near everything including ‘puddle lights’ it does not have the bumper sensors and thus no beeps when you are getting close to something in the front or rear. Like I have on the Genny. I asked the salesman about this and he was kind of surprised too and said that Subaru doesn’t offer that yet but he thinks that they will soon. I didn’t notice it on any of the Subaru’s that I saw sitting in the mega dealers lot local to me and they have a ton of them so I guess he is right. This is kind of going half way if you ask me.

    When we looked at the Maxima last week I saw that Nissan offers a backup camera with front and rear bumper sensors but you don’t have to get the Nav system to get the backup camera. I thought that was weird especially on a wanna be upscale car. Just when you think you know how the minds of car companies work they do things like that.

    I got to thinking about those ‘puddle lights’ and really what good are they? Like if it rains and you are now in a puddle, you can jump over it to get into your car? With that option they should include a door that opens and the seat on the end of an arm that projects out to get you then retracts and puts the seat in place so you’re ready to drive off. Even do the same thing for passengers. Not just warn you that you are about to get your toes wet. If you guys start seeing this option you’ll know where you heard it first. :)

    Like I said…strange how they decide to build cars.

    jmonroe

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    Is there a delay after you stop before the motor is shut down by the computer?

    Not too much delay, probably about 4 seconds. I used to drive taxis when I was going to teachers college and one reason everyone thought they lasted so long was because the motors were kept running. I was taught, it probably is less strain on a TV or a light bulb to leave them on than to keep turning them off and on again....so I wonder how hard this is on the engine. It kind of chugs a bit to a stop and is a bit disconcerting....like is this thing going to start up again?

    I am just guessing, but I would think if the engine is hot for example, the engine will know and will start up again. It is either something you get used to, or it is going to be very irritating. It seems everything can be programmed though, so I think it can be disconnected.

    Something else that seems very strange is there isn't a place in the dash for a key. Having the key on you is enough to press the start button. There is a place to store your key, but not much point if you have pockets. I am not sure how you get the accessories to come on without starting the car. I am sure there is a way. I can call the guy who does the prep anytime, so I might be on the phone a lot for the next few weeks.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,618
    Drama is over-rated IMO.

    Absolutely!

    Sometimes it pays to go contrary to the herd.

    Sometimes?
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    it has darn near everything including ‘puddle lights’

    I had to look up puddle lights to see what they were:
    PUDDLE LIGHTS
    I guess they keep your toseys from getting wet?
    I have lights in the door handles that really do help in the dark.

    Next thing they'll have is those cruise lights that light up under the car;
    CRUISE LIGHTS

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    It's almost enough to make me think this forum is for sales stories or something silly like that

    We just made our quota for the year to keep our license for doing sales stories.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    You may have hit upon a car that was "unsaleable" in the eco-oriented yuppie Subie community. Hence the rarity of the 6-cyl. model and the dealer's willingness to make the deep discount.

    You brought up a very good point that Son #1 and I had about Subaru before I bought.

    As I have mentioned before, my son did quite a bit of research about Subaru’s before I bought and so did I. I remember a conversation like this:

    Son #1: I guess you have noticed the same thing that I have. We are getting into the meat of Subaru season due to the winter weather and because they have AWD they must be in high demand now. The discounts I have seen are not nearly as steep on them as other brands and I don’t think Subaru discounts their cars like the others do anyway. So I think you are up against a guy that is holding a double edged sword. Therefore, be prepared to pay top dollar if you still want a Subaru. The only way you can beat him is to take a gun to his knife fight but that ain’t legal. :sick:

    Me: Just my luck. Maybe because I want a 6, I could get a good deal on one of them. Nah, who am I kidding? I haven’t noticed 4s or 6s being discounted very much now either. Just to see if we are right it would have been nice if we saw what they went for in July around here.

    Sometimes it pays to go contrary to the herd.

    And sometimes you step in it and come out smelling like a rose. I think I did and I’ll take it. :)

    jmonroe

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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,491
    No, not that kind of delivery everyone. I'm very excited to meet our baby girl sometime this afternoon!

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

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Woohoo! Best wishes for a speedy and easy delivery. Congrats in advance.

    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

  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,928
    Just before Thanksgiving, I went to my mechanic, and had him check why my MIL (check engine) light went on.

