Stories from the Sales Frontlines

graphicguy

Gogi...I have hedges in the back yard that cover a little of my very back lot. It's an odd shaped lot, though. I used to mow it with a self propelled mower, and I had to wrestle with the mower for an entire day just to get it cut. Tired of that pretty quickly. Bought another mower and my son and I cut together. sliced a couple of hours off the mow time.

At least with the tractor, I can suck on a cold beer while driving and cutting.

Still takes 2+ hours.

jayrider

Through my car insurance I have replacement for 3 years on both cars. It's very low -- maybe $15 per year. My mortgage broker drives Audi"s[buys]. He had a 2 year 11 month A8 with 80k miles and it was totaled. He was fine. He didn't realize he had the coverage which had almost expired. Agent sent him to the dealer for a brand new current year car comparably equipped. Zero charge. Best part was that the accident wasn't his fault so no increase in premiums.

dino001

New car replacement rider is one of few inserance options worth the money, especially on mre expensive models. I have it, too with Allstate, as part of same package as deductible reduction. Fairly low price, indeed.

explorerx4

I think it was here, someone posted about a vacation rental website.
My wife has been looking at the usual sites and found another one that has listings, but I'm not sure if it's the same one posted a few months ago.

driver100

Which is another good reason to take the rebate, rather than the low rate.

Thanks, definitely worth considering when leasing. I think my leasing days are over, but leasing worked for me at various times.

One example of when I thought it was a good thing was when I was getting a car allowance, so much a week and so much a mile. I couldn't afford a downpayment, but I needed a good car to get around, and I was able to drive a nicer car than I could buy if I bought it.

In those days risiduals were low, and I could sell the car for a profit at the end of the lease, and then get a new car and start all over again.

driver100

Through my car insurance I have replacement for 3 years on both cars. It's very low -- maybe $15 per year.

That sounds like the way to go.

How did your mortgage broker arrange to have his car demolished when it had 80K miles on it....and it wasn't even his fault....and he gets a new car without a penalty....those things don't happen to me!

verdugo

think it was here, someone posted about a vacation rental website.
My wife has been looking at the usual sites and found another one that has listings, but I'm not sure if it's the same one posted a few months ago.

Not sure if this is the site you mentioned, but I've used it several times in the past with good results.

http://www.vrbo.com/

abacomike

That sounds like the way to go.

Insuring your car under the collision provision coverage for replacement value is well worth the few dollars per year. I am with Liberty Mutual - I do not pay any additional premium for "1 year newer vehicle replacement" if the car is found to be "totaled" after a collision. In other words, if my 2013 Mercedes was totaled, they would pay for a replacement vehicle that was 1 year newer - thus they would replace the vehicle (2013) with a new 2014 Mercedes. I do not believe this applies to a theft under comprehensive - I'll have to check on that when I get a chance.

abacomike

My dealership received about 15 2014 E Class Sedans over the weekend. I went up there yesterday and they had one on the showroom floor in the silver metallic I ordered. Truly a beautiful car. The car they ordered for me is expected to arrive from Jacksonville Tuesday or Wednesday. USAA is providing a $1500 incentive and I have a certificate for $1000 additional. So the final pricing should be about $2500 under invoice. They are going to meet the pricing for my trade - so assuming the car comes in clean and in damaged, I'll be able to post a sales story.

I've been away for a week or so in order to cool off a little, and that has seemed to work out well. I just needed a break from SFTSFL.

I missed most of you guys - driver, explorer, verdugo, stickguy, nyccarguy, etc. I will just stay on the side and contribute when appropriate.

I have read all the latest posts to catch up on what's been happening. When I do the deed, I'll relate all the details.

driver100

Insuring your car under the collision provision coverage for replacement value is well worth the few dollars per year.

Glad you posted an answer, i was hoping you would. Do you have any idea how this applies to leased vehicles and the question about what happens to your downpayment if you total the car.

