Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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Can't beat oldfarmer for generosity....
Somewhere around 1 AM I officially go into my "day of rest." This is by no means an actual rest day. I'll still have a good 5 bags of junk going into me (you don't even notice it after a few hours but since you're attached to a pole it makes mobility a bit different). What it does me is that as of about 1 tomorrow morning all the chemo prep and killing off the old immune system is done. no looking back.
Nothing like lying in the ICU with 3 different IVs pocked into you to make you realize you would really be someplace else. That and when the surgeon keeps poking his head in to see if he can cut you open yet (thankfully the answer was no).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Richard
Thank you, Richard, for putting into words what I've been thinking these past few days.
Steve, we're all pulling for you to regain your health. Perhaps someday you can cut another CD!
A single mom in our church had totaled her car and needed another one immediately. The insurance company allowed her $5,000 for her wrecked car. She called to get my advice. Her wish list included the following: A car for $5K with fewer than 50K miles and not more than four years old. Is it possible that some people could be that far removed from the reality of the car world? She's a college graduate with a good job, and has three children in their teens. She's a very nice lady, but certainly needed some education on car values and purchasing. In a nice way, I told her that her requirements were going to be next to impossible to achieve. I offered to look around and do what I could.
I called my trusted salesman at the local Chrysler dealer. When I explained the lady's requirements to him, he didn't seem a bit shocked. He said that he often runs into these situations with people. He promised to do what he could. A couple of days later, he called with a good find. A local couple had traded in a 2004 Town and Country van with 120K miles. The asking price was $4,500. My salesman said that the couple had the van serviced over the years at his dealership, and that it was in excellent condition. I made arrangements to meet the single mom at the dealership to see the van. It was immaculate inside and out. The poor lady seemed shocked about the mileage but liked the van and the price. My salesman carefully explained to her about average mileage on a vehicle per year, and showed her the service records for the van.
There was only one real problem with the van; it needed a new set of tires. My salesman excused himself and went to speak to the dealer. The dealer offered to help the lady by putting a new set of tires on the van. She seemed pleased with that offer. A few days later, she got her insurance check and paid for the van. She seems to be enjoying the vehicle. In addition, I am reminded that, like many other things, people often need assistance in areas where they are not familiar.
Richard
So on my "day of rest" I have the tunes blasting, watching the Mets spring training game and here on the computer. Can see the Queesborough Bridge from my room as well as Rockefeller University, pieces of Roosevelt Island, NY Presbyterian, loads of other buildings, a tiny piece of the East River. With life being confined to a little room it's still pretty entertaining.
I am totally convinced that the healthiest years of my life are still ahead of me. I miss the family terribly but we talk on Skype every day. What a gift that is! Jen was supposed to come up today but she has a little sore throat and we really can't take any chances. She's working on Social Security papers for me today.
On we go!
Exactly!!!
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My plan is to as I recover to turn to music as the new career. Let pension and Social Security cover the basics and move from there. If I start making to much to continue collecting the Social Security, well, I think I could handle a problem like that.
I lost a couple of visitors today, most importantly my wife, because of sore throats and things like that. Can't have anyone even remotely sick near me for a few weeks and somewhat for a year or more. Just as well on the wife front. She ended up having to do the big paperwork for Social Security.
Well, about an hour or more went by since I typed that last line. Several people called and a few med issues, but the big new is the live donate button is now active. Not going to nag anyone but if you want to help out on the financial front go to friendsofstevelasala.org and there is a donate button that's now active. Don't worry if you aren't so inclined or can't for any reason. I value all the support I already get here!
I sent them an angry reply saying I would boycott any car brand they sent me information on that was other than what I requested. I then sent all their mail to my service provider's spam center.
God only knows if that will stop it. Where do you go to punch someone on the Internet? :mad: If I only had a physical location I could go there and cause a scene.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I looked up my brothers Honda Civic which he is trading in. It was between a Nissan Versa or a Hyundai Accent and seems he prefers the Accent if it is cheaper I guess. I looked up the value of his Civic with 68000 miles and I was surprised to find they are worth $4000 to $5000 wholesale as a trade in.
