Stories from the Sales Frontlines

jmonroe

Thanks Kirstie, Mike, and driver. Yes, Kirstie, today is the day !

Just catching up...count me in on that B-day thing. Pretty soon you can call yourself an oldtimer.

I had mine in July and the family had a roast for me.

jmonroe

jmonroe

Thanks Richard. We have our 46th anniversary coming up later this year. The coincidences just keep coming !

They sure do.

Also in JULY, a week before my B-day, I was happily married for 42 years. Out of 46 that ain't bad. :sick:

jmonroe

sterlingdog

What is it about that car and my wife ? We've had (1) backed into a light pole (2) stuck in a muddy old grave yard (3) dog poop incident at friend's home (4) Iced tea accident while riding with friend (5) grocery cart hit side of car.

Now for #6: Wife goes to post office this morning. When leaving she backs into a Caddy behind her which is also leaving. Police say that both ladies are at fault. No ticket issued; each agrees to fix own car.

Conclusion: This husband refuses to fix bumper. I have paid out of pocket to correct the first 5 incidents. Though hard to believe, the convertible still looks beautiful. I'm weary of correcting these things. It is strange to me that my wife has never had a problem with any other car that we have owned. Perhaps she should only drive the Caddy. Her problem may be psychological---she has never liked or wanted the convertible. I suggested today that we get rid of it. Her reply: "You're just looking for an excuse to trade cars. Our cars are paid for and we don't need to write a check for another car." We'll let things cool down a bit before approaching this subject again.

Richard

stickguy

they do tend to have really poor rear visibility though, right?

driver100

Is the car pulling one way or another?
About the wiper blades, replacement is covered for 4 years.

Explorer, There is no pull, the car almost drives itself, I think it is fine.

Wiper blades will be replaced in the US, but, not part of the deal in Canada.

I may try to measure the tread as you suggested. Probably a tire store would do that for me - but, then can I trust them?

I am inclined to get an alignment if I can do it for $100 or less, otherwise take my chances, what happens, tires will wear out a bit sooner?

driver100

if it's a newer car, have the dealer do it - besides, they stand by their work and usually will correct any problems for 90 days thereafter.

Those are wise words and I am inclined to agree with you about this. I just am not sure the car really needs an alignment. I think I took the car to the dealer for my free oil change, and their mandate is to find whatever they can to make some extra money. The wiper blade part was worded carefully, something like wiper blades are showing wear. That may scare some people right there.

You have good reason to trust the dealer you buy from. From my experience, I don't have too much reason to trust my bmw dealers. I trust them to some degree, but, I have to be on guard, and that is from past experience.

What I really think is the alignment is probably off a tiny bit, but, not enough to really be a problem. I drove 1500 miles to Florida and the steering and ride are perfect to me. That's why I would pay $100 to confirm that or adjust it, but, at $250, I am a little skeptical.

It would be interesting if I took the car to the bmw dealer here and they said the car is fine, don't bother with an alignment. But, what are the odds of that happening? It did happen to me once when I had my 1981 Cutlass, the Goodyear dealer said your alignment is good, no need to have it done.

driver100

This husband refuses to fix bumper. I have paid out of pocket to correct the first 5 incidents

Does your wife have a birthday coming up? Maybe you could gift wrap a brand new bumper?

Sorry to hear about that one. Sometimes those backing up situations can be tricky. If it is parallel parking sometimes the other driver doesn't realize that you are going to move back or forth when he is doing the opposite.

Then, if you are on a lot I have started backing straight out of a spot and notice the guy opposite me is doing the same. Sometimes, it is just an extra degree of caution that prevents an accident.

Don't be too hard on your wife. You might not have a dented bumper right now, but you might be driving a Lada. Be thankful, for the good things you do have.

mako1a

Driver, stop falling for that salesman garbage. Just say no thanks and move along. You'll know when you need an alignment. Or educate yourself on BMW 5 series alignment specs. Get toe in, caster, camber and write them down. Then quiz the tech as to what he intends to set the camber to and see if he's blowing smoke. Stop worrying yourself over nonsense. He's first and foremost...a salesman which makes you a (target) potential buyer. Don't be a push over.

driver100

He's first and foremost...a salesman which makes you a (target) potential buyer.

That's really what my gut feeling is saying....but, it's nice to have those thoughts confirmed.

When I went back and read some of the posts when I was first told about the $250 alignment they were all against paying that for an alignment and many were skeptical it really needed an alignment.

When I buy my STABIL gas stabilizer I'll get a measurement guide. I am just going to let it go. I haven't had an alignment on my last 3 cars for sure, maybe up to 6 cars or more.

Thanks for confirming my thoughts....sometimes it is good to hear what makes sense in plain no nonsense language.

How is the Stang these days....we haven't had an update for quite awhile? Any speeding tickets yet?

bwia

On this day in history, on January 5, 1914, Henry Ford, head of the Ford Motor Company, introduced a minimum wage scale of $5 per day. Based upon inflation that is equivalent $115.11 in today’s dollars or $14.39 an hour.

Ironically 100 years later auto salaries have remained the same. So what accounts for such high auto prices? The average starting pay today is $13.10 and the overall average at Ford $29.15. However, with benefits this amount is much higher.

mako1a

How is the Stang these days
I've been driving it like the geezer I am. No tickets. Not even using "Sport Mode". Spring time is when I get the bug to do a smoking burnout. I am getting a little vibration from the drivers door speaker on certain music at mid to high volume. Must be a loose bolt in there. The red Mustang didn't do that. Maybe this one was built on Friday or Monday. I'm at 2,150 miles now. Almost 5 months old. Washed twice. Stays garaged mostly. I'm going to let Sirius go. Don't use it enough to justify and I really like my USB music.

sterlingdog

You are correct. Rear visibility is terrible. I find that visibility in most cars today is not really good, even in the front. The left and right posts of the windshield in many cars can really block your view, especially when making turns. Many rear windows are small and rear panels are wide. Like my SRX, I can certainly see the need today for sensors, cameras, etc. It's funny when you think about it. The big clunkers of the '50s and '60s seemed to have better visibility. :confuse:

Richard

oldfarmer50

"...anxiety and some depression..."

Have you tried the SSRIs? They can help some people without the nasty side effects of some of the older stuff.

I hope you feel better. It's hard for friends and family to appreciate what you're going through but those issues can be as painful as any physical ailment.

fezo

I almost miss getting pulled for speeding. Almost.

Richard - just think. Soon you could have these thing being done to a Mercedes!

oldfarmer50

"...what causes tire pull..."

Nice article and it confirms what my guy said. I should have gone back to Sam's under warranty.

fezo

Absolutely. Tough on friends and family. Most realize it's not a "just snap out of it" thing but it's tough to deal with.

I react horribly to SSRIs so we're trying some other things. I can trace this from my great-grandmother to my grandfather to my mom to me. I can improve things to a degree but longer answer is drugs and talk therapy. Have been dealing with it since my early 20s.

sterlingdog

"Be thankful for the good things you do have."

You might take that same advice. What is this obsession with tire alignment? I have never worried about it unless there was some hard pulling in some direction. How often in life does that happen? Windshield wipers on a car that new? Does it rain every day in Canada? I might see a new pair every couple of years, if even then. In your case, it seems ridiculous. I would think that BMW could do better than that. Don't be swayed by these service departments. They'll insist that you need all of these things that can probably wait 2 or 3 years. Remember also that many dealerships in this economy are pushing their service departments to take up the slack in profits. You're smart enough not to be a victim. Take your alignment money and go out for a nice evening of entertainment.

Richard

oldfarmer50

"...what accounts for such high auto prices?...'

Well for one thing, you don't have to hand crank them any more.

fezo

Yeah, that used to be an issue. When my mom was 10 or 12 she lost a friend who went sledding down the hill she lived on and hit her head on a car crank.

driver100

Don't be swayed by these service departments. They'll insist that you need all of these things that can probably wait 2 or 3 years.

Good advice.....as always. I kind of feel that way but no one wants to ruin their car, so we are at the mercy of our service advisors to some degree.

The same when the plumber shows up. We have to hope he is being honest and not making more work for himself.

I think the worst lesson I had in this was about 4 years ago when the home computer broke down at a crucial time for the business. Had a locql guy get it going and it cost $200, plus he wanted to do another $100 worth of clean up when I had a chance to bring it in again. Our internet pro said he could have fixed it for a fraction of the cost, but the PC should be replaced for $400 to $500! The $200 was really a waste of money...could have gone towards the new computer.

So, yes, I am skeptical, but at the same time I don't want to compromise safety or cause a larger repair bill.

From what you and Mako said, plus others in the past.....it isn't an issue any more. But, you will all hearing from me if my wheels fall off on the ride home. :P

fezo

From what you and Mako said, plus others in the past.....it isn't an issue any more. But, you will all hearing from me if my wheels fall off on the ride home.

I can see the BMW folks now - "Mr Driver why didn't you get the allignment when we said you needed it?" " My sales frontline buds said I didn't need it."

driver100

Maybe this one was built on Friday or Monday. I'm at 2,150 miles now. Almost 5 months old.

We have about 1000 miles on the Passat and we have only been driving it for about 5 weeks! That Mustang will make a really nice car for fezo one day.

Are you going to ask the dealer to look into the rattle in the speaker? That might be a hard one to find.

For the mileage you do Sirius seems to be a waste of money. I like this idea of playing Pandora through your cell phone and through the car. I just have a cheap pay as you go cell for the 2 calls a month I make, but, I'd rather do that than pay for Sirius.

driver100

"...what accounts for such high auto prices?...'
Well for one thing, you don't have to hand crank them any more.

lol.....not to mention air conditioning and GPS units!

driver100

I can see the BMW folks now - "Mr Driver why didn't you get the allignment when we said you needed it?" " My sales frontline buds said I didn't need it.

Too funny......I am so glad you haven't lost your sense of humor....or the weird way you look at the world.

houdini1

Thanks buddy !

houdini1

91% average...you get an "A".

houdini1

On this day in history, on January 5, 1914, Henry Ford, head of the Ford Motor Company, introduced a minimum wage scale of $5 per day.

My old man must have never gotten the message. I worked for him every summer, and he was still paying me $5. a day back in the late 1950's...which was probably more than I was worth.

houdini1

With all that in mind, I would be very disappointed in you if you made your poor wife continue to drive such a dangerous vehicle. Best get her out of that death trap and into something new asap !!!

bwia

I react horribly to SSRIs so we're trying some other things.

Don't know what class of SSRIs you've tried but I have had excellent results with Sertraline for the treatment of GAD.

imidazol97

>The left and right posts of the windshield in many cars can really block your view, especially when making turns. Many rear windows are small and rear panels are wide.

Something like this is ideal for visibility. And one can tell where the rear bumper is for backing and parking. Front corners are easily discernable from the driver position as well.

houdini1

SSRIS?

I thought that was the little talking woman on the iphone and ipad who answered all your questions !! I don't like her either, and certainly wouldn't depend on her to cheer me up.

Maybe you should go to California or Colorado and get some of that special "grow your own" smoking tobaccy.

Just joking, of course. Hang in there and things will get better. Glad to see you posting a little more. A good sign.

isellhondas

That Florida sun can harden your wiper blades and make them skate on your windshield. I change ours once a year.

Aftermarket blades never wseem to work as well as OEM do.

On Hondas you only need to change the rubber inserts.
I

isellhondas

Wow...a 1959 Buick Le Sabre flattop!

imidazol97

Great visibility. And from GM...

fezo

No, SIRI doesn't make me happy either - But I'm feeling better.

What is GAD?

sterlingdog

"Soon you could have these things being done to a Mercedes!"

Heaven help me. I hadn't considered that possibility! :sick:

Get well soon. I know what you mean about depression. When someone says that "He'll snap out of it.", I want to snap their heads off. If you haven't been there, you don't have a clue as to how difficult it is to cope with life and painful events. You've done so well during the last year; I'm so proud of you. Keep hanging in there.

Richard

sterlingdog

"...don't have to hand crank them any more."

THAT was funny!

Richard

sterlingdog

"...you will all be hearing from me if my wheels fall off..."

We probably won't! :surprise: :shades:

Richard

sterlingdog

This is getting too weird. My dad paid me 50 cents an hour for ten hours a day---$5. I think that I was worth about half that on a really good day. If we ever get together, I think that it will be like looking in a mirror.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Best get her out of that death trap..."

I'm trying!

Richard

sterlingdog

With that picture, you have proven my point. The big clunkers were high on thin posts and lots of glass. Though they lacked the safety features of today's cars, they did very well on design.

Richard

houdini1

My dad never thought in terms of hours. He used a simple system of sunup till sundown.

Doing all that manual labor growing up taught me that I DID NOT want to do that type of work the rest of my life.

robr2

What is GAD?

General Anxiety Disorder.

driver100

That Florida sun can harden your wiper blades and make them skate on your windshield. I change ours once a year

Snow and ice and freezing cold weather isn't too good for wiper blades either. I can't win.

I agree with the guy who said, we can get a man to the moon, but we can't make a decent wiper blade.

I am going to try looking up Bosch Icons that verdugo mentioned.

verdugo

First of all, to fly to New Zealand without first stopping off in Sydney would be heresy!

I better not let my wife read that. She lived in NZ for a while and a couple of years ago we flew San Francisco to Auckland non-stop on Air New Zealand. We're going back later this year and we probably won't be going to Australia.

To be fair, she's going to Australia and New Zealand on Quantas in March.

Car related: She drove 1700+ miles and I drove 50 miles. First time driving on the "other" side of the road. That was enough for me. Rented a nice Focus from Hertz.

verdugo

I am going to try looking up Bosch Icons that verdugo mentioned.

http://www.boschautoparts.com/wiperblades/pages/icon.aspx

I'm really happy with them.

andres3

who's doing the research guaranteeing that the flu vaccines have a 100% kill rate on those "dead" viruses? How do you know 1 in 100 shots doesn't have a virus that was thought to be dead but is really still living?

Also, if you are weakened from a flu you are just happening to recover from, shouldn't your entire bodies concentration be on fighting that current disease rather than splitting your antibody production to strains you don't have and probably won't get?

I would say at least that is an excellent argument to not recommend the flu shot from someone not yet fully 100% recovered from a sickness or prior flu.

roadburner

I hadn't had a chance to drive the '02 lately, so my wife and I drove it to a political function and then off to dinner. I was once again reminded why I prefer small and light cars. The Fiat store in my favorite dealer group wants to sell me an Abarth at invoice and it is tempting, although I really don't think I want another FWD car ever again. Still, small and very light are an unbeatable combination in my book...

driver100

Bosch wiper blades

verdugo, thanks for the information. Unfortunately, when I went to find out the price the screen wouldn't give me a price, and it said;
"The web site you are accessing has experienced an unexpected error.
Please contact the website administrator"

Can I use those item numbers to buy the blades on Amazon?

Why do you choose Icons over Evolution blades?

I guess they ask you if you have a 535ix i 550, 528 etc in case you are asking about other parts........I would think they all use the same blades.....???

houdini1

Still, small and very light are an unbeatable combination in my book...

Until you get t-boned by a big and very heavy...otherwise, I agree.