Stories from the Sales Frontlines

gogiboy

"gogi - if the surgeon is the one who can prescribe Demerol call his office and ask. There's no need to go through unnecessary pain."

Fezo--

Thanks for the heads up. My pain level right now is greatly diminished. If anyone has hard-won perspective on all of this it's you fez. I hate to even bring up my puny issues when I think of all the hardship you and your family have been enduring the past several years. Godspeed!

Gogiboy

houdini1

fezo...what gogi said.

gogi,

After several spills, bruises, cracked ribs, etc. over the years, I have adopted a very simple policy in order to save myself from being put out of commission:

"Never allow your butt to become elevated above where your head normally is".

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Deleted User]

Three weeks ago, I fell over a chair and cracked a rib.

Oh, wow, another one of our friends is injured. Best wishes to you, Richard, and avoid any comedy clubs for the next few weeks. A friend of mine recently broke a few ribs when he went down while riding his motorcycle, and I've never seen him so..."reserved"....as I did during that time. Very calm, very still. Of course, as true friends we pulled out our best jokes for the occasion :-)

Don't sweat the rude neighbor. The world is too full of good people with which to spend our time than waste it on those that would bring us down. Accidents happen. By the time I was 17 I had broken the same number of bones.

graphicguy

gogi....hoping for a quick recovery for you. Take care of yourself.

Michaell

Funny you say that because that was the near universal refrain I heard from the hospital staff. My father told me that a hip fracture is often a death sentence for older, especially older frail, patients. They just never get out of bed again.

On New Years Eve this past year, my now 77 year old dad fell and broke his hip. Surgery the next day went well, though he spent the next 6 weeks alternating between the hospital and the rehab center.

As I mentioned earlier, my dad is tough. Though he went through a down period emotionally, he fought through it and is now walking, and driving, again. He uses a walker from time to time, but we were all concerned that this would affect his quality of life. Nope, not one bit.

gogiboy

Thanks GG and Houdini. No worries about having my butt above where my head would ordinarily be with the wheelchair.

I've been thinking a lot about entrance/exit from vehicles given our current automotive stable. Even with the front seat pushed completely back it was still hard to get in and out of the passenger seat of my wife's Scion xB. Mostly that was due to an inability to fold (or even bend much) my right leg. The car height is nearly perfect. Of course my Mazda3 is less forgiving and my 92 MR2--well...best not to contemplate that kind of masochistic contortion at this point.

I'm glad we don't have a larger SUV or truck because it would involve a lot more hoisting from the walker. Lucky that I'm such a prime example of upper body masculinity--HAH! Actually, I have been doing modest weightlifting for 15 years or more and that is paying big dividends now and my left glute muscle is getting a hell of a workout whenever I stand with the walker for more than a minute. I hope that you won't all laugh at me if my left butt muscle gets overdeveloped and leaves me hideously asymmetrical.

Makes me wonder if I shouldn't be in some land barge with acres of legroom. Instead of dreaming of other cars I better get ready to meet my 20% co-pay obligation. I'm guessing 4 days in the hospital plus surgery is going to burn a big hole in our savings. Thank God our only other obligations are mortgage and utilities.

Gogiboy

verdugo

Oh no. Add me to the list of well wishers. Hope you make a full recovery soon.

bolivar

Gogi, I've got a 2005 Cadillac Deville for sale that would fit you perfectly. The seat level is just about wheelchair height. And your 'land barge' description fits exactly. A folding wheelchair could almost be lost in the trunk.

Plus, I'm in easy delivery range to your front door. And since no one else seems interested, I'll offer it to you for 'Edmund buddy pricing'.

Larry

oldfarmer50

"...2005 Cadillic Deville..."

For mobility impaired people CUVs sometimes offer that "Goldilocks" height of just right seat height. After her stroke my wife had a hard time getting into most low cars (even our Caddy) but when we rented a PT Cruiser she found it perfect.

So now we have one.

I have to admit, when my hips or other joints are aching that car is easier to access than any of the others.

driver100

I was speaking to a very sophisticated businessman, who drives a 2013 Audi A8. I say "sophisticated" because he has built up a very large successful business, and he has retired in early 50s.

He knows quite a bit about cars. The buying experience terrifies him. He says the dealer discounted the A8 $25K, one reason is it was a 2012 when the 13s came out. Also, I know the larger cars were hard to sell at that time. He said it belonged to Audi and not the dealer so he got a larger discount than usual, I think that means it was probably an Audi executive driven car.

