Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Actually, those Reattas were VERY reliable. They used the bulletproof 3800 engines and they shared many parts with the larger Buicks.

    By 1990, they did away with those quirky touch screen dashboards.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,547
    Mazel-Tov & congrats on your new Passat. I'll be following your ownership experience closely as the Passat TDI is on my (long) short list to replace my 328xi when the lease is up in less than 2 years. Although it does violate on of my major "automotive rules," don't buy an Audi/VW:)

    So much riding on today's election. Hopefully whatever your views are, you go out and vote. I really do wish there was a site that gives me just the facts, without the BS so I can see which candidate stands where on what issues.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    We picked up the Passat today.

    Congrats on your new Florida car.

    That should be your last one for the year, right? :confuse:

    I think Mike is on his way to the MB dealer as I post. You know he can’t stand not having the newest car on this site. He’ll reason that the gas in the tank is getting stale. An oil change? He doesn’t even know what they are. :sick:

    Take a ride over to Mike’s place for a shakedown cruise and let us know what’s in his driveway now.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Passat TDI is on my (long) short list to replace my 328xi when the lease is up

    Thank you for the good wishes. I love this passat, it is designed right. I am not concerned about reliability, it has a 3 year bumper to bumper and all service warranty. My neighbors Jetta deisel went about 300000 miles when it needed some work and he sold it to the kid at the garage who could fix it up easily.

    I think going from a 328 to a Passat is possible, there isn't too much you would miss. But, I am not sure if you were here when my wife was going to trade in her 2008 bmw 335xi for a 2013.
    By accident, we test drove an A4 premium plus AWD. We liked it better and decided to buy it, the fact it was $16000 less was a bonus!

    You can feel the Audi influence in the Passat, both cars are engineered for people who love driving....they got it right.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594

    That should be your last one for the year, right?
    I think Mike is on his way to the MB dealer as I post.


    lol........Definitely the last car of the year, especially since there is only a month and a half to go......and no money budgeted for another car.

    Yes, I am wondering what Mike is going to do now to stay ahead. I think he does really like his MB though, that Lexus kind of made him appreciate MBs a little more.

    Thanks for the good wishes.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,277

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    What took them so long?

    Unfortunately, Suzuki autos have never been able to crack the mainstream sales needed to succeed in the US.

    I'm betting Mitsubishi is next to get out.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I've driven previous generation 4cyl and 6cyl Altimas. I can't agree with your evaluation. I found them a pleasure to drive MINUS the CVT transmission that I couldn't get used to

    I guess that is why they have different brands for different people.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    What do you guys make of this?

    rob is right, never cracked U.S. market.

    Nissan hurting in China.....well, I think they read my review.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    I am right here, in Ruskin Florida! That little Reatta sounds like a steal, for $2000...however, I have a feeling they weren't the most reliable car on the road.

    Lots of luck with your new Passat. I have seen more and more of them on the road and it is a great looking car. Enjoy the nice weather while you can!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    edited November 2012
    I think Mike is on his way to the MB dealer as I post. You know he can’t stand not having the newest car on this site. He’ll reason that the gas in the tank is getting stale. An oil change? He doesn’t even know what they are.

    Oil change? Who changes oil? What oil? You mean oil in the car's engine? Haven't done that in years!

    As for being on my way to the MB dealer, you are right - went up there this morning for a car wash after voting.

    All kidding aside, they are changing the body style for 2015, which is the soonest I would consider buying a new car and it all depends on the looks of the car. My dealer said he should have some concept pictures in about 12-18 months. That's when I would make up my mind. What my dealer does is asks me to submit 3 colors and the specific options I want and he then orders those 3 cars so I can make up my mind when they arrive.

    I'm enjoying this diamond white and saddle interior so much I might get it again.

    But...no more cars for me for at least 2 years. Sorry to disappoint you *jmonroe!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I'm enjoying this diamond white and saddle interior so much I might get it again.

    The Passat is regular white, with light beige interior. The saleslady says those ar Florida colors and it is called the Key West edition.

    Looks like the temperature around here is high 70s to 80 for awhile. Back home it is in the 40s. Man, I love this place.

    The Passat is really nice to drive. Rock solid, good feel of the road even for a FWDer. Excellent ergonomics. This could be my main car if I had to buy a car in the $25K range. I wouldn't feel like I was suffering one bit.

    Mike, I think you are wise to wait until 2015 when the new design comes out. It doesn't cost you that much to trade in, and when you calculate your cost per year, you aren't paying that much more to drive a car you will really enjoy.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Hope you are breaking that Passat in right. I don't want to inherit a heap.

    That sounds really nice and, yes, the combo works really well for Florida.

    I really liked earlier Passats. They have gotten a bit big but are still wonderful cars.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    Looks like the temperature around here is high 70s to 80 for awhile. Back home it is in the 40s. Man, I love this place.

    Yes, we had to put on the AC a little while ago for the first time in a week - hit 85 degrees this afternoon. A cool front is on its way down the peninsula and should be here tomorrow night - expecting mid 50's which I sure like.

    Keep enjoying the Passat. As *fezo mentioned, they have gotten much bigger than they used to be.

    As for the 2015, definitely going to wait at least until then. I want to prove to *jmonroe that I can get a few oil changes. My car has the maintenance from MB for 3 years, which they included in the deal for me, so I don't have to lay out anything for A and B services.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,277
    "...I'm betting Mitsubishi is next..."

    Could be, although I hope not. They've been predicting Mitsu's departure for years but the company keeps saying they're in it for the long haul. Might have something to do with that big plant they have in Normal IL. They can produce 250,000 cars a year there so they could easily manufacture for other companies.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Sorry if you already stated engine size, but I see Passats with 2.0, 2.5 and 3.8 engines. Which one is in yours. My first consideration for a car is HP.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I see Passats with 2.0, 2.5 and 3.8 engines. Which one is in yours

    I don't think I will be running circles around your Mustang. The only real weak point is the engine is a little slow with only 170 hp in the 2.5litre 5 cylinder engine. 0 to 60 in 7.9 seconds.

    If you love horsepower this probably isn't the car for you. I like some power and I have it back home. This car is mostly my wife's (although she loves horse power too), but for basically a 2nd car, that gets you around Florida where you shouldn't be in a big rush too often, I find the lack of power just fine, maybe more relaxing in some ways.

    I do miss the horses when getting onto a highway, but, you just have to accept a slower pace when you are on vacation.

    The back seat is enormous, and you need that in Florida. We are always taking other people around, we are usually the youngsters...another great thing about Florida.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Hope you are breaking that Passat in right. I don't want to inherit a heap.

    lol.....we'll try to keep it in good shape for you.

    Though today it almost got totalled. I was stopped waiting to turn left onto a 45 mph highway. One car to my left was in the right turning lane making a right turn. I could barely see a black Camaro right behind him - and that was a designated right turn lane.

    Just as I started to move out, the guy in the Camaro decided he didn't want to turn right. He went around the car turning right and he gunned it. I just saw what was happening and could stop again before entering his lane. It was just fortunate I decided to check again, because one second the lane was clear, the next he was in that lane going about 80 mph.

    I'll try to keep it in as good condition as possible. This car should have about 30k miles on it, 10 years from now!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    30K in 10 years? There's a deal. My kids will inherit it before it turns the clock.

    Watching election returns. Certainly close enough!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Watching election returns. Certainly close enough!

    It's over now, you can shut it off now.

    My question is, what's Mitt going to do now to make a living?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    RIP my beloved America.

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I don't believe that for a second. You don't get to win every election.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,277
    "...RIP..."

    I think America will survive but if you want a fast car you better buy one quick. I see some really draconian environmental rules coming that will make the early 70s look tame. They will either gut performance or make it so expensive that you won't be able to afford it. :cry:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Might have something to do with that big plant they have in Normal IL. They can produce 250,000 cars a year there so they could easily manufacture for other companies.

    Yeah but they are only producing about 70K. Article I read today says they hope to be able to build there and export to Russia, Middle East, et al.

    The problem is that Mitsubishi only has four models - a small sedan, two small crossovers and an electric. IMHO, they can't justify being a viable player in this market with such a small lineup.

    I think they are waiting for someone to come along and offer to buy the plant and then they will leave.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    My question is, what's Mitt going to do now to make a living?

    What he's done since the mid 90's - cash his dividend checks.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Though today it almost got totalled. I was stopped waiting to turn left onto a 45 mph highway. One car to my left was in the right turning lane making a right turn. I could barely see a black Camaro right behind him - and that was a designated right turn lane.

    You’re going to have to be very careful about how you go about taking care of ‘fezo’s’ future car. Better ask him if looking twice is enough. What good is a 10 year old car with 30K miles if it doesn’t have any sheet metal that is worth waxing? :sick:

    Glad you used the old ‘look twice and move once’ rule. That’s why I like HP. When I decide to move I want it to MOVE, not think about it.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    What he's done since the mid 90's - cash his dividend checks.

    Nah, he needs a real job....dividends are like handouts!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Glad you used the old ‘look twice and move once’ rule. That’s why I like HP

    Me too! Horsepower is a safety feature, when used wisely.

    I taught driving to high school students, and checking one more time was just defensive driving, and a bit of luck there was still time to react.

    I will do my best to try to leave my car to Fezo....with no missing parts.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    RIP my beloved America.

    Totally agree. Sad day....
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,695
    >RIP my beloved America.

    Yes. I agree. Hearing the reasons in exit polling for which some voted the way they did only so they will "receive" something is sad. I voted for the future of our kids and grandkids. I lived through Carter's high teen interest rates. I was luck with cash to earn high rates and only near the end placed a mortgage at 12 3/8% on a condominium.

    What is the real inflation rate today combining the loss of value of our currency as extra dollars are being printed to loan to ourselves PLUS the interest in food, fuels, healthcare insurance increases, etc.? I would guess 8-10%?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Totally agree. Sad day....

    But Duuuuudddddeee. You're gonna be able to buy pot legally now in Washington state - and collect a heck of a sales tax on it!!!
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    edited November 2012
    RIP my beloved America

    I have a totally different take on the election results - "...whatever will be, will be...que cera, cera"!

    Now it is up to the President to get us out of this deficit, to create jobs, reduce unemployment, pay for Obamacare, and get the economy strong. It is up to the President to stop Iran from going nuclear, to keep Israel from being invaded and destroyed, and to keep the peace. If he succeeds, and I pray he does, he will go down in history as the best president ever. If he fails, he fails all of us and will destroy the Democratic Party for years to come.

    I hope he succeeds! If he doesn't, our country will never recover. I hope the Republicans give him everything he asks for - in that way if he fails, no one can blame anyone else but the President. If he succeeds, we all succeed, democrats and republicans. So give him everything he wants and needs. In that way we all win!

    And I say this as a loyal American and totally Independent thinker and voter!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Why the small print?
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    Why the small print?

    Don't know how that happened! I posted from my iPhone but did not know how it got posted with 2 different sized fonts!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,277
    edited November 2012
    "...totally agree..."

    You might find this interesting:

    http://www.autonews.com/article/20121107/VIDEO/311079888/autonews-now-what-to-ex- - pect-from-d-c&cciid=email-autonews-annow

    BTW, Mitt's dividend checks are a lot smaller after the bloodbath in the market today. He can afford it better than me. :(

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,277
    "...be able to buy pot legally..."

    What's the good of sex, drugs and rock&roll if you have no money to get some? :cry:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,389
    Yes. I agree. Hearing the reasons in exit polling for which some voted the way they did only so they will "receive" something is sad.

    I do think that was a major factor. As was Sandy. That said, I see 2012/2014/2016 shaping up for the Republicans just about like 2004/2006/2008 worked out for the Democrats: An incumbent who was widely expected to lose wins with a narrow edge in the popular vote. Policies that the President promoted become very unpopular and his party suffers major losses in the midterms. His popularity continues to drop and essentially makes his party radioactive at the next Presidential election.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,236
    Being somewhat independent and optimistic...I'd say it was a good day! G-d bless America!

    The Sandman :) :sick: :shades:

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,695
    >was widely expected to lose wins with a narrow edge in the popular vote

    I had to think back, but I agree with your parallel. .

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • I'm in agreement. We're scaling back purchases including a new vehicle in preparation for continued recession and a questionable job market. Husband of one of my employees was just informed his job and many others would be lost as a direct result of the election results. The company is a well known household name and cancelled many projects today, and employees on those projects are losing their jobs this week. I foresee tough times, but I hope I'm wrong.
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    What do you guys make of this?

    It was just a matter of time - sooner rather than later! The product is not a bad one - IMHO it is a better product than Mitsubishi. I've been to the Mitsubishi plant in Normal, Illinois. It was one of the first robotic plants in the U.S. back in the 1980's. my daughter attended ISU in Bloomington/Normal and many of her friends parents were employed at the Mitsubishi plant. Unfortunately, their styling never kept up with the other Japanese imports - but their technology and engine quality was, and is, in many cases superior.

    I agree with the other posters who believe they will be the next auto manufacturer to discontinue sales in the U.S.

    With so many foreign manufacturers moving assembly of their cars and trucks/SUV's to the U.S., I am sure the could easily sell that plant. BMW and Mercedes are already assembling their SUV's in the Southeastern U.S., so it won't be long before the E Class, C Class, 3 series and 5 series are assembled here in order to keep their production costs competitive.

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    ...Husband of one of my employees was just informed his job and many others would be lost as a direct result of the election results.

