Stories from the Sales Frontlines

robr2

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.

Recessions only affect us poor people.

fezo

That projection brings landfall right about at my house.

Too bad there's no room in the garage for teh Solara - and I'm not in condition to fix that.

driver100

That SLS AMG Mercedes is closer to $300,000!

Add 20% in Canada......I could buy 3 houses in Florida for that!

driver100

That projection brings landfall right about at my house.
Too bad there's no room in the garage for teh Solara -

You could head west to Nashville and take in the Grand Ole Opry...stay at the Gaylord Nashville hotel. It looks clear over that way.

oldfarmer50

"...since they can't touch your home, car or pension money..."

And since everyone down there has a machine gun or two in the closet, it wouldn't be wise to try. :surprise:

isellhondas

I'll quit complaining about the rain and all of the grey days we have here.

Be safe guys!

isellhondas

All true, BUT, they will leave a light on for you!

I stayed at a Motel 6 one time and at that time there was a fifty cent charge if you wanted to use the television.

For a cheap place to stay I found that super 8's usually aren't too bad.

abacomike

The weather and atmosphere is sure not what I expected from this storm. One minute the wind is blowing at 50-60 mph with torrential downpours and the next minute the sun is shining and the sky is bright blue. A few minutes later, the winds increase and the rains return.

All this because the hurricane is sending these strong rain and wind bands across the coastline down here. This storm is truly extensive. We were lucky we are on the west side of the storm and not the east side of the storm. Miami is expected to break an all-time record for rainfall this year of over 68" of rain. Truly unheard of. Here in the far north Lauderdale/Pompano Beach area, we have had only 51" this year. The flora sure is lush this year!

ray80

Glad your only getting some fringe effects from the storm. From the looks of things it may be getting more interesting here in the Northeast Monday and Tuesday. I just lost a windshield last month from a falling branch that had snapped (but still hanging) in a unusual storm we had last year almost to the day this storm will hit. (More branchs waiting to fall also, hopefully harmlessly in the yard)

abacomike

All true, BUT, they will leave a light on for you!

I remember way back in the 1970's when my wife, the kids and I were down here visiting my folks and we decided to take the kids to Disney World. We borrowed my mom's Toyota Turcel 4 door sedan (a great little car with great fuel economy) and drove up to Orlando. We didn't have much money so we booked a room at a Motel 6 that was a double room with 2 cots and 2 double beds - it even had a small kitchenette and refrigerator. The room was filthy - it hat shag carpeting that was so worn it was matted down. But, all we did was sleep there, thank goodness, and at least the air-conditioning worked.

I think it cost us $20.00 a night for 2 nights. That was the first and last time I stopped at a Motel 6.

When I moved to San Diego and drove across the country, I tried to stop at Holiday Inn and Ramada Inns which were clean and restful. Did the same when I moved from LA to PA driving across I-15, I-70, I-80. They always seemed to have the best rooms for the money - at least on the 1990's. I don't think I would ever drive across the country again.

For Thanksgiving, I'm driving dad and me to Ponte Verde, Florida which is where my brother lives. It's about 20 miles south of Jacksonville, or about 310 miles from here up the Florida Turnpike and then I-95 (which I pick up in Port St. Lucie). That's about as far as I would drive in one day with my dad - about 6 hours with a stop for lunch.

But, thank goodness, no Motel 6 stops!

[Deleted User]

A close frend of mine is sitting on a cruise ship in harbor, with plans to visit the islands. They just cancelled departure today due to the storm. They haven't announced the new itinerary, but it was a short cruise, so I imagine the options will be limited. How do cruise lines handle situations like this? I've always been anti-cruise due to my vacationing style (collapse in bed early after an exhausting day of hiking, biking, WaveRunning, Jeeping, etc....), so I don't know the policies and procedures.

abacomike

How do cruise lines handle situations like this?

It all depends upon the islands and ports of call remaining. If this was the tail end of the cruise, the cruise line will provide incentives such as complimentary wines and champagnes for the remainder of the cruise. Also, some might provide "free play" amounts in their casino. But no matter what, that ship must dock within the timeframe of the original cruise so they can get the ship ready for the next cruise. Thus, if there were a few more ports of call remaining and they had to cancel one or two ports, they will offer a discount on a return cruises with the same cruise line.

So long as the change in the itinerary was not caused by the cruise line, but by weather beyond their control, they really don't have to do anything. But most would offer discounts and/or open bars for the remainder of the cruise.

When I was in Curaçao a few years ago, they were unable to get passengers off the ship because of a strike at the port. So they set sail earlier and provided free liquor/wine/champagne as well as free play for the casino.

But if weather is the cause of an augmented cruise, they are under no obligation to reimburse the passengers. Most will provide some form of additional hospitality and future discounts for "good will" purposes!

oldfarmer50

I've been wondering where the pictures of GG's new to him Honda are? I want to see what "some rust" means out in the Midwest.

I hope it didn't blow up on the way home. :sick:

abacomike

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

From what you posted, it sounds like you got $300-$500 thousand liability with a 1 million dollar personal liability rider.

I carry $250-$500 thousand liability, $500 deductible comprehensive (front windshield fully covered) and $1000 deductible collision, and $250-$500 thousand uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. I pay $1168 per year for the policy. The average policy is $100-$300 thousand liability.

You must have uninsured/underinsured motorist here in Florida because over 15% of all drivers have no insurance and 30% have minimum insurance. So protect yourself *driver!

graphicguy

Here you go OF. This was taken at the previous owner's abode before I bought it (and the weather was nice). Rust in the back wheel well....lower rear rocker panel and a little at bottom of the door.

graphicguy

Interior of a $1,000 car.

[Deleted User]

Thanks Mike. They haven't even departed yet. They boarded everyone today and then promptly told them to sit tight. They'll get an update in the morning.

oldfarmer50

"...here you go..."

Holy moley! That's damn near pristine! Typical Honda rust but minimal for the year. If that tranny holds up you have made the bargain buy of the century. Heck, I'd buy it off you if I had any more room in the driveway.

I am in awe. :surprise:

fezo

The thing I remember with my Motel 6 experience was Richard's - having to put quarters into the TV to watch it. My limited experience with them was OK but I wasn't expecting much and really just needed a place to sleep.

Nowadays it's generally a Hampton Inn.

isellhondas

For what you paid, who cares about a little rust?

I hope the timing belt has been replaced within the past seven years or 100,000 miles. If not, you could have big trouble if it snaps.

It looks like someone has put on 1994 wheel covers.

abacomike

Thanks Mike. They haven't even departed yet. They boarded everyone today and then promptly told them to sit tight. They'll get an update in the morning.

In that case, it is quite possible the cruise will be cancelled depending on which harbor they depart from. If you are speaking about NY Harbor, I doubt they will leave port because they would not be able to circumnavigate a storm as widespread as Sandy. Of you are talking about Miami or Port Everglades (Ft Lauderdale), they should be able to leave port this evening and possibly bypass one of the ports of call.

But there is no way they could leave from a northeast port and expect to get around this huge hurricane. The winds and seas are affecting areas 400 miles to the north and east of the eye.

fezo

I hit him on the timing belt already. He's good. Doesn't look like bad rust.

We've got a winner.

graphicguy

Timing belt changed about 50K miles ago.

Rust is in the same place on both the passenger and the driver's side, BTW!

Can't really complain, given the price. Still, I don't need it. But, then again, I've never needed any car I've ever bought.

stickguy

that reminds me. Did Tom get back from his honeymoon cruise, or is he out in this someplace? I know he went out of NYC.

oldfarmer50

"...my motel 6 experience..."

I think running from Frankenstorm has you replying to the wrong post. :P

BTW, how come all the states around you have declared states of emergency but not NJ? Are you guys that tough?

driver100

here in Florida because over 15% of all drivers have no insurance and 30% have minimum insurance.

Once a friend was driving her car and she got hit by an illegal guy driving a pizza delivery car. This was before no-fault insurance. She had $25000 worth of injuries, but, couldn't sue...the guy didn't have a license or any money.

I got $1 million liability, $1000 deductable, $100-$300K uninsured/underinsured (probably should have gone higher. 100% replacement value, and allowed one accident with no change in rates.

