Stories from the Sales Frontlines

tjc78

it is 2 points no matter what the violation was.

Yes I read up on this after getting a ticket (would be a 4 pointer) in Delaware about 5-6 years ago. I decided to just pay it, and deal with the two points. I don't think they ever showed up because my insurance never went up.

Actually I'll tell this story because I find it amusing.

I was headed back from VA Beach from a customer and was cruising up RT 1/13 in DE. I knew to watch my speed along this road and was doing my best to stay around 5 over. At one point I got into a group of cars doing 65 ish in a 50. We rode together for a good while and then I noticed the SL change to 45. I figured being out of state (and not knowing the road) I would move over to the right lane and slow down. NOT as soon as I moved over there was an officer on the right side of the road with radar gun in hand. TAGGED!

He starts signaling me to stop and wrote me the ticket. I explained the group of people flying by obviously well over the limit. I guess that yellow NJ plate was all he needed to see. The best part of this was it was in a minivan of all vehicles.

driver100

From now on, you can just enjoy speeding on our highways and only paying $200 when you get caught.

Very worthwhile comments. I am pretty sure there isn't reciprocity between Canada and the US yet on regular traffic tickets. I also think that it seems to be a low level ticket, that is not in the dangerous driving category, though he could have done that.

To the best of my knowledge I have never made an insurance claim pertaining to my vehicles, and as i said my last ticket was pretty minor and it was 18 years ago. If they want to throw the book at me they can, I'll take my chances. When we were in Florida the guy behind me pulled out and passed and went wizzing right threw a red light....that was really dangerous!

What I did think of is if we buy a Florida car then it might be a factor because we will have to have insurance from a Florida company. Might have to put the car in my wife's name and be an occassional driver.
Do you think it could affect that, or will it revert to my Canadian license and not make it's way to Florida? Hard to say. It's pretty bad to feel like a criminal for one little mistake. That's why it just isn't worth it to speed.

sterlingdog

I called our state DMV several years ago to find out about reciprocity. N.C. has it with all states now. My experience has been that every state where I got a ticket sent it back here....whether you paid on the spot or not. That's why I started using attorneys. It has certainly saved me a ton of money, as well as keeping my license.

Richard

driver100

states only report the violation back to your home state, if you don't pay...

Is that for real?

Also, when you go to buy car insurance do they ask you "have you had any tickets in the last year, or some such question?

There was a good program on a consumer show in Canada called Marketplace. They showed how travel insurance companies get out of paying for medical bills out of the country. One guy took out $2000 worth of insurance so he could go to Florida. He had a heart attack and it cost $360000 in medical expenses. The insurance company didn't pay because he answered 2 questions wrong about some other unrelated symptoms he had that the doctor recorded, but he didn't know about.

The form the insurance company uses is full of legalese, and no ordinary person can decipher what the applicant has to answer. The insurance company gets out of paying on a technicality. When the hospital found out he wasn't covered by insurance they lowered the bill to $140000, but still, that was a large amount to pay when he thought he would be covered with $2000 of worthless insurance!

sterlingdog

Why not purchase your Florida car in Canada and put Canadian tags on it? That way, you won't need insurance from here. After all, your permanent residence is in Canada. Then, too, you wouldn't have to worry about any future tickets being reported against you. Though my sister has homes in Florida and N.C., all of her cars have Texas tags. They once lived in Texas where there is no state tax. That's why she uses those.

Richard

driver100

states only report the violation back to your home state, if you don't pay...

Is that for real?

Also, when you go to buy car insurance do they ask you "have you had any tickets in the last year, or some such question?

There was a good program on a consumer show in Canada called Marketplace. They showed how travel insurance companies get out of paying for medical bills out of the country. One guy took out $2000 worth of insurance so he could go to Florida. He had a heart attack and it cost $360000 in medical expenses. The insurance company didn't pay because he answered 2 questions wrong about some other unrelated symptoms he had that the doctor recorded, but he didn't know about.

