During the house inspection, the plumbing inspector told me that half the pipes in this house were fairly new due to a large remodel. He said that the other half were iron pipes, not terre cotta. Still, things do happen.
I think when your plumber said "iron pipe" he was referring to the drain lines IN the house not what this iron pipe (also known as cast iron pipe which was used back in the early 50's) ties into. This cast iron pipe transitions to the terre cotta line that is underground going to the street sewer connection. If by chance you do have cast iron pipe from the house to the street, this has to look like a sieve by now. That's why they used terre cotta because it did not rust. It did, however, crack along it's run and it separated at the joints. ABS has pretty much eliminated cracks and separations at the joints. If the joints separate it was a bad installation. Usually caused by the solvent weld glue not adhering to the ABS plastic due to the pipe not being cleaned with the recommended cleaner/primer.
In any case a camera inspection will be the proof you need to determine what has to be done.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Irv shows up every year at a Volvo show at a local dealer. I have never gone to it, but I was thinking about it a few years ago, when he hit 2.5 mil. The oil change interval light went on in my mom's '11 Fiesta. It has 4200 miles on it and she bought it last August. The reset procedure was kind of strange. Turn the key, or quickly push the start button, then push the gas and brake pedals all the way to the floor for 20 seconds. She has the push button start, so I did that and it worked.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
In the car business, when management has what they call a "HOUSE DEAL", a deal that has little if any gross profit in it and has been completed by a manager, it is usually given to one of their "pets" or favorite salespeople. All the salesperson has to do is complete the paperwork and deliver the car. In some cases, the deal is not complete, but the customer is a friend of the "HOUSE" and the salesperson just has to land the customer on a car and the rest is merely the mechanics such as paperwork and delivery. The salesperson was paid a "mini deal commission," or about $150 - $200. But it counted toward your total sales for the month, and remember commission %ages increased for the month with the more cars one sold.
I remember that I didn't get very many of those because I always sold 20-35 cars per month and managed to get to the 35% level most of the time. What aggravated me to no end was that some of these "pets" never sold many cars and thus always depended on their "mini deals from the house" to make a living and reach their higher commission levels. In other words, I busted my behind to eke out a living while these "pets" had everything handed to them on a silver platter.
So I vowed that if I ever got to be a manager, I would equally distribute these so-called "bones" to all my regular sales people who worked hard every day and never complained. I also tried to match the personalities of the customers with salespeople who could work best with them. I never gave a "bone" to new salesperson because that gave a negative impression to the rest of the sales force that new people got the gifts while the seasoned veterans got nothing,
At this first dealership where I was working as a salesperson, the managers did not like me because I always closed my own deals and I rarely needed a TO, or take over by the managers. They hated the fact that I made it on my own and didn't need there assistance! They looked upon this as a kind of obnoxious attitude, which it really wasn't. They wanted to put me in my place, but it never worked out that way. The general manager always complimented me at meetings for being the top salesperson, and that made the sales managers even more upset since I rarely needed their help on the floor. When they did get involved because I needed help, they would frequently blow the deal to teach me a lesson.
In big dealerships, there is a pecking order - and if you didn't play it their way, they made life miserable for you.
Just a little "behind the scenes" info to give you an idea what goes on in these larger dealerships!
I think a lot has to do with the fact that it was a Hyandai. They probably run it through a small ato-wash and don't take the time to vacuum, clean the windows inside and out and clean the wheels properly. My BMW, Mercedes and now Lexus dealers do a great job, better than those automatic and costly was places.
Remember, they sell many, many more cars than an upscale dealership and don't have the manpower to accommodate so many cars. Upscale dealerships wash cars whenever you bring it in. These are usually manned by subcontractors and are a lot less costly than having their own employees was the cars.
Frequently, customers request that sales people deliver their new cars right to their front door. This always creates a problem because I had to send two salespeople on these "safaris," one withe the new car and another in a car to bring the salesperson back to the dealership. That often left me short on the sales floor because 2 salespeople were gone for several hours.
One evening, a customer came in and bought a new car for his "significant other" and requested that I have the salesperson deliver the car to the restaurant that next evening where they were celebrating this lady's birthday. I made quite a bit of gross on the deal, so I agreed to accommodate his request, but this time, since the next day was my day off, I told the salesperson that I would follow him up to this posh and exclusive restaurant on the grounds of this beautiful country club. He told me to be there at about 6:30 PM so I made arrangements with the salesperson to meet him at the dealership at 5:30 PM to ensure we got to the club on time.
The next evening, we went up to the country club and were admitted at the gate and drive up to the front of the club/restaurant. I was dressed in a suit as that was the appropriate attire after 6:00 PM at this country club. The salesperson waited out front with the new car for his SO while I went in to meet them. I was escorted to their table and announced to them that there was a problem outside and I needed them to accompany me for just a few minutes. They both followed me outside and that's when we sang Happy Birthday to her and presented her with the keys to her new car. She was so excited and thrilled with her gift that she asked the salesperson to give the car to the valet and asked us to join them in the club.
We joined them inside and were given menus, all YHE cocktails we wanted, champaign and a great dinner. During desert, she mentioned that she would have preferred a black car and could we exchange the car for her. The customer who bought the car for her started yelling at her and vowed that she either accept the car he bought her as her gift, or she could, "go to hell!" they started yelling at each other - so loudly that the maitre d' came over and asked them to stop fighting or they would have to leave. With that, this woman storms out of the club leaving the three of us sitting there with our mouths agape!
He apologized and asked us to join him at his home for some after dinner drinks. By the time we got out to the front entrance of the club, his girlfriend had made off with the new car. He said she would be at the house so we followed him down the road to his beautiful estate-like home. She was not there, so he asked us inside and we had some cordials of Couvoissier waiting for her return home. At about 10:00 PM, she arrives home and apologizes to us for losing her cool. With that, we decided to make our exit, but as we both stood up, we realized we were too drunk to drive back. I explained my position about not driving while intoxicated so this customer invites us to spend the night in two of his guest rooms, we accepted his offer and were escorted to our rooms.
Next morning, we got up out of bed at around 8:30 AM and were treated to a great breakfast by his maid and "man servant-butler" and left to get to the dealership.
There are some very strange experiences I have had while in the car business, but thus one was one that I will never forget!
In my Senior year in high school I worked at a Pontiac dealership and that was my job. Hand washing and detailing the cars and we were employees of the dealership.
My beef with the automatic washer is that I have a convertible and some of those automatic washers can be a problem with the soft tops. IIRC the manual even recommends hand washing the car.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Yes, they do deliver cars for service and to test drive the Equus. My Lexus dealer will pick up and deliver a car to my home and drop off a loaner for me to use. In order to compete, they must provide the best device possible. But I don't want some kid picking up my car and driving it back and forth. I'd rather bring it in myself for sevice.
But I've learned that when you start bringing cars to customer's homes, you can put yourself into some sticky situations like I mentioned in that post about the country club. One has to be as discreet as possible in dealing with customers off dealership property.
Thanks for getting me straight about those iron pipes. I see what you mean. My plumber couldn't make it today (Mondays are bad days), but hopefully he'll get here tomorrow.
"...or knew anyone with a butler in their employ."
I had never met a butler until I was invited to my wife's home for dinner after our third date. Actually, Frank was more than a butler. He did the gardening, odd jobs, and drove my wife's mother to her social functions. He always wore a white jacket at dinner time and served the evening meal to the family. He was a really nice guy.
It has taken me 45 years, but I have finally purchased my wife the type of house in which she was reared. She has never complained or asked for it; it's just something that I have always wanted to do for her. Our close friends have laughed and said, "Every one of your 14 houses was just a little bit bigger than the one before it." I have to admit that it was intentional. As far as a butler is concerned, I look pretty good in my white jacket.
Just a little "behind the scenes" info to give you an idea what goes on in these larger dealerships
And I thought that I might enjoy selling cars. It sounds like more politics than what goes on in Washington.
I liked your story about delivering the car to the club. I wonder if those two people ever solved their differences. Some people just love to fight. Most of us don't live in that world, but if a guy has a few million dollars, buying a $50,000 gift isn't that big of a deal...I mean, no one wants to lose $50k, but some people can lose that in a night at a casino...it all depends on your frame of reference.
Mike, don’t stop now. Keep the stories coming they are hilarious.
Speaking of fickle women according to MSM women are better at buying cars than men and Men could learn a little something from them when looking to get a new set of wheels. Among the articles assertions:
"Many men revel in the gamesmanship of car buying that many women just aren't interested in. "Men get all excited about going out to buy a car and talk about how they're going to one-up the salesmen and get a great deal," said Anne Fleming, the president of Women-Drivers.com, a consumer ratings site. "I've never heard or seen any comments from women like that."
Women do more research and, as a group, are considerably more pragmatic in their vehicle choices. They tend to be more concerned about safety and reliability than about horsepower and acceleration."
"...how did you get all your electronics and computer going in your new home?"
I wondered how long it would take for someone to ask that question. First, my trusted electrician for 25 years came and set up the televisions and got the Bose Surround Sound system in each room working. i had never even heard of surround sound. I had seen all of these boxes and speakers installed in each room, but didn't have a clue. My wife had looked in a master bath cabinet and declared, "There's something like a DVD player in here." The main set up is in the entertainment center in the family room downstairs. The only rooms without it are the formal living room and the dining room. I have to admit that the sounds from the speakers are awesome.
As for the computers, one of my former students now owns a computer consulting business. He came by and set everything up in my office room. The other day, I thought that my printer, fax, copier had died. I called him and he told me to unplug the copier, wait five minutes and plug it in again. I did and it worked. It must have been a power surge. I laughed to myself. That young man didn't know what he was saying when he told ME to pull a plug. :P
"...by showing up in a white dinner jacket, and serve her a lavish dinner."
I did something close to that last year. She had seven ladies over for a luncheon. I did all of the cooking, placed a white linen cloth over my right arm, and served the group from soup to nuts. My wife loved it. I caught hell at the next neighborhood party. The husbands said that I had made their lives miserable because all of the wives had come home and asked why they didn't get that kind of treatment. What is the saying---no good deed goes unpunished?
Mike, you should never feel guilty about the gentleman who purchased the car shortly before he died. You were able to provide him some happy moments during his last days. Had he waited to purchase the car after surgery, he might never have had the fun in his new vehicle. Also, he had the money and plenty of it. If he wanted the car at full price and was happy with the deal, then you deserved to make a little extra. That's what makes capitalism fun---various people spend their money in various ways.
I read with interest about your coming from behind your desk to sit beside the customer. You probably got that from your years in education. When I counseled a student, and later teachers, I always sat in a chair beside them. It makes the conversation more personal and gives the feeling that you really care. I always felt that I got better results by doing this. There are also some body language skills that can be very useful as well. I teach those in my leadership classes. Over the years, I have learned that it can be more important how you say something as compared to what you say.
Women do more research and, as a group, are considerable more pragmatic...
In my experiences in the showroom and on demo drives, I couldn't agree more with your quotes above! I have found, in general (which means there are lots of exceptions), is that females are much less emotionally involved in the purchase of their cars where males are almost always emotional about buying their cars.
I have also found that females are much more concerned about safety, comfort, sufficient storage space in the front seat area for their purses and other trinkets, fuel economy, ease of filling the car up with gas, visibility and position of mirrors and the like. Males, on the other hand, are more concerned about horsepower, luxury, technology, audio systems, looks of the car, interior ergonomics, etc.
This reminds me of an experience I had when I was a salesperson at that upscale luxury car dealership. A retired couple, probably in their late 70's, came into the showroom looking specifically for me. Their friends had bought a car from me a few months earlier and had nothing but praise for my handling of the transaction - so they wanted me to sell them the car. Since I did not know what type of car they wanted, I did as I always did when meeting new customers for the first time, I took them to my desk area, sat them down, and began the conversation with, "...so, what are the most imporatant features to you in a new car? How many miles do you drive the car a year and what type of driving do you do - leisure, business, etc.?
By the time they had answered my questions, I had a pretty good idea of what they wanted, needed, and expected - a car that either had to be custom built for them or two cars had to be purchased, one for the husband and one for the wife. Here's an example of what they told me:
Husband
I want a comfortable ride, great handling, Navigation, power to get on the Turnpike, good looks, multi-adjustable seats, full window tint so the leather wouldn't fade in the sun, high end upgraded stereo system, and it has to be big enough to comfortably carry at least 5 people, bright and vibrant color combinations.
Wife
I want power tilt/telescopic steering wheel so I can adjust it after my husband drives the car, no Navigation - too hard for me to understand, smaller car so I can feel in control of the car, must have good visibility, back-up camera since I have trouble seeing over the steering wheel, car must be beige or silver, nothing too gaudy, and lots of room in the console to store my purse, driving glasses, etc.
Ok, I think you see what I was up against. He wanted something big and fancy, loaded with all kinds of goodies, and she wanted something small, bland, and easy to drive. I did not have anything like that in our inventory and I know we had nothing in the product line that would make both of them happy. I worked with them for hours trying to land them on a car. The wife loved one of the model and equipment, but the husband hated it. The husband liked our flagship sedan, but the wife said it was too big for her to drive and hated that.
I could see that I was going no where with this couple who had come to me as a referrral. I then though of an idea. Why not sell them 2 cars, one for her and one fo him.
I sat them down in my office and had the stock numbers for the vehicle he liked and the stock number for the vehicle she liked. I said to them, "...it looks like the manufacturer just doesn't make a car that both of you will enjoy driving. You either have to each make concessions and compromises on your ideal car OR I have to sell you 2 cars, one for each of you that would make both of you happy!" They asked me for some privacy to discuss my proposition, so I got them some coffee and danish and left them alone in my office.
About 15 minutes later, the wife comes out and says they've made a decision. They will buy 2 cars but only on the condition that they get a great deal on both. I told them "...NOT TO WORRY!!!" I took the paperwork for both cars to the desk manager and he told me if they would buy two cars instead of one, he would sell them the $66,000 car for $60,000 and the $40,000 car for $39,000. I took the offer to them, explaining that I had more room to discount the expensive model and I could sell that car for our invoice. The other one I would sell at $39,000. They looked at each other and said, "let's do it!"
So, I made a little money on the cheaper car and a mini-deal on the expensive car, but at least they both left happy. I received many, many referrals from them and sold many cars to their friends and associated, which is what success in the car business relies on.
So, this little story, while not as interesting or flambouyant as the others I have posted, gives us a little more insight into what is and what is not important to our males and females of our species. It is very difficult to find a car that perfectly fits both sexes, so it's either compromise or buy 2!
And I thought that I might enjoy selling cars. It sounds like more politics than what goes on in Washington.
*driver, you hit the nail right on the head with that comment! It is extremely political in a dealership, just like it is in a company office or corporate headquarters of a conglamorate. No difference at all from the rest of the world. You have to constantly be an outstanding sales professional and very successful to not get involved with the politics, or be involved in the politics if you can't make it on your own. Either way, it's just as difficult to work in a car dealership environment as it is in a corporate office.
In other words, it's not what you know as much as it is "who" you know.
First, my trusted electrician for 25 years came and set up the televisions and got the Bose Surround Sound system in each room working. i had never even heard of surround sound. I had seen all of these boxes and speakers installed in each room, but didn't have a clue. My wife had looked in a master bath cabinet and declared, "There's something like a DVD player in here." The main set up is in the entertainment center in the family room downstairs. The only rooms without it are the formal living room and the dining room. I have to admit that the sounds from the speakers are awesome.
Richard, I wish you lived nearby- I set up home theater systems for my friends all the time. Often they give me a budget and let me purchase the entire system. I enjoy it -I especially love spending other people's money- and I also relish poking the overpriced "Professional Installers" in the eye. Most(but not all, I'll admit) charge ridiculous prices for mediocre systems and instillations. One of my friends was quoted $10,000 just to pre-wire his house while it was under construction; no electronics, speakers, or cabinets- just cable. I can put in a system for $3,000(including display) that will humiliate 95% of "pro" installations that cost 3-4 times as much.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mike, you should never feel guilty about the gentleman who purchased the car shortly before he died
Well, I still carry that guilt around with me today whenever I remember the story. Can't help it, Richard, it's just the way I feel.
As for "modes operendi" in dealing with people, I always try to be as down-to-earth with people as possible. The comment made earlier in one of the posts about "...as a salesperson, you sell yourself more than you sell the product... or something like that is very true. I am an honest person and am sensitive to the needs of others. That is why I was successful in my second life in the auto sales business - I really did care about meeting the needs of my customers as best I could.
One thing, though, you might be great at selling yourself, but if the product you are selling is not a good one, then no matter how good you are, you won't succeed. That is why I went to work for the first time in a dealership that sold cars I would buy myself. And when I became a sales manager, I went to a dealership where I would buy those cars as well. I had had previous experiences with both brands since I had owned cars of those brands and had nothing but praise for their quality and style.
So, no matter how good you are at what you do, if the product or service you are selling is not a good one, you won't be successful.
Males, on the other hand, are more concerned about horsepower, luxury, technology, audio systems, looks of the car, interior ergonomics, etc.
Exactly. I bought the Mustang just for me. Wife has her own Denali.
However, having come from three new Toyotas in a row over ten years, I assumed all cars had ample storage places. Wrong! I like the Mustang a lot, but if you want to put something in there, you had better have it hanging from a belt loop because interior storage is all but non-existent.
I was telling her yesterday to not use sport mode if she ever drove it. She then told me she had gone to the garage and sat in it and couldn't see over the hood and that there was zero chance of her driving it. Fine with me.
Great...just don't ask me what I did to fix it. I can't believe my sweet talking the keyboard then pounding on it was the true fix
*jmonroe, you just don't give yourself enough credit - it's obvious you corrected the problem, but, I wonder if you did all of that posting with "hierogliphics" just to get attention!!!
Well, it succeeded, *jmonroe, you got my attention. And you thought I never read your posts!!! PSHAW!!!!
Richard, I wish you lived nearby- I set up home theater systems for my friends all the time. Often they give me a budget and let me purchase the entire system. I enjoy it -I especially love spending other people's money- and I also relish poking the overpriced "Professional Installers" in the eye. Most(but not all, I'll admit) charge ridiculous prices for mediocre systems and instillations. One of my friends was quoted $10,000 just to pre-wire his house while it was under construction; no electronics, speakers, or cabinets- just cable. I can put in a system for $3,000(including display) that will humiliate 95% of "pro" installations that cost 3-4 times as much.
I think we share a similar interest. I love home theater and I've been doing it since I lived in my Parent's house and VHS tapes.
I've also done some work with friend's and relatives. I have to admit each and every time they were incredibly pleased with the performance to cash ratio. You don't have to spend five figures to have a decent sounding home theater.
I'll admit to spending a bit much on the gear, but I'm an enthusiast. I've gotten away from it a bit being very content with my now aging system. It doesn't have all the latest and greatest but the sound still blows people away.
After the wedding the 50" Sony LCD projection will be giving way to something else and bigger (65 me thinks) but the B&W speakers and the rest of the sound equipment will stay!
Edit: you can also have the best equipment in the world and if it isn't adjusted/set up properly the result will not be that great.
I share home theater passion with the both of you. I've probably installed, uninstalled, reinstalled, upgraded my own home theater at least 15 times over the last 10 years. I can't even remember how much time I've spent wiring and rewiring all of my gear.
As such, the first call I get is when a friend is stuck on their own home theater installation. Usually followed by a...."should have called me first before you, or your pro installer attempted the mess you ended up with."
Spent many a weekend in hot attics running wire and cables. I will say that HDMI cables and banana plugs certainly made life a whole lot simpler when doing an install.
For $5,000-$7,000 I can put together something that will embarrass anything you see in any Magnolia selling for twice (or more) as much.
Give me $3,000 and I'll put together something that will eclipse anything at twice the price, from anywhere.
since we are on this new topic, I have a question.
and yes, I know I will probably have my head handed to me and get a lecture, but I can take it.
I had been set up for normal surrournd sound, but when we redid the family room, between the new floors and reconfiguring the layout I lost all the rear stuff. And right now, I don't have the budget or inclination to try and get a lot of wires run and speakers cut in (not easy in this application either!)
So, are there any of the "cheating" systems that actually sound halfway decent? Something like a sound bar to simulate real surround? I also am using my (very nice) tower speakers for the fronts, but they are too big to stand next to the TV now (it is in a corner) and something smaller would be a big help.
I'd go with a compact 3.1 system if you don't want to go with rear speakers; I have yet to find decent wireless surround speakers(subs are another matter). The soundbars that sound decent are relatively pricey. I'd suggest picking up an Energy Take Classic speaker system and just using the fronts, center and sub. I have those speakers in a 5.1 configuration in my basement system and I continue to be extremely impressed with their performance.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Thanks. That looks like a wired sub? I was thinking of trying a wireless, just so I don't have to run the wire the full legth of the end wall!
I do have my old sub laying around (wired, but pretty big). And a center channel speaker (probably also too big for the place I have to put it). Just have to figure out what my son pilfered for his room up at college.
but it looks like a compact 5.1 system is the best option, just skipping the rears. That seems doable.
When we built our house in 2000, I asked that the pre-wiring be done for surround sound. It took a couple of years, but I finally was able to get speakers installed (this was a 5.1 system).
Unfortunately, technology kept getting better and we didn't use the system as much, so the wife instructed that the speakers be removed a few years ago. Blank faceplates went over the holes.
I had a nice 5.1 system set up in my bedroom. But, the GF nixed it when we bought a new bedroom suite a few years ago. I ended up with one of these. Not bad for the money....
I'd go with a compact 3.1 system if you don't want to go with rear speakers; I have yet to find decent wireless surround speakers(subs are another matter).
I would also agree with this. I can't quite understand why reliable good sounding wireless speakers haven't come to the market. There is always compromise with those.
Stick, Is there really no way to run the wiring? Do you have a basement?
Corner placement is a tough situation for home theater, ideally your front speakers would want to be a little further apart.
I was going to do that, but I since we don't watch much in there but the news I decided not to. I did have to use an old amp and small bookshelf speakers to take over for the flat panel's speakers. They were beyond horrible.
Back in the early 2000's, when I had been working as a salesperson for a couple of years, we were taking orders for a brand new coupe convertible (hardtop) that had just been introduced. We would place orders for these cars on a first come, first served basis. There was a 6-8 month wait for these cars, even though they MSRP'd for over $64,000 each. We were getting about 40 of these a month and sometimes, because we were the biggest selling dealership in the country, we got some extra allocations, which I mentioned in a previous posting.
About 4 months after we delivered the first coupe/convertible, an EMT who worked for the county north of us, came in to place an order for a car in royal blue with dark saddle interior. I took her order and explained that all these cars were being sold at full sticker + tax, tags and dealer fees. She agreed and I told her that delivery would take about 4 months.
About a month later, I was informed that due to an extra allocation, her royal blue car would be delivered the following week. So I called her up and she arrived at the dealership that afternoon with her mother. I told her that I had the VIN number and that we could write up the deal that same day and await delivery from the port of Jacksonville the following week. She was so excited that she was literally shaking. But the mother was not very happy with the price. The mother said, ...I've bought lots of cars iny life and have never paid sticker for any of them!". I responded that these cars are in such short supply that I could not offer a discount per dealership management.
As we were writing up the paperwork, the mother, who was quite wealthy, began looking at one of our top selling premier sedans on the showroom floor. She came over and said, "...what if I buy that green sedan from you right off the floor, right now? Would you give me a good deal and give my daughter a discount on her her convertible?" I said I doubted it, but that I would check with the manager.
I went into the general manager's office and presented the Mother's proposition. It was obvious the mother was hell bent on getting her daughter a discount on her convertible, come hell or high water. The general manager said he would take $2000 off the price of the convertible if the mother drove home that same day with the luxury sedan which MSRP'd at $69,500, and would sell her that sedan for $3000 off sticker. I returned to the ladies and said what I could do for them!
That was another time I literally KILLED TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE, and sold two cars to the same family. The gross on the convertible was $4200 and on the sedan it was $2500. Definitely one of my more satisfying days in the car business!!!
We have rear speakers too, but we ran the wire under the carpet (if I remember correctly).
Don't know if a similar set-up would work for you.
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
Unfortunately, technology kept getting better and we didn't use the system as much, so the wife instructed that the speakers be removed a few years ago. Blank faceplates went over the holes.
I have to say that my lovely bride is extremely tolerant of my car/motorcycle/home theater hobbies. When we remodeled the kitchen/family room I was able to rotate the system 90 degrees and go from 6.1 to 7.1- and she didn't say a word about my choice of surround speaker- the Klipsch RS3 II:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
*nyccarguy, I'm trying my best. It's just a matter of remembering stories that are worthy of a post. Most of these stories are 7-10 old, so it takes some effort to remember the situation and then remember all the details. I just posted another one from about 9 years ago, hope you like it!
I remember when those SC430s were selling for sticker plus when they 1st came out. I know someone who bought one and sold it in less than 2 years because they absolutely HATED driving it if it meant they had to spend more than a half hour in the car.
They traded it in on an SL 500 (which they still have) in 2003.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
When I had the Genesis they promised a wash with any service/repair. After the first "wash" I had it hard coded in the computer to NOT wash it.
When I bought the Genny I forgot to mention to the salesman that I didn’t want the car put through their car wash. I wanted it hand washed but like I said I screwed up. As we’re going over the car there was a blue fiber from their automatic car wash jammed between two of the panels, on the left side of the rear of the car, where the quarter panel met the bumper panel. When the salesman saw that he apologized and said that should not have happened because even though I did specify hand washing, their policy was to hand wash every Genesis. We both looked at the car closely and so did Son #1. Everything looked OK. While it was not a cloudy day the sun was not shining brightly that Saturday in Ohio. The following Monday was a perfectly clear sunny day in the Burgh and as I approached the car from the front I could see lots of swirls on the hood from the automatic car wash. Obviously I didn’t like that. I got a swirl remover and rubbed those out with no problem. The strange thing is that none of the other parts of the car had swirls, not even the other horizontal surfaces like the roof or trunk.
Fast forward to when I took the Genny to my worthless local dealer here in the Burgh (before the XG350 thing), for the audio amp problem. This time I was very specific about not putting the car through an automatic car wash and said, “hand wash it, in fact, just don’t wash it at all. It’s not very dirty. I just washed it on Saturday so just leave it alone, OK” (this was a Tuesday I think). I witness him writing on the service order in large hand printed words “DO NOT WASH CAR”.
I’m waiting for the amp to be installed (took a little more than an hour) and the service advisor comes over to get me in the waiting area when the car is ready. As we are walking back to the service area he starts to apologize, profusely, (he’s almost panting about this) and says he caught the guy putting it through their automatic car wash. But he personally wiped the car dry and didn’t see any swirls. If I didn't like what I saw they would take it to their body shop whenever it was convenient for me.
I didn’t see a problem either and all I could think of was the car must have had a lot of protective wax still on it or their washer was better than the sellers machine in Ohio.
I don’t think “hard coding” would help at this dealership. If I could only get the service manager to hand wash the car while I watched and I could give him a good whack, claiming that he was rubbing it too hard. You guys think that would work?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I remember when the SC 430's were selling for sticker...
Yes, they were, and still are very uncomfortable to drive. I used to get a backache if I drove one for more than 30 minutes. They all had run-flat tires because there was little or no room on the trunk for a small spare, and the trunk is where the top folded into. Yes, people would almost "kill" to get one of those when the first came out.
They were very hard-riding cars and way too expensive for what you got. They sold tons of those over the years, but now there are so many nicer and better riding cars available like:
Infiniti G37 convertible BMW 328/335 convertible Mercedes Benz E350/E550 convertible Audi A4 convertible
It is very difficult to find a car that perfectly fits both sexes, so it's either compromise or buy 2!
Good story Mike, as usual.
You weren’t around when I got the Genny. As I’ve said before, this did not set well with Mrs. jmonroe because we had 2 cars that were in great shape in ’09 (’05 XG350 and ’06 Sonata LX) and she didn’t think I needed a new toy. Especially one that cost more than the norm. Ok, I won that battle but I lived in fear for months. Not that she would want a new car for herself but that she would want the new dining room that I was being threatened with at the time, prior to my thoughts about getting a new car. I’m sure the regulars remember that. While still contemplating the purchase of the Genny I was even threatened about a new house. Had to go change my shorts that day.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Comments
I'm really enjoying these stories. You have a loyal reader in me. Please keep them coming!
28FF
Just a compilation of 8 years as a salesperson and a sales manager. I just need to think back over the years and they will come back to me.
Thanks, glad you enjoy them - they are all true and unembellished!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I think when your plumber said "iron pipe" he was referring to the drain lines IN the house not what this iron pipe (also known as cast iron pipe which was used back in the early 50's) ties into. This cast iron pipe transitions to the terre cotta line that is underground going to the street sewer connection. If by chance you do have cast iron pipe from the house to the street, this has to look like a sieve by now. That's why they used terre cotta because it did not rust. It did, however, crack along it's run and it separated at the joints. ABS has pretty much eliminated cracks and separations at the joints. If the joints separate it was a bad installation. Usually caused by the solvent weld glue not adhering to the ABS plastic due to the pipe not being cleaned with the recommended cleaner/primer.
In any case a camera inspection will be the proof you need to determine what has to be done.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Great...just don't ask me what I did to fix it. I can't believe my sweet talking the keyboard then pounding on it was the true fix.
Maybe my dues payment was finally credited to my account after all the noise that was made about my posts. :confuse:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I have never gone to it, but I was thinking about it a few years ago, when he hit 2.5 mil.
The oil change interval light went on in my mom's '11 Fiesta.
It has 4200 miles on it and she bought it last August.
The reset procedure was kind of strange.
Turn the key, or quickly push the start button, then push the gas and brake pedals all the way to the floor for 20 seconds.
She has the push button start, so I did that and it worked.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
In the car business, when management has what they call a "HOUSE DEAL", a deal that has little if any gross profit in it and has been completed by a manager, it is usually given to one of their "pets" or favorite salespeople. All the salesperson has to do is complete the paperwork and deliver the car. In some cases, the deal is not complete, but the customer is a friend of the "HOUSE" and the salesperson just has to land the customer on a car and the rest is merely the mechanics such as paperwork and delivery. The salesperson was paid a "mini deal commission," or about $150 - $200. But it counted toward your total sales for the month, and remember commission %ages increased for the month with the more cars one sold.
I remember that I didn't get very many of those because I always sold 20-35 cars per month and managed to get to the 35% level most of the time. What aggravated me to no end was that some of these "pets" never sold many cars and thus always depended on their "mini deals from the house" to make a living and reach their higher commission levels. In other words, I busted my behind to eke out a living while these "pets" had everything handed to them on a silver platter.
So I vowed that if I ever got to be a manager, I would equally distribute these so-called "bones" to all my regular sales people who worked hard every day and never complained. I also tried to match the personalities of the customers with salespeople who could work best with them. I never gave a "bone" to new salesperson because that gave a negative impression to the rest of the sales force that new people got the gifts while the seasoned veterans got nothing,
At this first dealership where I was working as a salesperson, the managers did not like me because I always closed my own deals and I rarely needed a TO, or take over by the managers. They hated the fact that I made it on my own and didn't need there assistance! They looked upon this as a kind of obnoxious attitude, which it really wasn't. They wanted to put me in my place, but it never worked out that way. The general manager always complimented me at meetings for being the top salesperson, and that made the sales managers even more upset since I rarely needed their help on the floor. When they did get involved because I needed help, they would frequently blow the deal to teach me a lesson.
In big dealerships, there is a pecking order - and if you didn't play it their way, they made life miserable for you.
Just a little "behind the scenes" info to give you an idea what goes on in these larger dealerships!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I think a lot has to do with the fact that it was a Hyandai. They probably run it through a small ato-wash and don't take the time to vacuum, clean the windows inside and out and clean the wheels properly. My BMW, Mercedes and now Lexus dealers do a great job, better than those automatic and costly was places.
Remember, they sell many, many more cars than an upscale dealership and don't have the manpower to accommodate so many cars. Upscale dealerships wash cars whenever you bring it in. These are usually manned by subcontractors and are a lot less costly than having their own employees was the cars.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Frequently, customers request that sales people deliver their new cars right to their front door. This always creates a problem because I had to send two salespeople on these "safaris," one withe the new car and another in a car to bring the salesperson back to the dealership. That often left me short on the sales floor because 2 salespeople were gone for several hours.
One evening, a customer came in and bought a new car for his "significant other" and requested that I have the salesperson deliver the car to the restaurant that next evening where they were celebrating this lady's birthday. I made quite a bit of gross on the deal, so I agreed to accommodate his request, but this time, since the next day was my day off, I told the salesperson that I would follow him up to this posh and exclusive restaurant on the grounds of this beautiful country club. He told me to be there at about 6:30 PM so I made arrangements with the salesperson to meet him at the dealership at 5:30 PM to ensure we got to the club on time.
The next evening, we went up to the country club and were admitted at the gate and drive up to the front of the club/restaurant. I was dressed in a suit as that was the appropriate attire after 6:00 PM at this country club. The salesperson waited out front with the new car for his SO while I went in to meet them. I was escorted to their table and announced to them that there was a problem outside and I needed them to accompany me for just a few minutes. They both followed me outside and that's when we sang Happy Birthday to her and presented her with the keys to her new car. She was so excited and thrilled with her gift that she asked the salesperson to give the car to the valet and asked us to join them in the club.
We joined them inside and were given menus, all YHE cocktails we wanted, champaign and a great dinner. During desert, she mentioned that she would have preferred a black car and could we exchange the car for her. The customer who bought the car for her started yelling at her and vowed that she either accept the car he bought her as her gift, or she could, "go to hell!" they started yelling at each other - so loudly that the maitre d' came over and asked them to stop fighting or they would have to leave. With that, this woman storms out of the club leaving the three of us sitting there with our mouths agape!
He apologized and asked us to join him at his home for some after dinner drinks. By the time we got out to the front entrance of the club, his girlfriend had made off with the new car. He said she would be at the house so we followed him down the road to his beautiful estate-like home. She was not there, so he asked us inside and we had some cordials of Couvoissier waiting for her return home. At about 10:00 PM, she arrives home and apologizes to us for losing her cool. With that, we decided to make our exit, but as we both stood up, we realized we were too drunk to drive back. I explained my position about not driving while intoxicated so this customer invites us to spend the night in two of his guest rooms, we accepted his offer and were escorted to our rooms.
Next morning, we got up out of bed at around 8:30 AM and were treated to a great breakfast by his maid and "man servant-butler" and left to get to the dealership.
There are some very strange experiences I have had while in the car business, but thus one was one that I will never forget!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
My beef with the automatic washer is that I have a convertible and some of those automatic washers can be a problem with the soft tops. IIRC the manual even recommends hand washing the car.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Yes, they do deliver cars for service and to test drive the Equus. My Lexus dealer will pick up and deliver a car to my home and drop off a loaner for me to use. In order to compete, they must provide the best device possible. But I don't want some kid picking up my car and driving it back and forth. I'd rather bring it in myself for sevice.
But I've learned that when you start bringing cars to customer's homes, you can put yourself into some sticky situations like I mentioned in that post about the country club. One has to be as discreet as possible in dealing with customers off dealership property.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
It lends new insight into the inner workings of dealerships.
The butler story however, was over my head as I never met one
or knew anyone with a butler in their employ.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Keep 'em coming, Mike! These stories are great!
Richard
At least you didn't put your foot on the tower and yank out the cord. I've heard that doing that isn't a good fix.
Richard
I had never met a butler until I was invited to my wife's home for dinner after our third date. Actually, Frank was more than a butler. He did the gardening, odd jobs, and drove my wife's mother to her social functions. He always wore a white jacket at dinner time and served the evening meal to the family. He was a really nice guy.
It has taken me 45 years, but I have finally purchased my wife the type of house in which she was reared. She has never complained or asked for it; it's just something that I have always wanted to do for her. Our close friends have laughed and said, "Every one of your 14 houses was just a little bit bigger than the one before it." I have to admit that it was intentional. As far as a butler is concerned, I look pretty good in my white jacket.
Richard
And I thought that I might enjoy selling cars. It sounds like more politics than what goes on in Washington.
I liked your story about delivering the car to the club. I wonder if those two people ever solved their differences. Some people just love to fight. Most of us don't live in that world, but if a guy has a few million dollars, buying a $50,000 gift isn't that big of a deal...I mean, no one wants to lose $50k, but some people can lose that in a night at a casino...it all depends on your frame of reference.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Speaking of fickle women according to MSM women are better at buying cars than men and Men could learn a little something from them when looking to get a new set of wheels. Among the articles assertions:
"Many men revel in the gamesmanship of car buying that many women just aren't interested in. "Men get all excited about going out to buy a car and talk about how they're going to one-up the salesmen and get a great deal," said Anne Fleming, the president of Women-Drivers.com, a consumer ratings site. "I've never heard or seen any comments from women like that."
Women do more research and, as a group, are considerably more pragmatic in their vehicle choices. They tend to be more concerned about safety and reliability than about horsepower and acceleration."
Read more at: http://money.msn.com/car-buying/are-women-better-at-buying-cars-marketwatch.aspx-
Speaking of which, how did you get all your electronics and computer going in your new home? Did the Geek Squad come over?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I wondered how long it would take for someone to ask that question. First, my trusted electrician for 25 years came and set up the televisions and got the Bose Surround Sound system in each room working. i had never even heard of surround sound.
As for the computers, one of my former students now owns a computer consulting business. He came by and set everything up in my office room. The other day, I thought that my printer, fax, copier had died. I called him and he told me to unplug the copier, wait five minutes and plug it in again. I did and it worked. It must have been a power surge. I laughed to myself. That young man didn't know what he was saying when he told ME to pull a plug. :P
Richard
I did something close to that last year. She had seven ladies over for a luncheon. I did all of the cooking, placed a white linen cloth over my right arm, and served the group from soup to nuts. My wife loved it. I caught hell at the next neighborhood party. The husbands said that I had made their lives miserable because all of the wives had come home and asked why they didn't get that kind of treatment. What is the saying---no good deed goes unpunished?
Richard
I read with interest about your coming from behind your desk to sit beside the customer. You probably got that from your years in education. When I counseled a student, and later teachers, I always sat in a chair beside them. It makes the conversation more personal and gives the feeling that you really care. I always felt that I got better results by doing this. There are also some body language skills that can be very useful as well. I teach those in my leadership classes. Over the years, I have learned that it can be more important how you say something as compared to what you say.
Richard
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
In my experiences in the showroom and on demo drives, I couldn't agree more with your quotes above! I have found, in general (which means there are lots of exceptions), is that females are much less emotionally involved in the purchase of their cars where males are almost always emotional about buying their cars.
I have also found that females are much more concerned about safety, comfort, sufficient storage space in the front seat area for their purses and other trinkets, fuel economy, ease of filling the car up with gas, visibility and position of mirrors and the like. Males, on the other hand, are more concerned about horsepower, luxury, technology, audio systems, looks of the car, interior ergonomics, etc.
This reminds me of an experience I had when I was a salesperson at that upscale luxury car dealership. A retired couple, probably in their late 70's, came into the showroom looking specifically for me. Their friends had bought a car from me a few months earlier and had nothing but praise for my handling of the transaction - so they wanted me to sell them the car. Since I did not know what type of car they wanted, I did as I always did when meeting new customers for the first time, I took them to my desk area, sat them down, and began the conversation with, "...so, what are the most imporatant features to you in a new car? How many miles do you drive the car a year and what type of driving do you do - leisure, business, etc.?
By the time they had answered my questions, I had a pretty good idea of what they wanted, needed, and expected - a car that either had to be custom built for them or two cars had to be purchased, one for the husband and one for the wife. Here's an example of what they told me:
Husband
I want a comfortable ride, great handling, Navigation, power to get on the Turnpike, good looks, multi-adjustable seats, full window tint so the leather wouldn't fade in the sun, high end upgraded stereo system, and it has to be big enough to comfortably carry at least 5 people, bright and vibrant color combinations.
Wife
I want power tilt/telescopic steering wheel so I can adjust it after my husband drives the car, no Navigation - too hard for me to understand, smaller car so I can feel in control of the car, must have good visibility, back-up camera since I have trouble seeing over the steering wheel, car must be beige or silver, nothing too gaudy, and lots of room in the console to store my purse, driving glasses, etc.
Ok, I think you see what I was up against. He wanted something big and fancy, loaded with all kinds of goodies, and she wanted something small, bland, and easy to drive. I did not have anything like that in our inventory and I know we had nothing in the product line that would make both of them happy. I worked with them for hours trying to land them on a car. The wife loved one of the model and equipment, but the husband hated it. The husband liked our flagship sedan, but the wife said it was too big for her to drive and hated that.
I could see that I was going no where with this couple who had come to me as a referrral. I then though of an idea. Why not sell them 2 cars, one for her and one fo him.
I sat them down in my office and had the stock numbers for the vehicle he liked and the stock number for the vehicle she liked. I said to them, "...it looks like the manufacturer just doesn't make a car that both of you will enjoy driving. You either have to each make concessions and compromises on your ideal car OR I have to sell you 2 cars, one for each of you that would make both of you happy!" They asked me for some privacy to discuss my proposition, so I got them some coffee and danish and left them alone in my office.
About 15 minutes later, the wife comes out and says they've made a decision. They will buy 2 cars but only on the condition that they get a great deal on both. I told them "...NOT TO WORRY!!!" I took the paperwork for both cars to the desk manager and he told me if they would buy two cars instead of one, he would sell them the $66,000 car for $60,000 and the $40,000 car for $39,000. I took the offer to them, explaining that I had more room to discount the expensive model and I could sell that car for our invoice. The other one I would sell at $39,000. They looked at each other and said, "let's do it!"
So, I made a little money on the cheaper car and a mini-deal on the expensive car, but at least they both left happy. I received many, many referrals from them and sold many cars to their friends and associated, which is what success in the car business relies on.
So, this little story, while not as interesting or flambouyant as the others I have posted, gives us a little more insight into what is and what is not important to our males and females of our species. It is very difficult to find a car that perfectly fits both sexes, so it's either compromise or buy 2!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
*driver, you hit the nail right on the head with that comment! It is extremely political in a dealership, just like it is in a company office or corporate headquarters of a conglamorate. No difference at all from the rest of the world. You have to constantly be an outstanding sales professional and very successful to not get involved with the politics, or be involved in the politics if you can't make it on your own. Either way, it's just as difficult to work in a car dealership environment as it is in a corporate office.
In other words, it's not what you know as much as it is "who" you know.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Richard, I wish you lived nearby- I set up home theater systems for my friends all the time. Often they give me a budget and let me purchase the entire system. I enjoy it -I especially love spending other people's money- and I also relish poking the overpriced "Professional Installers" in the eye. Most(but not all, I'll admit) charge ridiculous prices for mediocre systems and instillations. One of my friends was quoted $10,000 just to pre-wire his house while it was under construction; no electronics, speakers, or cabinets- just cable. I can put in a system for $3,000(including display) that will humiliate 95% of "pro" installations that cost 3-4 times as much.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Well, I still carry that guilt around with me today whenever I remember the story. Can't help it, Richard, it's just the way I feel.
As for "modes operendi" in dealing with people, I always try to be as down-to-earth with people as possible. The comment made earlier in one of the posts about "...as a salesperson, you sell yourself more than you sell the product... or something like that is very true. I am an honest person and am sensitive to the needs of others. That is why I was successful in my second life in the auto sales business - I really did care about meeting the needs of my customers as best I could.
One thing, though, you might be great at selling yourself, but if the product you are selling is not a good one, then no matter how good you are, you won't succeed. That is why I went to work for the first time in a dealership that sold cars I would buy myself. And when I became a sales manager, I went to a dealership where I would buy those cars as well. I had had previous experiences with both brands since I had owned cars of those brands and had nothing but praise for their quality and style.
So, no matter how good you are at what you do, if the product or service you are selling is not a good one, you won't be successful.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Exactly. I bought the Mustang just for me. Wife has her own Denali.
However, having come from three new Toyotas in a row over ten years, I assumed all cars had ample storage places. Wrong! I like the Mustang a lot, but if you want to put something in there, you had better have it hanging from a belt loop because interior storage is all but non-existent.
I was telling her yesterday to not use sport mode if she ever drove it. She then told me she had gone to the garage and sat in it and couldn't see over the hood and that there was zero chance of her driving it. Fine with me.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
*jmonroe, you just don't give yourself enough credit - it's obvious you corrected the problem, but, I wonder if you did all of that posting with "hierogliphics" just to get attention!!!
Well, it succeeded, *jmonroe, you got my attention. And you thought I never read your posts!!! PSHAW!!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I think we share a similar interest. I love home theater and I've been doing it since I lived in my Parent's house and VHS tapes.
I've also done some work with friend's and relatives. I have to admit each and every time they were incredibly pleased with the performance to cash ratio. You don't have to spend five figures to have a decent sounding home theater.
I'll admit to spending a bit much on the gear, but I'm an enthusiast. I've gotten away from it a bit being very content with my now aging system. It doesn't have all the latest and greatest but the sound still blows people away.
After the wedding the 50" Sony LCD projection will be giving way to something else and bigger (65 me thinks) but the B&W speakers and the rest of the sound equipment will stay!
Edit: you can also have the best equipment in the world and if it isn't adjusted/set up properly the result will not be that great.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
As such, the first call I get is when a friend is stuck on their own home theater installation. Usually followed by a...."should have called me first before you, or your pro installer attempted the mess you ended up with."
Spent many a weekend in hot attics running wire and cables. I will say that HDMI cables and banana plugs certainly made life a whole lot simpler when doing an install.
For $5,000-$7,000 I can put together something that will embarrass anything you see in any Magnolia selling for twice (or more) as much.
Give me $3,000 and I'll put together something that will eclipse anything at twice the price, from anywhere.
and yes, I know I will probably have my head handed to me and get a lecture, but I can take it.
I had been set up for normal surrournd sound, but when we redid the family room, between the new floors and reconfiguring the layout I lost all the rear stuff. And right now, I don't have the budget or inclination to try and get a lot of wires run and speakers cut in (not easy in this application either!)
So, are there any of the "cheating" systems that actually sound halfway decent? Something like a sound bar to simulate real surround? I also am using my (very nice) tower speakers for the fronts, but they are too big to stand next to the TV now (it is in a corner) and something smaller would be a big help.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I do have my old sub laying around (wired, but pretty big). And a center channel speaker (probably also too big for the place I have to put it). Just have to figure out what my son pilfered for his room up at college.
but it looks like a compact 5.1 system is the best option, just skipping the rears. That seems doable.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
When we built our house in 2000, I asked that the pre-wiring be done for surround sound. It took a couple of years, but I finally was able to get speakers installed (this was a 5.1 system).
Unfortunately, technology kept getting better and we didn't use the system as much, so the wife instructed that the speakers be removed a few years ago. Blank faceplates went over the holes.
Actions like that are "GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE"
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
http://www.zvoxaudio.com/
I had a nice 5.1 system set up in my bedroom. But, the GF nixed it when we bought a new bedroom suite a few years ago. I ended up with one of these. Not bad for the money....
http://sonysoundbar.net/sony-ht-ct150-3d-sound-bar-system.html
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I would also agree with this. I can't quite understand why reliable good sounding wireless speakers haven't come to the market. There is always compromise with those.
Stick,
Is there really no way to run the wiring? Do you have a basement?
Corner placement is a tough situation for home theater, ideally your front speakers would want to be a little further apart.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I was going to do that, but I since we don't watch much in there but the news I decided not to. I did have to use an old amp and small bookshelf speakers to take over for the flat panel's speakers. They were beyond horrible.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Back in the early 2000's, when I had been working as a salesperson for a couple of years, we were taking orders for a brand new coupe convertible (hardtop) that had just been introduced. We would place orders for these cars on a first come, first served basis. There was a 6-8 month wait for these cars, even though they MSRP'd for over $64,000 each. We were getting about 40 of these a month and sometimes, because we were the biggest selling dealership in the country, we got some extra allocations, which I mentioned in a previous posting.
About 4 months after we delivered the first coupe/convertible, an EMT who worked for the county north of us, came in to place an order for a car in royal blue with dark saddle interior. I took her order and explained that all these cars were being sold at full sticker + tax, tags and dealer fees. She agreed and I told her that delivery would take about 4 months.
About a month later, I was informed that due to an extra allocation, her royal blue car would be delivered the following week. So I called her up and she arrived at the dealership that afternoon with her mother. I told her that I had the VIN number and that we could write up the deal that same day and await delivery from the port of Jacksonville the following week. She was so excited that she was literally shaking. But the mother was not very happy with the price. The mother said, ...I've bought lots of cars iny life and have never paid sticker for any of them!". I responded that these cars are in such short supply that I could not offer a discount per dealership management.
As we were writing up the paperwork, the mother, who was quite wealthy, began looking at one of our top selling premier sedans on the showroom floor. She came over and said, "...what if I buy that green sedan from you right off the floor, right now? Would you give me a good deal and give my daughter a discount on her her convertible?" I said I doubted it, but that I would check with the manager.
I went into the general manager's office and presented the Mother's proposition. It was obvious the mother was hell bent on getting her daughter a discount on her convertible, come hell or high water. The general manager said he would take $2000 off the price of the convertible if the mother drove home that same day with the luxury sedan which MSRP'd at $69,500, and would sell her that sedan for $3000 off sticker. I returned to the ladies and said what I could do for them!
That was another time I literally KILLED TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE, and sold two cars to the same family. The gross on the convertible was $4200 and on the sedan it was $2500. Definitely one of my more satisfying days in the car business!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10510462@N06/7544451298/in/photostream
The bar is just a piece of wood we painted black and mounted to the back of the TV with metal bars (using existing screw holes). All of the wiring comes out the back and runs down the wall, inside a cord cover that we painted the same color as the wall. One of these things:
http://www.amazon.com/Wiremold-CMK30-Screen-Television-Cover/dp/B0015EA3NO/ref=s- r_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341944030&sr=8-2&keywords=cord+covers+for+wall
We have rear speakers too, but we ran the wire under the carpet (if I remember correctly).
Don't know if a similar set-up would work for you.
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2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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I have to say that my lovely bride is extremely tolerant of my car/motorcycle/home theater hobbies. When we remodeled the kitchen/family room I was able to rotate the system 90 degrees and go from 6.1 to 7.1- and she didn't say a word about my choice of surround speaker- the Klipsch RS3 II:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
*nyccarguy, I'm trying my best. It's just a matter of remembering stories that are worthy of a post. Most of these stories are 7-10 old, so it takes some effort to remember the situation and then remember all the details. I just posted another one from about 9 years ago, hope you like it!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
They traded it in on an SL 500 (which they still have) in 2003.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
When I bought the Genny I forgot to mention to the salesman that I didn’t want the car put through their car wash. I wanted it hand washed but like I said I screwed up. As we’re going over the car there was a blue fiber from their automatic car wash jammed between two of the panels, on the left side of the rear of the car, where the quarter panel met the bumper panel. When the salesman saw that he apologized and said that should not have happened because even though I did specify hand washing, their policy was to hand wash every Genesis. We both looked at the car closely and so did Son #1. Everything looked OK. While it was not a cloudy day the sun was not shining brightly that Saturday in Ohio. The following Monday was a perfectly clear sunny day in the Burgh and as I approached the car from the front I could see lots of swirls on the hood from the automatic car wash. Obviously I didn’t like that. I got a swirl remover and rubbed those out with no problem. The strange thing is that none of the other parts of the car had swirls, not even the other horizontal surfaces like the roof or trunk.
Fast forward to when I took the Genny to my worthless local dealer here in the Burgh (before the XG350 thing), for the audio amp problem. This time I was very specific about not putting the car through an automatic car wash and said, “hand wash it, in fact, just don’t wash it at all. It’s not very dirty. I just washed it on Saturday so just leave it alone, OK” (this was a Tuesday I think). I witness him writing on the service order in large hand printed words “DO NOT WASH CAR”.
I’m waiting for the amp to be installed (took a little more than an hour) and the service advisor comes over to get me in the waiting area when the car is ready. As we are walking back to the service area he starts to apologize, profusely, (he’s almost panting about this) and says he caught the guy putting it through their automatic car wash. But he personally wiped the car dry and didn’t see any swirls. If I didn't like what I saw they would take it to their body shop whenever it was convenient for me.
I didn’t see a problem either and all I could think of was the car must have had a lot of protective wax still on it or their washer was better than the sellers machine in Ohio.
I don’t think “hard coding” would help at this dealership. If I could only get the service manager to hand wash the car while I watched and I could give him a good whack, claiming that he was rubbing it too hard. You guys think that would work?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Yes, they were, and still are very uncomfortable to drive. I used to get a backache if I drove one for more than 30 minutes. They all had run-flat tires because there was little or no room on the trunk for a small spare, and the trunk is where the top folded into. Yes, people would almost "kill" to get one of those when the first came out.
They were very hard-riding cars and way too expensive for what you got. They sold tons of those over the years, but now there are so many nicer and better riding cars available like:
Infiniti G37 convertible
BMW 328/335 convertible
Mercedes Benz E350/E550 convertible
Audi A4 convertible
Just to name a few!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Good story Mike, as usual.
You weren’t around when I got the Genny. As I’ve said before, this did not set well with Mrs. jmonroe because we had 2 cars that were in great shape in ’09 (’05 XG350 and ’06 Sonata LX) and she didn’t think I needed a new toy. Especially one that cost more than the norm. Ok, I won that battle but I lived in fear for months. Not that she would want a new car for herself but that she would want the new dining room that I was being threatened with at the time, prior to my thoughts about getting a new car. I’m sure the regulars remember that. While still contemplating the purchase of the Genny I was even threatened about a new house. Had to go change my shorts that day.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl