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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

1178017811783178517862003

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  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,135
    tjc...Most here know I love Costco. I got one of their grills, from a brand I'd never heard of, 2 years ago. Built like a tank. All stainless. I think I paid $500 for it. It has everything....infrared, pull out propane tank holder, thermometer, a bar on the front to hang grilling tools, etc.

    It also came with it's own heavy duty vinyl cover.

    I know Weber makes good products. But, man.....do they ever charge for the priviledge.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I would stick with propane. It's safe and if your tank is getting sorry looking just exchange it at Home Depot/Lowes/Walgreens for a new one.

    I would agree with you, and what Jip says about tanks won't explode does make sense. If we used the barbeque for most of the year then I would go the gas or propane route....the one at home hooks up to the gas supply directly - but the one in Florida isn't used for 7 or 8 months...and there is a propane tank left sitting in the garage all that time.

    I think the George is good for certain situations....but, I definitely agree I want the real thing for regular Qing.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    I too went weber after several rust buckets. Had it ten years now and would never go back. Weber service has been awesome as well. Regulator was frozen and weber sent a replacement overnight for free - local gas station over filled the tank...

    Weber only seems $$ till you factor the cost of replacing the cheaper BBQ 2-3 times over the same period

    I do love Costco though, and know they also stand behind their products as well
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,058
    got one of their grills, from a brand I'd never heard of, 2 years ago. Built like a tank. All stainless

    I'll check into it. The funny thing about the Kenmore I have is, it looks really good on the outside (SS) but the interior is what keeps rusting out.

    I think I paid $350 or so for it.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,058
    I think the George is good for certain situations....

    Since you are in FL for only little bits at a time, I would simply buy a really good "grill pan" and use that. We have one for when we can't grill outside. It's a good substitute.

    Something like this

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    I'm a big fan of the Big Green Egg. It's not the cheapest (comparable to the Weber Summit series,) but it's awesome and it will last a lifetime.

    It's also very versatile.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    you are in FL for only little bits at a time, I would simply buy a really good "grill pan" and use that.

    That is really all about we probably really need. We may just go with one of those. Have to compare, but the George F gets great reviews from a lot of people and is not much more.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I love my Weber. Stainless steel. Have had it for years after several Sunbeam or other little cheapies. Have a Weber kettle for charcoal, too, for when I'm ambitious. The only problem we have is squirrels have twice eaten into the propane line. My future son-in-law is going to replace the line and wrap it metal to discourage them.

    I keep two propane tanks. They just aren't that expensive. If I run out I always have a full tank to switch to.

    Here's a useful tip for everyone. Don't run over curbs. I carelessly did and I look at the right front tire and there's a tear in the nearly new tire. A Michelin Primacy. A $220 tire! Ouch. I have to be in NYC tomorrow. Plan to leave at 11 for a 1:30 appointment. Have PT at 8:30, so at 9:30 will have breakfast with a friend after we drop the car to get the tire (they didn't have it in stock) at 9:30 and we'll pick it up by 11 and off I go.

    I had an aux input put in the car today. Anything 07 or newer just has one. This was well worth the effort. Sounds great.

    Hey, still no recommendation on the headlights.... roadburner, you out there?
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,375
    The low point on my Mazda is that the headlights are lousy. What do you recommend for a just put it in replacement?

    I'd go with the Osram Night Breaker Plus bulbs- they are available from Amazon. Don't waste your money on the bulbs at the local parts houses; the Osrams are the real deal.

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

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,274
    Thanks for the tablet lesson!

    My Honda walk-behind self-propelled is 22 years old, and still going strong...

    Grills: We tossed away another rusty one, last fall.. The wife says the new one is going to be a Weber... Fortunately, we don't need a big one, so about $500-$600 .. :surprise:

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  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    OK. I see lots of Osrams in there. Will try to figue out the right ones. Sounds exactly like what I need.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,787
    I have a Lawn Boy walk behind that I bought in 1985. It's all tuned up and the blade is sharpened. I haven't used it since I got it back, long story.
    Regular mowers (both push type) are a John Deere and a Poulan.
    My Weber grille was purchased used from a neighbor who bought a bigger one.
    Replacing the stamped steel cooking surface with some cast iron grates fixed the weakest point.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,135
    Explorer....so you "mod" your grill?

