Stories from the Sales Frontlines

jmonroe

Both political parties are as guilty as the other!

I know it’s not necessarily my place to bring this up but I’d say our Edmunds hosts have been very gracious in allowing us to get off topic many times and I have contributed to this at least as much if not more than others. However, this World Politics subject should not me voiced here.

This is just my own opinion.

jmonroe

tjc78

I thought we had a politics board in off topic chatter, but it doesn't seem to be there anymore.

Kirstie_H

It disappeared because it got ugly and took up a gazillion (just a rough estimate) hours of hosting time.

I tend to have looser reins in here because for the most part, members treat each other with respect - almost as though that behind every screen name, there is a real person!

However, I'd really rather not delve too deeply into politics here. There are bound to be a variety of opinions about what should or should not be done about the situation in Syria, but I think we can all agree that it's a great reminder to be grateful of the living conditions that we live in - though not perfect, we are fortunate to live without the day-to-day realistic fears that some others face.

sterlingdog

"...after your long journey West, did you have any problems with bugs?"

I have to wonder if the SRX was treated with 3M before I bought it. We certainly had our share of bugs after a month out West, but they came off with the car wash upon our return. Also, we don't seem to have any rock chips after a year and a half. It remains the "Black Beauty" that I love.

Richard

sterlingdog

Kirstie, you have been more than flexible as our Hostess. I have to agree with you and Jmonroe that political issues are best left unsaid on this thread. I try to keep my Tea Party opinions away from this thread. Now and then I might make a little comment, but not often. Politics and religion are two topics that can arouse deep emotions. Just ask me and Driver. Thank goodness that he is still my Edmunds buddy. I will say that it is awfully good to live in America.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Get the ones that are round and black."

Unlike yanking on the computer tower, I promise not to kick the tires.

"...that's a LOT of personal fragile items."

Though 78 boxes seems like a lot, you have to consider that one box may only have 12 cups and saucers or two vases or a tea pot with a creamer and sugar. Also, each oil painting has to have its own large box, as well as each lamp. If you and Mrs. J packed all of your cabinets, china closet, and wall items, you would probably have as many boxes as we do. With all of the packing paper required, I'm surprised that there is a tree left in the world. The real estate agency provides a free 14 ft. truck for moving these small items. It certainly is a nice marketing strategy. Also, it saves money when the van lines arrive. They only have to move the furniture and large mirrors for us. Besides, we just don't trust a moving line to take the fragile items.

"...nobody bugs me about what I do and how I want to do it."

You are so right. When I retired in 2005, I did consulting work until 2010. It was a dream in terms of calling the shots myself. I think about the 40 years that I took orders and bit my lip to stay employed. I just knew in 2010 that I was ready to quit altogether. My wife says that I'm a workaholic who will always miss work. Perhaps she is right. I'm actually excited about returning to the campus. Think really hard before you quit. You seem to enjoy what you do, so why give it up? Besides, you'll just drive Mrs. J crazy.

Richard

dougb10

"I have to wonder if the SRX was treated with 3M before I bought it".

Richard, the 3M "mask" is a rather thick, clear vinyl application that is "heat treated and applied to the leading edges of the hood and fenders. From most angles, it is invisible...but you can feel the edge of the mask with your hand quite easily. It can be waxed and bugs come off even easier.

My guess is that you do not have this installed on your SRX.

Doug

fezo

I try to keep my Tea Party opinions away from this thread.

Kirstie! Kirstie! Richard is talking politics! :P

I know at one point Richard found out I'm almost his opposite politically but we get along just fine, thanks.

I have lots of friends who think very differently but we can talk politics just fine. Just takes not being crazy....

driver100

I tend to have looser reins in here because for the most part,

And it is much appreciated and actually works for the post. We sometimes veer of course but we always seem to come back.

I have left a few questions on the Passat sites and I will probably be long gone before I get a reply. On this site every day there is something going on and some days it is hard to keep up.

I think we are kind of comfortable and a little bit informal, so we are almost friends not just faceless posters (I guess we are faceless friends in a way).

Our hosts have been very good to us all considering, and I think we have enough to talk about without getting into religion or politics.

I have learned a lot around here. Like I say, I think I saved 5 or $6k on my car because of this site, and if the Passat gets purchased I am going to be fighting to get it at Edmunds best price...especially since the ruthless dealer is charging $490 dealer fees that he can lose a chunk out of. I also will look into a plastic front for the car and if not I know to wax the car good so the bugs will just fall off.

May the merriment and party go on.......

imidazol97

The plastic covering on the cars is applied by what seems to be a jobber. I wanted the strips on my leSabre like what were being applied by a local dealer. I asked in the parts department counter who does the work. I expected someone at the store to be named, but they told me the name of a local businesswoman who did the striping on a weekly basis. I contacted her by phone and arranged to meet at a location where she rented access as her storage and a work area. Pulled my car in, and 40 minutes later she had the perfect stripes. Cost about 1/5 of what the dealership would have charged for her to already have put them on when a car was on the lot for showing. I did pay "cash" and made that clear from the beginning.

So do some calling and asking about the coating. A friend just had it done when he bought an Edge. I don't see the need but then my Buicks have had good paint and don't seem susceptible to chips.

driver100

I have lots of friends who think very differently but we can talk politics just fine.

I agree, we could do it and I think it would be fine. But, it could upset some people and there are other places to express views on those topics.

I kind of liked the fact you and Richard are polar opposites on the political charts, and it made for some interesting discussions. But, the hosts have been very good to us and it might just upset some people...plus it could get nasty or out of control, so probablybest not to.

I have a question for Kirstie though...if a word such as Syria get written does a little red light go on in your office?

Also, could you create a site Fezo could manage called the left vs the right, he's got some time to watch over it for a little while?

driver100

The plastic covering on the cars is applied by what seems to be a jobber. I wanted the strips on my leSabre like what were being applied by a local dealer.

Why did you call them strips? Is that the same as the 3Mplastic Doug mentioned. He said they kind of melted it and then it stuck to the car and of course forms with the car.

I am just wondering if the plastic coating that has the contours of the car is the same as strips. If it is 1/5th of what the dealer charges I am definitely interested.

I haven't had any bad stone chip damage either, it seems paint is pretty good these days. I just find that I try to get the bugs off and about 10 to 20% won't come off very easily, and not only does it not look very nice, but I assume their little plastered bodies can do damage over time to the paint itself.

fezo

Oh, swell....

No I don't want to bring politics in here because I've seen time and again on perfectly fine boards where people decide it's OK and then start blowing up on each other. Probably folks that if you were just hanging out at the house or some such place with the person actually there everything would be fine. A lot gets lost in the typed word....

driver100

Just ask me and Driver.

Yes, thank goodness that one got resolved. I actually forget the point I was trying to make, but I think I didn't explain myself well....and the real fact of the matter is that we are basically on the same side.

However, I am glad that incident is over, and things are back to normal. Probably best to just avoid religion and politics.

Basically, in our book business, we supply about 600 stores with books. We avoid any books on religion and politics.....those topics are just too hot emotionally for the general population.

driver100

A lot gets lost in the typed word....

Your post said it perfectly!

Kirstie_H

You all/ yous guys / ya'll / you, eh? (I think I covered everyone's language)
are a very good group, and I trust that conversation will remain civil here, regardless of the topic being discussed. In some areas, we have members who speak (post) to each other in ways that I suspect they'd never do in person, but do so because they can remain pretty anonymous. I appreciate the fact that that's not the case here.

There are worse things that could happen than a mild political conversation... like re-opening the discussion "I don't like SUVs, why do you?" That might be the end of me, except I know steve & kyfdx would have to moderate it, not me. :P

jwilliams2

Why did you call them strips? Is that the same as the 3Mplastic Doug mentioned. He said they kind of melted it and then it stuck to the car and of course forms with the car.

I am just wondering if the plastic coating that has the contours of the car is the same as strips. If it is 1/5th of what the dealer charges I am definitely interested.

Driver, there are two seperate things. One is the "clear bra", usually Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film from 3M applied to the front surfaces of the vehicle. The retail price is around $500-$750, and a good installer is a necessity. Dealer markup ranges around 20% generally. It can really save the front end from all kinds of chips and nicks.

The other is pin-stripes. These can be either vinyl tape or painted. Both are relatively inexpensive, usually retailing for $150-$200 or so. Cost to the dealer is probably $30-$90, depending on whether they are stuck on or painted. I suspect this is what you could get the big discount if you went direct to the vendor.

fezo

Oh, I LOVED the old I Don't Like SUVs topic! Mostly because I only had to look and not do anything....

Kirstie_H

I have a question for Kirstie though...if a word such as Syria get written does a little red light go on in your office?

My office consists of a kitchen/dining room table adjacent to our open kitchen. Pretty much the only light going off around here is to let me know that my Hot Pocket has been sufficiently nuked.

There is, however, a popular but incorrect assumption that, should a spam post appear in any discussion at any time, and electrical current will alert me out of a dead sleep so that I can remove it immediately before it burns the retinas of anyone reading at that time. (Seriously... I cannot tell you how many times I've gotten up to an email sent in the wee hours of the morning my time chastising me for not having removed spam that had been up for 10 whole minutes.) I do love my job, but like every job, you get the occasional "really?" moment.

oldfarmer50

"...almost as though that behind every screen name, there is a real person..."

Yeah, right! Like there is really some guy who is an old farmer posting here. Sounds like a front for Bain Capital to me. :P

oldfarmer50

"...speaking of tires..."

Have you tried the Tire Rack site? They have a good decision tree that can select tire choices for performance, comfort or wearability for your exact car. Also a lot of customer reviews.

Even if you don't buy from them it can help you make the choice locally.

tjc78

The group here on SFTSF is probably the single best group of posters on any forum I visit.

This board for all intents and purpose has basically become a "lounge" of sorts. We help, debate, comfort, advise etc.

There are so many forums where you get flamed for just asking a question, wouldn't happen here.

Richard, I would go with Michelin. I've had better luck with them, than any other brand. Pricey, but worth it.

oldfarmer50

"...there are worse things than a mild political conversation..."

Anyone who wants political talk should go over to Are Cars the Cause of Global Warming? board. There are two guys who ave been going back and forth for years. I even got burned out which is saying a lot.

fezo

I like that little Tire Rack decision maker. Set it up entirely differently if I'm buying for my wife's car vs. mine.

Meanwhile for driver......75 years of Volkswagen.

imidazol97

>over to Are Cars the Cause of Global Warming?

I quit reading that one too.

I have some knowledge in the area of the ecology vs. science reality vs. the religion of global warming theory of the month. I couldn't take it.

I like the study I heard that said people who don't believe in global warming being caused by man have more science knowledge than those who posit the global warming theories. Heard it on the radio today! Gotta be true.

imidazol97

I didn't post about tires, but I gotta dig in now.

What tires are on the car now? Brand? Model name on the sidewall?

Do you like the way they ride? Did they give good mileage? I realize they probably are the original tires... I'd go to the SRX discussion and see what tires people are replacing originals with and WHY.

Or I'd ask at the Cadillac dealer what tires they recommend for replacement. IF not Michelin, as if the vehicle came with Michelins that year as one of the alternate tires and which Michelin came on it. Then make your decision on their tire recommendation. You can buy them there or wait and buy that same tire and model elsewhere. It depends on how busy you are now and how much grief you wnt doing the shopping.

Realize many posters are looking for somethiing in the tire choice for their ego. I find the same when I looked at tire reviews on TireRack. Despite the somewhat negative reviews of Michelins, I chose my Michelin Harmony tires and are very happy with both sets. They give good mileage. They stay round. I chose ones a little higher speed rated than the original Michelins on my 03. They have been great.

If you don't use the original tire for replacement, I'd get the Michelins.

fezo

Those Michelin Harmonys are a good tire, though I hear they cause global warming.....

That Tire Rack decision maker is great because you can tell it what's important to you. You pick performance, comfort and tread life in the order you want. For my wife I put comfort first. For me I put performance first. Tread life is the least of my concerns though I always do look to see what to expect. I'm not a complete idiot about such things - just a partial one....

driver100

there are two seperate things.

Thanks, that explains it perfectly. I am not big on doing cosmetic things to the car. I hope to trade it in when the 4 year warranty is up...not because I need a warranty, but it just happens to be a good time for me to trade cars (especially bmws).

But, I like the idea of the 3M type of coating. I just checked online and there is a site where you can buy it and do it yourself. I know I would mess that up, so I'll check into having it done.
DIY plastic coating

Thanks for the information. I tried to find a car with vinyl or pin-stripes and I couldn't see a picture of one with the front end covered. If you find a picture let me know where I can see it.

stickguy

the real secret? Keep a heavy layer of dirt on the car. Serves as an insulation blanket that the bugs can't penetrate!

I just spent some time trying to scrape bugs and tree crap off my son's acura to see what kind of shape it was in. Living up in upstate NY bug country, and parking outside under trees, does not help the paint job. Washed up OK, but really could use another wax job, but I ain't doing that now. Paint is really nicked up though, lots of chips and scratches, but really only need 1 more year out of the car. Assuming of course he gets a job after graduation, up to him if he wants to keep it!

driver100

Meanwhile for driver......75 years of Volkswagen.

Loved the article. It was a good summary of how VW almost gave up on the American market, but now sales are growing, and VWs target is to become the number 1 auto maker in the world....now they are #2.

cdnpinhead

"I don't like SUVs, why do you?"

Wow, that board was a hoot -- didn't know you were involved in that train wreck. Even at that, it was still more civil than so much of what goes on on the internet.

This board is the best -- seems to be somewhat self-correcting. Those who get out of line are treated as they (we) should be.

imidazol97

I think I confused things about the plastic chip preventer. I was being careful not to type that I went to a stripper to get my car striped. I left the "e" out of stripes. I was talking about finding a jobber to do striping (not stripping). Grin.

I probably get the spelling award this month. It's almost the end of the month, so someone do something more off the beaten path than I did. I'm willing to share the award.

Just as the dealers use jobbers to come in to do paintless dent removal on their cars, they use them to do the chip layer applications. I bypassed the dealer and just asked who he used to do paintless dent removal. And I can call the guy directly for less money and much easier to get set up at my house on my schedule instead of trying to have the dealer involved.

mako1a

I wonder if jobbers/contractors that work for car dealers get to charge a doc fee.

I know I sure would. It may be a one time hire, but what a thrill I would get out of handing him a $500 bill with a $499 doc fee.

Richard, I trade cars too often to ever buy tires, but when my wife needed tires on her Denali I asked for the best and got Michelin. Expensive, but worth it.

driver100

I was talking about finding a jobber to do striping (not stripping).

I know, you were using the Canadian spelling since you wee replying to me. Very thoughtful of you!

I'd still like to see a website that sells it, or shows a picture. How does it look and work compared to the 3M clear plastic?

fezo

imid goes to the (ahem) striper.....

Striper music.

imidazol97

Thanks a lot for that link. I love seeing the RockOla jukebox mechanism actually handle the records. That's an old box.

The song, which must have been before my time (grin), should be labelled "XR" for suggestive without nudity. Love it.

David Rose, The STripper.

And for nostalgia buffs, Night Train by David Rose, a stripper version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ9NlVwv_HY

fezo

which must have been before my time (grin)

Oooohhhh kaaaaayyyy......

bolivar

There is a wax/sealer/whatever called Rejex that has a good name for helping to keep bugs from sticking. Some people use it over a wax job, some people use it all over a car as a general wax. I've used it on the nose, ourside mirrors, paint just above windshield. When it is 'new' the bugs do seem to be removed easier.

Also, it seem like lots of people pre-soak the bugs. Some even put a wet towel or something like this over the bug infested area and let this sit for a while before going to the general wash job - says this helps a lot in getting them off.

I also recommend www.tirerack.com for guidance. Put your auto in and Tire Rack will show you all brands they carry in the size for your card, with their recommendations, user reviews, etc. Tire Rack will also show associated tire stores in your area, where they will ship the tires and the store will then mount them.

Because our 1995 Deville was bought used and has had various tire problems, I have various aged and model Michelin tires. It has a Harmony that I had to buy 'on the road'. It has an older Symmetry that came on it. I just put 2 new Symmetry on the front. The Symmetry is somewhat cheaper than the Harmony, and I may be selling this car sometime soon. Michelin has some new tires released. My guess it the Symmetry and maybe Harmony will be discontinued soon, they have been around for several years. Both of these tires are All-weather 'touring' tires. If you have more snowy weather, a different tire might be needed.

Sears at my location is an 'associated' store that will mount Tire Rack tires. For me, they matched Tire Rack prices plus Tire Rack shipping. This was less than their sales price for the Michelin Symmetry tires, and I did not have to wait for Tire Rack to ship the tires out to me. They will also ship directly to their associated tire stores and you then take the car in for mounting....

driver100

Striper music.

Ah, that brings back memories....no, not of strip clubs, of the 1962 song the Stripper. It has an unusual history too, became a #1 hit by accident, it was supposed to be on the B side of his record, but The Stripper took off (ha ha) instead!

From History.com

Purely as a joke, Rose used a few spare minutes of studio time shortly thereafter to have the brass, the clarinets and the percussion section of his orchestra record a slightly extended version of what he still regarded as a silly throwaway. Rose had a handful of copies of the untitled number pressed on vinyl and handed out to orchestra members as novelty gifts, and that was the end of that. Until four years later, that is, when someone at his label, MGM Records, pulled the one-minute-and-55-second master recording out of the archives and had it put on the "B" side of Rose's string-orchestra version of "Ebb Tide." When a Los Angeles disc jockey flipped "Ebb Tide" and heard the piece now entitled "The Stripper," he thought it was so funny that he played it almost continuously during his program one day. Soon "The Stripper" was a regional, then a national #1 hit, and well on its way to becoming a permanent piece of American pop culture.

driver100

I've used it on the nose, ourside mirrors, paint just above windshield.

Thanks, and that reminds me the mirrors and over the windshield areas were coated with bugs, almost as bad as the front end.

Even if I get the 3M plastic, I'll have to wax those areas really well. The pay as you go car wash is pretty good for getting some of the bugs off, I am not sure I am going to soak them off with a towel.

I guess I should get them all off before I wax the car or they might become permanently imbedded.

jsyodes

Not quite sure how to post a link to the product, but a friend of mine has used Ziebart's Diamond Gloss, and has been very satisfied with the results. It covers the entire car I think. I believe you also have to take it in annually for a re-treatment? Intial cost about $4-500 and the reatreatment is about $100.

link title

Maybe that will work.

Steve

jmonroe

Think really hard before you quit. You seem to enjoy what you do, so why give it up? Besides, you'll just drive Mrs. J crazy.

Believe me, I’ve thought about it a few times and that’s why I’m still working. I don’t have to worry that I’ll “drive Mrs. j crazy”; she’s already said the day I retire she’s going back to work. :surprise: She retired last summer from her part time 20 hours a week job. All that job did was bump me into the next income tax bracket. :sick: However, it allowed her time away from the mall when she went to the girls club (that’s what I called her job?)

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

Hope this helps.

http://albany.craigslist.org/search/cto?query=Ford+falcon&srchType=T&minAsk=&max- Ask=

driver100

but a friend of mine has used Ziebart's Diamond Gloss,

That sounds like an excellent product and I will keep it in mind. I think I can get a 3M plastic shield for about $250 installed. My friend has it on his car, he said the dealer charges $500 to $700 for it....and they do the mirrors too, but there is an Acura Dealer and their body shop does it for $250. That would be my first choice, if that doesn't work out I'll look into some of these other things, Ziebart or strippers!

jwm40517

Dino & others interested in an extended warranty in Florida. Check out the Edmunds "Extended Warranty" forum post # 3094. It says that service contracts or warranties are no longer subject to regulation by the Office of Insurance Regulation OIR.
I am more familiar with Honda Care & that the Honda dealers from the Northeast that sold at low prices were unable to sell to FL residents. Looks like that may have changed.

Other brands may have similar cheap deals they could not do in FL.

driver100

I made an appointment to take the 5er in to an Acura Dealers body shop and they will put the 3M plastic shield on for $275.

For that price, I think it is better than waxing it and washing it after every long trip.

This Acura dealer will put a special coating on the whole car similar to the Zeibart deal, and, it would probably cost a lot less. I am not so sure about Zeibart, they used to do the rustproofing but if your car did rust then they gave you back the original amount you paid for the protection. Then they made you come in every year and charged for that. Then they found the little holes they made in the car caused rust and the manufacturer wouldn't warranty the car if Zeibart made the holes in the car. I hope you don't have a Ziebart franchise....they probably have found a market doing waxing and detail work, but, I am not a big fan of taking something back every year to honor the warranty.

I like this idea of the plastic mask...it is a one time deal and my friend has never had a problem with it........probably costs less than buying wax, certainly if my time is worth something.

fezo

For that price, I think it is better than waxing it and washing it after every long trip.

Don't tell jmonroe that....

driver100

Don't tell jmonroe that....

Yeh, if he installed the 3M plastic shield he would have saved about $2436 in wax and about 568 hours of his time.

houdini1

I still have one of those big plastic wind/bug splitters in place of a hood ornament on my Lexus. Looks great and works just fine. Of course it reduces my mpg by 4 or 5 mpg.

driver100

I’ve thought about it a few times and that’s why I’m still working.

These figures are probably similar in the US;

Among Canadians who expect to work past the traditional retirement age of 65, 61% say they plan to work because they need to and only 39% say it’s because they want to.