I checked several sites and there are lots of warnings about not putting money down when leasing a vehicle. It would seem, that with the proper insurance, and if it does what you want it to........mainly make your monthly payment manageable, then it is a good and responsible thing to do.

Any downsides you know of? Did you lease vehicles yourself or is that completely a separate department?

Welcome back and I understand if you just check in occassionally.

driver100

Now the US is talking about charging Canadians a fee to enter the country by car. If you go by plane you pay $10.

Lots of people cross the border to shop or to go on a vacation and spend money in the U.S.
Obama proposes fee for Canadian Visitors

Like the article says, it shows some desparation.... collect fees from people who don't vote!

graphicguy

driver....what did you think? You could come to the U.S. and ride all of our rides for free? :P

Got to drive my sister's new TL. I forgot how good these cars really are. As much as I like the seats in the S4, I like the seats in the TL better. The TL isn't as fast as the S4, and on occassion you can sniff out it's FWD roots, it's still a great handler. The TL does rotate well around corners with Acura's version of torque vectoring.

She thought the dealer treated her right. She said it did indeed help mentioning my name (should be getting a $50 referral check, even though I didn't refer her to go there).

She got $33.2K for her '11 Camaro SS 'vert, which we looked up. That's about $200 above KBB trade value. She said she put on her sales hat when it came to the trade, reminding the Used Car Manager that prime time to sell a muscle car convertible is right now. Hers was a pristine example, too.

The dealer will make $2K on that car, if not more, all day, every day.

She bought the black on black '13 TL SH AWD w/Tech and Advance package for $41.5K (MSRP ~$46K). It's a whole lot of car for that kind of money. I don't know that you can get any car more loaded than what hers is. The only option I can figure that's not on it (and I'm not even sure it's offered as an option) is the "self parking" feature I've seen available on some cars.

The stereo is every bit as good as I remembered....the best in the industry. Hate to say it, but it even trumps the Bang & Olefsun I have in the S4. Now, it even displays the album art on the audio screen. They've seemed to update the voice recognition. The trans feels smoother and quicker to shift (up and down).

She did good.

tjc78

It sounds like she did well. The TL was always a bit firm for my tastes, but really an exceptional car for the money. It's a really good compromise for someone who wants something quick and good handling while still being sedate enough for bad weather and carrying passengers.

Kirstie_H

That's the same site I used to rent a vacation home in Victoria, BC and on Cape Cod. Same story - very happy with the rental homes. They have a good search feature and the ones I've looked at have lots of descriptive info and photos.

graphicguy

tjc....compared to her Camaro, the TL rides like a Buick.

I don't mind firm riding cars, as long as they have the handling to go with it, and the suspension doesn't "crash" over broken pavement. Firm is OK, harsh is not.

It actually rides better than the S4, which I think is the ideal handling/ride set up. You give up a tiny bit in the handling dept to get the better ride, though.

I like her wheels. I don't know if they were optional (she says no). But, they look really good on the car.

I don't know if the redesign helped with the TL's sales, but people should take a look at them if they're in the market for a lux sports sedan. The deals are pretty tempting.

A 3 series, C series or A4 would be a "stripped down" model for a ~$41K price...no leather, no nice stereo, no AWD, no torque vectoring, no 6 cyl motor, no sport seats, etc.

The S4 or 335i would be mid $53K-$55K like for like (I've owned both). You give up a little bit with the TL. But, I'm not certain what you give up is worth that kind of delta.

If you do a comparison size/performance wise to an A6 or 5 series, that delta grows even more.

Acura has been maligned for their "beak". Still, the redesign seems to have addressed that.

Very nice car.

abacomike...can't wait to hear about/see pics of your new E when you get it.

abacomike

abacomike...can't wait to hear about/see pics of your new E when you get it.

If you go to mbusa.com, they have pics of a silver sport. I saw the car Saturday that they had just gotten in. It was a sport in silver but black MB Tex. Mine is in Jacksonville and will be here in the next 24-48 hours. I got the price I wanted so the rest is just paperwork. Definitely worth the wait.

abacomike

Any downsides you know of? Did you lease vehicles yourself or is that completely a separate department?