    :P ;) :shades:
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,274
    When I was shopping them last year, the models sold at Home Depot had the cast iron grates, standard.

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  • sb55sb55 Member Posts: 659
    I don't know how this turned into a mower discussion, but I +1 Honda mowers. I bought a self propelled in 1984. At the time it cost $550.00, which was the same price as a Snapper that was all the rage back then. When I sold my last house in 2009, it was still on it's original spark plug! I changed the oil and drained the gas every year and that was it. It always started. I regret selling when I sold it the house and bought a Craftsmen when I moved. (What a POS. No throttle or choke and it is really hard to start.)

    2025 Toyota Crown Signia Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,274
    Just had the spring tune-up done on mine.. mechanic said it would last another 22 years... :)

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  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    In 1985, my Dad bought a Toro self propelled. He gave it to me in 2000 when my folks moved into a townhouse. I use it to get the spots the tractor can't reach.

    I don't think I've ever drained the gas or changed the oil in all that time. I bought a plug for last year and decided not to temp fate. It starts every year on the 2nd or 3rd pull.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,058
    Just had the spring tune-up done on mine.. mechanic said it would last another 22 years

    I inherited an older Craftsman from the previous owner of the house. It's fairly powerful and self propelled. From the day I first used it my plan was to run it till it died. The only thing I've done to it is replace the front tires because they were bald. Every year I say, "If it doesn't start I'll buy a new one" Well after sitting for months, one pull and it starts right up. I swear it's immortal, same oil, and spark plug for the 7.5 years I've been using it.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I'm still using the $199 grills buying new about every 4 years.

    It must be that "new grill smell". From what I've read here I

    think my lawnmower may take the prize for size. It's a 60 in

    cut Toro Z Master commercial Zero turn that came in at $7k+.

    12 inch wide rear tires really grip on side cut slopes. Toro Z Master

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Mine is only 16 years old. I passed it down to one of my sons about 6 years ago. Still going strong.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Tata Motors of India have this 2 seater Jag all ready to roll in a few months. It gets a great review and the reviewer says if you are considering a Corvette take a look at this first:
    image

    Full review: Jaguar F-Type

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    12 inch wide rear tires really grip on side cut slopes

    Sounds like you can really get "The Feel of the Lawn".

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Hate to veer off-topic on this off-topic discussion, but it's at least lawn-tool related -
    A few weeks ago, I broke down and bought the Ryobi 18v Lithium-Ion battery-powered trimmer. Home Depot had it on sale for $79, and if you just buy the battery+charger, it's $55. So, it was like getting the trimmer for $24.

    I was somewhat skeptical of a battery-powered trimmer, because most of the ones with the old-style batteries didn't work very well - not enough umph to do tough spots, and the battery has very limited life. Well, this one I can HIGHLY recommend. Plenty of power, lightweight, and the battery lasts for an hour per charge. Good deal for anyone who doesn't have extensive trimming or is looking for a lighter and easier to start trimmer than the gas models.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,375
    edited April 2013
    I have two ZTR mowers; a 42" Dixon Estate:

    image

    As well as a 54" Cub Cadet Commercial:

    image

    I also have an electric Black and Decker(corded) that I use for a small fenced-in area where the ZTRs won't fit. I have to cut @2.5 acres and I can do it in under 3 hours- or under two if my son and I each drive a mower.

    As far as grills go; I have a Vermont Castings:

    image

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

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Glad you fixed that. I was wondering how a small fenced in area could justify the use of a 54" Cub Cadet!!

    I thought my 48" tractor was overkill for a 1/2 acre lot.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,135
    Dang...Roadburner....you have the "Big Boy" tools. My neighbor has a Vermont Castings Grill. It's a good one, too.