Total $600 for 6 months, and it can go on vacation for $100 for 6 months.

That $1 million liability, I understand it can be a lot more expensive if you injure someone and less if you actually kill them! What with medical payments and support to someone who can't work etc.... :sick:

15% no insurance and 30% minimum makes you think!

driver100

This was taken at the previous owner's abode

Looks like my wife's Audi parked in front of the house. Too bad, I can't make out the license.

The Honda looks pretty good....seems white is the first color that can rust, too bad it wasn't maroon, you would never know.

Can't go wrong, if you don't like it oldfarmer will buy it for $1500 or you can re-gift it to fezo.

driver100

The thing I remember with my Motel 6 experience was Richard's - having to put quarters into the TV to watch it

You were at a Motel 6 with Richard!

kyfdx

I'll give you $1000 for that white car parked on the street, and you can drive the Honda for free!

sterlingdog

"I think they were cute a few years ago when gas was cheaper."

I think that you are confusing the vehicle with another one. They are not purchased for gas saving benefits. It does gets 18 mpg. which is no worse than my SRX or many other cars.

"They were kind of a poor man's Hummer."

They don't look like a Hummer to me at all.

"...they just look politically incorrect."

Huh? :confuse: They don't hurt the environment any more than your cars do.

You might want to look this vehicle up; we're not talking the same car here.

Richard

explorerx4

That car is super clean inside! I always like having a 'government mule' car.
My kid went on a business trip for 10 days, so she took the '02 Explorer to leave at the airport. When she gets back, I'll use it to haul a bunch of bagged leaves from my mothers.
Getting my 2 Honda's ready for action.
Pulled the snowblower out of the shed, probably won't have to use it, yet.
Test ran my generator, might have to use that.
I was worried because I had only test run a couple of tanks of fuel through it since I got it last November and I had to keep it partially chocked to keep it running.
This time, once I got it started, it purred like a kitten.

graphicguy

KYFDX....funny guy. You're observant. That's our S4 on the street. It seems the GF and I have swapped cars. She's been driving my BMW the majority of the time, and I've been driving her Audi the majority of the time.

Still can't believe my sister didn't jump on the Accord. I even offered it again to her for what I paid for it. No go. She wants something "newer".

Whatever!

roadburner

1000.00 buys NOTHING today!

Back in the early '90s I bought a 1984 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe(5 speed manual!) from a friend for $1500. It was a pretty nice car, in great condition; I used it for commuting and to keep those miles off of my M6. I remember telling a friend how much I paid for the T-Bird and he said, "If you pay $1,500 for a car and all the body panels are the same color then you got a GREAT deal."

roadburner

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

Ditto!!!

driver100

You might want to look this vehicle up;

The reviews say it is pretty good, especially if you are going to do some off roading. Were you planning on taking up a new hobby.

It also has some faults, like outward vision is a rear problem.

However, it does have some good points, lots of room inside and fun to drive. I think they are pretty Spartan, rubber mats instead of carpet...but, that may be good if you have a doggy problem again.

You are on a winning streak....got a Cadillac when you weren't going to get another one and you like it, now a Toyota.

I get the impression people aren't buying them so much because I used to see a few, but I haven't seen one for a long time now.

Here's the Edmunds review;
FJ Cruiser

I am just upset because I wanted you to get an MB.

robr2

Hmm - separated at birth:

driver100

Hmm - separated at birth:

And, a nice matching Johnny-on-the-Spot.

fezo

The folks across the street are preparing for the hurricane by blowing their leaves. By Tuesdat they'll have mine.

gogiboy

Isell, I agree that the wheel well rust is no deal breaker on a cheap car, but it makes me wonder why Honda never addressed it on Accords and Civics of that era. My 1994 Civic had it (but just in one rear wheel) and other than road noise it was really my only complaint. I have noticed that most every Honda in my area (which is basically salt free) from the mid-80s to at least the mid to late 90s have the spots so it's not like it wasn't a known issue for something like 10-15 years.

I realize that all manufacturers have these niggling problems, it just seems like that one wouldn't be that hard to rectify.

Also, my 92 MR2 has a non-interference timing belt. Can anyone tell me why all cars don't have one? At least if it breaks it only leaves the car disabled, not the engine ruined. I can't believe that it costs that much more, but maybe the rationale is that owners won't feel as pressured to change it under the scheduled maintenance timetable. The timing belt broke on my Pontiac Sunbird. Let's just say I never plan to have that happen again.

Gogiboy

isellhondas

I can't answer your timing belt question but I did hear from a Honda engineer that the tighter the tolerence the more power they can get out of an engine. for me, the timing belt replacement schedule was never a "problem". Just change it every 7 years or 100,000 and you are good to go.

Engine damage doesn't always occur if it breaks but it can happen. I have also seen hondas with over 200,000 miles on the original t-belt. I wouldn't want to take that risk.

Around here, I just don't see the rust you are talking about. Sometimes on older Hondas I'l see rust but I just assume they came from areas of the country where salt is used. I don't ever recall seeing a Honda older than about a 1996 with rust. Maybe I need to be paying more attention?

abacomike

Once a friend was driving her car and she got hit by an illegal guy driving a pizza delivery car. This was before no-fault insurance. She had $25000 worth of injuries, but, couldn't sue...the guy didn't have a license or any money

Florida does not actually have no-fault in its purest sense. All drivers are required to carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) which pays the owner of the policy up to $10,000 for hospital/medical, no matter who is at fault. But that is it! True no fault insurance would pay all medical bills with no limit, all physical damages (which is not the case in Florida) as well as all property damage (which is also not covered in Florida) no matter who was at fault.

That is why there is so much controversy about Florida auto insurance. There has been so much fraud yet Florida refuses to eliminate the requirement for PIP which is where 90% of the fraud emanates from.

explorerx4

That picture cracked me up!
This site is on the fritz again.

oldfarmer50

Sad day I drove the Vette for the last day today. Going into storage a week early because of Sandy. Filled up the tank and headed home. As I got on the highway ramp with about 1/3 mile ahead of me I got the urge and for the first time since I've owned it, I floored it ( just to clean out the carbon). For an old gal with 134,000 miles it really took off. The front end reared up and the tires chirped. In short order I was doing 90. I brought it back down and drove home with a smile. It's no Z06 but it moves right along.

cdnpinhead

I drove the Vette for the last day today.

You need to be more careful in how you word this stuff. I pictured a major wreck. Glad to hear it's just the passing of seasons and that you and the 'vette will be back in business again next spring/summer.

oldfarmer50

"...be more careful..."

Don't worry, I'm old but I ain't stupid..."

At least not THAT stupid.

fezo

Waiting on Sandy. They are evacuating the whole Jersey coast. I'm five miles inland so I can just wait for a tree to fall on my car.

I lived on the island in 1985 and they ordered us out for Gloria. We were heading anyway.

I have a doctor appointment in NYC on Monday' I'm betting taht's not going to happen.

driver100

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) which pays the owner of the policy up to $10,000 for hospital/medical,

That should help pay for a few bandages. One night in the hospital could cost almost $20000!

It is just not right that an innocent person could have huge medical costs that they can't recover. That is just wrong.

BTW.....if anyone wants to see a really good true-story thriller I highly recommend Argo. I am sure it isn't completely accurate, but it gives a pretty good account of the U.S. Iranian hostage crisis, and the major part Canadians played in helping to save the hostages.

houdini1

Don't listen to driver. I think the FJ Cruiser would be perfect for a country gentleman like yourself.

You could cruise around your estate and view all your holdings, etc. Maybe patch up a fence now and then and make sure all is well out on the back 40. Keep us posted.

driver100

Sad day I drove the Vette for the last day today.

Yeh, I thought either the car blew up or you decided to give it to fezo.

I do have a question. With a power gas mower or snowblower the gas goes bad after a few months if you don't add an additive. I think the Passat will be parked for a long time. I have heard you can park on soft pads that may keep the tires from getting flat spots, and you get a trickle charger to maintain power to electricals.......but, what about the actual gasoline? Will it keep it's power for 8 or 9 months?

driver100

Don't listen to driver. I think the FJ Cruiser would be perfect for a country gentleman like yourself.

Yeh, like he is going to do a lot of off roading!