You must remember that the "loss payee" on a leased vehicle is the leasing company. The insurance company will pay the leasing company the ACV of the totaled car. Since most, if not all leases include gap insurance, the gap provision will pay the leasing company ACV + the difference between ACV and the balance on the lease.

I would not purchase a policy on a leased vehicle for replacement cost. You are merely paying for the insurance that protects the leasing company. The GAP protection is sufficient for your obligation under the lease contract.

This is my personal take on insuring leased vehicles.!

Yes, I have leased cars in my sordid past but never needed to insure my leased cars for any.

I hope this has been helpful.

dino001

Exactly, buying full replacement value on leased vehicle is basically buying two policies (GAP under lease and collision/comprehensive w/replacement rider) with only one payout (GAP will simply not pay). Wasted money. To me it looks Driver is projecting good practices from owned/financed vehicle onto leased.

tjc78

Can only agree here, no reason to "overprotect" the leinholder. As long as you have 100/300 full coverage and your lease includes (or you purchase GAP) you are fine.

With the prices of cars it takes **alot** of damage to total one out, or just the right type of impact. Body shop labor is really high, but they will spend 20K to rebuild a 35K+ new car.

verdugo

They are going to meet the pricing for my trade - so assuming the car comes in clean and in damaged, I'll be able to post a sales story.

I missed most of you guys - driver, explorer, verdugo, stickguy, nyccarguy, etc. I will just stay on the side and contribute when appropriate.

You were missed too. Glad you came back.

I'm pretty sure I was the first one to call it that you'd get the 2014. :shades: Looking forward to a completely boring sales story.

driver100

If you go to mbusa.com, they have pics of a silver sport.

Looks great! Will you have the black plastic roof?

MB did an amazing job of keeping the same basic design, and, using those styling cues made an even nicer more distinctive looking car.

If you find a picture of the interior let us know.

driver100

I like the seats in the TL better.

This is what Edmunds said about the 2013 TL (not sure if sis got a 13 or 14).

Pros

Abundant user-friendly high-tech features; spacious cabin; smart all-wheel-drive system; superb optional sound system; solid construction.
Cons

Communication with driver a little antiseptic; rear-drive competitors offer better dynamics

It gets a good write up as a solid performer and is an excellent value for the money. Between your thoughts GG and Edmunds, I have a lot of respect for the TL, seems to be a good solid choice for someone.

If you were offering me the TL or your S4 though, it would take me about 2 seconds to go for the S4.

driver100

I would not purchase a policy on a leased vehicle for replacement cost. You are merely paying for the insurance that protects the leasing company. The GAP protection is sufficient for your obligation under the lease contract.

Great info regarding insurance for a leased vehicle, and most appreciated. I just never thought it through as to who will be compensated, in case of a serious accident.

driver100

To me it looks Driver is projecting good practices from owned/financed vehicle onto leased.

Perfectly stated. I am overly cautious about such matters, and assumed buying full protection would be the safest route to follow. Sometimes, one can be overly careful.

driver100

As long as you have 100/300 full coverage and your lease includes (or you purchase GAP) you are fine.

Good points too. Hopefully, I won't ever have to lease another vehicle ever again, but, if I do, this advice and information is very helpful.

nyccarguy

Sounds like she did well & the dealer did well by you. If you don't spring for the Advanced pkg & just get an SH AWD w/ Tech, you can own it for high $30s. A nice car for the money indeed.

nyccarguy

I see the future GG car (your sister's S4). "Well guys, the CEL on my S4 said I need a new ___________. Luckily it came on 1000 mikes before the warranty expires. I decided to sell my S4 & buy my sister's TL for what she owes. She's getting sick if her TL anyway & I've always liked it."

cdnpinhead

That's the same site I used to rent a vacation home in Victoria, BC. . .

I used to keep my boat in Victoria. The city and its environs are among my favorite areas on the planet; I named my daughter Victoria.

