Or, perhaps they hit simultaneously and the system just has trouble figuring out which to display first.
That's weird because at the time my post was actually the first displayed in 2013 and Driver commented on it. Oh well.
If this is strange what about this link that somebody just sent me for this miracle weight loss product--does it really work or yet another scam. http://coffee-yourfatburnsolution2013.com/?11/705.
Do folks think Dr.Oz and others are being taken for a ride or is this product genuine?
>Do folks think Dr.Oz and others are being taken for a ride or is this product genuine?
I prefer red coffee beans for weight loss. That's after you take green tea for two weeks. That other black tea doesn't do anything.
We'll see Oz on the 30-minute informercials eventually after his TV show popularity wears off. Maybe on the Coast to Coast late night radio show where they talk about aliens and ghosts. I just keep remembering he got his start on Ophrah show--need I say more?
LOL - color was an interesting question - different tastes for sure. She liked White or red. There were no white ones on the lot, there was however a red one. it had one extra option, the remote engine start, which October - February is kind of nice in Seattle.
Net net, she liked the red, they had the red and the deal was the same.
I would have held out for white - :shades:
BTW - anybody looking for a 2013 Volvo should check the deals - there is a lot of cash out there right now
I hope that you get the Abarth. I enjoy living vicariously through your decision process. I seem to share similar tastes when it comes to cars--must be our shared age and brilliant intellects.
I have read that the exhaust note is one of the nicest found on a mainstream car. Not a good reason for buying a car, but if you get--or drive--one I want a report.
There was an article in USA Today yesterday about a new modification trend--mostly confined to trucks and SUVs. The businesses who sell spray-on bed liners are now doing the same to full bodies of trucks and cars--to the tune of $1500-$5000 per vehicle. It gives the vehicles a slightly tinted (gray or tan) 1/16" matte finish, which protects paint, and, according to the promoters makes the vehicle look much tougher and more "macho". No mention was made of whether the stuff could be removed later and, if possible, what that would cost. One guy mentioned how satisfied he was to not have top go to the car wash. $1500-$5000 could buy years of expensive detail jobs, but, then , you'd have to drop it off I suppose.
According to the article not too many folks are getting them--yet (because of cost). I'm anxious to see my first. Anyone seen a vehicle with this treatment.? Hard to tell how it looks from the newspaper photos.
I can hear isell grinding his teeth right now. I'm sure the folk's who buy it think it makes their truck worth $5000 more at trade-in.
There was an article in USA Today yesterday about a new modification trend--mostly confined to trucks and SUVs. The businesses who sell spray-on bed liners are now doing the same to full bodies of trucks and cars--to the tune of $1500-$5000 per vehicle.
The truck owners are behind the times. The VDub and Honda FanBoiZ have been doing this for about 5 years and the trend is over with them.
Do folks think Dr.Oz and others are being taken for a ride or is this product genuine?
Those sites use his name without permission....they'll keep changing their site so he won't catch up. Try to back out of those sites, if you press EXIT or X it that just makes them worse.
I'm no fan of his (I find him to be a scare-monger: everything will kill you), but he has publicly stated a number of times that he does not endorse specific commercial products. He might endorse a general product, like fish oil, but he doesn't endorse any brand. He's stated those claims are a scam, so you'd think his fans, and those who would be swayed by his endorsement, would know that.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Well, I guess I ought to reconsider my grand master plan of buying a Suburban and kitting it out with giant wheels & low profile tires, then.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I hope that you get the Abarth. I enjoy living vicariously through your decision process. I seem to share similar tastes when it comes to cars--must be our shared age and brilliant intellects.
That's the way it looks to me...
I have read that the exhaust note is one of the nicest found on a mainstream car. Not a good reason for buying a car, but if you get--or drive--one I want a report.
I did take one on a short drive, and the exhaust does sound cool. More like a throaty V8 as opposed to a weed whacker.
