Stories from the Sales Frontlines

sterlingdog

I hate that you had to have those tests under those particular conditions. Still, I'm glad that you had them. Since the colonoscopy was clear, you should be good for ten years before needing another one. As for the prostate test, that needs to be an annual event. Knowing you, I'm sure that you are overdue for another one of those. Keep a check on it; it's important.

Richard

sterlingdog

Thanks for that link. It was very helpful.

Richard

sterlingdog

"...or didn't know anything about the situation at hand..."

What an astute observation----and so true!

Richard

imidazol97

>>Our President out of touch with mainstream America?
>Say that isn't true!!

I said it was true based on body language before the 2008 election...

snakeweasel

I kind of like being able to say "I have to go to NAPA to get some STP for my CTS ASAP."

Sandman6472

Enough with the political nonsense...it's really getting old already and just remember, two can play at this game! better to stick to cars...something we all know about!

The Sandman

isellhondas

" it's really getting old already"

Oh, give me a break! After two posts, it ended!

And, yes, two (or more) certainly CAN play! All we would need is a new and approved forum.

Probably a bad idea....nevermind.

Kirstie_H

True - it was extremely limited, and didn't go very far down any road. No biggie.

And yes, it would be a terrible idea, for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that neither I nor any other host has a desire to moderate a discussion that's all road rage, all the time.

isellhondas

And....nobody would be able to convince anyone of anything anyway.

[Deleted User]

all road rage, all the time.

Reminds me of driving in Los Angeles.

isellhondas

I remember driving the LA freeways quite well.

I can't fathom the fact I did this in my little 40 H.P. Volkswagen Beetle and thought nothing of it!

sterlingdog

LOL! At least I followed that one.

Richard

sterlingdog

"...something we all know about!"

The great thing about this place is that we all know so much about everything! (grin)

Are you still moving those cars around the country?

Richard

sterlingdog

Just hosting this crew is exciting enough. Tom would be so proud of you. You have been the best host(ess) to run this thread. I still miss Tom and Mack. They were two wonderful people---just like so many here.

Richard

tjc78

"When I purchased my new 1989 Lincoln, no other Ford car came even close to its design"

And to think it was at the end of its life cycle. 1990 was the redesign year. IMHO the 85-89 LTCs are timeless in their design. I still kick myself in the [non-permissible content removed] for selling mine.

oldfarmer50

"...that passing out seems to happen fairly often..."

It's called idiopathic syncope when there's not an identifiable cause like Isell's blood loss.

Speaking of passing out, what's this I hear about the mayor of Toronto smoking crack?

oldfarmer50

"...they'll run you about $1500..."

Come again? I usually pay that for my cars not suits. I currently own one black JC Penny suit which works well for both weddings and funerals. Paid $200.

About 40 years ago I did splurge on a tailored suit and it was nice. I had to hob nob with neurosurgeons and politicians back then and looking good was important. Now, I dress like a bum and nobody cares.

As to the president, if only he'd do a good job I'd buy him a suit.

graphicguy

Not really a country music fan, but all this talk of driving in CA reminded me of this.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2zE9cot3jY&sns=em

explorerx4

Is RR best dressed because he is credited with bringing back the brown suit?
Just happens to be the same color as your favorite.

driver100

what's this I hear about the mayor of Toronto smoking crack?

This is from the Daily Show, Monday November 4th. Great explanation of the whole thing...and it's hilarious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1dzpgLQHKM&noredirect=1

This incident does make you think though. The Mayor of Toronto is a far Right Wing Conservative, who ran on the campaign "Stop the Gravy Train". He has saved the city billions of dollars and continues to cut waste, for one thing, getting rid of unions when possible.