The form the insurance company uses is full of legalese, and no ordinary person can decipher what the applicant has to answer. The insurance company gets out of paying on a technicality. When the hospital found out he wasn't covered by insurance they lowered the bill to $140000, but still, that was a large amount to pay when he thought he would be covered with $2000 of worthless insurance!

sterlingdog

For years now, I have walked around with the typical cell phone. I never set up the voice mail or did any thing other than make a call or receive a call. I finally decided to get with the times. I got on the waiting list last month for the new Samsung Galaxy S-1 Smartphone. It arrived last Friday. I have amazed myself. I entered all of my contacts and set up voice mail. I did the same thing with my email. I learned how to text and added some apps to the phone. This model has two cameras, one on the front and one on the back. I still have to learn how to use those, plus the GPS system. This model even has Voice Talk if I get too lazy to use my fingers. As most of you know, I'm far from being a tech person. At least the Smartphone doesn't have any cords to yank! I'm really enjoying this new experience. I got a great deal on this phone. It was $600 with an introductory price of $425. Then I got a $100 rebate which I mailed. For $325 I got a phone that does everything but wash the dishes. We no longer have to carry the lap top on a trip. I can surf the web right from my phone. I bought a charger for the car for $29.95. Technology is truly amazinbg these days.

Richard

jmonroe

Did you feel liberated? You don't have to worry about being caught if you drive within the limits. Did you find it less stressful? Now you can just enjoy driving your car.

I drive the PA Turnpike everyday for about 20 miles each way so me and the expansion joints are on a first name basis and I know where the troopers hide. They just completed, after a good 3 years of construction, a three lane stretch for about 10 miles, between two exits. For a while there I didn’t think they were ever going to complete that work. Anyway, on the way home there is a long grade downhill for about a mile along this stretch. There is a hiding spot about a third of the way down this hill and sometimes there is a chase car tucked away in another hiding spot at the bottom of the hill. I’m not exaggerating about this, in the last 3 weeks I think there has only been 2 days when I haven’t seen someone pulled over at the bottom of the hill. Just yesterday I see the car towards the top of the hill, but as I get to the spot where they normally have people pulled over, just around a sweeping bend, I didn’t see any one so I thought ‘everyone must be on their good behavior today’. WRONG, several hundred yards further down the pike I see the flashing lights. If he had to chase that guy that far I’d hate to be paying that ticket.

There were places I would drive over the limit before, now when I see an officer I go by thinking I won, he didn't catch me.

I don’t look at it as having won anything. I just like to make life easy on myself; I engage cruise control at a little over 70, the limit is 65. So far so good.

jmonroe

driver100

I entered all of my contacts and set up voice mail.

Good for you! I am still in the stone age, I have a flip phone that I only use if I absolutely have to. My wife got a new phone so she can text. She doesn't want to fall behind in the new world of technology. I just don't have the motivation to learn things I will probably never use. Guess I'll become a dinosaur!

driver100

I engage cruise control at a little over 70, the limit is 65. So far so good.

There are lots of little tricks you can do to lessen your chance of getting caught.
Cruise control is a good one - but shouldn't be used in wet or icy weather.
Being careful as you come up the crest of a hill.
Watch for a long flat area before you speed.
And the best one...fall behind another car so it is more likely he will get caught. Though, in some of those traps they pull them all over.

It's just too stressful always thinking. I'd say the difference on a 22 hour trip to Florida between speeding or staying within the limit might be 2 hours at most.....it just isn't worth the stress or risk.

Your rule is good 70 in a 65 zone. I follow the 10% rule, if you within 10% it should be OK, school zones better be right on though, and that is understandable.

mako1a

I have amazed myself. Richard is the last person I would have thought of with a smart phone and liking it.

I got one a few months ago and simply hate it. When the money runs out it goes in the garbage. Mine was only $256, so mine may be lacking a few of Richard's features. I have a Motorola Triumph. Too big to slip into a pocket and barely fits in a shirt pocket. Maybe I need the old folks phone with big numbers.

jmonroe

If you only eat the top and leave the rest you are a spoiled brat.

Hey, knock it off. I come here to get away from what Mrs. j always calls me. :mad:

jmonroe

jwilliams2

I engage cruise control at a little over 70, the limit is 65.