There was an article in USA Today yesterday about a new modification trend--mostly confined to trucks and SUVs. The businesses who sell spray-on bed liners are now doing the same to full bodies of trucks and cars--to the tune of $1500-$5000 per vehicle.
Many Wrangler owners have spray-on bed liner applied to the floorboards. It makes it easier to just hose down the interior if you do a lot of muddy off roading. If it applied correctly you can even reinstall the carpet if you so choose.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Many Wrangler owners have spray-on bed liner applied to the floorboards. It makes it easier to just hose down the interior if you do a lot of muddy off roading. If it applied correctly you can even reinstall the carpet if you so choose.
That's similar to pick up owners spray lining their truck beds. Nothing wrong with that. But when you do the entire car? :lemon:
I am offering my advice FOR FREE on weight loss to all my Edmunds friends:
EAT LESS EXERCISE MORE
My wife is a Registered Dietician and she always says that the way you lose weight is to expend more calories than you consume- preferably combined with a healthy balanced diet. There is no "Magic Bullet"
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The other trend which I think is silly is painting cars "flat" black. I've seen those paint jobs on a couple of cars. I keep thinking...."why not just primer it and be done with it?". Another one is chroming an entire car. Just saw one of those yesterday...on an old, POS, BMW 5 series. Pretty darn ugly. Supposedly, it's expensive, too.
I know some here have owned Hyundai Genesis(es?). I played golf Sunday and saw one in the course parking lot, with a huge hood ornament that was bigger than what you'd see on a Rolls. Can half vinyl roofs and gold wheels be far behind?
It started with pick up trucks spray lining their truck beds. Then they went to "over the rail", spray liner on the top rail and the top 2 to 4 inches of the outside of the bed. Then some of the jeep owners did their floor boards, and then the lower 6 to 8 inches of the body. And the owners of the 4 wheel drive trucks (who all seem to suffer from Jeep envy) started doing the spray liner on their lower body panels. Insanity is contagious, you know.
Come to think of it, that would be a very good reason to stop hanging out here (ducking and running....)
The other trend which I think is silly is painting cars "flat" black. I've seen those paint jobs on a couple of cars. I keep thinking...."why not just primer it and be done with it?".
MB was the first to offer matte paint from the factory back in 2012 as a $4K option. BMW is offering matte paint from the factory as well. It's called Frozen Paint and it's a $16K option on the M3.
I know some here have owned Hyundai Genesis(es?). I played golf Sunday and saw one in the course parking lot, with a huge hood ornament that was bigger than what you'd see on a Rolls.
AFAIK, there isn't a Genesis hood ornament but there is an Equus one. One can get a Genesis emblem but it's flat. Maybe the owner exaggerated a bit like the M3 badges on a 318....
I'd almost be tempted to buy French if there was something similar being sold now. The Equus and Genesis badges lose a lot of their luster when compared to the hood ornament on this beauty.
The program Profit is on CNBC again tonight at 9 PM. I watched it and it is excellent! It is on again several times.
Profit: Just weeks away from being forced to close their doors for good, two brothers who buy used cars for cash, are given the chance to become a thriving national brand.
I saw that show. Very good. The brothers had run their father's business into bankruptcy by taking the easy way out and using wholesalers to do their work and take their profit. I see car dealers the same way...like wholesalers taking the Mfr's profit.
Since I watch anything car related (Motor Week, Counting Cars, etc), there is another good show on History channel called God, Guns & Automobiles. It features the owner of Max Motors in Butler, MO (he's the brother of Mancow of Chicago radio fame). It's fast paced and really interesting.
Dad and I went over to Boca Town Center Mall and had lunch at Chick-Fil-A after our walk. On the way back to where I parked the my car, Rolls Royce of Palm Beach had put a new Navy Blue Rolls Royce Ghost in their exhibit. It had dark saddle interior and chrome wheels. They had just parked it in the mall so I walked over to the manager who was there to see if they would allow me to sit in it (I have never sat in a Rolls Royce vehicle before). He said sure, but to be careful not to scuff the inside of the doors with my shoes.