Originally he said he thought it would be worth $1000 bucks, so I thought $2000 would be realistic.
I am certain used car prices are too high compared to the price of a new car.
While the Passat seems to be ideal for us I did consider a 2 or 3 year old Audi. But they cost way more than a new passat, and there aren't many around, and mileage is around 30 to 40k.
Go figure.
Yeh Fezo, Richard said it better than I could. Consider my idea of putting on a show in the Florida circuit. Steve Jeffris does that and he puts on a great show, music, stories, jokes and he does the same circuit each winter. What a great life for an entertainer.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Dealer said they wanted to make their monthly and quarterly quotas.
What a deal!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
This can only lead to tears.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
This can only lead to tears.
I think Audi had improved in that department the last few years. Since the car will only be going about 6000 miles a year, repairs shouldn't be much of a problem.
It's just that a 2 or 3 year old Audi with manual if you can find it is going to be at least $30k. This Passat which is part Audi is $26k all in, with a 3 year warranty and service. At 6k miles a year, it should last for 15 years.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
A few years ago when I visited my brother who lives in one of those over 55 gated communities in Delray Beach, Little Anthony and the Imperials was performing one of the days we were there. Another time it was a comedian whose name I wouldn’t remember if I heard it again. I didn’t know what to expect from the comedian because I never heard of the guy but my brother and SIL said he has made the circuit several times and they thought he was pretty good and he was. I don’t remember what it cost to see him but it was probably half of what Little Anthony and the Imperials charged.
Both shows were good, but like cars, name recognition gets you more.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Man,would that I still had the records on my Rabbit - or the Windstall.....
That said I like your Passat plan a lot even though it will cost me a BMW in your will.
Been a rough day but I think it's letting up a little. Two hours to transplant.
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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)
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Light at the end of the tunnel.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Amen to that! :sick:
If any one ever considers getting a place in Florida I highly recommend it. It was a big risk because we really didn't know if this would suit us. We di know that staying for 3 or 4 weeks and renting had it's problems, you didn't have roots, or a community, people come and go and you are at the bottom because you are a "renter" :surprise:
Once you establish activities for the week and if you have a community centre you can make friends and do all kinds of activities. Up the road in Sun City they have classes in everything from pottery, to glassmaking, to golf, badminton, Islam, history, 60s music, dog training basic and advanced.
Like I said to a friend....every day feels like I am on vacation!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You might lose a bmw but gain a "little Passat".
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Needless to say your poster buddies are rooting for you. With your attitude we know you’ll be OK so take it easy and I’ll work on ‘drivers’ will for you.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
As with all the others, hope it goes well.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
We will be cool!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Wonderful..........now those little guys can go and do their stuff.
Glad to hear it is going so well.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You gotta be really tired after counting all those cells!
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
but for some reason, I keep imagining you in a Seinfeld episode!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yeh, kind of like a show about nothing....you mean a life about nothing.
I feel that way sometimes too. It's like I have been working since I was about 20 years old and even when I was fired or lost jobs I always got another one right away. Now, here I am, no job, but able to do exactly what I feel like doing all day, every day.
Is this a great country or what?
Fezo, Check in with us soon, tell us how those new stem cells are doing.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
And the Seinfeld comment was from the episodes when Jerry was visiting his parents in Fla (Del Bucca vista? something like that).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I debated whether I should make this post because it will sound to some like complaining about a good thing but here goes:
It’s a good life but you have to have better plans than I had. We never were ones to travel so we didn’t do much of that when I was really retired and I got bored after a while. You can only paint the kitchen so many times before that wears out. Now I’m back as a consultant with my old employer, again. You always think the grass is greener in someone else’s driveway (poor attempt to keep this car related) but you get the idea.
I don’t know how much longer I’m going to do this. I’ve been back at this since the week before Memorial Day 2007 and I also did some of this on and off since 1997. So far it’s been nice, very nice. Before I took this last offer I asked how long they wanted me because I didn’t want to mess up my Social Security. My old boss said, “I don’t want to kill this offer before you accept but how about indefinitely”. :surprise: Well, that problem was solved so no complaints there.