That’s exactly what I do. Learned my lesson a long time ago. I got my first speeding ticket in 1960 before I even knew what radar was. My last was in ‘82 right after I had bought a new radar detector. On the next road trip I thought I was pretty much immune to the absurd 55 speed limit. First trip on the interstate, the detector goes off, so I immediately slowed down, and sure enough, there was the Highway Patrol in the median about a half mile ahead. I thought to myself, this thing is really going to pay for itself in no time.

Surprisingly, he pulled me over, so I innocently asked him what the problem was. He told me an airplane had clocked me a couple of miles back doing 78 and wrote me up.

I’ve found it’s much more relaxing to just leave a little early and take your time. Much less stressful that way.

nyccarguy

I've started here. The best part about it is that I've told various people about the speeding ticket I got on Saturday. Everyone's 1st reaction: "You were driving the Prelude, weren't you?"

Nope, the TSX.

jmonroe

Mine was only $256,...

I doubt that I will go that route. Son #1 works for a high tech company and because of that they want their employees to have the latest in the way of that stuff. So, they pay for his new fangled pocket phone/computer thingy. I’ll say this, that thing is amazing. I’ve been with him a few times and I’ve mentioned that I’ll have to check on something on the internet when I get home. He says, “wait a sec, I can call that up right now”. :surprise:

I mentioned in a post a while back that Mrs. j liked a Mazda 6 that was on the showroom floor at the Subie dealer where we got the Legacy from in Ohio and was curious why I never said anything about a Mazda. When I said, “do you really want to change your mind now? I don’t even know what they are going for”. Son #1 said, “no problem, I can get that info for ya, real quick” and out pops his phone. I told him to turn it off and save his battery because we were getting the Legacy. I didn’t drive over three hours to change my mind at the last minute. Off course Mrs. j agreed.

FWIW, his company has great benefits other than a cell phone. His medical insurance is a joke (a year ago it was free) and they provide free K-Cups in all the flavors. They have game machines in the lounge, a ping-pong table, pool table, exercise equipment and I can’t remember the other stuff. If I wasn’t so happy where I am I might apply.

jmonroe

[Deleted User]

Welcome to non-narcotic addiction, Richard. Pretty soon you'll be in conversations with friends and family wherein someone will wonder about some trivia fact, and you'll whip out the phone for the immediate answer. Or you'll be shopping and decide to price check the item you're looking at, as well as read any related reviews. Or you'll just be bored and surf the net...or log onto Edmunds. One tip: when your wife wants your attention, keep the dang thing pocketed. :P Ask me how I know

-Ty

tjc78

I engage cruise control at a little over 70, the limit is 65. So far so good.

Well the good thing for you is the Genesis' speedometer reads about 3-4 MPH over what you are really going. At an indicated 70 you are probably doing 66-67 max. When I had the Gen I passed many a NJSP at 78-79 indicated and never was bothered.

I verified this with a GPS Speedo app on my phone and various road-side signs that indicated speed. It must be a Hyundai thing as the Fiance's Elantra is about the same.

My 99 S-10 and the new LaCrosse are spot on, so I generally do 73-74 in 65 zones.

fezo

We just got new phones. My wife picked up the latest Droid Razor (Motorola) which is 4G. We don't have 4G coverage yet here but will later in the year and supposedly it will drastically increase Internet speed. The phone is too big for my liking in that it is a bit large to fit in a pocket. I got an iPhone 4S. Couldn't be happier.

Just went for yet more blood tests. Now must renew by driver's license and return library books that if not returned in the next day or two will not get there for months....

Baout to head out with the top down....

driver100

Now must renew by driver's license and return library books that if not returned in the next day or two will not get there for months....

Thought you used an e-reader? You probably have both. The e-reader should be good for your stay....you can get about 2000 books on one.

I thought of this joke. This guy like Richard has a huge manson and he is showing a guest around. He shows him this big huge room and he says this is the library and I have over 5000 books. There are shelves all around and he points to his 3 e-readers on one shelf.

Guess you have to see it .............to appreciate it!

jmonroe

Well the good thing for you is the Genesis' speedometer reads about 3-4 MPH over what you are really going.

