Stories from the Sales Frontlines

isellhondas

We do! We live probably a half hour from West Seattle.

The only downside to W. Seattle is the fact it is so isolated and you have to take that bridge. Still it's a nice, trendy area with lots to do and see, great views, restaurants etc.

isellhondas

That was an EXTREME "cluster" your dealer did. a bonehead, rookie mistake that I'm sure caused a HUGE stink!

I honestly can't remember our store ever doing that.

isellhondas

You did the right thing.

For some reason, women LOVE Volkswagens. I used to try so hard to steer them away from them on our used car lot but I usually wasn't successful.

On several ocassions our GM demanded that our UCM wholesale every out of warranty VW that was traded in. We were spending so much money on them.

Then, we would take in a "good" one and he would relent and we would sell it. Sometimes the results were favorable and other times not.

We NEVER EVER kept Land Rovers even if they were still under warranty.

abacomike

I was the one who asked about USAA...

No, I don't believe that counts. But if you had an uncle, grandfather, etc., it would work but they have to be alive and join first, before you. It might still be worth your while to give them a call.

I took out a credit card with them - excellent rates and good benefits. They are a very reputable bank and financial planning institution as well.

Let me know how you make out.

They allow you one certificate per year only. Their best rebates are on Mercedes and BMW. The pricing service incentives are below invoice. Iny case, I got $2000 below invoice and my dealer have me another $500 to get to the $57,500 price. What I think he did was credit me with the dealer service fee on the top line and then add it back in below.

tifighter

The only downside to W. Seattle is the fact it is so isolated and you have to take that bridge.

I lived in the Admiral neighborhood for awhile and liked it. And you avoid the backup of traffic going on the bridge going towards the Junction and Fauntleroy ferry.

abacomike

I lived in the Admiral neighborhood...

When I was staying in Bellevue back in 1999, I remember we took a day trip down to Olympia and took a beautiful tour of the Olympic Beer Brewery. Of course they had complimentary samples of all their beers and ales. Ver interesting.

We also took a tour of the Boeing plant and saw them assembling Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft.

The highlight of the visit was dinner at the Space Needle.

All in all, a great city and surrounding areas.

fezo

In my short stay in the Seattle area back in 82 I did the tour of the Olympia brewery. Good time. Did lunch up at the Space Needle.

driver100

The Bravest.

Got it! Nice little song...now I forget what we were referring to. :sick:

driver100

Their best rebates are on Mercedes and BMW.

Funny, the best rebates for ex-military aren't with the Big 3 in the U.S.A. firms!!!!

abacomike

...the best rebates for ex-military...

They also have great pricing on American-made vehicles lik Ford, Chevrolet, Cadillac, etc. *driver, USAA is not just for retired military, but also for "active" military and inactive and active families of the military.

I know my Dad had to provide them with his army serial number, rank, and branch. Dad was in the signal corps and during the Battle of the Bulge, his unit came under heavy fire from a machine gun nest. He singlehandedly flanked the nest, and took out the 12 German soldiers with his Thompson sub-machine gun and several grenades. He received the Silver Star for his bravery. I guess he deserved the medals he got.

Once he provided USAA with his serial number, etc, it EAS verified and they gave him his membership. He took out a policy with them and then, because of his membership, both my brother an I got ours. I applied for and received YHE USAA credit card. They also provide annuities and banking through the USAA bank with main offices on Las Vegas.

So USAA provides auto, home and personal property insurance to armed service active duty members as well as veterans and their families. My children are now eligible for membership.

stickguy

Just got back from another trip north. For the 2nd time in 2 weeks, I took delivery of a shiny new RDX. At least this time, I was in and out in about 20 minutes, and about half was moving my stuff from one car to the other, and double checking that the papers all matched now! and the keys worked.

overall, this one pretty much seems just like the other one, but with a few accessories already on it. so not big deal really to me (spent an evening driving a new car, I can live with that!).

and this one is sparkly clean. The old one was filthy at this point. so getting free detail was a nice bonus.

sterlingdog

What color is your BMW? You know that I had to ask.

Richard

sterlingdog

Yes, you get a gold star, and your detention from recess is voided. Thanks for the pictures. It's a beautiful machine.

Richard

sterlingdog

"How's the new house...?"

We moved in three months ago tomorrow. There are only three things left on the original list---paint the interior of the main garden fountain, replace the top on the gas lantern at the front walk, and complete the master bedroom window treatments. It's been a long 90 days, but we have accomplished a lot of stuff in that time period. We love the house. We are so flattered. Our home will be one of seven on this year's Christmas Holiday Tour.

Thanks for your remarks. When I think of young people like you, 28firefighter, nyccg, etc., I know that the future of America is in good hands. It's a great comfort in my elderly years.

Richard

sterlingdog

"...so I covered the repairs."

I ask you all: Is this a fine young man?

Richard

sterlingdog

Glad to hear that the sticky mess turned into another new vehicle. That really was the best way to go. Congrats!

Richard

28firefighter

He has a conscience and that gives ME some comfort.

driver100

I took delivery of a shiny new RDX. At least this time, I was in and out in about 20 minutes

I have never heard of such a thing.....maybe with smaller items but not a $35-$40K car! Hope you can finally enjoy your new car, and it sounds like the extras more than make up the inconvenience.

Now, what does the dealer do with the "new" car that has 400 miles on it?

driver100

They also have great pricing on American-made vehicles lik Ford, Chevrolet, Cadillac, etc. *driver, USAA is not just for retired military, but also for "active" military

That is an excellent program for vets and current members in the forces...nice to see them have some benefits and recognition for their much appreciated service to their country. Your Dad is a true hero!

stickguy

clean it up, put the window sticker back in, and try to sell it. Just with 400 or so miles on it!

technically it is new, since it was never registered or titled. So just like any demo car.

my guess, they use it for a salesman demo, maybe put it into the courtesy car fleet, something like that.

jmonroe

Rather than post responses to the myriad of well-wishers and "dipstick fanatics", I thought I would post a thanks to all of you.

I held off with any congrats until I heard that you actually got the car. You more than anyone knows what can happen at the last minute.

Now my excuse for posting many hours later; my employer is taking advantage of me again and expected a full day’s work for a full day’s pay yesterday so I am just catching up on things here. So, let me officially congratulate you on the MB purchase. I’ve heard of people trading when the ashtray was full but since you don’t smoke I guess you did the next best thing…you traded before you needed an oil change. Waaay before. (just thought I’d stay on topic).

Now go break it in gently and check the dipstick often (more on topic thing) to be sure you don’t have a burner.

Congrats again.

jmonroe

jmonroe

Just got back from another trip north. For the 2nd time in 2 weeks, I took delivery of a shiny new RDX.

I don’t know if congrats are in order for something like this or not but just to be on the safe side…congrats.

The old one was filthy at this point. so getting free detail was a nice bonus.

You didn’t mention a clay bar treatment for this new one so I’ll assume that’s where they screwed you. :sick:

jmonroe

stickguy

I think the clay and wax treatment is a standard part of the delivery detail prep. In any case, it looks good.

driver100

my guess, they use it for a salesman demo, maybe put it into the courtesy car fleet, something like that.

But, it might have wiped out any profit they may have made on your car. They always need demos or salesman's cars, but it is usually better if they pick out what they want.

driver100

I have been checking out oil indicators for the Mercedes E350 and though I couldn't find any specific info it seems Mercedes does have indicators on the instrument cluster for checking oil levels.

It seems they also provide you with a dipstick in case you still want to check your oil that way. Seems it is hard to find, at the back of the engine and is shown on the wrong side in most manuals.

I think you should send me my quarter back, because, although it does have a dipstick, it also has a graph and you can check oil levels from inside the car.

sterlingdog

"...you traded before you needed an oil change."

He traded before he needed the first car wash.

Richard

sterlingdog

As much as you like to debate issues, you should send him an additional dollar. :P

Richard

verdugo

I think you should send me my quarter back, because, although it does have a dipstick, it also has a graph and you can check oil levels from inside the car.

Nope, the bet was about whether it had a dipstick or not. That's it, there were no other conditions. You lost fair and square. Deal with it.
:P

dino001

Funny, the best rebates for ex-military aren't with the Big 3 in the U.S.A. firms!!!!

Perhaps because they think it's your patriotic duty to buy American, especially if you are a military? This is tongue in cheek, of course.

jmonroe

That's it, there were no other conditions. You lost fair and square. Deal with it.

You know he’s not going to be able to deal with it. He’ll more than likely turn this around because the dipstick is on the other side of the engine than how it’s shown in the manual (negative was probably turned around).

Does anyone want to take this bet? :surprise:

jmonroe

driver100

He’ll more than likely turn this around because the dipstick is on the other side of the engine than how it’s shown in the manual (negative was probably turned around).

Of course I wouldn't use that silly excuse for getting out of a bet. However, I believe, the bet was whether the new Mercedes would have a dipstick. But, the implied thought was if there was a dipstick then you wouldn't have a way to do it from the dash.

So, I think it is a draw, since the new MB has the oil tester built in to the dash, or you can test it with an old fashioned dipstick. It may have a dipstick, but it also has computer which can test from inside the car, which is what I was really saying in the first place.

Hopefully, I have twisted that one around and made it confusing enough.

driver100

What color is your BMW? You know that I had to ask.

He probably doesn't know...he doesn't take notice or care.

driver100

I ask you all: Is this a fine young man?

Oh, thank you Richard, that is very kind of you to say so.

Oh, that was intended for tyguy, sorry, I got confused.

driver100

you should send him an additional dollar.

Why an additional dollar? What's that for, putting up with my comments regarding dipsticks?

I sent the quarter, but because of postage and handling costs it became less than 5 cents and my staff doesn't send out payments for less than 5 cents.

[Deleted User]

I appreciate the kind words, Richard.

It's great to learn that you're nearing completion on the house renovation list. Being chosen for the Christmas Holiday Tour is an honor and I hope you'll post some pictures of the house all prepped for the big event.

oldfarmer50

"...the whole syncing and setting process all over again..."

I can imagine the next buyer's surprise when he turns on the radio and the car says "hey, you're not Stickguy!". And refuses to play any music.

Speaking if that, I wonder if they will tell the next buyer that his brand new car has been tooling all around the state for the last week. Probably not.

For that matter, how do you know the one they are giving you hasn't been in someone else's driveway? :confuse:

gogiboy

"Of course I wouldn't use that silly excuse for getting out of a bet. However, I believe, the bet was whether the new Mercedes would have a dipstick."

J--I think this is an easy bet to win. Yes, it does have a dipstick and he's driving the car. (channeling Don Rickels). And I am kidding!

Gogiboy

oldfarmer50

"...Typical European car..."

How about that Reatta that you bought before the BMW? I occasionally see one on CL and they always ask for way more than you paid for yours.

oldfarmer50

"...the first white car..."

White is THE color for Florida. Doesn't show the dirt very much and seems to wear better in the sun down there. In my perusal of Tampa Craigslist the white cars seem to hold up better after 10 to 20 years.

That MB has the added advantage of looking good in that color as well.

Congrats!

houdini1

Sorry if you were offended by my sense of humor. Just my take on an old joke.

houdini1

Mike, I love that white color and everything that it covers up. Enjoy those new wheels.

isellhondas

" What color is your BMW?

It's sliver. Aren't they all?

abacomike

I held off with any congrats...

Thanks so very much, *jmonroe, for the kind words. You are right about ashtrays, but I'll be honest with you and everyone else - just this one time - I cannot remember the last time I had an oil change on any car I have owned since 2006! It was on my BMW 530i that I actually had for a little over a year.

On this one, I will have to admit that it will have an oil change at 10,000 miles next June - I promise!!!

I drove the car for awhile today and checked out some of the technology. Thank goodness, it is not as complicated at that Lexus was. The lane-keeping monitor I awesome, but I had to turn it off in the settings menu. Whenever I crossed over a lane marking line, the steering wheel would "vibrate" in my hands. If and when I take a road trip, it sure would come in handy should you doze off. It also has an alert system that gives off an alarm if you drive iratically.

I really like this car, really, honestly, I kid you not!

abacomike

I've been checking out oil indicators...

*driver, I cannot find anything in the instrument cluster that shows how much oil is in the engine. I believe an "idiot" light will come on if the car runs more than a quart short, but nothing like the BMW 5 series "electronic dipstick". The dip stick is on the right side of the engine in the far back (when facing the engine with the hood up).

I have to add here that it took me over 20 minutes to find that dipstick. Not something that is easily spotted.

So you don't get your US quarter back!

abacomike

Mike, I love the white color and everything it covers...

Thanks much, houdini.

White is the color for down there..

Thanks *oldfarmer! You are probably correct, as usual.

abacomike

When I was fiddling with the applications menu this afternoon, a sub-menu heading entitled "Owner's Manual" came into view. When I clicked on that icon, the owner's manual for the car and the "command" system came up. Interesting that the 2 manuals are permanently saved to the "command" system hard-drive. It shows an index or you cans type in a keyword(s) and hit enter to bring up sections of the owner's manual pertaining to your needs.

This, I believe is similar to the Huyandi luxury vehicles where the provide the owner's manual on a free iPod.

jmonroe

I think the clay and wax treatment is a standard part of the delivery detail prep.

I just thought of this. You could do a clay bar experiment then follow it with wax on a small section of the trunk or hood and then compare that to the rest of that surface. Don’t just run your hand over it, put your ear to the surface as you slide your hand across it and see if you can hear a difference between what you just did and what they did. Most wax jobs feel pretty smooth so that’s the real test that I use.

Years ago I was doing this in the garage and Mrs. j walked in and wanted to know what I was doing. I told her to put her ear to the surface like I was doing and she’d see (hear) what I meant. At first she walked toward the car then stopped, shook her head and walked away mumbling, “I can’t believe I just saw someone LISTENING to how well they wax a car”. :surprise:

On second thought you’re probably not going to do this either but if you do don’t let Mrs. stick catch you.

jmonroe

jmonroe

Interesting that the 2 manuals are permanently saved to the "command" system hard-drive.

At first I was thinking that is done to impress the younger generation but then how many of them can afford that car? I’d still rather have the old fashion paperback manuals. Believe it or not I do read the manuals for everything that comes with one and I just more or less finished the manual for the Samsung Led TV that I got weeks ago. I didn’t realize that thing has picture in picture (PIP) but I don’t think it’s the dual tuner type like I had with a Toshiba CRT years ago. I’m going to keep reading about that one. Or should I say view the on screen manual.

Yep, you never know what’s hidden in manuals, either type.

jmonroe

robr2

This, I believe is similar to the Huyandi luxury vehicles where the provide the owner's manual on a free iPod.

The Equus came with an iPad which contained the owners manual and other things for 2011. They dropped that for 2012. They say it was only planned as a one year promo as back in 2010, the iPad was a novelty. Today it's common.

You can still get the manual and the app for your own iPad.

abacomike

At first, I was thinking that this is done to impress…

You might be right, *driver, BUT the car comes with "real" manuals for the Command System, the Car Operating Manual, the Audio Manual and the Warranty and Maintenance Manuals as well.

I believe they call that REDUNDANCY!

So, if you enjoy reading a book, you're covered! If you enjoy sitting in a car and scrolling through text pages as you fiddle with the knobs and the buttons, you're covered!