Hope you had a good time, and if you got out to the Oak Bay Marina, welcome to where I used to live, part-time.

cdnpinhead

I don't know if the redesign helped with the TL's sales, but people should take a look at them if they're in the market for a lux sports sedan. The deals are pretty tempting.

I can't remember who's on which boards, so you may already know this, but Markcincinnati, a member of the legendary household that has driven close to two dozen Audis over the years, most recently (a year or so ago) ended up with a TL. He likes it a lot and felt that the incremental improvement offered by an equivalent Audi was nowhere near worth what it cost, plus which he seems to place more value these days on driving something that almost never breaks.

Full disclosure -- I drive an Acura (TSX, manual trans) and for my money, it was the best FWD car available when I bought it, five years ago.

explorerx4

Thanks for the link.
I think my wife is trying lock in a house now!

abacomike

If you find a picture of the interior let us know

If you Google or Bing "2014 Mercedes Benz E Class Sport Sedan", you will see several sites that will show you the interior options.

There are several choices: Light Burl Walnut Trim; Black Maple Trim, and a Matte Finished light walnut trim. They also have an Aluminum trim for the AMG.

The major changes are in the sport sedan with the sport package - new front grille, rear chrome exhausts with new rear trim upgrades. There is also a new left and right rear quarter panel which flairs.

There is a new quartz analog clock in the center dash board and a larger NAV screen. Also, they reduced the number of cylindrical gauges from 5 to 3. Also, they have a choice of 3 colors for personalizing the interior perimeter lighting.

I spent quite a bit of time sitting in it while I was at the showroom last week. The new wheels are great looking.

graphicguy

NYC...my sister already asked if I wanted to trade for her new TL for my one year old S4.....even up. Ummmmmm......NOPE! However, a few years from now, who knows what I'll do. I'm trying to let abacomike hold on to the CCBA crown.

cdn....I've seen markincinnati's comments. He does love Audis. And, I know he loves the TL he bought. He makes some compelling points about what the TL SH AWD can do vs what an Audi quattro can do. Factor in cost, it becomes very compelling.

driver100

If you Google or Bing "2014 Mercedes Benz E Class Sport Sedan"

I checked out bing.com and the interior is as good as it gets....MB is really trying hard, and when I checked out the Consumers Reports new car edition I noticed the reliability has really improved, above average.

explorerx4

That rear exhaust trim looks the same as my Fusion.
It's a new trend.

bwia

"If you Google or Bing "2014 Mercedes Benz E Class Sport Sedan"

Here is a YouTube video on the E350. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I9K9KVpzr4

Wow! This is truly an exquisite sedan for the "8 percenters" willing and able to pay the high prices that contribute 50% of the auto industry profits.

The E350 seems to come equipped with everything but a cup holder (just joking). The speakers in the rear of the front seats look cool but I wonder if this is not overkill. Dual sunroof is also nice and for me the must have feature would be "park assist." If the MB park assist system works as well as Ford's then one would not need to worry about dents parking in tight spots.

Enjoy!

graphicguy

driver...thanks for the TL pic. My sister's is black (looks like a black metallic) with "slotted wheels". Interior is black leather with white contrasting stitching on the leather seats and doors (much like my Audi). Handsome looking car.

roadburner

Over in Automotive News and Views there is a topic entitled A Mechanic's Life - Tales From Under the Hood
One professional(thecardoc3) in the topic has been getting on my nerves because anytime someone tells a horror story about a bad repair shop he leaps to the shop's defense. Our latest exchange begins at post #2399. Am I being unreasonable?

houdini1

Regarding leases, many car companies will allow you to make multiple security deposits, up to 10 or more. This will lower your lease payment without making a down payment and prevents you from losing that money if the car is totaled, because you get your security deposit back at the end of the lease or if the car is totaled, etc.

I don't lease cars, so I have never done this, but this looks like a better option if you feel like putting money down on a lease to reduce the monthly payment.

bwia

Regarding leases, many car companies will allow you to make multiple security deposits, up to 10 or more.