Mine is not off that much. When I check the speedometer against the satellite nav, the speedometer is only 1 MPH over. Knowing that, I compensate for that when I set the cruise but in my case that’s in the grass so what difference does it really make? However, since I like to be exact I do play that game with myself.

jmonroe

tjc78

My wife picked up the latest Droid Razor (Motorola) which is 4G

About a month ago my Fiance and I both got Razrs when Verizon offered the BOGO on them. Great phone, its my second Android.

tjc78

J,
Surprised at that, over in the Genesis forums it was pretty much the consensus 3-4 over. Maybe it was only the V6 models.

fezo

I went from an Android to the iPhone. So far we both love our choices.

I have a Nook. It has been just sitting because I like the feel of a book but that will change.... I have a few books loaded on it that have been there for ages so I have a start.

tjc78

I went from an Android to the iPhone

WHAT!!!!! NOOOOOOO....

Spoken from someone who shoot on the spot anyone taking their IPad

I actually have told a few (non-tech savvy) people looking for smartphones to get an Iphone. Its the easiest to use and has better battery life than most Androids. I just like many of the Google features and the GPS on Android is top notch (Google maps based),

driver100

It has been just sitting because I like the feel of a book but that will change.

My wife and I prefer reading real books too, over ebooks. But, there are times when it is nice to have the ebook. Especially if you don't want to carry 10 books with you, or if you want to order a book right away. Sometimes it is hard to find a particular book or author, so it is easy to find and put on the ereader. I think the brain processes the reading in a different way too, so I enjoy actual physical books to reading on a computer screen.

Were you taking a dvd player? You will have to keep your brain working, or at least occupied.

snakeweasel

And the best one...fall behind another car so it is more likely he will get caught. Though, in some of those traps they pull them all over.

I don't know about that one, my experience is its always the last car in a pack that gets pulled over, not the first.

fezo

The room comes with a DVD player. Comes with a computer, too, but I'll bring my laptop as well.

Now I just need that guitar...

snakeweasel

It must be a Hyundai thing as the Fiance's Elantra is about the same.

No as my Elantra was spot on as well as my wifes Sonata (verified by GPS).

tjc78

There goes that theory.....

[Deleted User]

I went from an Android to the iPhone. So far we both love our choices.

I with you on the iPhone, fezo. I've used most of the options out there, including Windows, Palm, Cingular, Android, and iPhone. Due to work situations I went from an iPhone to Android and spent two very frustrating years waiting out my contract until I could switch back to the iPhone 4S recently. I do think Android has the best GPS navigation system around, and some of the Google software apps are very nice, but overall I've preferred the stability and usability of the iPhone. Same reason I switched from Windows to Mac a few years ago. So far I'm very happy with my choices.

driver100

my experience is its always the last car in a pack that gets pulled over, not the first.

If it is a cruiser come up from the rear, the last car will get caught. If it is a radar gun up ahead it will be at least the first car if not more...in my experience.

snakeweasel

I have seen it many times when a group of cars race past a cop with a radar. Everytime it was the last car that got tagged.

Back in my younger days I loved it when people kept up with me, they were the ones that got pulled over.

driver100

I have seen it many times when a group of cars race past a cop with a radar.

Interesting! In my case I was certaily the first car, once he pulled me over the others just kept going.

stickguy

Don't you remember C.J Mccall back in the 70s? That's why you want to be in the rocking chair, good buddy.

explorerx4

@96 mph, I would have thought you were the first one. :surprise:
Commenting on your 5000 books post to Richard, if you haven't copyrighted it, expect to see it as a commercial for one of those electronic readers.
I'm not kidding.
It actually could work out with both of you in the ad, Richard as the owner of the big house with a library room looking to sell the books, and you as someone who is looking to buy the books to resell.

explorerx4

We got us a convoy

fezo

Which became a movie featuring Kris Kristofferson as Rubber Duck.....

An absolutely great C.W. McCall song - Classified.

stever

where did you come from

Don't mind me, just popped in to say hi to Fezo since I hadn't noticed him hanging around Auto News lately.

nyccarguy

An actual sales story! I did it! Struck a deal to trade in my black/black 2010 TSX (48,8XX miles) for a brand new 2011 BMW 328xi.

Trade in price for the Acura: $18,500
MSRP of the BMW: $44,190
Selling price of the BMW: $38,746

sterlingdog

"Richard is the last person I would have thought of with a smart phone."

Me, Too! Due to my vision problems, I purchased the 4.5 inch screen. It will go in my side pants pocket, but I purchased the clip for the belt. That works much better, though it looks like I have a suitcase on my side!

I'm having fun with it. No matter where I am, I can look up stuff on the web if I need to. It helps to pass the time in doctors' waiting rooms, the car wash, standing in line at the grocery store, etc. I pulled a neat trick last weekend. I didn't tell my family that i had bought one. We were meeting my family for dinner, and my wife and I were running late. I texted my sister, my nephew, and my niece that we would be there shortly. They nearly fell over when they realized that it was from me. Though I am learning a lot, there is still much to learn. I've signed up for a class at the end of this month on various ways to use a Smartphone. It is offered free by my carrier, US Cellular. I can't believe that I am learning this tech stuff.

Richard

sterlingdog

"...when your wife wants your attention, keep the dang thing pocketed."

I learned that lesson the second day that I had it. :sick:

Richard

sterlingdog

Glad you popped in to see Fezo. Feel free to take him off our hands any time. :P Come back when you can stay longer.

Richard

sterlingdog

What?! You've got to do better than that. We want all of the details---negotiations, quality of the sales staff, F&I experience, color of car, test drive, length of buying process, etc. Congratulations my young friend. I'm so happy for you!

Richard

driver100

96 mph, I would have thought you were the first one.

Maybe I didn't explain it well. I was first. I was behind 2 semis that jockeyed for position for about 20 miles. Finally the one in the left lane gave up and fell behind the one on the right. I just sped up to get by the idiots. They probably know there is a cop ahead and do this to watch people get caught.

I just sped up for a few seconds to get by them. There was a string of cars behind me that would have done the same. Lilit was 70, but almost every one goes 80, but lots of cars still pass me, so quite a few are going around 90.

Actually that would make a good commercial, Richard and I should see if Kindle would like to put us in an ad...Richard was once a model even.

tjc78

Congrats, I've been following your shopping on RWTIV and CCBA!

PICS!!!

driver100

just popped in to say hi to Fezo since I hadn't noticed him hanging around Auto News lately.

You'll hear from him a lot more often if you leave him your car in your will.

driver100

Struck a deal to trade in my black/black 2010 TSX (48,8XX miles) for a brand new 2011 BMW 328xi.

Welcome to the "Feel of the Road" Club!

Yeh, we want some details. Like how the deal went down and what color etc.

I'd like to know what is that attracted you to the 328 over another Accura?

jmonroe

Surprised at that, over in the Genesis forums it was pretty much the consensus 3-4 over. Maybe it was only the V6 models.

I can only tell you how it works in my V8 but the V6 should be the same.

Anyway, since you put me up to this, on the way home last night on the PA Pike, I checked the speedometer against the satellite nav again and this time they were both the same. This never happened before. As I said in a previous post the speedometer in the Genny was always around 1 MPH faster. The only way to explain this is that now I have snow tires on the rear. I’m about to take them off any day now so I can run this test again with the all seasons and see if it returns to the same 1 MPH difference. However, since the rear all seasons have been off the car they will have more tread (just like the snow tires) so I might not see a difference this time. The thought of all this experimentation stuff makes my head hurt.

Having said all this maybe the V8 speedometer is more accurate than the V6 but you sacrifice engine warranty when it blows up. I wouldn’t put it past them. :mad:

jmonroe

driver100

, I checked the speedometer against the satellite nav again

How do you check your speedometer speed against your satelite GPS?

Maybe I was speeding because my speedometer isn't accurate! Too late, I already pleaded guilty.

fezo

You'll hear from him a lot more often if you leave him your car in your will.

You need to hear the stories about Steve's cars. He's younger than me, too..... :sick: