Stories from the Sales Frontlines

driver100

I know that much of the real story never made it on screen.

Apparently there was $30000 missing that the pitaes had and which wasn't accounted for...and isn't mentioned in the movie.

Article about the movie vs truth; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2454572/30k-money-missing-Captain-Philli- ps-rescue.html

What Greenglass said at the end of the interview is perfect;

What happened to the money didn't concern him.

'Movies are not journalism,' Greengrass said. 'Movies are not history.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2454572/30k-money-missing-Captain-Philli- ps-rescue.html#ixzz2htzTv5Qu
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oldfarmer50

"...under classic car insurance..."

They might consider where the damage happened. When I tried to insure the corvette with Haggerty they made it clear that they didn't want you driving anywhere but to car shows. As the lady put it "most of our claims come from parking lots". They don't want daily drivers.

oldfarmer50

"...what was your beef with KMart?..."

I've told this story before but it involved some kitchen cabinets and discounts they should have given.

They incurred my wrath and it cost them dearly. Once I boycotted them they were on a slow 25 year slide into ruin.

It had to be done.

oldfarmer50

"...truck is a write-off..."

Sounds like the Dakota owner has a friend in the insurance company.

oldfarmer50

"...see if the mall has a video..."

Nah, I'm over it and that would be too much trouble for a minor ding. It really could have happened anywhere over the last few weeks and I didn't notice since it's on the passenger's side. If I do anything I might give the painless dent guy a call.

Toronto cops are dressing up as bums to catch texters? That's insane!

Kirstie_H

http://enid.craigslist.org/cto/4119280944.html

I snickered at the Prius reference, and the final comment was pretty good too. Warning: strong language.

driver100

Warning: strong language.

Unfortunately it has been removed. If it is still on your screen maybe you could copy and post it for us.

driver100

Nah, I'm over it and that would be too much trouble for a minor ding.

Andre wanted to go back a few days for the store to look at a video for a $7 watch!

Kirstie_H

Well, that's a crying shame. I'm sure some people were offended by it. I found a copy in my cache... editing for our language requirements, but one can mentally fill in the blanks if they're so inclined:

1997 Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
220K Miles
4.0 L in-line 6
4WD
AUTOMATIC Transmission
Bright Red
Straight Stock
Crank Windows, no cruise, no tilt, no delay wiper, no nonsense
POWER MIRRORS! Woo Hoo!

$1750

Here's the deal, kids:
This is a Jeep Cherokee. This is not a luxury SUV, or a maintenance-free disposable import. It has solid front axles, wind noise, and character.
It's a Jeep. It rides like a Jeep. It drives like a Jeep. All of these are GOOD things.
It is not new, it is not pristine, it is used. This will be apparent in the pictures.

If you do not own a toolbox, have never changed your own oil, and are scared of firearms: THIS VEHICLE IS NOT FOR YOU.
If you have been posting on facebook all about how excited you are for pumpkin latte season: THIS VEHICLE IS NOT FOR YOU.
If you get offended easy and often, whine to your co-workers, and **** a lot: THIS VEHICLE IS NOT FOR YOU.
If you feel you are owed anything in the world & have a ******* job where you fail to produce: THIS VEHICLE IS NOT FOR YOU.
If you own a bieber album, white oakleys, affliction t-shirts, or those candy-**** stitched-pocket jeans: THIS VEHICLE IS NOT FOR YOU.
If you consider the 2nd Amendment an anachronistic relic and have never owned a firearm: THIS VEHICLE IS NOT FOR YOU.

If, however, you have **** OF STEEL and consider adverse weather an excuse to do stupid ****: THIS IS YOUR JEEP.
Do you laugh at danger, and tempt fate?
Have you ever uttered the words, "Hold my beer and watch this ..."?
While bored at work do you pick targets at random and think, "I could hit that from here with the .22 ..."?
Have any of your friends quit hanging out because you were too much fun?
Do you have the number of a friend with cash memorized for bail?
When you pass an abandoned flatbed farm truck along a fenceline do you consider taking on another project?
Is your ol' lady really sick of the random piles of parts, greasy footprints, and empty beer bottles in the garage?
-could you not care less?
Do you have Jalopnik saved on your laptop AND smartphone?
Do you own a service manual for every vehicle you ever owned?
Do you still miss your first ride?
Can you carry on a two hour conversation discussing tools, scars, and hi-lift jacks?
Remember when tool companies had the **** to put half-naked beauty queens on their calendars?
Do you consider the Prius an abominable affront to the Gods of displacement, torque, and All Mighty Internal Combustion?

If you answered in the affirmative to the preceding: THIS IS YOUR JEEP.

DETAILS:
-I am the second owner. First owner barely got it dirty and engaged the front axles once.
-I have remedied this excessive caretaking with muddy roads and a pile of fun.
-The motor uses a little oil. How much? I don't know, I'm not collecting statistical analysis points.
I check the oil, I fill the oil, I drive. Not enough to bother me.
-It leaks a little oil. How much? Not enough for me to care. It has 220,000 miles, Poindexter!
If you have a vehicle with 220K NOT leaking or burning oil, it's empty!
-Rear bumper has a big-*** crease in it. I dented it backing into a concrete pole. Sober.
We drove away giggling, for the record. Haven't fixed it.
-Driver's side door was caught by the wind, whipped forward, got into the LF quarter panel.
-Radiator has a small leak. Pinhole. I can replace the radiator or you can. Really doesn't matter
A new radiator and hoses will run $145. If you don't want to replace them I will.
Add $250 to the price of vehicle. This includes radiator, hoses, and labor (beer). A freaking bargain.
-The bad*** little 4.0L bullet-proof in-line six starts and runs like the proverbial champ.
-Tranny and 4WD operate perfectly
-Tires will need replaced in a couple thousand miles. I haven't upgraded because I had plans:
Had planned a small lift, upgrade to 17" Wrangler wheels, and more aggressive tires.
Life got in the way - it ain't happening.
-Zombie stickers on the right rear window stay. My daughter's idea, take it up with her.
-Flogging Molly sticker stays as well. They kick ***, so there.

QUESTIONS:
-Why are you selling?
I can't justify owning it anymore. Motorsickles, kiddos, work, travel, and beer have consumed my time and money.
Someone else needs to appreciate the Jeep for what it is: awesome mechanical artistry.

-What's wrong with it?
Radiator. Small oil leaks. Driver's side door cosmetic issues.
And it's pissed it has been neglected and parked. It needs rescued.

-Does the 4WD work?
Hell yes. Like a Dickensian Orphan.

-Will you sell me the [engine / tranny / rear door / axle / etc.]?
No. I'm not in the salvage business. Buy the Jeep. Love the Jeep. Give the Jeep a home.

-Will you take [insert ridiculously stupid low number here]?
No. If I wanted [ridiculously low number] I would have asked [ridiculously low number]
Want a cheap car? Get your kid that lowered tuner **** honda project down the road.
I think I'm plenty cheap for this bad mofo.

-Why is it still stock?
Because I bought it for a daily driver with the intention of turning it into a project.
I haven't had the time to do so. So I am selling it.

-Can I put a 6" lift and giant tires on it?
I don't give ****. But be sure to use quality components and for God's sake - get it aligned after a lift!

-Would this make a good car for my daughter?
Hell. Yes. Not only a good car, a learning experience. Introduction to vehicular maintenance.
Additionally, there isn't really enough room in the back for that little **** she's dating to try anything.

-Can you deliver?
Within reason. I'd drive it a hundred miles or so. But really, you should come get it. Look it over. Have a beer. Etc.

-Will you take a check / cashier's check / Western Union Transfer / Nigerian Promissory Note?
Would you take a ball pein hammer to the forehead?
No. I'll take Cash. Period. Bring cash or don't show.

-Will you ship to -?
No. See above.

-No, really, all I have is [lowball dollar amount]?
That's great, I don't *****. Unicef ain't running this deal, and until they do I want $1750.
Why? Because I don't HAVE to sell this little beauty. Truth be known, I'd rather keep it.
But if it's going to a good home - I will sell. Unless you're an ****** - then no sale.

-Why are you such a ****?
Everything is relative; you should see my friends.

Any other questions, feel free to reply to this email and ask.

snakeweasel

This guy I like and I loved the orphan remark.

graphicguy

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Man-buys-car-from-dealership-then-police-say-it-w- - as-reported-stolen-227914071.html?tab=video

Kirstie...spit out coffee reading that Jeep ad. Thanks!

RB...I have an OPPO 103 universal disk player. Best disk player I've ever seen, heard or used.

TJC....that Yamaha AVR was one of the best, if not THE BEST AVR they ever made. Don't doubt you'd be hesitent to get rid of it.

abacomike

I've been with my current insurance company for 2 years. The first yearly premium was $1024 for the entire year. The second year, it jumped to $1640 for the year. I have no tickets or accidents for 13 years. They told me that the premium for my renewal would be over $1850. Remember, no tickets or accidents.

So, today I got quotes from most of the tier 1 companies and "...does anyone know what day it is?" came on at $687.50 for a 6 month policy, or an equivalent yearly premium of $1375. That's a savings of about $500 per year and the their policy includes roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement which my current policy does not cover. Since it was hump day today, I took the policy effective Dec. 1. All I had to do was take the car into my local tire center for an inspection to insure there was no damage and to verify VIN. No requirement for one of those data trackers to spy on my driving habits.

To pay $1850+ a year for a policy when I can get a better policy for $500 a year less would be foolish. I suspect my premium will rise a bit at renewal, bit at least I can save a bundle for the current term.

explorerx4

Some classic car insurance policies can have pretty strict covenants.
I would want to find one that would let me drive it to work.

explorerx4

From what I have heard about car insurance is that every year they slide you into a higher price bracket. You still get your discounts, but the base is higher.
Basically you need to shop around pretty often.
We will be doing that hopefully next year when one of my kids drops off our insurance.

dino001

I always say insurance rates depend on the Moon phase, or so it seems, sometimes. No rhyme or reason, really. Last time I shopped, I got quotes from $550 to over $1000 for same coverage and equivalent period. There are some insurers that simply hate me: Geico, Liberty. Every single time I ask, I get some exorbitant numbers from those guys. Many others are similar - last time I asked the prices were just about what you are quoting here. Allstate beat them by almost 20%. Will see for how long. As you know, I also live in Florida. I went through some attempts of big premium increases a three years ago and last year, each time switching the carrier after seeing their proposed new and improved (for them) rate. I've been paying $450-$550/6 months for number of years now and I carry large liability limits (250/500/250). Used to carry a bit less (100/300/100), but discovered that the upgrade cost less than 10 bucks over 6 months. You once mentioned that your PIP skyrocketed at some point. Mine has always been and remained fairly low, pretty much smallest portion - even at the renewal that I ditched. One thing I heard from the agent that low liability limits sometimes can trigger high PIP to point of offsetting savings from low liability. I think it has to do with statistically higher risk for people with small liability limits. Don't know if that's the case for you, but I can't imagine you driving all those expensive cars and carrying small liability limits, but if it is, it might explain why they are pricing your insurance that way.

abacomike

I always say insurance rates depend on the Moon phase, or so it seems, sometimes. No rhyme or reason, really. Last time I shopped...

As you also know, I live in far north Broward County. Dade and Broward Counties have the highest rates in the state. I I lived 2-1/2 miles north of where I now live, my rates would be 35% lower because I would be in Palm Beach County.

I was told that it is always best to stay with one insurance company for as long as you can in order to get preferred rates from competing companies. LMI, which I am currently with has raised my rates from $1040 to over $1600 on just one year. And my renewal was going up another $250+ in December.

If Geico wants to keep my business at renewal periods, they will have to keep my premiums competitive. I really don 't like changing companies every year. Allstate and Progressive wanted me to have a digital GPS plugged into my data read out sprocket under my dash which would send data to their computers about my driving habits, speeds, where I go, etc. I have nothing to hide, but I am fed up with big brother spying on my internet use, phone calls and everything else.

My brother lives in Ponte Vedra and drives a MB CL550. He has the same coverages as I have but pays half of what I pay for a car that costs twice as much.

dino001

It's not mandatory to have the electronic Big Brother with those guys. I politely declined and Allstate still gave me lowest rate. Regarding staying with one insurance company, it may be true after 10 years, but tou gave to pay in for that "goodwill". My pattern is to stay with one guy for three, four years. Take couple of rate hikes after teaser expires and when increases reach two consecutive 10-15%, walk away. So far I was able to reset my rate to value before increases twice. Insurance companies, IMHO, see customer loyalty as invitation for higher rates, not lower. At least that seems to the case in first five years. I had no patience to see if this would change after ten.

oldfarmer50

"...strong language..."

Too bad it got flagged. Must have been strong.

I'm surprised that a young lady of such high caliber is slumming on Craigslist.

EDIT: caught up with your post. Funny stuff.

oldfarmer50

"...Andre wanted...to look at a video for a $7 watch..."

Yeah, but I'm just crazy, not nuts.

imidazol97

I loved that Craiglist post. I actually have to like that guy. He's got all the pretentiousness of _some_ people down pat and can bring it out. And he doesn't mind lettin' them know! He reminds me of a guy I worked with who was into pickup trucks and called himself a ******* because he was originally from Hazard, KY. (Does that have two "z's"?)

But I really laughed when he misspelled motorsickles. That was priceless.

That post gave me my laughs for the day.

oldfarmer50

"...$1640 for the year..."

Wow! For $500k of liability and collision on two of the four vehicles on the road I pay around $1300/ year. What makes Florida so expensive?

Does Florida do a personal property tax on cars every year like Mass.?

abacomike

Wow! For $500k of liability and collision on two of the four vehicles on the road I pay around $1300/ year. What makes Florida so expensive?

Does Florida do a personal property tax on cars every year like Mass.?

No, oldfarmer. The southeast coast of Florida is one of the most fraudulent areas of the country for staged accidents and it's due mainly to no fault insurance (PIP REQUIREMENTS) on all policies. Additionally, it has the highest rate of uninsured and underinsured drivers.

When I lived in rural PA for a few years, I paid $350 a year for insurance. Then, I moved here and my rates quadrupled. The State has tried to fix the fraud, but even with these changes, rates have continued to skyrocket on the southeast counties.

It's very difficult to find a policy with 100-300-100 liability/prop damage, uninsured motorist, $500 deductible comp and collision, towing and rental car reimbursement for less than what I will be paying ($675 for 6 months).

explorerx4

CT has property tax assessed yearly. The taxes on our 2 oldest vehicles (1991, 2002) went up last tax bill!

jayrider

Don't you Florida folks experience a storm or two from time to time. Anyone lose a car in one.

driver100

Hell yes. Like a Dickensian Orphan.

Thanks for reprinting the ad. I think it is a work of art. The guy could be a straight shooter or a big B.S.er, hard to tell. But if I was looking for a 97 Cherokee I would give it a look. Sounds like it is in rough shape.

I had a 2000 Cherokee and it is bumpy with lots of engine noise and wind noise....but it was fun to drive......something about having a car that is so just so unsophisticated.

dino001

Not only no personal property tax, we have no income tax, either. I believe our sales tax is fairly average, too - 6% state plus 0 to 2% county, only on first $5000. My real estate property tax is now way below $1000, partially thanks to value drop, partially due to rise in exemption. My property taxes kept going down for four years now to point I think they got too low. The only thing that's getting out of control is insurance, not just car, house is much worse, especially here in Tampa Bay. Sinkholes is the new fraud favourite.

abacomike

Don't you Florida folks experience a storm or two from time to time. Anyone lose a car in one.

I've known some families who have lost a cat or a dog or a bird in a storm, but never a car!

Lol

ohenryx

It's very difficult to find a policy with 100-300-100 liability/prop damage, uninsured motorist, $500 deductible comp and collision, towing and rental car reimbursement for less than what I will be paying ($675 for 6 months).

My liability coverage is well above the minimum, but I don’t think it’s that high. On the other hand, my deductible is $250, and I have roadside assistance, towing and rental car reimbursement, and coverage on any car that I might rent. It’s $1,392 this year for 12 months coverage on two vehicles, not one. But then, I’m with that insurance company that everyone wishes they were with.

nyccarguy

I saved a bunch of money by switching last year & BANG! I get hit by Sandy. Insurance on my 3 cars went up $208 for the year & my homeowner's insurance went up $500 for the year.

driver100

"...$1640 for the year..." What makes Florida so expensive?

Aren't we talking about a $70,000 Mercedes?

btw, almost everyone in Canada has a minimum of $1 million liability. Most insurance companies in Florida won't sell more than $300,000 worth. They say no one sues for more than that.

I don't understand that. What happens if you seriously injure some executive guy who can't work any more, who was making $500,000 a year? What is brain damage or a missing limb worth? Aren't people awarded $1 million sometimes? What happens if you have $300K in retirement savings and you are sued for $300K?

Our Florida insurers know Canadians want $1 million in liability insurance, and will arrange it.

cdnpinhead

That is the single best post I've read on Edmunds in at least five years.

Thanks much.

houdini1

If she has to pay for the truck, does she then own it?

tjc78

We pay around $3600/ year for 2 drivers (no accidents/points) 2 full coverage cars and one liability only. This is with 100/300. I've shopped around and can't beat it by enough to make the switch ($50 here or there).

Gotta love NJ.... don't start me on property taxes. I'm sure Stickguy feels my pain as we live in the same county.

graphicguy

No way I'm loyal to any insurance company. As soon as they try to raise my rates, I go shopping. I can see no value in sticking with one particular insurance company. Aside from getting a magnet calendar for my fridge every year, they do nothing for me, except send me a statement.

Even when I do have a claim, it seems like the previous 5-10 years they've been collecting premiums from me turns them all into deaf/mutes. All of a sudden they forget who I am.

I'm not talking small companies, either. I've been with Progressive, Century 21, Nationwide, and others. Currently, I'm with State Farm.

They'll eventually try to raise my rates, even though I haven't had a claim in over 8 years....no speeding tickets, no parking tickets, not even a cross walk violation. When that happens, and I tell them I'm going to look at other companies, they'll feign insult.

BTW....no computer plug in of my car so they can gather even more data. I think it does nothing but gives them ammunition to raise rates. Not happening.

Kirstie_H

Kind of hard to BS too much on a vehicle that runs and is priced under $2K. I thought it was pretty artistic too. Takes a certain "je ne sais quoi" to make a beater sound like a prize.

driver100

If she has to pay for the truck, does she then own it?

I think the $4800 they are saying the truck is worth includes taking the value of the truck into consideration.

In other words although they are writing off the truck at $4800, that probably takes into account someone still may pay $500 for it. If it truly is the full amount, then yes, she would be entitled to keep the truck.

driver100

Takes a certain "je ne sais quoi" to make a beater sound like a prize

Not only that, but, it is also hard to do! (just joking, but your command of the French language is impressive - are you sure you are not part French Canadian?)

I was thinking that was a lot of skillful writing for a $1700 car. I wonder what that guy does for a living...someone should hire him for an ad firm.

dino001

When that happens, and I tell them I'm going to look at other companies, they'll feign insult.

I have never been successful in my quests for rate increase reconsideration. Tried couple of times, now I don't even bother, just shop and switch. One year ago, I just refinanced my house, but the renewal fell into the period when I had two mortgages on my credit (old has not paid off, but new one was already was reported), which of course also meant I had number of inquiries and such. I even got an "adverse credit" letter with the renewal stating my credit took a hit with first reason given as too much debt (those temporary two mortgages). The renewal raised the rate by nearly 40%, but I still had couple of months for the cutoff date. I called them near the date and asked to look at my credit again, as by then the old mortgage would have fallen off the record for sure. The lady lied to my face (really ear, of course), saying the rate increase had nothing to do with the credit (so why did I get "adverse credit" letter then) and simply told me to take a hike (in not so many words, of course). So I did, I went to Allstate with rate that was even slightly lower than that I was paying prior the renewal offer. Second renewal now and rate increases were tame - will see for how long.

I have no affinity to insurers whatsoever. They usually tease you in with lower rate (some are more open than others about that) and then hit you with higher hoping you'll stay. It usually pays off to stay couple of renewals, as switching every 6 months will eventually backfire, but not too long. Two-three years. Best run I had was around five with Progressive. I had almost ridiculously low premium and they caught it - they raised it by 15% once, I took it. Next renewal, another 15%. I call them what's up, they say nothing, really, we just want you to pay more. So I thanked them for their business.

But it does seem one has to adjust expectations, Florida rates were in flux in last couple of years and number of people, including Mike were hit hard. I seem to have dodged the bullet through shopping around, but don't know for how long I can keep it up.

oldfarmer50

"...most fraudulent areas of the country..."

Sounds like St. Pete's is the place to retire instead of Miami.

Kirstie_H

Ha! No, but one of my college majors was French. Might as well use it, even if only for fun.

cdnpinhead

"...someone should hire him for an ad firm."

Never gonna happen. He clearly doesn't share the mindset of the consuming majority, nor of the minions who serve and/or feed off them.

The emperor has no clothes in his world -- the same one I live in. In the world of ad-people, perception is reality and ephemeral wants (normally couched as needs) become the standards to which all should aspire. Those who call a spade an M-F shovel need not apply.

The economy isn't driven by this guy, or by me, but we do have a good time watching the parade of poseurs pass by.

dino001

Lots of broken gateways and long delays.

jayrider

Kirstie might have some Cajun heritage as well.

explorerx4

Some company will always want your money, so you have no worries other than finding that company.

Kirstie_H

Doubtful. My family lineage mostly traces to Russians and hillbillies.

kyfdx

Doubtful. My family lineage mostly traces to Russian hillbillies..

Fixed it... ;-)

Kirstie_H

^^ probably true. The Russian immigrant side came over and landed in nowheresville at a very young age and ended up in rural West Virginia, so I suspect there was a lot of critter shootin' and eatin', with a requisite number of historically-appropriate discarded appliances in the yard!

kyfdx

I have a similar background, only Anglo-Irish hillbillies from the Cumberland Gap area...

Of course, they weren't actually at the Gap.... There was one road into town.. which is where it stopped.. It was also the only road out of town. (real hillbillies..)

cdnpinhead

Snuffy Smith could have been a neighbor to one or the other of you, maybe both.

You have to be, what's that phrase, oh yeah, "a certain age" to know much about Snuffy & the others in the strip who were shown to be pretty backwoodsy back in the '50s -- totally un-PC.

jayrider

Coming from such humble ancestors must sit in sharp contrast to living the high life that you and Kirstie now enjoy as paid hosts on Edmunds.