    Kirstie...I have that same trimmer. Before, I was like you. I stayed away from those electric trimmers for the exact same reasons. But, you're right....that Li Ion Battery really lasts and adds some "oomph" to the trimmer.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,135
    BTW...saw my first Tesla (outside of pictures) on the road last night. He was side-by-side to me near my 'burg. I had my window down, and it was pretty eery.

    No sound. Light turns green. A little "whirring" sound and it was off like a rocket. He embarrassed me in the stop light wars, and I was trying. I tried for about a 1/2 mile to catch up. But, I was on my way to Fresh Market and really didn't want to seem like a stalker.

    Wished I could see his license frame, to see where he got it from. To my knowledge, there isn't a Tesla dealer anywhere close to Cincinnati...and certainly none close to where I live.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,375
    Dang...Roadburner....you have the "Big Boy" tools. My neighbor has a Vermont Castings Grill. It's a good one, too.

    My philosophy for buying tools and outdoor power equipment is to buy commercial quality products- that way you only have to buy them once- for the amount of use I give them they will last foever.

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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,533
    Those TESLAs are Gorgeous! I've seen a handful of them. Mostly black & dark blue.

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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,533
    Good to know. I need a trimmer too (as well as a gas can and some gas for my new Honda mower) and really don't want to spend a lot on it. Thanks! Looks like HD jacked up the price this week. It is $99 for the trimmer, battery, & charger in the circular.

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

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Yeah, that's the regular price. They had some huge home & garden sale a few weeks ago. Garden soil was about 1/2 price, which attracted us since we needed it for our new boxes. That's the lowest I've ever seen the trimmer advertised, so I had to jump at it.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    gas can and some gas for my new Honda mower

    Small engines are being ruined by ethanol (10%) in the gas.

    I would recommend finding a station with non-ethanol gas which is

    sometimes called Rec-90 for use in all small engines to avoid problems.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,135
    NYC...this Tesla was burgundy. Now, I have to cruise all the neighborhoods near me to see if it's a local car.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,533
    Yeah, it is funny. I really try to avoid the big box stores, especially Home Depot (party because I compete with them & partly because I am a small business owner), but sometimes they just have smoking deals on things that you just cannot resist. 2 weeks ago they had bags of mulch on sale for $2 each. I stopped by one on my way home from work on Saturday and put 10 bags in my BMW (who needs an SUV), blew through it and then took my boys (in the Pilot) and bought another 15 bags. 1st time I did it myself and it came out fantastic. I had it done by my landscaper 2 years ago and it cost $300.

    Same thing with the Honda Push mower I just bought. For $399, it was worth it for me to buy it and try it out for this year to see if I like the results. I didn't buy the el cheapo mower for $179, it is a freakin Honda. So I know it is going to last.

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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,533
    I'll have to look into that. Is there some sort of additive that I can put in to dissolve the ethanol?

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

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Stabil makes an ethanol treatment that they claim eliminates the water that the alcohol attracts. The problem is the moisture, not the alcohol.

    My understanding is the E10 really isn't the issue - it's E15 and above that really cause moisture problems.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    For $399, it was worth it for me to buy it and try it out for this year to see if I like the results. I didn't buy the el cheapo mower for $179,

    Using Driver Method, if you keep the good one for 10 years it will cost you $22 a year more to have a much better mower.

    Might even cost less because the el cheapo model will probably need more repairs, or will need to be replaced a lot sooner.

    HIgher cost usually means better quality, not always...but, usually.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I had some time so went to the library and browsed through the best and the worst 2013 models. Lots of surprises. Just from memory the 5 best cars were Honda Accord, just edging out BMW 328, Mercedes C250 and C300 and Audi A6.

    Winners in various categories include Imprezza, Elantra, Odyssey, Highlander, CR-V, Prius, and for sports cars Suburu BRZ and Scion FRS - twins made by Toyota.

    See the ad for CR;
    CR Top Picks for 2013

    I know CR isn't the best test, but some facts and information can come from these articles. I was surprised that European cars have much better dependability, and the dependability of American cars is mostly below average. Chrysler had very few models CR would recommend, I think just a 300 with the V6. They didn't like the 200 or Patriot at all, and they found the Dart really lacking.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,533
    Don't laugh, I used the driver method to justify the purchase. The landscaper charges me $40 to mow the grass. If I cut the grass 10x, then the Honda pays for itself;)

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

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,787
    I'm think of upgrading to a bigger propane tank next. ;)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,787
    Last year I bought a B&D Worx GT 20 volt trimmer/edger.
    The cutting head pivots 90 degrees and it rolls on a couple of small wheels when edging.
    I only use it as an edger and it does a good job, much easier than tilting my normal 2 cycle string trimmer.
    My next door neighbor gives me his left over 2 cycle fuel for my gas trimmer when he is done with his snow blower for the season.
    The fuel usually lasts until just before he needs the tank back for the next winter.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    When I moved into my house - 13 years ago next month - I bought a $200 20" mower from Wal-Mart.

    13 years later, it's still running great. Had the blades sharpened last spring and I've never changed the spark plug. Oil and gas only - gee, just like a Honda!

    I use an electric trimmer / weed whacker for my yard. Since I don't have a large lot I find that a 100' extension cord works just fine.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,787
    edited April 2013
    About 3 years ago, I bought my John Deere walk behind mower. Lowes had them for the same price as the local guy, at the time.
    This year, I want to buy a new blade and get the existing one sharpened.
    That way, I always have a sharp blade available.
    Can I get a new blade at Lowes? No, they don't carry J D any more.
    That's one thing that bugs me about those type of stores.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    Came back in sat down, and then the awkward moment. How much? I offered $2,750 which was accepted. No haggling.

    My purchase experience was great but registering the car and paying the sales taxes not so much.

    Here is the RMV's dirty little secret. First off, in Massachusetts the sales tax rate is 6.25%. Fair enough, but in a private sale, that rate is based upon what they believe to be fair market value--bargained purchase price be damned. Shocked by this new development I asked what was the authoritative source for the value quoted. She said it was the NADA "fair condition" value.

    So what started as a bargain price of $2,750 for the 2000 Altima was re-valued by the registry for $4,475. A nice little extra change for the Massachusetts treasury. Oh well!
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,787
    CT is the same way. There used to be an exception for family members, but I don't know if it's still on the books.
    Another $100 isn't going kill you, but it is aggravating.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,493
    look at it positivily. It means you got a screaming deal, and are way ahead of the game.

    unless you are the type of person that would win a million in the lottery, then complain you had to pay 300K in taxes? :blush:

    Actually, many years ago I sold an old car to my mailman. Not sure what he claimed at the DMV (to pay taxes on) but the DMV sent me a letter asking for verification (and I think proof) that it was correct.

    I think he paid cash, so I just wrote back that the car needed work and was as-is, and they didn't bother me again.

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

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,533
    The family member exemption is still on the books. It is very specific. A car can only be transferred from parents to children. My Prelude was in my Dad's name & I never transferred it because living in NY I would have had to pay sales tax on the car. When I moved to CT, I was able to transfer the car to my name & register it without paying sales tax.

    The insurance is cheaper in CT vs. NY, but in CT you have to pay a property tax which is based on I think 70% of the car's (pick a book) fair condition value. This is called the mill rate. It is different for each town.

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Don't laugh, I used the driver method to justify the purchase.

    I'm not laughing.

    It was brilliant thinking.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    When I moved into my house - 13 years ago next month - I bought a $200 20" mower from Wal-Mart.

    You were lucky. It may have been worth it saving $200 by buying a Mower that if it did breakdown you would have a hard time getting parts. You didn't mention what make it was....was it an Equate Mower or a George?

    I wouldn't buy an off brand or something that could go technically wrong from Big Wally. I bought a wicking sports shirt for tennis and it did the opposite of what it was supposed to do......it held water like a wet suit.

    You did alright, mowing your lawn for $15 a year, if you bought a much better mower, which probably does a better job, it would have cost $15 more a year :P

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    unless you are the type of person that would win a million in the lottery, then complain you had to pay 300K in taxes?

    Or the kind of person who complains they pay $100K a year in income tax, but makes $300 or $400K a year!

    Paying that much tax for the car is a good thing......means it really was about half price.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

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