Do you prefer a guy who doesn't get drunk in public and who has a substance abuse problem, or a guy who runs the city well, probably the best mayor in that respect in a long time?

driver100

It's called idiopathic syncope when there's not an identifiable cause like Isell's blood loss

Thanks for identifying an unexplained fainting spell....I looked that up and there was an interesting explanation at;
http://www.oucom.ohiou.edu/communications/familymedicine/archives/2004/2736%28FM- %29.htm

Sometimes these are harmless (like from getting up too quickly), but, sometimes they can be serious (like if it is a heart problem).

fezo

As many will recall back in January of 02 I was having terrible headaches and pulled an isell - "Oh, I'm all right." Went to work, muddled through, played a gig with my band for over 200 people (incidentally, endorphins area amazing; that whole gig I didn't hurt at all). The on January 18 I had a seizure. The headache turned out to be a series of several ministrokes (TIAs). I was fortunate to have the seizure at home. It could have easily happened on the road with my whole family in it.

Don't worry about looking silly. Twice I almost died from ignoring symptoms. No more.

Meanwhile, I don't think Lincoln can survive. What they are doing is so similar to what GM did to Oldsmobile except that Olds made distinctively looking cars. They have left their old, traditional customers to consider and the younger crowd isn't interested and won't be. Cadillac has done the opposite. A Caddy still looks like a Caddy - very distinctive - while they advanced to really compete with the Germans. It's not like me to say "bravo GM," but I'll say it for what they're doing with the Caddy.

BTW - those last Oldsmobiles - Intrigues and such still look distinctive and still look like they belong on today's roads. It's a shame they bungled it.

sterlingdog

"I still kick myself in the [non-permissible content removed] for selling mine."

So do I!

Richard

sterlingdog

"I usually pay that for my cars not suits."

LOL! At least you remember that nice tailored made suit after 40 years. There's just something about them that you never forget---knowing you, it was probably the price. (Grin)

Richard

sterlingdog

LOL! I forgot about his brown suits. No, not really. Being physically fit helped him to wear his clothes well. Also, he was really good at picking out his own shirts and ties. He also had the benefit of the Hollywood experience, plus Nancy's influence.

Richard

Sandman6472

It's a sarcastic answer like this that led me to leave this discussion last year...guess things have not changed! Time for me to lurk again as I am here for fun, not for anything else.
Later folks...the Sandman is outta here!

isellhondas

Actually, I didn't think my response was that sarcastic and I apologize if you took it that way. I didn't know you were that thin skinned.

Seriously, I really wish you wouldn't take your ball and go home.

I didn't think my response was THAT bad. I got your message, I agreed with you and the political stuff ended.

Sorry your feathers got ruffled. That wasn't my intent.

Sandman6472

It's not being "thin skinned", it's just that there's a time and place for such stuff. I was brought up to never discuss one's religion or politics and I do try to keep away from that stuff whenever possible and at the first sign of it, I tell the others to basically knock it off and if not, I just leave as I hate any kind of confrontation no matter how small or large...I just flee! Words can be very powerful and they leave a lasting impression, either good or bad, depending on which side of the fence one is on.
I think it best to lurk awhile as I am simultaneously reading about 40 forums in here and it's all getting a bit too much now! I love Edmunds because of all the car talk...anything else and I don't like it as there are plenty of other forums and sites if politics and stuff like this floats your boat. It doesn't do it for me as cars are my passion...always have been and always will be!

The Sandman

Kirstie_H

They really were great, and like you, I miss them both. (and thanks for the compliment. It's a lot of fun for me.)

houdini1

Kirstie, how has your move worked out? Are you enjoying your new digs?

Kirstie_H

Great!
For starters, we're finding the house to be of superior construction than our old house. In the old house, interior finishes were great, but the build quality was just OK. The latter is a lot easier to fix, and we've already changed out al of the low-end light and plumbing fixtures. Just a few towel bars to go.

Second, it's great that visiting family & friends doesn't involve hours of driving and packing a bag. 10-15 minute drive everywhere, and we're in an area of town where it's close enough for family to make a planned trip to see us, but not on anyone's way anywhere - no surprise drop-bys.