    I figured it was emissions related due to my custom exhaust system again, but wanted to make sure. He gave me the semi-bad news that it was the Intake Manifold Runner Control Motor code. My first reaction was "AGAIN!"

    He said kinda jokingly "Well, at least you know what the weak part of the car is!"

    The thing is, I went to the disreputable mechanic who has since gone out of business (as predicted) to fix it the first time around. This was about 18 months and 18K ago, so the 1 year 12K repair warranty is exceeded anyway. However, I wouldn't put it past them to have not given me a new part, and simiply rebuilt/fixed the old one and/or used an old replacement used part to get it fixed. Of course they charged me like it was a new OEM part replacement, but who knows if they used an Audi OEM part until we get in there.

    So he tells me he's completely booked for last week, that perhaps we'll get to it next week (which is this week).

    So I got a letter from Audi of America over the holiday weekend. Warranty extension for Instake Minifold Runner Control Motor and Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve on my vehicle for 10 years or 120,000 miles!

    Great timing Audi! Only thing is, I'm scheduled for my 2nd replacement.

    So my question is, should I go ahead and get it fixed with my current mechanic (not sure if he ordered any parts yet; he should be calling me back soon). Or should I go to Audi to get it fixed this 2nd time, then claim reimbursement for the previous fix?

    I'm leaning towards letting this mechanic repair it again, then submitting the reimbursement claim form for BOTH receipts (gotta find that old receipt somewhere! :))

    The reason I lean towards that is I've made some mods to the car since the first failure, which include software and exhaust upgrades, both of which are mentioned in their boilerplate as things they wouldn't be responsible for. Now, they can't just automatically blame the upgrades for the failures, they should have to show the damage or malfunctions were cause by my non-EPA and non-OEM parts and mods. But would Audi even try and do that to a good customer? Frankly, the first failure happened before I made any changes to the software or exhaust, which goes a long way towards showing the failures were not a result of things I did.

    Do you think Audi will only pay for ONE repair? And if so, they probably have a limit and will just give me that limit if it's less than paying for both repairs?

    The letter is dated November 2011; no date provided. I suppose if I get the 2nd repair done before 12/1/11, they can't argue I should have gone to the dealer.... they might if I wait more than a few days.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    All right! Have you picked out a car for her yet?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    edited November 2011
    Here are some pictures using Imidoza's instructions, along with a lot of help from my IT expert.
    image

    The new car with Gigi....she's not used to it yet...she's more used to the 2 door car.

    image

    One more:
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    I don't know if you will be sharing all of your delivery experience details but I hope everything goes well. Very best wishes...that's even better than a new car sales story.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    +1 on the congratulations! Good luck with everything.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    edited November 2011
    Thanks verdugo
    A few more.......................(my wife's 335 in the background...not too imaginatave, 2 cars the same colors.......

    image

    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,491
    Wheels make the F10! I dig your new ride driver100!

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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,946
    White always looks good IMO! Good luck with it!

    As for your keyless ignition, on my car if I want to put it in accessory mode I just push the button without stepping on the brake and the car will turn on without starting the engine.

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

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,946
    Best of luck to you and your wife, many congratulations!!

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

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,324
    Best wishes and all that good stuff... :D

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    edited November 2011
    on my car if I want to put it in accessory mode I just push the button without stepping on the brake

    That might work, it makes sense. I will definitely try that.

    While on the subject, I am getting more used to the engine shutting off when I stop. Most times I just creep up to stoplights so the engine doesn't have to shut off....but I think the people behind me get mad at me driving so slow. :mad:

    I fugured out how to switch to am or fm radio. Also you can use voice control...radio....fm.....99.9 for example.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Well, at least now both of your cars match your dog. Major accomplishment!

    White cars don't do it for me but I understand I am in the minority. I still dig the car!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    White cars don't do it for me but I understand I am in the minority.

    Our youngest daughter always complained when I got a white car, she said I should get a real color.

    According to Road and Track "The most popular color in North America for the past three years is white,” Worldwide, number 1 is silver.

    WE have had more white colors than any other for some reason. I also liked black for the 535, but my wife said I would have to wash it every day if I got a black car.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    If your son ever weasels the keys from you in snowy weather, prepare yourself for stories of controlled and intentional four-wheel slides.

    You gotta be kidding me. It is amazing how this stuff comes out on this board. It’s almost like my conversations aren’t private but are being broadcast. Over the weekend Son #1 said something like, “hey, when we get a good snow fall let’s take the Subie to the mall parking lot and see how it does. We’ll probably have to try pretty hard to make it do spin outs”. Notice that he said WE but I know he means HIM because I have no desire to hurt her car. :(

    Regarding the Hyundai, is the dealership pressuring you to pay for a repair of have the XG towed away?

    So far the dealership is not pressuring me to move the car but I know that is coming as soon as I return his call.

    I spoke to my lawyer BIL this morning and he said what I figured he’d say. “It sounds like you have a good case but to win it’s probably going to cost you big bucks. Way more than the cost of the engine repair. So, how much do you want to spend to prove your point? In cases like this it almost always comes down to that”. He suggested that I call a lemon law attorney and see if they can take the case without a fee but he doubts it because I’m not going after money (just repair of my car under warranty).

    I just spoke to a lemon law attorney and while he said it sounds like I have a pretty good case he has to charge by the hour to get this started and he figures it could easily cost me $1K and that doesn’t even get me through what the costs are for getting this to court if his letters and conversations don’t work. He did say that he could sue for attorney fees but in cases like this the court doesn’t usually find in favor of this.

    How do you like this…my BIL said that he can’t write a letter to the dealership to see if they could rescind their decision because the firm he works for does work for this dealership that is screwing me because that would be a conflict of interest. :sick:

    He then wised me up with this comment and this says it ALL. If I took it to small claims court in my boro I could easily lose because the “magistrate is not necessarily without prejudice” when it comes to matters like this because of this mega dealerships standing in the community. That and this dealership has probably done or is about to do business with the boro in the way of boro and police vehicles. He said, “I know that stinks but it is the way things are done”.

    The little guy just can’t win these battles and the big guy knows it. Am I surprised? NO, but I am pissed. :mad:

    jmonroe

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,194
    "...the web site always had them for less..."

    No wonder Sears is in trouble. That's just dumb. Most people would just get mad and walk out. Sale lost. :)

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,194
    "...our baby daughter..."

    Congrats. This might be the one time to spring for the mop&glo. :)

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,194
    "...The new car with Gigi..."

    With that car and that dog you will fit right in down in Florida. :P

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,194
    "...the little guy just can't win..."

    Yeah, but the little guy can force the big guy to pay one of those expensive lawyers to defend a small claim that only costs the little guy a few bucks to file.

    That's gotta be worth something and who knows, you might win.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Yeah it is dumb, I would have walked if I didn't have the ability to get online right there and then. I found it interesting that it didn't take any longer for me to do it that way.

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,588
    but the little guy can force the big guy to pay one of those expensive lawyers to defend a small claim that only costs the little guy a few bucks to file.

    I think this is the best bet. They might not want to be taken to court...especially if they could lose. They might just settle if you file and set a court date. The cost could be minimal, but you could actually win, and what a sweet victory that would be.

    OF, Gigi loves Florida. She hates the snow and getting cold wet paws. She doesn't like alligators....we showed her some and she just wanted to get as far from them as possible. She could smell them from about 100 yards away.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,335
    2 relatively cheap options for the "what do you have to lose" catagory.

    1 like you said is file in small claims, just to prove you are serious (or at least willing to be a PITA to them).

    the other is to use the lemon law attorney, but as more of a bluff. Pay him to write and send a letter (heck, write it for him!) to use as a shot accross the bow. Something about having a strong case, cite the mag act, etc. Basically say reconsider or be prepared to get sued.

    companies really are impersonal. It is all about $$. denying a claim? Quick, easy and cheap. But, having to respond, fight, pay legal fees? That is going to end up being more expensive

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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,491
    Everyone's kind words & congratulations really mean so much to me. I appreciate the support. Hear ye! Hear ye! On this Tuesday, the twenty-ninth day, of the eleventh month, of the year two thousand eleven at 3:50 pm, my wife, 2 sons, & I officially welcomed our daughter, Whitney into the world. Whitney is just perfect. She weighed in @ 8 lbs, 3 oz. Mom & baby are healthy & doing well.

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

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