Thanks houdini for bringing clarity to this discussion. I wanted to mention that in my earlier argument but I did not have the evidence to support that assertion.

jmonroe

They are going to meet the pricing for my trade - so assuming the car comes in clean and in damaged, I'll be able to post a sales story.

Hey, not so fast there. Your post 91050 said your insurance will cover replacing your car with a one year newer car if it is totaled. Isn’t it about time you hire one or two of those uninsured motorists that are so infamous in south Florida to do some work on your car? Then you will have your new 2014 MB at no additional cost to you. You don’t have much time to get an ad in your local paper, interview the candidates to make sure you can trust them with knowing how to leave you intact when they do what you hired them to do. Getting references would be great but I doubt that you have that much time left to do this before scheduled delivery. :surprise:

I missed most of you guys - driver, explorer, verdugo, stickguy, nyccarguy, etc.

I see I was left off your acknowledgement list. Was this an oversight or what? If it was intentional, forget the advice I gave above.

jmonroe

robr2

Regarding leases, many car companies will allow you to make multiple security deposits, up to 10 or more. This will lower your lease payment without making a down payment and prevents you from losing that money if the car is totaled, because you get your security deposit back at the end of the lease or if the car is totaled, etc.

Hmm - I did not know one could do that. That's an interesting way to reduce the risk of losing the down payment. But with interest rates so low, I wonder how much it would reduce the interest rate enough to make a real difference. Also, I don't see many lease buyers being the type to have thousands of dollars sitting around to place as a security deposit.

But as a way to hedge the risk of losing the down payment, it's a great idea.

nyccarguy

No, you are not being unreasonable. I've poked in a few times over there, and the guy definitely does seem to know what he's talking about for the most part. But in his response to you, he is just being down right arrogant.

driver100

Here is a YouTube video on the E350

Thanks for mentioning the youtube video...I ended up watching 3 more too.

Sure is a purdy car there boy!

Not sure about park assist...like the Audi ads say, built for people who want to drive themselves.

I kind of feel that when the day comes that i can't park a car - especially with a rear camera - it may be time to hang up my keys.

tjc78

RB,
I read over there but don't respond because I know it would get ugly!

What happened to you was pure and simple a mechanic screwing up. Your story makes perfect sense and really didn't need much comment from anyone.

driver100

Regarding leases, many car companies will allow you to make multiple security deposits, up to 10 or more.

That sounds like a good idea! Say you buy a $20000 car - I don't know if there are any left. The security deposit is say $200. So, would you put 10 of them on the car, $2000. What happens to that money? Does it lower your payment rate because that money belongs to the car company?

At the end of the lease do you get that money back in total? I guess you are saying it is just like a down payment, only it is just being held by the car company in your name.

Have you heard of someone doing that? I like it if it solves the problem.

tjc78

Multiple security deposits lowers the money factor. At the end of the lease you get it all back.

I'm sure there are others, but the only leasing company I know that does it is Infiniti Financial (or whatever they are called). With most money factors being low these days due to low interest rates I doubt using the multiple security deposit thing makes that much of a difference.

I've read on the leasing forums here that a few have done it and saved themselves a few bucks.

houdini1

Again, I am not an expert on this idea, but it is quite common. Yes, you get all your money back, minus of course anything they say you owe for excess mileage or wear and tear. Things you would have to pay anyway.

I think it is used most commonly on more expensive cars, and it does lower your payment. Just google "multiple security deposits" for more info.

tommister2

I took that forum off of my watch list weeks ago. Some of the posts are interesting/informative, but some of the folks that post there are obnoxious.

[Deleted User]

Best to avoid people like the person you reference, IMHO. Just not worth it. Life is short and these forums are chock full of great people, so why not spend your time with those ones instead?

Ty

dino001

It is called "deposit", so it belongs to you. It is basically a form of collateral that will lower your money factor. It allows the bank to take the money and invest it over the period of your lease.