I got in the car, closed the door, and immediately felt like I had died and went to heaven. It was magnificent! The interior was like a plush leather chair and the aroma of the new leather was "breathtaking", to say the least. The dash and gauges were well placed and easy to read and see. The manager sat in the passenger seat and demonstrated all the features. Even the umbrella that popped out of the side of the door. The picnic basket was a true piece of work made of wicker, etc. The rear seats were as comfortable as a sofa and I was able to stretch out my legs quite well. I pressed a button, and a bar opened, adequately stocked with crystal glasses, decanters, an ice bucket, etc. There was a separate sound system in the rear where the passengers could tune to a different audio source than those sitting in front.
The lighting in the interior was stupendous - soft ambient lighting around and under all the trim which used LED lighting. There was even a rheostat to increase or decrease the lighting intensity. Of course, there was a phone in the front as well as in the rear of the car. The dark saddle interior was exquisite and was as smooth as a baby's bottom.
Obviously I was not able to drive the vehicle, but he gave me his business card and invited me up to test drive one. He said they had 8 in stock in 4 different colors. The one I was sitting in had an MSRP of a mere $312,000.00 or the price of a nicely located 2 bedroom condo. Imagine that, the car cost the same as a deluxe condo - hard to imagine anyone choosing the car over the condo - but the manager told me they sell 25 - 30 of these a year so I guess there is a demand for them - just not in my household.
It was definitely worth the time - a truly beautiful automobile.
If you wait 3-4 years, that Rolls will be selling for only 160K. Good things come to those who wait !!
I'd rather have a condo - at least I can take a shower in a condo. Even at 160K, NO SALE!
When you hit 68 and a beautiful 25 year old blonde passes you in the frozen food aisle at Walmart, at least you can "look" and enjoy the sight - same goes for beautiful cars!
One of my kids was at BMW USA HQ when the cover was taken off the new Roller. She said she couldn't understand why everyone wanted their picture taken in the driver's seat. She got hers sitting in the back.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds filed a lawsuit this morning against Humankind Design Ltd., a Texas-based online reputation management company, for allegedly posting fraudulent reviews to its website. The car-shopping site seeks injunctive relief — prohibiting Humankind from submitting additional registrations or reviews to the site.
Edmunds’ General Counsel Ken Levin said the company’s screeners detected the fake reviews before they were ever posted. Through that process, he explained Edmunds discovered approximately 2,200 fraudulent accounts linked to Humankind, the parent company of GlowingReviews.co. From those accounts, Levin said the firm attempted to post at least 76 reviews on behalf of 25 dealerships nationwide.
Yeh, he showed them how to make $3000 a car instead of $800 or $500 a car!
Just watched the episode, it was entertaining TV but I am not sure I understand the substance of the deal. The guy puts in $350K @ 71/2% interest. Other than interest income, what else does he gets out of the deal?
It's true the brothers' business will continue operating for a while but at $30,000 monthly rent it will be hard to make money especially with pressure put on them by this shark.
By the way, I hope they don't trade in the Hurricane Sandy water-damaged cars. It was reported on ABC TV that many of the used cars for sale in the NY/NJ area come from water-logged vehicles that fall apart after a few months because of rust and failed parts.
The guy puts in $350K 71/2% interest. Other than interest income, what else does he gets out of the deal?
Marcus Lemonis is going to make a big profit! The 1-800-Cars-Cash guys are going to Franchise their business. Instead of almost giving away their cars to wholesale dealers they will now sell them directly to their franchise dealers and make $2 or $3000 a car, and the dealer will make another $1000 or $2000 a car.
Lemonis figures once they get 3 or 4 dealers the profit will pay off the $350K he put into the business. He calculates he could have over 100 dealers when this is done. I think they were selling 80 cars a month....if they can just make $2000 a car they will bring in $160K a month profit and they will easily cover their rent. But, they are going to have franchise dealers so they will be selling a lot more than 80 cars, probably 100s of cars. Lemonis is going to make $millions from this business alone.
It was an interesting study of the 2 brothers too. They were equal partners but one was so controlling and didn't want to change. The younger brother had good ideas and he made a fabulous ad.
Lemonis completely changed their business model for the better.
btw...these guys knew cars, so they would be careful about water logged cars. To be in business you have to be gutsy and take risks and chances, and that's what Lemonis does....looks at a troubled company and finds out how he can turn it around.
I've often suspected that a lot of the review sites have false information.
I am sure that happens - false reviews. If I look up a hotel or restaurant on tripadvisor I make sure there are way more excellent reviews than bad ones. I read a few good ones and bad ones to see if there is a pattern.
Some people who submit reviews are constant complainers and will always find faults. If you are reading a restaurant review and several people say the service was slow and the food was cold, that is a pattern I would take seriously.
I use reviews a lot for checking everything from movies to restaurants to hotels to places to go, but there is a science ....and even then you could get it wrong, but usually reviews work. I like checking out cars on Edmunds reviews, it gives you an idea of the really good and really bad features. Public reviews are good because it gives you an idea of what the common person thinks.
Too bad people mess around with what is a good and helpful service.
Lemonis figures once they get 3 or 4 dealers the profit will pay off the $350K he put into the business.
Driver, I understand that. But what percentage of the business does he get for his investment? For example, is he splitting the profit evenly with the brothers or is there some other arrangement that I missed? Explain s'il vous plaît.
robr2....it must have been an Equs, cause that's the hood ornament I saw. I wonder what that does to the aerodynamics of the car? :P
I'm starting to understand isellhonda's point about Hyundais. If that Equs is a $60K car, I'd be hard pressed to plunk down that kind of money over something like an A6, a 535i, a GS350, or an E350.
Then again, a 335ix is creeping perilously close to that number, and there are versions of an S4/5 that exceed it. Different cars, to be sure. But, for those who think there's some panache associated with the traditional lux brands, an Equs really is a tough sell, at least to me.
I dunno....maybe they drive better than anything mentioned above?
But what percentage of the business does he get for his investment?
Oh, I see what you mean, good question.
From what I can figure out I think Lemonis actually took over the company. He probably duped those two brothers out of their business.
I thought he would get a percentage or a share of any new business generated, possibly from the franchise network he was setting up. But, it seems he may have taken over and dumped the brothers, or at least they have a minor interest or possibly some kind of royalty payment.
He hopes to open 70 franchises in the next year. The brothers are probably doing better than they would have done, well they would go under because they were losing money every month, but ML did ok for himself too.
GG, here is what gets me. When the Genesis came out it was supposed to be as good as a 335 but would cost $10000 less.
Well, as more reviews come in it is an excellent car, but, it doesn't quite have the same handling, not quite the same performance, etc.
Don't get me wrong, they are excellent cars, but if you are spending $40 or $50 grand, then you want to be sure that what you are buying is as good as it can be. If you are buying an $18K Rio, it isn't as critical.
So, if I am going to part with $60K for a 5 Series, I am going to be a little hesitant about spending $50K for an Eqqus.
If the car is really good, and it probably is, then it could just be accepted as good, and BMW/Audi/MBs may become like Sony, and Eqqus may be like the new Samsung.
I'm starting to understand isellhonda's point about Hyundais. If that Equs is a $60K car, I'd be hard pressed to plunk down that kind of money over something like an A6, a 535i, a GS350, or an E350.
Except that the Equus isn't targeted at those models - it's targeted at the S class, 7 series, A8, LS....folks who have aspirations of those but have the budget for an E class, 5 series, A6, GS and are who the Equus is targeted at.
Same with the Genesis - it's C class, 3 series, A4, IS priced but at the next larger segment size and features.
It's the same formula that worked for Lexus when it was introduced and what Hyundai did in the past ten years. Offer value, gain acceptance and then raise prices closer to the big guys.
Yes - the "screeners" here are a subset of your forums hosts. Every single review is looked at before it goes live on our site. No site is perfect, but we are fortunate enough to have the latitude to spend as much time as necessary to evaluate reviews for legitimacy.
And yes... we have caught employees, family members, ex-employees, and competitors attempting to submit reviews!
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Well, there's this in the Membership Agreement: It is a violation of this Membership Agreement for you to create or post, to advise or induce anyone else to create or post, or to participate or assist anyone in the creation or posting of, any review that is not a bona fide reflection of the actual experience of the person submitting that review.
The "no submissions from employees" is more of a policy. Even if the employee/relative did purchase there, we don't publish to avoid any appearance of bias. Sometimes those are just inadvertent, not deliberately violating, and do reflect a real experience - just not one we can publish. (There's something in the Membership Agreement about not "furthering a personal purpose," which this would fall under). Heck, reviews team members aren't even allowed to submit reviews.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I heard that a "business owner"...not car related was told by one of the well known "review sites" that for a fee (in the thousands) that any negative review could disappear.
" I didn't think people would be low enough to take advantage of that"
Well, a lifetime in the business world and especially my time in the car business has made me very cynical. I've seen it all and there is no floor in being "low".
Several years ago I called out a guy over in the 3 Series topics who posted an absurd review- ditto for a guy who claimed to own an X3. Both went ballistic when I questioned their stories and both disappeared soon after. Welcome to the wonderful world of negative astroturfing.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Comments
That's weird because at the time my post was actually the first displayed in 2013 and Driver commented on it. Oh well.
If this is strange what about this link that somebody just sent me for this miracle weight loss product--does it really work or yet another scam. http://coffee-yourfatburnsolution2013.com/?11/705.
Do folks think Dr.Oz and others are being taken for a ride or is this product genuine?
I prefer red coffee beans for weight loss. That's after you take green tea for two weeks. That other black tea doesn't do anything.
We'll see Oz on the 30-minute informercials eventually after his TV show popularity wears off. Maybe on the Coast to Coast late night radio show where they talk about aliens and ghosts. I just keep remembering he got his start on Ophrah show--need I say more?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Net net, she liked the red, they had the red and the deal was the same.
I would have held out for white - :shades:
BTW - anybody looking for a 2013 Volvo should check the deals - there is a lot of cash out there right now
I hope that you get the Abarth. I enjoy living vicariously through your decision process. I seem to share similar tastes when it comes to cars--must be our shared age and brilliant intellects.
I have read that the exhaust note is one of the nicest found on a mainstream car. Not a good reason for buying a car, but if you get--or drive--one I want a report.
There was an article in USA Today yesterday about a new modification trend--mostly confined to trucks and SUVs. The businesses who sell spray-on bed liners are now doing the same to full bodies of trucks and cars--to the tune of $1500-$5000 per vehicle. It gives the vehicles a slightly tinted (gray or tan) 1/16" matte finish, which protects paint, and, according to the promoters makes the vehicle look much tougher and more "macho". No mention was made of whether the stuff could be removed later and, if possible, what that would cost. One guy mentioned how satisfied he was to not have top go to the car wash. $1500-$5000 could buy years of expensive detail jobs, but, then , you'd have to drop it off I suppose.
According to the article not too many folks are getting them--yet (because of cost). I'm anxious to see my first. Anyone seen a vehicle with this treatment.? Hard to tell how it looks from the newspaper photos.
I can hear isell grinding his teeth right now. I'm sure the folk's who buy it think it makes their truck worth $5000 more at trade-in.
Gogiboy
The truck owners are behind the times. The VDub and Honda FanBoiZ have been doing this for about 5 years and the trend is over with them.
You have to know who to pay and how much? :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Those sites use his name without permission....they'll keep changing their site so he won't catch up. Try to back out of those sites, if you press EXIT or X it that just makes them worse.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
You would think, but all those phishing pop-up guys need is to send out a few 1000 pop-ups and hope 10 suckers will send in their $100.
Worse than dealing with a used car salesman, which is almost as bad as a life insurance salesman, which is almost as bad as listening to a politician.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It would KILL the resale value.
Lowering a car, tinting windows, modified exhausts do NOT add value. Only in the minds of the owners.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
That's the way it looks to me...
I have read that the exhaust note is one of the nicest found on a mainstream car. Not a good reason for buying a car, but if you get--or drive--one I want a report.
I did take one on a short drive, and the exhaust does sound cool. More like a throaty V8 as opposed to a weed whacker.
There was an article in USA Today yesterday about a new modification trend--mostly confined to trucks and SUVs. The businesses who sell spray-on bed liners are now doing the same to full bodies of trucks and cars--to the tune of $1500-$5000 per vehicle.
Many Wrangler owners have spray-on bed liner applied to the floorboards. It makes it easier to just hose down the interior if you do a lot of muddy off roading. If it applied correctly you can even reinstall the carpet if you so choose.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
EAT LESS
EXERCISE MORE
That's similar to pick up owners spray lining their truck beds. Nothing wrong with that. But when you do the entire car? :lemon:
EAT LESS
EXERCISE MORE
My wife is a Registered Dietician and she always says that the way you lose weight is to expend more calories than you consume- preferably combined with a healthy balanced diet. There is no "Magic Bullet"
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The best exercise is pushing yourself away from the table.
the way you lose weight is to expend more calories than you consume-
To lose one pound you have to burn 3500 calories. Normally we burn 2500 calories a day. If you go over 2500 that becomes extra weight.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I know some here have owned Hyundai Genesis(es?). I played golf Sunday and saw one in the course parking lot, with a huge hood ornament that was bigger than what you'd see on a Rolls. Can half vinyl roofs and gold wheels be far behind?
Come to think of it, that would be a very good reason to stop hanging out here (ducking and running....)
MB was the first to offer matte paint from the factory back in 2012 as a $4K option. BMW is offering matte paint from the factory as well. It's called Frozen Paint and it's a $16K option on the M3.
I know some here have owned Hyundai Genesis(es?). I played golf Sunday and saw one in the course parking lot, with a huge hood ornament that was bigger than what you'd see on a Rolls.
AFAIK, there isn't a Genesis hood ornament but there is an Equus one. One can get a Genesis emblem but it's flat. Maybe the owner exaggerated a bit like the M3 badges on a 318....
Genesis:
Equus:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/28/automobiles/collectibles/a-deco-confection-fla- mboyant-and-french.html?_r=0
I'd almost be tempted to buy French if there was something similar being sold now. The Equus and Genesis badges lose a lot of their luster when compared to the hood ornament on this beauty.
Gogiboy
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Profit: Just weeks away from being forced to close their doors for good, two brothers who buy used cars for cash, are given the chance to become a thriving national brand.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I see car dealers the same way...like wholesalers taking the Mfr's profit.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
I got in the car, closed the door, and immediately felt like I had died and went to heaven. It was magnificent! The interior was like a plush leather chair and the aroma of the new leather was "breathtaking", to say the least. The dash and gauges were well placed and easy to read and see. The manager sat in the passenger seat and demonstrated all the features. Even the umbrella that popped out of the side of the door. The picnic basket was a true piece of work made of wicker, etc. The rear seats were as comfortable as a sofa and I was able to stretch out my legs quite well. I pressed a button, and a bar opened, adequately stocked with crystal glasses, decanters, an ice bucket, etc. There was a separate sound system in the rear where the passengers could tune to a different audio source than those sitting in front.
The lighting in the interior was stupendous - soft ambient lighting around and under all the trim which used LED lighting. There was even a rheostat to increase or decrease the lighting intensity. Of course, there was a phone in the front as well as in the rear of the car. The dark saddle interior was exquisite and was as smooth as a baby's bottom.
Obviously I was not able to drive the vehicle, but he gave me his business card and invited me up to test drive one. He said they had 8 in stock in 4 different colors. The one I was sitting in had an MSRP of a mere $312,000.00 or the price of a nicely located 2 bedroom condo. Imagine that, the car cost the same as a deluxe condo - hard to imagine anyone choosing the car over the condo - but the manager told me they sell 25 - 30 of these a year so I guess there is a demand for them - just not in my household.
It was definitely worth the time - a truly beautiful automobile.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I'd rather have a condo - at least I can take a shower in a condo. Even at 160K, NO SALE!
When you hit 68 and a beautiful 25 year old blonde passes you in the frozen food aisle at Walmart, at least you can "look" and enjoy the sight - same goes for beautiful cars!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Yeh, he showed them how to make $3000 a car instead of $800 or $500 a car!
Makes a big difference to the bottom line.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Jul 31, 2013 (12:32 pm)
Replying to: mako1a (Jul 31, 2013 11:51 am)
Are you talking to yourself these days?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Thanks for the review....I could almost feel the ambiance myself.
If I had about $10 million in savings I might go for one of those.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
She said she couldn't understand why everyone wanted their picture taken in the driver's seat. She got hers sitting in the back.
Actually, in a Rolls, that is the most luxurious and comfortable space in the entire car!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
Naw, just had another thought using the delayed reaction technique.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Edmunds’ General Counsel Ken Levin said the company’s screeners detected the fake reviews before they were ever posted. Through that process, he explained Edmunds discovered approximately 2,200 fraudulent accounts linked to Humankind, the parent company of GlowingReviews.co. From those accounts, Levin said the firm attempted to post at least 76 reviews on behalf of 25 dealerships nationwide.
Read full story: fi magazine re:Edmunds
Hope none of you guys are phonies out there!
Note Explorer: Is your company still looking for a computer genius in Canada?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Just watched the episode, it was entertaining TV but I am not sure I understand the substance of the deal. The guy puts in $350K @ 71/2% interest. Other than interest income, what else does he gets out of the deal?
It's true the brothers' business will continue operating for a while but at $30,000 monthly rent it will be hard to make money especially with pressure put on them by this shark.
By the way, I hope they don't trade in the Hurricane Sandy water-damaged cars. It was reported on ABC TV that many of the used cars for sale in the NY/NJ area come from water-logged vehicles that fall apart after a few months because of rust and failed parts.
A disgruntled ex employee who got fired can leave a bad review and so can a competitor. Favorable reviews can be left by friends and family members.
A customer who thinks they paid too much for a product can blast the store in that fashion too.
I didn't know there were "screeners" but that's a good thing@
Marcus Lemonis is going to make a big profit! The 1-800-Cars-Cash guys are going to Franchise their business. Instead of almost giving away their cars to wholesale dealers they will now sell them directly to their franchise dealers and make $2 or $3000 a car, and the dealer will make another $1000 or $2000 a car.
Lemonis figures once they get 3 or 4 dealers the profit will pay off the $350K he put into the business. He calculates he could have over 100 dealers when this is done. I think they were selling 80 cars a month....if they can just make $2000 a car they will bring in $160K a month profit and they will easily cover their rent. But, they are going to have franchise dealers so they will be selling a lot more than 80 cars, probably 100s of cars. Lemonis is going to make $millions from this business alone.
It was an interesting study of the 2 brothers too. They were equal partners but one was so controlling and didn't want to change. The younger brother had good ideas and he made a fabulous ad.
Lemonis completely changed their business model for the better.
btw...these guys knew cars, so they would be careful about water logged cars. To be in business you have to be gutsy and take risks and chances, and that's what Lemonis does....looks at a troubled company and finds out how he can turn it around.
The Profit on CNBC
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am sure that happens - false reviews. If I look up a hotel or restaurant on tripadvisor I make sure there are way more excellent reviews than bad ones. I read a few good ones and bad ones to see if there is a pattern.
Some people who submit reviews are constant complainers and will always find faults. If you are reading a restaurant review and several people say the service was slow and the food was cold, that is a pattern I would take seriously.
I use reviews a lot for checking everything from movies to restaurants to hotels to places to go, but there is a science ....and even then you could get it wrong, but usually reviews work. I like checking out cars on Edmunds reviews, it gives you an idea of the really good and really bad features. Public reviews are good because it gives you an idea of what the common person thinks.
Too bad people mess around with what is a good and helpful service.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Driver, I understand that. But what percentage of the business does he get for his investment? For example, is he splitting the profit evenly with the brothers or is there some other arrangement that I missed? Explain s'il vous plaît.
I'm starting to understand isellhonda's point about Hyundais. If that Equs is a $60K car, I'd be hard pressed to plunk down that kind of money over something like an A6, a 535i, a GS350, or an E350.
Then again, a 335ix is creeping perilously close to that number, and there are versions of an S4/5 that exceed it. Different cars, to be sure. But, for those who think there's some panache associated with the traditional lux brands, an Equs really is a tough sell, at least to me.
I dunno....maybe they drive better than anything mentioned above?
Oh, I see what you mean, good question.
From what I can figure out I think Lemonis actually took over the company. He probably duped those two brothers out of their business.
I thought he would get a percentage or a share of any new business generated, possibly from the franchise network he was setting up. But, it seems he may have taken over and dumped the brothers, or at least they have a minor interest or possibly some kind of royalty payment.
Lemonis owns Car-Cash
He hopes to open 70 franchises in the next year. The brothers are probably doing better than they would have done, well they would go under because they were losing money every month, but ML did ok for himself too.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
GG, here is what gets me. When the Genesis came out it was supposed to be as good as a 335 but would cost $10000 less.
Well, as more reviews come in it is an excellent car, but, it doesn't quite have the same handling, not quite the same performance, etc.
Don't get me wrong, they are excellent cars, but if you are spending $40 or $50 grand, then you want to be sure that what you are buying is as good as it can be. If you are buying an $18K Rio, it isn't as critical.
So, if I am going to part with $60K for a 5 Series, I am going to be a little hesitant about spending $50K for an Eqqus.
If the car is really good, and it probably is, then it could just be accepted as good, and BMW/Audi/MBs may become like Sony, and Eqqus may be like the new Samsung.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Except that the Equus isn't targeted at those models - it's targeted at the S class, 7 series, A8, LS....folks who have aspirations of those but have the budget for an E class, 5 series, A6, GS and are who the Equus is targeted at.
Same with the Genesis - it's C class, 3 series, A4, IS priced but at the next larger segment size and features.
It's the same formula that worked for Lexus when it was introduced and what Hyundai did in the past ten years. Offer value, gain acceptance and then raise prices closer to the big guys.
And yes... we have caught employees, family members, ex-employees, and competitors attempting to submit reviews!
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
I didn't think people would be low enough to take advantage like that.
Did we agree somewhere along the line not to do that?
When I submit a review to tripadvisor I always have to check that I am not an employee or have an interest and my review is truthful.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It is a violation of this Membership Agreement for you to create or post, to advise or induce anyone else to create or post, or to participate or assist anyone in the creation or posting of, any review that is not a bona fide reflection of the actual experience of the person submitting that review.
The "no submissions from employees" is more of a policy. Even if the employee/relative did purchase there, we don't publish to avoid any appearance of bias. Sometimes those are just inadvertent, not deliberately violating, and do reflect a real experience - just not one we can publish. (There's something in the Membership Agreement about not "furthering a personal purpose," which this would fall under). Heck, reviews team members aren't even allowed to submit reviews.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Well, a lifetime in the business world and especially my time in the car business has made me very cynical. I've seen it all and there is no floor in being "low".
I've seen it all.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
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Son's: 2018 330i xDrive