Third, and possibly most important - upon our return, the Missouri Tigers have decided to have a stellar football season.

isellhondas

" I hate any kind of confrontation no matter how small or large"

Boy, you SURE wouldn't have liked being in the car business or growing up in the town where I did.

But, I do understand and I'm sorry you felt you had to "flee".

Again, sorry. I had forgotten how sensitive you were.

I do hope you return to the conversations soon. you do have a lot to add.

imidazol97

>I can't fathom the fact I did this in my little 40 H.P.

I saw a VW Van, early, early model that looked narrow hustling down the interstate in Columbus at 50 mph. It had a sticker on the rear window, not on the paint because it was clearly a show car, that said, "0 to 60 in 5 minutes."

imidazol97

>Lincoln survive

In the western edge of Detroit toward Ann Arbor the number of Lincolns is amazing. And there are many other Ford products present on the road and in driveways.

But I'm always stunned by the numbers of Lincolns, sedans and SUVs.

imidazol97

>Miss them both...

I have hundreds of emails from Mack in my personal account and I can't bring myself to delete them.

explorerx4

There are lot of employee deals on the road in the Detroit area.
Lincoln is coming out with an Escape based new small CUV.
It's the MKC and it's probably going to do very well.

snakeweasel

I was brought up to never discuss one's religion or politics and I do try to keep away from that stuff whenever possible and at the first sign of it, I tell the others to basically knock it off and if not, I just leave as I hate any kind of confrontation no matter how small or large

A discussion about politics or religion between two or more people of opposing views doesn't have to be confrontational. I have had many conversations of the like with people that had opposing views where we were both respectful of the other and while we debated and disagreed it never went to name calling or shouting.

If people on both sides act civilized and respect the other side discussing religion or politics even if the two sides strongly disagree can be enjoyable.

snakeweasel

It's the MKC and it's probably going to do very well.

It looks pretty nice for a CUV, I think it might do well depending on what under the skin.

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lincoln-mkc-concept-detroit-2013/#photo-165902/

houdini1

Glad to hear that the move is working out...GO TIGERS !!

nyccarguy

Howdy there audia8q! Snuck in to see us, did you? How's it going? How's your dealership doing with their no haggle pricing?

nyccarguy

Hey Craig! You are freakin hysterical! I can just picture you biting your tongue when you post over on the "Accord Prices Paid" forum.

Just replying to your last post over there about what you'd do if someone tried to pit you against another dealer or if you knew another dealer was going to pull "bait & switch" or some other game. Last year when shopping for a friend who wanted to lease a VW Tiguan, I encountered lots of this & a salesman who is probably the closest thing to what it would be like buying from you. He didn't give me the lowest price right off the bat. I could tell in his email that he was genuine & sincere. He knew his product line backwards & forwards. He was honest & very down to earth. He offered to answer any questions I had along the way. This guy was so good, he knew what dealer was going to pull what tricks. I was glad in the end that my friend bought from him.

One of the things that you said a long time ago is to think long term when it comes to making a car purchase. It isn't a "game." There's real money & people's livelihood at stake. Does it matter if you grind every penny out of the dealer? No. Does it matter if the dealer "screws you on the trade?" No. What matters is that you are happy with the car.

What can you do to change the dealership experience? Obviously the dealerships have compensated for the "smart shopper who knows the invoice & the holdback". By offering more products than ever in the F & I office, making a huge profit on used cars, & of course their service departments.

bwia

As a former model, I detest a Brooks Brothers suit. It lacks comfort, drape, and formulation (formed fit to the body).

Hey Richard, I didn't know you were a former model. Did you do it locally or were you on the runway in Milan, Paris and London? Or was it a different kind of modeling all together like our former Republic senator Scott Brown from Massachusetts. He said he did it for the money to pay for law school, but in his second run for the senate, he came up short. (insert giggle icon here)

sterlingdog

LMAO!!! I only modeled clothes---not underwear or less! Started locally in high school and branched out to cities in the Southeast during college. Atlanta and Miami were probably my biggest gigs. The modeling, along with my scholarship and working in the college library, really helped pay for my education. My parents had three to send to college with some overlapping, so I tried to do my part. My mother had an old friend in the clothing industry. When I was in the 9th grade, he put me in a teen modeling show. It also helped that I was tall and slender so I could wear most any garments. When the Edwardian look came in, I got a lot of calls. I could wear the double breasted coats without my stomach sticking out. Believe me, that wouldn't happen today. I'm now fat, bald headed, and two inches shorter in height. My great nephews saw one of my modeling pictures when they were here for the summer. They asked my wife who I was. Time does take its toll. (Grin) And no, I never fell off of the runway, though I saw one guy take a tumble. It wasn't pretty; he broke his leg. They used to say to keep your head high and look out over the audience. Still, you had to watch where you were going.

Richard

oldfarmer50

"...fat, bald headed and two inches shorter..."

So what your saying is I could be a model now?

You shouldn't ruin that which the imagination give you.
Here's how I picture you:

http://caseykoester.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/douglas-fairbanks-jr-31.jpg?w=50- 0

imidazol97

>model

I picture Richard64 more like this:



or this...

Sandman6472

No problem really but yes, I often "flee" when there is any kind of confrontation as I hate it totally. Sensitive...yes, especially this week as I finally had to switch crews at work due to my boss's unfairness towards me. I was always the last to be called to work and his "favorites" were always called and I finally had enough so I confronted him with it. He told me in front of everyone that he doesn't have to be fair and if I am not happy, I know what to do about it. So I texted him yesterday to try to come to some kind of compromise but he wouldn't move an inch, so I left and went to the other crew, something no one has ever done as they all do the opposite. Not sure how it'll all play out but my new boss is happy and says he'll work me fairly, the only thing I ever asked for. I don't have to be called every time there's work but don't always call me last as a second thought. We shall see.
So that's why I've been a bit sensitive this week as I do not like change one bit and now I've changed my whole work dynamic in a matter of 2 days! I need a few days to relax and take this all in!

The Sandman

houdini1

Don't worry guys, some day hats will make a comeback and we can model those.

isellhondas

Sandman,

I know we come from different backgrounds and you probably wouldn't have liked the lifetime career I have had in retail management.

Confrontation and change was always there and I knew if I was unwilling to not only accept change but embrace it I would have been quickly replaced.

In this case, the story is simple. You worked for a boss who simply didn't like you and who knows why? Life usually isn't "fair" and when the handwriting is on the wall, it's usually time to move on. Red flags were being waved.

I do hope your new gig works better for you. Being unhappy in a job is never a good thing..

I think you'll be just fine.

driver100

Well, we made the 1400 mile journey from Toronto (land of the crackhead mayor - who has done more to put Toronto on the world map than anyone) to the Tampa Bay area....did it in 2 days, one night. takes about 23 hours of actual driving time.

Two things come to mind;

1) Is the idiot behind me in the passing lane - I can't go faster than the 10 cars ahead of me, but, he has to swing over two lanes and then try to nose into the space ahead of me. Risking his life and innocent people all around to move up one car length.

2) Some places advertise gas for $2.99. No matter what the advertised price is I never paid it. It is always at least 10 cents more a gallon. I think you have to buy with cash and probably have a secret card issued by the gas company to get that advertised price. It's very deceptive - the sign should give the details.

btw, McDonalds coffee is pretty good, and in some states, like Tennessee, it was $1.06 for 2 seniors coffees.

driver100

Why do those large signs at gas stations say "Diesel $3.68" and "Unleaded $3.09"?

Why don't they just say "Gas $3.09"? I mean, why "unleaded", isn't all gas now unleaded?