I said I don't fear entering a showroom. It is simple, I check online to find out the value of my trade-in. I check a site like Edmunds to see what people are paying for the new model, or I come up with a discount amount that seems in the right range on the new car.

Then I tell the salesman the difference I would want to pay. If he doesn't like it, no problem, I go somewhere else. He was surprised I would do that, but seemed to like the idea.

It made me wonder, what percentage of the population really know how to buy a car? I bet it is around 5%. Remember, I know another guy who got so upset buying a car and getting all these stories (and he is a bright guy - retired scientist) about what his trade in is worth etc., he just prefers to lease...the deal is exact-one price, nothing to work out or think about.

gogiboy

Saw this on CNN Money:

http://money.cnn.com/gallery/autos/2013/10/30/most-disliked-cars.fortune/index.h- tml?source=cnn_bin

I don't give these lists much value in the real marketplace, but I thought the rationale used seemed valid. I wondered if roadburner's take was the same as the writer's on the Mini Paceman. I know that RB and I both really liked the "larger" Countryman. I put quotations around larger because the Countryman is one of the smallest of the small SUVs. Not sure where that puts the Paceman, but it appears to need its own category.

I know there was a time when Richard was considering the FJ Cruiser. Toyota certainly made an effort to harken back to those old mid-70s Landcruisers. Sales are way off, but Toyota may have a hard time finding an appropriate marketing niche. I'm not even sure which cars are the FJ's true competitors. Nissan Xterra? Jeep Wrangler?

As for the Nissan Versa Note. Note to Nissan: back to the drawing board.

Gogiboy

graphicguy

gogi...thanks for that CNN article.

I noticed the Acura RLX is on the list. Not surprising, given I remember seeing it/sitting in it, at the Chicago auto show right before it hit the showroom. At the time I remember thinking to myself ,"I hope Acura didn't spend a lot of money on this total redesign, as it won't sell."

Understand, this was hot on the heels of Acura not being able to sell the previous version of the RL, except in embarrassing numbers.

Now, just for grins, I priced out an RLX (using Chicago zip code) on Truecar.com and see there are dealers offering the "BRAND NEW REDESIGNED" RLX for $10K+ off MSRP.

Brand new redesign, only been out a few months, and $10K discounts. This is not good for the RLX. It's an Acura. I'm sure it's not a bad car. But, apparently it's not a good $55K-$60K car.

Acura is going to have to do something with it....and do it very quickly.

gogiboy

"It made me wonder, what percentage of the population really know how to buy a car? I bet it is around 5%"

Driver--

It doesn't surprise me I suppose. After all what percentage of the total population are as well informed (or is it "confrontational") as the group on this forum?

I think a lot of people are either "scared" as you suggest or just too busy to put in the most minimal effort researching.

If that seems bad, think about the large percentage of folks who bought houses with zero down and no notion about their ability to pay back at the top of the market in 2007. We all know that housing values always go up!

Last night there was an extremely sobering program on Frontline about how few baby boomers (my demographic) are even close to prepared for retirement. Many, many Americans have not the slightest notion about 401ks, IRAs, or compound interest. They have no sense about diversification, compound interest, etc, etc. The folks interviewed would have been considered middle class 25 years ago. Some had lost jobs, some suffered divorces, others had to borrow from the 401ks to get out of bad loans. Some had medical issues that sapped their assets--something I definitely have a greater appreciation for than a week prior.

If consumers can't be persuaded to put more time and thought into their own retirement small wonder they can't be bothered to research car prices. Part of that research should be whether a new(er) car is even financially feasible or responsible.

I guess I'm equally sympathetic and outraged if that's possible.

Gogiboy

snakeweasel

I would say everyone knows how to buy a car just give money to a dealership and they give you a car. It's so simple even an Edmunds poster can do it.

Now if you're asking how many know enough to get a reasonable price and/or the price they want. I would say 30 to 40%. Those who can get that price without spending all day at the dealership? Maybe half of those.

gogiboy

GG--

Don't you think it's mainly full speed ahead on the MDX and everything else seems to be getting short shrift at Acura? I would have thought the ILX would have also made the list. That's a mighty expensive Civic.

I see the MDX came out of the IHS partial offset crash with very among the highest scores. One of my former students just bought a hail damaged Acura TSX Wagon with 4K on the clock. It looks good and probably will last forever, but must be struggling against competitors like 3 series wagons, Volvo wagons, maybe even Subaru wagons for those who want/need AWD.

Gogiboy

gogiboy

Michaell--

I'm glad to hear that your father's toughness got him through it. His fall came at an age 21 years advanced beyond my own. I salute his grit and determination. It's much harder recuperating than I would ever have guessed.

Next hurdle for me comes today: Staple removal.

After that: return to job and physical therapy.

All the best to your dad.

Gogiboy

Michaell

Thanks for the good wishes. He's been retired for 20+ years now; he spent the first 13 or so working at the local golf course in exchange for free greens fees.

An attack of Shingles when he was 70 or so prevented him from spending lots of time outdoors, so he had to give up golf. That, more than anything, has affected his outlook. He stays busy puttering around in the garage - he's an accomplished wood worker.

mako1a

Next hurdle for me comes today: Staple removal.

When its done you'll wonder why you were even worried about it.

Think band-aid removal times the number of staples. Not much pain and certainly nothing to fret about. Sure hope the internal healing of the hip goes well. Dave

sterlingdog

Thanks to all of the guys here for their well wishes. I'm much better now. I can actually sleep in bed now. I spent two weeks propped up on the sofa at night. Some of you were so right----coughing, sneezing, and laughing are all inducers of some real pain.

Fezo---Hope the test results return good news.

Richard

driver100

I don't give these lists much value in the real marketplace, but I thought the rationale used seemed valid

Thanks for the list Gogi, I thought it made for interesting and entertaining reading.

Some of the cars were surprising because I thought they could be fairly good, such as the Dart, Avenger/Chryco 200. I thought their low price made them bargains, but not if they are so technologically inferior.

The reviews for the Fusion Hybrid have been good, but paying $8000 more for a car that will go 20 miles on battery power just doesn't make sense.

Panning the Lincoln MKZ was interesting......you can buy a Fusion with the top end options and get the same car for $1000s less.

Other cars mentioned were interesting too. I had a rental Nissan Versa and I thought the same as the CNN people. Cheap and absolutely no fun or enjoyment value.

Thanks for taking the time and sharing...if you see top 10 best cars let me know.

Well, there's one positive thing about you being laid up - you found a good article to read and pass along.

driver100

I can actually sleep in bed now.

Glad you are feeling better these days. Whatever happened with trading your Sebring in for an MG? btw...is the MG an automatic or a manual?

I doubt if you will want the MG, but are you still considering trading the Sebring?

sterlingdog

"I would say 30 to 40%."

That sounds about right to me. Still, I'm amazed at people who don't try. My sister and BIL are both physicians. When they buy cars, they pay sticker minus whatever the dealer will give them for the trade. These two people are certainly bright enough to do maybe 30 minutes of research. My advice to them always falls on deaf ears. I don't even try now. It's their money to do with as they see fit. I always get the excuse that they are too busy to research car information. My view is that most people take the time to do what they want to do.

Since someone mentioned the issue of retirement, I'll say this. Just be sure that you can live a long time on what you have. Some paper and pencil work is a MUST. When we decided to retire, we ran the numbers on what we were currently making against what we would have coming in----pensions, Social Security, investments, etc. We also had to factor in inflation and higher medical costs. You don't just decide one day that you're going home, regardless of the number of years that you have worked. One final piece of advice: Never, ever count on inheritance down the road. Too many things can happen to money that isn't yours.

Richard

sterlingdog

Thanks for the kind words. The guy still wants the convertible, but I don't want the MG. It's in good shape, but I can't enter and exit that kind of car now, plus it's a manual which leads to more physical difficulties.

I know that we'll trade the Sebring in sooner or later, but for what? If I did it today, I would consider the Honda Pilot or the FJ Cruiser. Sales for the Cruiser have not been good nationwide; however, the dealer here can't get enough of them. He had three last month and now they are gone. My wife likes the new Mercedes---says it would fit her size and taste perfectly. I'm not opposed, just sort of lukewarm.

I read in a publication entitled "24/7 News", that Volvo is expected to leave the U.S. in 2014. It said that the company had only accounted for 0.3% of all car sales in the U.S. this year. It also mentioned a steady 10 year decline in U.S. sales. I always liked the Volvo, though I never owned one. IIRC, the article also mentioned the decline of the Nissan here in the states. Naturally, if all of this is true, the situation bodes well for U.S. car makers.

Richard

abacomike

Thanks for the kind words. The guy still wants the convertible...

So glad to hear you are doing well, Richard. I've been off the boards here for quite a while as I am in the hospital with some serious disc problems in my lower back. My sincerest wishes to you for continued improvement.

I missed your posts badly and look forward to your great input and feedback.

Stay well Richard!

Kirstie_H

OK, this has GOT to stop!!
Could you guys just not get sick and/or injured for awhile? If I didn't know better, I'd think some of you were prepping an excuse to get out of helping hand out Halloween candy or hosting Thanksgiving dinner.

Seriously... heal up, y'all.

abacomike

Could you guys just not get sick and/or injured for awhile? If I didn't know better, I'd think some of you were prepping an excuse to get out of helping hand out Halloween candy or hosting Thanksgiving dinner.

Thank goodness the mind hasn't begun to deteriorate and it's just the body starting to go at this point in time.

I turned 69 on October 10th and my mind is still quite good. Dad turned 91 last week (22nd) and even though his mind is deteriorating quite rapidly, he is physically like a 50 year old. I would rather have a few physical limitations than dementia or Alzheimer's.

robr2

I read in a publication entitled "24/7 News", that Volvo is expected to leave the U.S. in 2014. It said that the company had only accounted for 0.3% of all car sales in the U.S. this year.

I don't think Volvo is going anywhere. They are introducing the V70 wagon, an redesigned XC60 and a new XC90 in North America next year.

isellhondas

At the store where I worked, we had TWO FJ Cruisers traded in with less than 1000 miles on them.

Both customers cited HORIFFIC rear visibility! One guy said he nearly ran two cars off the road because he couldn't see them.

Drive and check out before you buy!

I didn't even know they still made them.

explorerx4

Volvo's are the most popular brand on my street and at least 3 of them have been purchased in the last year. 19 houses, 11 Volvo's, mostly S60's.

isellhondas

Eleven Volvos???

Oh well, monkey see monkey do!

People who buy Volvos are either fiercely loyal or say they would never buy another one.

No middle ground!

houdini1

I have also heard that. I have also heard that they are extremely rough riding with a very firm suspension...not good for all of our bad backs.

Yes Richard, I like their looks, but take a good long test drive.

oldfarmer50

"...heal up y'all..."

And they say the Buick dealer is god's waiting room.

I probably shouldn't mention that my allergies have me sneezing so bad that I've had a nose bleed all week.

[Deleted User]

Okay, not funny. Three members with skeletal issues this month. Mike, if you're in the hospital, the problem must be quite serious. What kind of treatment are the physicians thinking, or prescribing? Take care and I wish you a speedy recovery.

sterlingdog

Mike, what in the world is happening to all of us? I'm so sorry to hear your news. I'm sure that your pain has been something to endure. I hope that you can get some relief and feel better soon. Hope your dad is doing well. Who's looking out for him in your absence? Though you definitely needed a break as the caregiver, this is not the way to enjoy it. I'll keep you in my prayers. It's great hearing from you.

Richard

driver100

***These two people are certainly bright enough to do maybe 30 minutes of research.

30 minutes to save a few $1000s. Because I knew the real trade in value of my wife's 335 I got $24K for it instead of the $20K the dealer offered.

***We also had to factor in inflation and higher medical costs.

Remember prices will probably double every 10 years. So if a restaurant meal costs $15 now, it will cost $30 in 2024.

***Never, ever count on inheritance down the road.

Getting an inheritance is a bonus...shouldn't be counted on.

There was a family that had fancy cars and a big house. A lawyer asked the wife what her husband did for a living. The wife said he was a waiter. The lawyer said , what restaurant does he work in. The wife said, oh, he doesn't work in a restaurant, he's a waiter.....waiting for his 93 year old mother to die.

driver100

OK, this has GOT to stop!!
Could you guys just not get sick and/or injured for awhile?

lol....I think we are all falling apart. The same thing is happening with my tennis group, we used to be able to keep score.....now, we often forget what the score is, or what day of the week it is. We may have to pay some little kids to keep score for us.

driver100

Both customers cited HORIFFIC rear visibility! One guy said he nearly ran two cars off the road because he couldn't see them.

How did he do that with poor rear vision? Was he doing 80 mph in reverse?

abacomike

we used to be able to keep score.....now, we often forget what the score is, or what day of the week it is. We may have to pay some little kids to keep score for us.

Driver, not to worry yet! But when you play a doubles match and you yell "FORE" every time you hit the tennis ball, it's time to hang up the racquets next to your baseball mitts and bats in your garage!

abacomike

Mike, if you're in the hospital, the problem must be quite serious. What kind of treatment are the physicians thinking, or prescribing? Take care and I wish you a speedy recovery.

Right now, it looks like an epidural shot at L4/L5 lumbar area then home, I hope. The MRI showed 2 herniated discs there. Sooooo, hopefully that will fix the problem.

sterlingdog

I'm inclined to agree with you. With three new intros, it doesn't sound as if Volvo would be abandoning the US. As we always say, you can't believe everything on the net.

Richard

sterlingdog

I know that you're right about the visibility. I tried one out a few months ago. While I enjoyed the height and the front visibility, I certainly had to use the outside mirrors to view the sides and rear. It did have a lot of power and pick up. I love the design and choice of colors, but I imagine that logic will overpower my desire.

Richard

stickguy

the new owner has deep pockets.

And the US is still an important market for them.

just hope if they do leave, it is announced after I have sold my S40!

Michaell

Gee, since we're sharing....

I have an appt next week with a dermatologist. They are going to take a biopsy of a sore on my cheek next to my ear. My PCP thinks it might be basal cell carcinoma.

If true, then I'm supposed to schedule what's known as a Mohs procedure to have all the cancer removed. Might also need some plastic surgery to fix the possible hole in my head afterwards.

Just what I need, another hole in my head. In this case, literally. :-)

Get well, everyone!

bwia

Could you guys just not get sick and/or injured for awhile?

Well I dismissed my doctor's advice to take a flu shot and for the past two weeks I have been sick like a dog. It seems as though I've been run over by a Mack truck and my throat is parched and on fire. Not to mention the coughing and runny nose, I feel like crap.

And if that is not enough, the 2000 Nissan Altima that I bought in April was stolen. The police found it wrapped around a telephone poll--totalled; no comprehensive insurance.

Thank goodness the Redsox has brought some joy in my heart. Sorry Kirstie and other Cardinals fans we needed that to atone for the marathon bombings.
Boston Strong.

Stay well everyone

driver100

! But when you play a doubles match and you yell "FORE" every time you hit the tennis ball,

lol Mike.........but isn't that what you are supposed to do...we do that now!

Hope you are back and over this one soon.

driver100

. While I enjoyed the height and the front visibility,

Richard, have you considered the real deal?

You can probably pick up a used Hummer for very little these days.

Of course people may stare at you as if you were some kind of pariah, but, few are going to mess with you.

driver100

They are going to take a biopsy of a sore on my cheek next to my ear.

Good luck Michael.....these things are anxiety inducing procedures, but, they seem to be pretty common these days. We are so lucky to have the medical knowledge we have today. My father got to 91 and my mother 93.....I think they lived about 20 years more than they would have without modern medicine.

Hoping for the best....and if you do need plastic surgery they will make it so no one will ever know.

snakeweasel

OK there are a few dealerships within walking distance of my work and I go by two of them on my lunchtime walk. One just happens to be a used car dealership (one of those franchised ones) and as I walk by I see a 1960's MG Coupe sitting there. So curiosity got me and I took the ten steps out of my way to take a peek at it. While it wasn't exactly in mint condition it certainly did look good.

Well anyway as I was looking through the window a salesman approached and asked me if I was interested, I said no and that I just saw it sitting there as I was walking by and wanted to take a look. The salesman said it is priced to sell and that they can even finance the whole amount at a low rate. I said sorry I just saw it and wanted to take a closer look. I did ask what was wrong with it and he asked why I thought that there was something wrong. I just replied because it's an MG, the guy just smiled and nodded.

Can't blame the guy for trying.

Anyway happy empty hotdog day everyone.

Empty hotdog day? :confuse:

Yeah, you know "hollow weenie". :shades:

driver100

Well I dismissed my doctor's advice to take a flu shot and for the past two weeks I have been sick like a dog.

I used to get sick easily but I have had the flu-shot now for about 30 years, and it seems to work.

You may have got the flu even if you got the shot, it takes two weeks to take hold.

We had this debate last year about whether or not to get a flu-shot......hopefully you will have saved someone from needless agony. There is absolutely NO downside to getting a flu-shot, in fact it could make your heart stronger (the theory is the flu could do some damage to the heart). They find people who have a flu-shot have significantly less damage to their heart.

Quote from Forbes:

, people who’d had the flu shot were at a much lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and death: about 36% reduced risk. People who’d recently had a heart attack were 55% less likely to have another cardiac event if they’d gotten the shot.

Site: http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2013/10/23/how-the-flu-shot-could-cut-o- nes-risk-of-heart-attack-and-stroke/

robr2

Quote from Forbes:

, people who’d had the flu shot were at a much lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and death: about 36% reduced risk. People who’d recently had a heart attack were 55% less likely to have another cardiac event if they’d gotten the shot.

There may be a correlation but even the researchers say the data is murky. It could be something as simple as people who bother to get a flu shot tend to be more aware of their general health and eat better/exercise more.