Stories from the Sales Frontlines

explorerx4

Tons of stuff to catch up on, but I'll start with the most important.
Sorry to hear about your sister's troubles, but at least she is back in a comfortable place.
Regarding her car situation, what did she drive before the Camaro?
I would think a mid size Buick or Chevy could work for her.
When my wife was buying her Escape, I spent some time talking to the UCM.
He told me they just bought a dozen Mustangs at some auctions and it was worth it to keep them over the winter to sell them in the spring.

nyccarguy

I've been keeping an eye on local inventory. Sport Unlimiteds with Bluetooth, automatic, & hard top have stickers of right around $31K. Not bad.

explorerx4

In the neighborhood next to us in the late 90's, new houses would sell at one price the resell a year later for at least 50% more.
I don't see too many 1 year used cars that sell for that same level of profit.

explorerx4

Indirectly, if it wasn't for the Yankees, plenty of teams wouldn't exist.
The Yankees not only pay a tax to a lot of other teams, when they travel there, the attendance is a sellout or close.
They also provide world wide exposure for major league baseball.
Look at the Red Sox, although you'd be better off looking away.
Their payroll was comparable to the Yankees and how did their season go?
Imo, the Yankees over achieved this year, but expectations are so high, anything other that a World Series win is considered a failure.
Don't forget, the Yankees lost Mariano Rivera, their legendary closer, and their lead off hitter/starting left fielder before May 1st.
When my wife was buying her new Escape, the UCM, who had a bunch of Yankee themed die cast Fords on a shelf, said that someone who entered a contest at their dealership, won a Yankee edition Mustang convertible.
I'm a Yankee fan and I approved this message. :shades:

oldfarmer50

"...I don't see too many 1 year used cars that sell for the same level of profit..."

In 2002 I was told by a salesman that I better buy right away because 5 yo Chryslers were going up in value so fast. :lemon:

explorerx4

He should have been fired in 1998, when he didn't have the courage to set a new course for the domestic auto industry when he had the chance.
BTW, my oldest is working at Pinehurst all week through Sunday.

sterlingdog

I agree. I just don't think that the President of the U.S. should be the one to do it.

Hope your oldest enjoys their week in Pinehurst. It's such a pretty place.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Something just seems wrong..."

It was TERRIBLY wrong. You just have to live in one of these old Southern towns to understand how things work.

Richard

sterlingdog

I'm with Tyguy---buy some decent tires and drive the convertible. There's no need to throw good money after bad. If she found a car for $3K, chances are that she would have some repair bills down the short road. As for the "whore dog" who jilted her, she should get a lug wrench and steal his four tires. She could sell them and put the money toward her new tires. I also have another suggested use for the lug wrench, but I imagine that you know what that is.

Richard

billy3554

Actually, the Yankees and Red Sox ended up at the same place, out of the playoffs. Of course, the Yankees played a few more games in the half empty House that Hank Built. Looking ahead, both teams face difficulties. However, the Red Sox are in a much better position than the Yankees, thanks to the largess of the Dodgers. While the Red Sox have money to spend to improve, the Yankees must figure out how to contend with several overpaid and underperforming aging players, personified by Afraud.

driver100

The nice saleslady wrote to say the Passat came in. It was nice, she sent a picture of it to us.
We fly down in 2 weeks and we will pick it up then. Arranging insurance is not so easy.

I called 2 agents and one said non-Florida residents can only get $100K liability and insurance would cost $1400 for 6 months. She was going to call me back if she could find something better, but, never did.

The second place said non-Florida residents could only get a maximum of $300K liability. She wasn't sure about the cost, but, would call back though she never did.

The 3rd agent was good. Understood the problem completely, she said she knew Canadians like to have at least $1 million liability. She will get back to us with a rate, but she did know $500K liability would cost $600 for 6 months of coverage, and then we could use vacation insurance - which gives you hurricane for damage or theft when we aren't in Florida and that would cost about $150 for 6 months. She sent all the material while we talked on the phone.

She just has to check my license information.

What a difference when you deal with someone who knows what they are doing.

dino001

Wonder if you could check AAA insurance agency. They seem to have robust presence and offer in the South.

graphicguy

Thanks all for suggestions for my sister's winter sled. I like the LeSaber idea, fezo. I found her a 200K 98 Accord for $1K. It had some rust but was straight as an arrow with good shoes and a solid drivetrain. It has a little bit of rust around the back wheel wells. Then again, it's a thousand dollar car, so what do you expect?

She's still looking, however.

As far as her broken heart, she'll get over it. I never liked her boyfriend to begin with. She's boo-hooing over it. But, she's better off (older brother talking). He was a user and a whimp.

Anyway.....

She's not going to put winter wheels on the SS. I doubt seriously it will see the outside of her garage more than 2-3 times between the months of November-March. She already freaks when the car gets rained on.

RB.....I love that Z3. I would jump on that....maybe offer $8K and see what they say? Settle on $8,500, given winter is right around the corner and convertible sales will be as cold as a frosty morning.

Tried a couple of times to do business with Swope. Never had much luck with them, however.

fezo

Hey, if roadburner doesn't jump on the Z3 maybe your sister could be interested... No, I don't suppose that one works.

She could do worse than that $1K Accord assuming the rust isn't too bad. And assuming it's on its second timing belt. Should have a ton of life left in it.

Yesterday I saw an 01 Corolla wit a for sale sign on it. Looked good, claimed to run great but no miles listed. $3,500 or b/o. Not really looking but both my daughters have cars with insane mileage on them (the older daughter has the 00 Accord with 261K on it but still runs fine). Just keeping an eye out as I know one day replacing one or the other will be in emergency mode. (This means dad rents a car for a week and finds a nice cheap car and prays they don't crash my car in that week.)

gogiboy

RB--

I'm not qualified to comment on the wisdom of your proposed swap, but I do love the floor mats.

Let's face it though, you have run hot and cold on the Mazda while your passion for BMW is rock solid. Seems like a done-deal to me and requires no justification.

Gogiboy

oldfarmer50

"...I lithe Lasabre idea....FEZO?????..."

Hey, I came up with that idea. I even posted an example! :mad:

michaellno

Just keeping an eye out as I know one day replacing one or the other will be in emergency mode. (This means dad rents a car for a week and finds a nice cheap car and prays they don't crash my car in that week.)

Will the girls be helping with the purchase of their next vehicle?

graphicguy

OldFarmer.....mea culpa.

Sorry......you know that you and fezo look a lot alike, except fezo is younger, isn't he?.... :P

The Accord is on its 2nd timing belt. The car is a 1 owner car, too. Runs good. Trans shifts a little hard, but that may have been the case with 13 year old Accords. The steering wheel cover slips on the metal rim. Not sure it's worth messing with. A/C blows cold. heater heats. No rips in the seats. Stereo works (cassette player). Doesn't burn or leak.

I'd say 2, maybe 3 years would be the life expectancy of it. To me, for $1,000 it's a good deal. Heck, I may buy it myself, just because.

Richard.....was thinking about you the other day. All boxes unpacked?

fezo

Will the girls be helping with the purchase of their next vehicle?

Well, the older one certainly will. The younger one is a full time student and I'm not pushing more work outside of that than she's already taken on. With any luck the cars will hold up until it's a better deal for me.

By then teh 11 year olds will be driving...

nyccarguy

Is as good as in roadburner's garage by the weekend, assuming he get what he wants for the Speed3. Good luck & keep us posted!

houdini1

That car has been handled with loving care and you will make a great home for it. Get it quick !!

jmonroe

He says it should go for around $4200 easily (’05 Mazda 6, 4 door V6 with 102K miles and blown engine). Personally, I think he’s in need of some good drugs but I’ve been wrong before. I say if he gets $3800 he should grab it maybe even $3500.

I was right again. He’s not going to get $4200. He dropped the price to $3500 and had an offer for $3200 but he didn’t like the attitude of the mechanic making that offer so he said his $3500 price was off the table when the guy upped his offer to his $3500 asking price. Now who has the attitude?

He replaced the Mazda with a 2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, (larger engine?) 4 cyl. 4 door sedan with 101K miles for about $5200 from a local mom/pop used car lot that has a decent reputation for used cars in the area. My Son said because his car was in such fine shape they decided to put it on their lot when the woman who owned it traded it for a 2 year old BMW 335. This lot only carries late model upscale cars (even has a Lamborghini) and his Sentra was one of the few freaks on their lot.

He brought it over last week end and it looks pretty good for a car that age. It’s Black with dark gray cloth interior although he would have preferred leather but he knew he couldn’t get everything with a used car.

End of that tale. Now waiting for Son #1s ’02 Altima with over 130K miles to blow up.

jmonroe

driver100

Wonder if you could check AAA insurance agency.

Thanks dino, that is an excellent idea. Saleslady 3 is supposed to get back to us soon with a quote on $1 million liability, and after she checks my driving record...using my Canadian drivers license.

If this doesn't work out I will try the AAA. I have been a member of CAA for many years, so that may help.

dino001

Why do you need milion bucks liability? I have mine at 250/500 and everybody here thinks it's high.

driver100

I found her a 200K 98 Accord for $1K. It had some rust

Sounds like a real find. Refresh my weakening memory, what was the plan with the Camaro? Will she leave it in a garage for the winter and then drive it in the Spring?

My friend with the $130K Maserati couldn't start his car the other day. He called for a tow truck. They were going to tow it to the dealer, then the tow truck guy remembered these cars have to be on a battery trickle charger....because of all the electronics the car will go dead in 2 weeks unless it is driven or charged! That's insane.

He said the Maserati would be hopeless in snow, it already hits bottom on even small ramps because it is so low to the ground. So, he got a demo Fiat 500 for the winter. The Maserati is in storage, and he loves the Fiat....loads of room in the front, huge big windows, great steering, fun for getting around. From a $130K Maserati to a $18K Fiat and I think he enjoys driving the Fiat more......

driver100

Why do you need milion bucks liability?

Funny, you are a far more litigious society than we are....like $1 million for spilling coffee on yourself! We just did have a case where a woman Walmart manager was abused by the store manager, called her stupid, said she couldn't count so made her count the number of skids out loud so everyone could hear....and she successfully sued for $1.3 million. Wallymart is going to appeal.

But, $1million is the lowest liability anyone would buy here. Accident victims can sue for $1 million easily if you say paralyze them, or make it so they can't work. I wouldn't want to try to come up with another $500K if that happened. The extra insurance from $500 to $1 million should not be a lot more. I believe it is harder to collect the money in Florida, but still, it seems risky to me because if you hurt someone it doesn't take much to do $1 million in damages.

oldfarmer50

"...you and Fezo look alike..."

Yeah, except for him being smarter, richer and better looking, we could be twins.

How many miles on that Honda? Around here (upstate NY) a 98 Accord for a thousand bucks would probably have either 200k miles or substantial rust. I'd get that one up on a lift and check brake lines, frame and top of the gas tank. I've driven $1000 cars and believe me, there's never just "a little" rust.

This is an example near me:
http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/3342441198.html

dino001

Yeah, it is easy to sue here, but they sue mostly what they call "big pockets". The suits are not really "personal" it's basically an extortion industry, but the targets are mostly corporate, like an insurance company, not a particular person. Most claims are much smaller at the first place, more nuisance than anything, and many assets are protected from collection (like primary residence). Once you have a decent level, like 100K+, the insurance company gets aggressive in litigation against the claimant and basically uses all tactics at hand to settle out of court, usually well below protection level.

The whole litigious culture is not really about actual jury awards (yes you hear those outrageous verdicts, but they get mostly overturned in appeals), but more about threatening (posturing) and forcing settlements. The extortionists basically go away once they reach level, where the further pursuit is too risky vs. awards. Of course, doesn't mean it can't happen.

And, BTW, as not yet American (but hopefully soon - just sent the naturalization application), I think this aspect of US legal system is well past due for an overhaul.

oldfarmer50

"...not yet American..."

Let me be the first to say "Welcome". My Polish in-laws will be so happy which means lots of drinking (which makes the Irish in ME happy).

abacomike

We were out for dinner this evening, so I had an opportunity to see what the visibility was like at night with the new Cystalline light gray tint. I honestly could not tell the difference between no tint in the rear window and with the tint. It looks dark during the day, but at night, it lets most of the visible light in. Thus, rear visibility is excellent. The installer told me I wouldn't be able to tell the difference, and he was right.

They have 5 darker tints and one lighter - called clear. Definitely makes a difference during the day and the car does not get as hot after sitting in the 90 degree heat all day.

dino001

Thanks. The process is expected to take four to six months, as long as there are no hiccups. So I hope I can vote next cycle. Can't wait, even though I think both parties suck - they are exactly like those school mascots voted in South Park election, if anybody has seen this episode. Yet, still better to have some choice than none, especially if one already pays taxes.

driver100

The extortionists basically go away once they reach level, where the further pursuit is too risky vs. awards. Of course, doesn't mean it can't happen

Thanks, sounds like good advice. I will go with the $1 million if it is reasonably priced, otherwise $500K for $600 should do, sounds like I will be in the top 10 percentage for good coverage in Florida. The agent did say, they can't sue for principle residence, your car, pension funds and more.

Good luck with your citizenship...I think you will make a very good new citizen.

The fellow who cleans our windows is from Hungary. He works so hard and does a beautiful job cleaning windows, when he is done you don't know there is glass there. Then his wife cleans homes, she has knee pads and does a beautiful job, we would give her 100%. He bought a pick-up truck for his business and she has a little SUV to get around. They bought a house and now they just bought a larger house. They have twins who are really nice kids. These are the kind of people that help make a country great.

Then you get the whiners in the park, the anniversary occupiers who wonder why they don't have good jobs with a corner office. And wonder why they are still living with Mom and Dad, and their parents have to pay for their cell phone. Give me a break!

dino001

Unfortunately, some Americans understand American exceptionalism as them being exceptional by extension. Exceptional nation for them means Joe/Jane Smith is exceptional just because they were born here. So Joe being exceptional, he is are made for better things than cleaning windows, or any other job they consider beneath their self-proclaimed dignity.

driver100

. Exceptional nation for them means Joe Smith is exceptional just because they were born here.

Exactly. Talk show radio host (Jerry Agar, came from Chicago) said he was out of work. He was going to take a job making hamburgers on the night shift at McDonalds. He said he could become a night manager, then a day manager, and if he worked hard McDs would help him take a course and he could eventually get his own franchise. Start at the bottom and his work his way up to a very good position.

But, the whiners don't want to work at anything unless it pays an executive salary, even though all they know how to do is protest, and aren't that good at it. They left a park in Toronto a total mess. Who cleaned the park up. Private companies donated workers and equipment, to clean the park up, the protestors couldn't even clean up the mess they made.

graphicguy

Farmer....that Accord has something like 198K miles on it. Seems solid mechanically. Starts right up. It doesn't smoke, can't find any leaks. New timing belt at 150K. As mentioned before, it has good shoes and a 2 year old Interstate battery in it. Trans (auto) shifts a little hard, but it doesn't slip. And, you're right, any $1K car that only has a "little" rust is a mystical creature. I've seen a lot worse, though. I think this one qualifies as "some rust", which isn't a "lot of rust". But, it also isn't quite "a little spot/surface rust", either.

Not getting it checked out more thoroughly until/unless the sister tells me she's interested. So far, the only thing she did was look at it. I did the test drive and the five dollar initial inspection. For $1,000 you'd be hard pressed to find anything remotely better.

Thanks for the 'heads up' on what to check, though.

driver....sister's Camaro goes in the garage for the winter.

Not much you can find for $2k-$3K. I told my sister if she upped her budget to $5K, you can score some pretty nice cars (at least cars that don't need any immediate work).

I'm starting to see more and more of those Fiat 500s on the road. When my son was in the market, he looked at those. Pretty nice design, however the Fiat reputation when it was in the States previously still has me wondering.

Then again, the last time I was in a Fiat was in an X 1/9. Friend had it. It was a pretty miserable example of automotive build quality and reliability.

driver100

driver....sister's Camaro goes in the garage for the winter.

Just something to think about. My 2008 BMW 328 Cabriolet was hopeless in the snow. Low bumpers just got caught in the snow, low undercarriage, wheels and tires were useless.....it either got stuck or the car would slide.

I had to use snow tires....bought 4 snow tires and the car was fine in snow.
I don't think it could go through piled up snow or if the snow accululated to about 5 inches, but other than that, it was fine.

So, if the Camaro is locked up for the winter, will she be driving it once the winter is over?

I am just not sure if it makes sense to keep a car you will only drive in the nice weather. Not to mention the cost of storage and the car will be older next year if she is thinking of selling it then.

It is a conundrum, I don't think there is a great answer, but locking it up for the winter might be the best thing to do....but maybe not!

graphicguy

driver.....my sister loves muscle cars. The Camaro she now has is a re-enactment of the first new car she bought (early 90s IROC).

So, practicality doesn't begin to enter into the picture.

She'll put it into hibernation until Spring.

driver100

...my sister loves muscle cars.

Nothing wrong with that GG. I would love to know how that came about though.

I really like my wife's A4. When it is time for me to trade I would consider an A4. I like the 535 but I think the A4 would suite me better. I would love to get an S4, but it comes with racing wheels/tires and you have to get the tires changed for the winter. There is no way I want to go through that again.

Much better to have AWD and just drive your car all year round without thinking about it. Unless you can afford an extra winter car that is.

I just wouldn't want to drive a nice $35-$40K car in the summer, then a $1000 beater for 1/3 of the year.....but, that's just me.

oldfarmer50

"...I've seen a lot worse..."

Sounds like you found a rare bargain. Tough to find any $1k car these days let alone one that runs. Maybe you should pick it up for sis as an early Christmas present. If she doesn't want it, drive it yourself this winter. If it doesn't develop any tranny issues you could sell it in spring for a profit. Even beater Honda bring crazy money in my area.

oldfarmer50

"...to keep a car you will only drive in nice weather..."

Says the guy who moves to Florida part of the year so he only drives in nice weather. :P

I see your logic in that since you only keep your cars a few years you don't care if 5 years after you sell it rust starts setting in. For those of us who keep cars longer it makes sense to limit winter exposure to salt.

My Corvette, of course, goes into the barn for winter because it would be useless in snow. I also limit taking the Eclipse out in winter because I don't want the salt eating it up.

I usually drive my van because there is nothing left to rust on that beast or the wife's car because it's better in deep snow. I cringe when driving her car while hearing the salt and sand clatter against the undercarriage. I'll wash it as soon as possible after that.

driver100

since you only keep your cars a few years you don't care if 5 years after you sell it rust starts setting in.

OF, exactly. New cars have rust warranties that last for 5 years so I don't even think about it. When I did have to worry about such things I tried to wash salt off as frequently as possible, no one wants to see a good car rust away.

I still like to have AWD because you can hit snow and ice going to or coming from Florida, especially Nov to March. AWD is nice because you have traction if you need it, but, you have regular tires for highway and Florida driving.

oldfarmer50

I was looking at Tampa CL thinking about Graphicguy's Honda when I came on this little gem of an ad. Who cares about the car, the ad copy is a hoot.

http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/ctd/3354236402.html

isellhondas

1000.00 buys NOTHING today! If you haven't already bought that Accord, I would guess someone else has snapped it up.

If it breaks in half a year from now, it was still money well spent!

stickguy

I guess you are out, right?

the car actually looks nice. Would never find one that vintage in the NE without rusted our rear quarters. I think up here they came that way from the factory.

The price, however, is insane. Typical BHPH. Wonder what the cash price is (probably not all that good, since he can make way more "renting" it out!)

graphicguy

Craig....I agree with you. A $1K car that runs well is a bargain. I'm going to go look at it again in a bit. Give it another once over. I'll buy it. If my sister doesn't want it, I'll use it as a "beater" to go back and forth to the airport.

stickguy

based on your description, if it was here and a stick, I would have bought it on the spot.

graphicguy

Stick....it's an automatic. No matter, I just bought it. Don't know what I'm going to do with it. But, I gave the seller $200 to hold it until I can get the GF to drop me off to pick it up.

oldfarmer50

"...don't know what I'm going to do with it..."

The first thing you do is take pictures and post them over on CCBA. Put all those BMW lovers to shame.

Looks like mike is in the path of another storm. Should have bought life jackets instead of window tint.

It's predicted to hit the NJ-NY-Boston area on Halloween. :surprise:

abacomike

Looks like mike is in the path of another storm. Should have bought life jackets instead of window tint

Yep! I had just put the hurricane shutters in my storage bin 10 days ago. Looks like they may have to come out again. I have these roll-up shutters on the terrace - I just pull them down and then attach framing secured from the top and the bottom. The shutters go on the back bedroom windows.

From what they are saying (meteorologists), it should skirt us just to the east along the coast. The forecast for the next few days is for increasing winds and increased chances of rain bands and squalls.

The car is pretty well protected by the building so I'm not too concerned right now. I guess only time will tell.

sterlingdog

"All boxes unpacked?"

Yes, thanks for asking. We've been here 4 months and have completed the following:

1. All boxes are unpacked.
2. All furniture is placed.
3. All pictures are hung.
4. All window treatments are completed and in place.
5. All 45 windows were cleaned inside and out (1,600 individual panes).
6. New roof was installed.
7. New plumbing was installed.
8. All painting was completed.
9. All garden lighting and statuaries are in place.
10. All garden walls and patio areas have been pressured washed and filled in with fresh mortar.
11. All interior electrical work checked and updated.
12. Both garden fountains have been painted and new pumps added.

We are finally finished. I had estimated 5 months, so we are a month ahead of schedule. We have worked on this house every day. It has been fun, but a bit challenging at times. Next month we begin decorating for the Christmas Tour of Homes. That will be a piece of cake compared to what we've been through. Of all of our houses, this is truly our dream home. We really do love it.

Richard