Every Spring and Summer I get the urge to leave but then I get to talking with my old fellow employees about “the good old days” and how we did it “back then” and I chicken out especially when they sweeten the pot. Someday I have to get off of this candy. Maybe next Summer. :confuse:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I hope I'm wrong but I think he will be looking for a part time job by the end of the year.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
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
My dad retired from the Fire Department at age 55 ... with over 34 years of service. For a while there was talk of them moving to Tennessee, but with all their family and friends in California that didn't make much sense, so they never followed through.
They weren't much into travel, either, so Dad started working at the local golf course. He was a ranger, a starter and worked in the grill from time to time. Paid for his golf - he played twice a week, on average. He also kept busy in the garage, making furniture and then started making name plates out of wood. He's probably made over a thousand of them over the years.
Six or seven years ago he got a case of the shingles, which meant he had to give up golf. It's been tough for him since that time, as he's had to deal with constant pain from the disease. I think he and his docs have finally found the right combination of drugs to minimize the pain. In addition, all the years fighting fires has diminished his lung capacity, so he's on oxygen all the time. He still gets around fairly well, though.
Now he and mom enjoy the grandkids (4 total, all boys). I'm surprised that he walked away from the business completely; he had numerous opportunities to work for insurance companies and to be hired as an expert witness for trials involving the cause of fires (think of the Robert DeNiro character in Backdraft and that's what my dad did for the last 13 years of his career), but he turned all those offers down.
To each his or her own, I suppose.
What I didn't know was that in addition to killing off my marrow and immune system the chemo kills off the GI system as well. I hope the new system, which will start showing up in two weeks is better than the old one. It would almost have to be.
I can't complain. Considering the years this buys me it would be petty to complain about an uncomfortable week or two.
I get to have nutrition be by IV for a while, too. I'll be good!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2 great countries is exactly right.
And, yes, I remember watching that episode. Does this sound familiar?
124."The Cadillac (Part I)" (February 8, 1996)
SUMMARY Jerry visits his parents in Florida and surprises them by buying them a new Cadillac. Kramer is worried his friendship with Jerry will change now that he knows what Jerry earns. Jack Klompus accuses Morty of embezzling funds to pay for his new Cadillac.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
-Ty
A few people have posts related to retirement, so I will just state my observations.
Some people retire and find it just great, right from day one. Generally, I think these people didn't enjoy their work and so they get right into retirement very easily.
Another group that finds it easy are people who have one or more hobbies they really enjoy. Even golf, if you can afford to do that a few times a week and really enjoy it you won't have a problem
For people like JM and me who enjoyed their work, going cold turkey and stopping suddenly is a shock to the system. You have knowledge and skills, but no one needs you any more.
When my SIL bought the business I didn't go in for about 3 weeks and it was very difficult filling up my days, even with tennis 2 or 3 times a week. Then he found he needed me to do buying so I work 15 hours a week on average. That was much better, gave me a purpose in life.
Now, after experiencing Florida I would say, I prefer to work a bit, just to add some structure to the week and makes me appreciate my time off, but I could give up working. It will take time to figure out how to get some structure to your week so you don't have too many empty days in a row...and that's the key to retirement.
I found being in Florida helps a lot but you can do these things any where. Take some classes, physical activity and educational...meet some people with similar values and in similar circumstances. It isn't easy but I find being in Florida for me is like a vacation every day. The key though is to have some regular activities to give structure to your week, and then fill the other days in with other activities or seeing friends.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Great to hear from you today. Keep giving us updates....especially about those nurses.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Bimmers always look pretty there boy!
I wouldn't mind having that for a Florida car.....might need a cloth roof though.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
and white walls
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
There's no room for white on the walls. I see some cars where they just paint a rubberized paint onto the rim and call it a tire because it's so thin!
I can't wait for the day of real tires that can hit bumps and potholes to come back!
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
As I was getting on the PA Pike this morning I saw an older Lincoln that had thin white walls. I don't know what year it was but it didn't have any rust so I know it didn't grow up in Southwetern PA.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl