Stories from the Sales Frontlines

sterlingdog

"...the ad copy is a hoot."

You've got that right. I can't believe the name of the business. One third of our population here is Native American. They would "scalp" you if you gave your business here that name.

Richard

sterlingdog

Mike, stay safe. I think that we'll be fine, as long as it stays a bit east of us.

Richard

explorerx4

My favorite line is: "If I can find a fresh mug shot of you online you can forget asking about credit but I will still take cash."

graphicguy

OF.....love that car ad. Gotta remember to take pics of the new addition to the GG stable.

Richard.....my, my....you've made great progress.

Mike...batton down the hatches and stay safe.

cdnpinhead

Of all of our houses, this is truly our dream home.

Well done! I'm sure you'll enjoy it with your wife for many years to come.

I admire your ability to maintain this level of enthusiasm at your/our "stage in life." I was pretty gung-ho when I moved into this house 20 or so years ago, but that's long gone.

stickguy

fantastic timing. I just booked the rental car for my trip from Philly to Norfolk on the morning of 10/31. Driving over the chesapeake bay bridge-tunnel during a hurricane, what could go wrong there?

abacomike

fantastic timing. I just booked the rental car for my trip from Philly to Norfolk on the morning of 10/31. Driving over the chesapeake bay bridge-tunnel during a hurricane, what could go wrong there?

Look at it from a positive perspective - with a car with good aerodynamic design, you could take "flight" on high winds and won't have to worry about driving on the bridge! Instead, you'll fly "over" it!

fezo

Look at it from a positive perspective - with a car with good aerodynamic design, you could take "flight" on high winds and won't have to worry about driving on the bridge! Instead, you'll fly "over" it!

And he'll avoid the toll that way!

driver100

gave the seller $200 to hold it until I can get the GF to drop me off to pick it up

Congratulations GG! Another car sold on Sales Frontlines.

My dream has always been to have an older car I never have to worry about. Park it where I want on a lot...never worry about other people opening their door and hitting me. Sounds like the deal of the century.

Actually you can't lose. Even if the car is a lemon, you can sell the parts and still make a profit!

Sandman6472

So far, so good here in Coral Springs...I'm about 5 miles north of Mike. Tomorrow's gonna be the soggy/windy day but we should be fine!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

sterlingdog

"And he'll avoid the toll that way!"

Think of the gas that he will save as well!

Richard

sterlingdog

Nice to see you back here. Stay safe tomorrow.

Richard

sterlingdog

"...to maintain this level of enthusiasm at your/our stage in life."

It's mostly mental---having a type "A" personality helps. Still, my legs, back, and knees keep reminding me of the years that have passed. My wife thinks I'm crazy. I'm even excited about teaching at the college part time in January. I just keep trying to stay active.

Richard

nyccarguy

For Mike to supplement his income. He can buy Mercedes using his USAA & loyalty discounts, then resell them to forum members (for a small nominal fee of course);)

To mike & sandman - good luck with the storm fellas!

abacomike

For Mike to supplement his income. He can buy Mercedes using his USAA & loyalty discounts, then resell them to forum members (for a small nominal fee of course)

To mike & sandman - good luck with the storm fellas!

Thanks for the well-wishes! We've already had some very heavy downpours and brisk winds. Things are supposed to deteriorate over the next 24 hours.

As for supplemental income possibilities selling my Mercedes cars, it doesn't work that way. You can use the USAA Buying Service just once per calendar year. Same with my Mercedes Benz Club of America discount of $1000. So, if I try to sell one per year, what am I supposed to drive? Certainly not another Lexus - I've written that manufacturer off for the rest of my life. Same with BMW, as you all know. Audi for the same reasons - had 2 in the 90's, both spent more time in the shop than on the road.

So, no possibility of supplementing my income from private sales of my cars.

Besides, I'm finally happy with my car!

driver100

Thanks for the well-wishes! We've already had some very heavy downpours and brisk winds.

Good luck with the storm. If it does hit could you take a trip up to St Petes to see that our Passat is OK?

driver100

To mike & sandman - good luck with the storm fellas!

How about my place near Tampa?

abacomike

How about my place near Tampa?

What about your place in Tampa? There are no warnings or watches or even gale warnings for the west coast of Florida. But I did hear that Hurricane Sandy has a death wish for Passats! So you better fly down immediately to protect your new Passat!

oldfarmer50

"...what am I supposed to drive?...

I understand GG has a really nice Honda he might be looking to sell.

Speaking of used cars, I had an hour to kill while waiting for a relative so I took a walk through the large Chrysler dealer's used lot where I had purchased a car 10 years ago.

One thing that struck me was how dirty and undetailed the cars looked. The exteriors at least, had not been reconditioned at all. Maybe you can tell me how dealer's handle that. Do they wait until the car sells before they repaint scratches and dents? Seems like you'd get closer to your asking price if you cleaned them up better.

I saw a few cars I liked. They had a nice red 2004 Mazda6 with 100k which looked good until I noticed the paint bubbling over the rear wheel wells. I figure it was a month from rust through. I also saw a nice looking 2007 Town Car with only 29k miles. Too bad it looked like bears had been clawing at the creame leather seats both front and back. Made you wonder what was going on during those 29,000 miles.

As I was wandering back to my car I spotted a mid 1990s Cutlass Supreme off by itself. As I was looking at it a salesman came out and told me it was just dropped off by a buyer picking up his new car. I mentioned it was in good shape for an old car and he said: "you don't want THAT one. It's jinxed.". He then went on to say that the owner had all sorts of "bad luck" with it and that his wife had even died in it. I considered tell him that I didn't mind as long as she wasn't still in there but for once kept my mouth shut.

I had the feeling he wanted the car for a friend or relative.

oldfarmer50

"...how about my place?..."

Relax, Tampa hasn't had a direct hit in 100 years. Maybe you could send Mike the key to your place so he and his car can hide out for a few days.

mako1a

MAN OWNED & DROVE THE SAME CAR FOR 82 YEARS

They certainly don't make them like that anymore. This man Owned & Drove Same Car for 82 YEARS.

Can you imagine having the same car for 82 years! "How Long Have You Owned a Car?"

Mr. Allen Swift (Springfield , MA.) received this 1928 Rolls-Royce Piccadilly-P1 Roadster from his father,

brand new - as a graduation gift in 1928. He drove it up until his death last year.....at the age of 102 !!!
He was the oldest living owner of a car that was purchased new. Just thought you'd like to see it.

nyccarguy

Besides, I'm finally happy with my car!

That's fantastic news!

jmonroe

Besides, I'm finally happy with my car!

That is until you run out of gas. Remember, gas is not like oil that should be replaced once a year whether it’s miled up or not. And it’s not just a function of miles; it has a lot to do with how heavy your foot is.

I’m constantly filling up the Genny V8. It rarely gets the stated mileage unless I’m on the PA Turnpike with the cruise on. That doesn’t bother me, though. I didn’t buy it for mileage anyway. That’s akin to buying a nice hammer only to find out that it comes with a warning not to use it, otherwise you’ll ruin it. :confuse:

jmonroe

jmonroe

I had the feeling he wanted the car for a friend or relative.

Why? Do you think he wanted them die in the car? :sick:

jmonroe

abacomike

That is until you run out of gas.

Hmmmm, *jmonroe, I never considered that in my assessment. How often do you recommend I fill up with gas? I'm new at this and am looking to you and your expertise to give me suggestions. When I do need gas, which has not presented itself as yet since I bought the car 7 weeks ago, how much should I put in? Where do I put the gas into the tank? Is there a hidden latch someplace that conceals the filler pipe? What kind of gas to you recommend I use? I have never had to put gas into a car before, let alone this one!

And when I do need gas, where do I go? Do they have special stores that sell gasoline for cars? What do these stores look like?

Any info you can provide would be gratefully appreciated! Thanks much for your help and guidance.

driver100

So you better fly down immediately to protect your new Passat!

Didn't realize the storm was only on the East coast. I should phone the dealer and ask him to park the Passat in their garage, just in case.

driver100

Relax, Tampa hasn't had a direct hit in 100 years.

Oh oh, does that mean it is overdue to get hit? Just my luck!

Yeh, Mike could check it out, or Fezo would probably do it. He would probably be happy to pick up the Passat too!

driver100

. How often do you recommend I fill up with gas?

My brother fills his car up when the gauge is at 3/4s full. Why you ask? Once there was a storm and the gas pumps didn't work because the power was down, and he didn't have much in his tank. He lives on the 7th floor in an apartment and he didn't have water for a few days, so now he keeps buckets and bottles of water around just in case.

I suggest filling up when it gets down to about 1/4.

jmonroe

I suggest filling up when it gets down to about 1/4.

I suggest letting it run dry. Then he'll have his excuse to dump it on the grounds that it's a gas hog and then he can get a more efficient car. Like a Lexus. :shades:

jmonroe

explorerx4

I was born in Springfield, MA, and that car was probably built there too.
The color scheme is similar to the F150 I used to have, green upper and lower paint, with light green sides. The rear tonneau cover was tan, like the top on that car too.
I think that picture was taken across the street from city hall.

oldfarmer50

"...do you think he wanted them to die in the car?..."

LOL no, it's just that I've never seen a car salesman who would turn down a possible sale unless he wanted the car for himself. Maybe he just wanted to scare me for Halloween.

oldfarmer50

"...didn't realize the storm was only on the east coast..."

From what I'm seeing on the weather channel you stand a better chance of getting hit in Canada. Sandy is going to turn inland and come right at you.

fezo

Not only could I pick up the Passat but the trip would take me out of the path of the hurricane which is one of those rare ones expected to make landfall right around here on Monday.

explorerx4

Fezo, even if you encountered some flooding, you wouldn't have to worry

fezo

Yeah, but the Passat doesn't have that! Of course maybe after seeing that price driver may buy one of those.

driver100

you stand a better chance of getting hit in Canada. Sandy is going to turn inland and come right at you.

Yeh, I just saw that too. Sandy will come inland around New York, give or take a few hundred miles along the coast, then it will come right across Canada and reach us at the Western end of Lake Ontario. To make it worse there is cold air coming from the West. This makes for a perfect storm, the cold air will make Sandy go higher, and when a hurricane gets pushed up it gives it a lot more energy, so could actually make it even worse.

Now I have to worry about 2 homes!!!! :sick:

driver100

Not only could I pick up the Passat but the trip would take me out of the path of the hurricane

Sounds like a plan!

driver100

Fezo, even if you encountered some flooding, you wouldn't have to worry
but the Passat doesn't have that! Of course maybe after seeing that price driver may buy one of those.

I should have thought of that....why didn't you show me that ad 3 months ago!

jmonroe

Now I have to worry about 2 homes!!!!

No, just the one in the North. But you're heading South in a couple weeks so not too much harm, really. Anyone can put up with a Motel 6 room for a couple days.

jmonroe

jmonroe

I should have thought of that....why didn't you show me that ad 3 months ago!

Haven't you learned anything from hanging around here? It's not a sale until it goes over the curb. :surprise:

jmonroe

Sandman6472

Squalls just woke me up...but I think we dodged a bullet down here. You guys up north, I pray y'all do the same and are spared any bad weather. Haven't been online here to much lately as I'm taking a class. Lots of goings on though...people buying cars...moving into new homes...life goes on, a good thing, as it should be...as G-d intended!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

driver100

Anyone can put up with a Motel 6 room for a couple days.

Tried a Motel 6 once............hopefully, never again.

driver100

Squalls just woke me up...but I think we dodged a bullet down here.

I think you dodged the bullet but it is aimed a little further up the coast.

I thought hurricane season ended at the end of September? What's going on?

driver100

It's not a sale until it goes over the curb.

At the rate the insurance thing is going that may happen in November 2013!

We finally got the plan. $1 million liability, which is unusual in Florida she says, most people have $300K, since they can't touch your home, car, or pension money. In Canada $1 million would be a minimum amount.

I had to get insurance company to send 5 year record.

I had to have dealer send information to insurance company to show we bought it.

Now, they want my driving record for 5 years. How am I supposed to get that? They have my license number, aren't they supposed to find that out.

If this goes through insurance will cost $600 for 6 months. $100K each family member passenger up to $300K if injured. $1 mill liability. $5 for full replacement value. $25 to allow 1 accident without a rate change, $8 hurricane. For 6 months policy can go on vacation and cover comprehensive and theft.

But, the forms and questions seem endless :sick:

sterlingdog

"Tried a Motel 6 once........hopefully, never again."

All things were once new. In 1982, the chain had built new motels across the United States. We drove out west that summer and stayed at Motel 6 nearly every night for a month. The cost was only $20 per night, and they were nice and fresh. I don't think that they have updated one since they first built them 30 years ago!

When we drove out west last summer, I jokingly asked my wife if we should use Motel 6 all the way as we did in '82. Her response, "I'll sleep in the car first!" Times do change.

Richard

sterlingdog

I have a marvelous plan. When I select the MB that I want, I'll let you buy it with your USAA discount and your MB loyalty discount. I'll write you a check with a small bonus for your kindness.

I've become hooked on another vehicle in recent days. I really like those FJ Cruisers by Toyota, especially the yellow and white combo and the blue and white combo. I had heard that rear visibility was really bad, but I met an owner of one who said that it had not been a problem for him. Mileage is only 18 mpg, but I wouldn't be buying it for that reason. You can get one fully loaded for around $33K. I really like the design. It would be neat for around town and short weekend trips. My wife even thinks that they are "cute".

Richard

abacomike

My wife even thinks that they are "cute".

Richard, baby tigers and gorillas are cute, too. But in no time they are less than cute!

abacomike

I have a marvelous plan. When I select the MB that I want, I'll let you buy it with your USAA discount and your MB loyalty discount. I'll write you a check with a small bonus for your kindness.

If I could get away with it, I'd do it as a favor to you! Remember, I only get one USAA deal per year.

IMHO, when you decide on the exact car you want and options, just let me know and I'll get you a price as well. If I can save you $1000+ it would be worth your while to fly down on JetBlue or Southwest and drive it back. You'd still save $500 after expenses.

driver100

baby tigers and gorillas are cute, too. But in no time they are less than cute

Perfectly said MIke. I think they were cute a few years ago when gas was cheaper. They were kind of a poor man's Hummer. These days, they just look politically incorrect. When I buy gas and I see a Hummer or an FX type vehicle being filled up I wonder if the owner feels a bit ashamed of himself.

I get together with a friend once or twice a year. We drove to a restaurant about 20 minutes away, in an upscale town. We saw about 10 very expensive luxury cars on our journey, including two Maserati Quatroports - 4 door, a few Porsches, and a Mercedes SLS AMG. I don't know how much these cost but it must be close to $200K. I was thinking, there's a recession going on, but, I don't remember a time when there were so many expensive cars on the roads.

abacomike

and a Mercedes SLS AMG. I don't know how much these cost but it must be close to $200K

That SLS AMG Mercedes is closer to $300,000! The stock SLS is $228,000+/- a few thousand!