    There is no doubt the recession will be a bad one. The new tax on employers for Obamacare is forcing them to discontinue their health care coverages because it is less expensive to just pay the penalty. Then, the gov't will be adding millions of people onto the rolls of nationalized healthcare.

    That is why I believe the President must get this economy booming within 2 years or the bottom falls out. Moody's is just about to lower the bind rating on our debt yet again. The only way out of this mess is to get to 5% or less unemployment so more and more people are paying taxes. If not, we're all doomed!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Just seems funny the masses didn't think of these things before they voted.

    I've quit caring at this point and just have this feeling of empty despair.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Exactly, Mike. I think the big winner last night is being set up as the fall guy.
    First term they would have blamed Bush, but middle of second term, the economy goes off the deep end and it's all on him (and Congress).

    Borrowing is out. Derivatives now exceed 500 trillion, printing us into worthless dollars will take a huge toll. Shortages of everything we used to take for granted are almost guaranteed. I hope everyone is prepared.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,536
    One thing that absolutely needs to change (and of course, the entrenched political class won't allow) is the electoral college. It has long since ceased having a purpose.

    considering that this may be the 2nd time in 4 elections the "winner" got less votes than the Loser pretty much points out that it needs to go.

    also seems silly at this point that the majority of the country is disenfranchised from the presidential election. There are what, 7 possible states deciding the election, and in reality, only 2, 3 tops, that actually get to pick.

    In NJ, it is pointless to even vote, since the winner is predetermined, so in reality, republican votes just don't matter. Now, if it was truly popular vote, then you would see more people coming out I bet.

    so, in this US, we really have the president of Ohio and Florida, whether the rest of us want him or not!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,695
    edited November 2012
    >funny the masses didn't think of these things before they voted.

    For too many, Nov. 6 was Christmas. Just voting for one item that was their Christmas gift.

    The paid workers from OBA were around the young college students recruiting them on campus to register. Then they kept pestering them to vote when early voting started. They gave pizza parties and then took them to vote. Of course many of them don't have much discrimination as to what is a good economic plan for the future. My son's professor even had to kick the paid recruiters out of the classroom Tuesday as they were insisting on talking to his class about having to go vote.

    A lot of the early turnout was young folks and people of foreign extraction who didn't speak English brought to Columbus' voting center and the people bringing them, OBA workers, filled out their ballots. (OBA, Obama for America.)

    I'm as concerned about the integrity of voting as I am about the demographics of the US for the next election.

    The looming downturn had me cruising local dealers looking at the wares. When things really slow down in a few months, should be able to get a good deal. Of course gas prices jumped 40 cents election day after it was all over. did they stay low to make people feel better about the economy?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,806
    I know there were philosophical differences between the candidates, but the House and Senate are controlled by different parties, so I don't see why who won makes a big difference, as far as getting an agenda happen.
    My vote on several levels, was based on experience, and the current President, a smart guy, has 4 years OJT and Romney seemed to be able to piss off foreign countries and a large portion of the domestic population, at least 47%, without even trying.
    We had a snow storm today. My wife took her new Escape to work today to 'try it out'. She said it did just fine. I was a little worried because it has 19 inch rims, which are pretty big for such a small vehicle.
    I'm kind of sore after shoveling our snow and our neighbor's. My wife volunteered me to do the neighbor's since they are on a cruise.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • abacomikeabacomike Member Posts: 12,388
    For too many, Nov. 6 was Christmas. Just voting for one item that was their Christmas gift

    I wish your analysis was that simple! It's the economy, stupid were the words stated over and over throughout the campaigns. We have what we have and there are lots worse things that could happen to all of us! Think about that!

    Bush was responsible for most of the problems leading up to the catastrophe - Iraq was an unnecessary war! Tax reductions with no way of paying for them! Afghanistan that went on and on! Drug benefits to the seniors with no way to pay for them!

    Obama has blamed Bush for 4 years. It's now his economy and his responsibility completely from here on. I support him all the way - he either leaves office on 2016 a hero or he leaves a complete failure. The future is his to smooth out for our country - and if he fails, it will be the end of the Democratic Party for many years to come as it was for the Republicans.

    I pray I don't live long enough to see us follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans and Geeks!

    2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    Folks will still have to pay the normal deductible, just not the higher hurricane one.

    Oh, ok, that is fine. Good luck!
  • We all have to make our own decisions. You made yours, I'll make mine. In simplistic terms, the economy follows expectations. I'm expecting a much deeper recession ahead and am shoring up my personal financial house to best handle that expectation. Businesses will do the same if they likewise see difficult times ahead. To keep my post car related, my decision just cost an automaker $30,000 next year, which is nothing, but could be everything if enough others do the same.
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