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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • Sandman6472Sandman6472 Member Posts: 7,218
    Understand completely also as we also have econoboxes, Mazda3 and a Civic. Just got home from driving a 325ci and a 325i and was very impressed. The 2008 sedan drove much nicer with the 6 under the hood and even at just over 52k, it drove very nicely. The 2005 drop top had over 88k and was in worse condition with tremendous cowl shake and flex over some bad road imperfections...but there is a difference between these lux vehicles and our "pedestrian" vehicles, one just has to decide if the extra lux is worth the additional expense. At our stage in life, I have decided that it is worth the extra expenditure for us to be more comfortable and for that enjoyment factor...also saw a '08 TSX and it looked very nice but I prefer the last generation more. Right now I am looking for a "toy", preferably a drop top, that I will use when the weather is nice out...sort of like that mid life thing even though I just turned 59. I want to have some fun and am finally in the position where I can afford something not that expensive. I went to see what I thought I wanted but it was a bit too rough even though the price was dead on...it just needed to much to pay that price. Will need to pay a bit more for one with less miles and better cosmetic condition but I am fine with that as I don't need to do it today...or even tomorrow. When I find the right vehicle, i will know it and move forward with the purchase. And living in South Florida, there is an abundant supply of likely candidates for my search...it's just finding the right one which will take some time.

    The Sandman

    2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Take your time.

    Most of the fun is in "The Hunt".

    You'll know when the right one comes along.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    How it got here is an unknown since we don't have a Tesla dealership anywhere remotely near me.

    You don't need a dealership. You can buy them and they don't need to do much too them once you buy it. They can usually fix it while it is at your home...via computer. The only thing you need done are computer updates...leave it outside once a month, new tires and brakes.

    I still think they will sell out to one of the larger companies...hard to compete with bmw, the money behind them and the connections worldwide.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    We seem to be crawling with them around here! Saw three just today!
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    We seem to be crawling with them around here! Saw three just today!

    I haven't seen any Tesla's in Florida...probably the wrong age demographic for our area. But, ut times I have seen one and sometimes 2 a day back home.

    A Tesla is probably a good car to lease, and it would make a big impression on a businessman's clients. Not much to wear out so you could buy back if you wanted....and you get the buy back price down low enough after claiming it for tax expenses each year.

    Even if you are paying $600 a month, depending on tax bracket...that may be like paying $400 a month in real after tax dollars....then buy it back as a second car at the end of the lease.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    edited November 2013
    $600/month on 70K+ car? Really? You believe that? Or is it $400/month now? Perhaps it's really free? Or wait, they actually pay you to own it? ;)

    Allright, I was just kidding. But seriously, it does pay off to read the fine print from time to time. I looked at Tesla website and it indeed has the number $600/m, but it is AFTER deducting cost of gas (savings) AND tax credits. The actual lease payment is almost $1000, which makes much more sense on $70K+ car, doesn't it?

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    The actual lease payment is almost $1000, which makes much more sense on $70K+ car, doesn't it?

    I had no idea what the lease price would be for a Tesla...I was just saying that if you can write it off...it is like paying 1/3 or even (in Canada) almost 1/2 less by the time you claim it (depending on tax bracket). There is a big advantage if you can claim the payments. In other words, the car is a lot less expensive to lease...if you can claim it, as opposed to a regular working person buying such a car.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    Howard Stern said he heard am/fm radios won't be installed in new cars in a few years. It seems he was exaggerating a little, here is a more factual article;
    http://www.mnn.com/green-tech/transportation/blogs/automakers-may-kill-am-and-fm- -radio-in-two-years

    But, one thing he did say that is true....everyone thought he was crazy when he left terrestial radio and moved to satellite, but, it turns out it was a brilliant move.

    With all the ways you can get music today, it may seem radio is a bit crude. However, it is a way to get local news, traffic, up to date sports info, and talk programs.

    My own opinion is that radio will probably change a lot to do the things it can do better. It may become more personalized and immediate. You'll listen to satellite or Pandora etc., but if you want local news or weather you will flip to a radio station thet provides it.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    Sat radio's days are numbered, too.

    More and more "celebs" are going the PODCAST route, where you can listen to whomever you want, whenever you want, via phone/music player/internet device. I like listening to Jay Mohr, NPR All Things Considered, Leo LaPorte (tech guy), NPR TED Radio, among others. I download them all at the beginning of the week. And, throughout the week, I play them on my iPhone.

    I even have a podcast that I play to helping me learn a foreign language.

    I not longer get a newspaper. All of my news comes via internet or WEB cast.

    The only Sat or terestrial radio I listen to are sporting events...and that's only when I can't watch them on TV.

    Medial is changing dramatically. It's just a matter of time when Howard Stern is going to find himself on the outside looking in. Of course, when he signed the big Sirius contract, he assured himself that he wouldn't have to work.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    Sat radio's days are numbered, too.

    I agree. Technology is changing so rapidly. I think there will be a big jukebox in the sky and you will just request the songs you want.

    News weather sports will be continuous and you will just go to the weather, news, or weather station you need...at any time...not at the top of the hour.

    Talk radio....could also be continuous, special stations for that.

    It is impossible to predict the future, changes are coming so fast. We just got a 55 inch TV for Florida home, it is internet ready, easy to set up, great picture......price, $750! (and that's before Black Friday)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Wait a minute now....are you guys suggesting that I should throw away the box of 8 Track tapes I have in our garage?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,535
    I loved 8-Tracks.... It's those darn cassettes that I can't stand!!

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  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,675
    >I should throw away the box of 8 Track tapes

    Give them to your local flea market. They have hundreds there.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    are you guys suggesting that I should throw away the box of 8 Track tapes

    lol.........................you're just a high tech kind of guy!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    Craig...you know the adage...."hold onto something long enough and it will go from trash to treasure". Although, I have to really wonder about 8 tracks.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    .."hold onto something long enough and it will go from trash to treasure"

    In the case of 8 tracks that day will be long after we are all gone. I really miss how they would eat up tapes and you would get a long string of tangled tape, that you would try to rewind.

    Cassettes weren't much better, that little narrow band of tape eventually got eaten by the cassette player. We've come a long way. I was listening to music with a $20 mp3 player and headphones, and I heard sounds on the recordings that I had never heard before....and the sound is crystal clear...no winding hissing noises.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    I'm still waiting for that "long enough" date to arrive. I've got trash that, after 4 decades, simply refuses to turn into treasure.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Before 8 Tracks we had 4 Tracks and, yes, I had one. It was a Muntz.

    Those tapes get brittle with age and they will make a miserable mess in your player.

    We thought they were cool at the time though. I even hooked mine up to my Vibrasonic unit.

    How many of you remember THOSE?
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Vibrasonic unit ?

    That sounds suspiciously like those "magic fingers" that used to be in motel rooms.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Nope, they were made by Motorola.

    Sometimes called "reverb".
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I think it's a Reverb. I had one in a car once. It was like an echo chamber.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    Speaking of satellite radio, Sirius/XM has switched my favorite channel XM 17 to all Christmas music. I don't mind a few Christmas tunes on Christmas day but all day and all night Holly music from early November is way over the top.

    Does anyone know how I can complain?
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    Does anyone know how I can complain?

    I complained last year and they emailed me a polite but stupid reply about how it was just temporary - hope I don't mind and have a nice day.

    I listen to channel 17 too, and really resent that they use it for Christmas music 24/7. I like two songs an hour maybe, but constant?

    Go to their website and check for contacts. I did mine on the Canadian site...maybe if enough complain they would consider it. I think they skip ch 18, so why not use one channel and just change it with the seasons...you could have Easter songs and Halloween (play Bobby Boris Pickett and the Monster Mash all day long).

    On long trips I prefer my USB stick - and that is why satellite radios days are numbered.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • tcp2tcp2 Member Posts: 66
    edited November 2013
    I would think that numerous retail outlets use sat radio for background music on their stores. Seeing as Christmas marketing begins Nov 1st as soon as Halloween displays are cleaned up, they need a source for the music. Sirius is providing it.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    "Does anyone know how I can complain?"

    Sounds to me like you just did....

    Yes, today's trash is tomorrow's treasure but not in the strict sense of tomorrow....

    Along the same lines (Richard should appreciate this) yesterday's fashion might be tomorrow's fashion - but it isn't today's.

    Sandy - hands off drivers cars. I have dibs. I don't want Richard's car. I'll settle for his house or a substantial cash payment....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I would think that numerous retail outlets use sat radio for background music on their stores. Seeing as Christmas marketing begins Nov 1st as soon as Halloween displays are cleaned up, they need a source for the music. Sirius is providing it.

    Channel 17 is the only "pop" holiday music channel available. I presume they take over that channel as it is the low numbers and impacts the least number of listeners.

    BTW, I hope any business using SiriusXM as their background music uses the proper service. SiriusXm for Business is a higher priced service that pays royalties to the artists and offers commercial free stations. Playing music in a store or restaurant is considered a public performance and as such requires the payment of royalties.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,491
    "Does anyone know how I can complain?"

    Don't bother. Sirius/XM doesn't give a rat's rear end what you think. They've got your money already.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I would imagine that it will be some time before 8 tracks become a "treasure". Even the 45's and 33 and 1/3 rds aren't bringing much in the antique market.

    My wife and I had a good laugh the other day. We were in an antique store and spotted a set of multi-colored mixing bowls. They were identical to a set that we're still using today---46 year old wedding gift. The demand for "older objects" is certainly an interesting arena. Being "old" doesn't necessarily mean being valuable. Just look at me....Grin.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Does anyone know how I can complain?"

    You could pray about it. (Grin)

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "I complained last year..."

    You old Scrooge! I could listen to the seasonal music 24/7.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I'm crushed. I thought that you liked and wanted my cars. As for the house, you may not want it either. By the time that you pay the heat bill, the gardener's salary, the housekeeper's salary, and the occasional plumbing and electrician's bills, this old monster may deplete your pocketbook. I remember years ago when my MIL asked us if we wanted her to leave us her antebellum home. I said only if you leave us enough money to keep it going. Many people don't realize that an inheritance can cost you a fortune. As for a cash settlement, I'm planning on spending it all or my nephew will have his own plans.

    Richard
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Not sure why I have been away but I’m here now.

    Fortunately everything is fine with me and the family, so really no excuse for this at all. Although I have been helping Son #1 with his recently purchased second house, I can’t use that as a good excuse either. If I didn’t know any better I’d say he bought a fixer-upper but that isn’t the case. He just wants to fix it up his way. He keeps saying things like, “why would anyone put this switch for that light there when it should be over here”. If I told you how much wire he ran in the garage for lights and receptacles you’d think I was pulling your leg. He has more three, four and five way switch set ups than an industrial warehouse. He almost doesn’t have to do any more than reach out his arms while standing in any given spot in the garage and poof, a light goes on or off.

    I see that we have a ‘sterlingdog’ posing as Richard and I’m sure it has been explained somewhere. So, if someone can point me to that post that should be some interesting reading.

    I’m starting to get the itch for replacing the Genny but not sure what it might be. Of course Mrs. j is thrilled about that but being the spoiled brat that I am I’m sure I can pull it off.

    One more thing, what’s with the emotorcons? I haven’t seen any. Did you guys stop paying your dues while I was gone, or what? Don’t tell me this is a free posting site now.

    l hope all is well with all my old poster buddies.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    >With all the credits, you can buy a Volt in the mid-twenties. Then you need a >charging station which takes it off the list for quite a few folks.

    Actually you don't. It comes with a charger that plugs into a regular 120v outlet. It takes longer to charge, but it works just fine. You don't have to spend money on a charging station (240v) if you don't want to.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Well, I'll be dipped in "sugar"...jmonroe is back!

    And he didn't even have a good excuse for being gone!
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,618
    "Not sure why I have been away but I’m here now."

    Excellent!

    Welcome back.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Well, at least I had three excuses for being gone four months, and you show up here with none?! No one is going to tell you how I got the new tag name. Your punishment is to go back and read the 5,000 posts that you missed.

    Actually, I'm so glad to "see" you again. We all really did miss you. Please don't pull this again without warning us. I know that I'm one to talk. I'm glad to see that Mrs. Jmonroe didn't divorce you, though I wouldn't blame her.

    Welcome back old buddy!

    Richard
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,198
    "...wanted my cars..."

    Hey, if you're giving stuff away I need a convertible to complete my collection.

    Scratch that, I'd rather have your suits.

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,198
    "...not sure why I've been away..."

    No explanation necessary. Who among us hasn't done a little time in the greybar hotel. Your break out went well and that's all that matters.

    I too miss the emotorcons.

    Wife's rich relative just bought a Genesis with I'm guessing the 3.8L. He says 330 hp. Is that right?

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    You old Scrooge! I could listen to the seasonal music 24/7.

    I tried channel 17 today just to see what they were playing and it was.......
    ..................wait for it,..............guess..................Frosty the Snowman!

    Next time I checked it was a Winter Wonderland!

    Give me a break, at least if it was Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano, or Little St Nick The Beachboys, or Rockin Around the Christmas Tree Brenda Lee, or Wonderful Christmas Time by Paul McCartney, or Mary's Boy by Boney M.

    But....Frosty the Snowman!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    l hope all is well with all my old poster buddies.

    Welcome back! Nice to hear from you again. Guess you won't be getting another Gennie - after the oil incident.

    We'll help you find a new car.

    Short answer is Richard couldn't comeback as himself, had to get a new name, and emotocons are gone until a new supplier is found.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    Emotorcons are not available when you reply to a message.
    I've been opening another session, then copying the Emotorcon into the first session where I am posting a reply.

    Copy the following and save as a .TXT file and open, copy and paste as needed.

    Smiley:
    http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxico- ns/emotorcons/emo_smiley.gif

    Frown:
    http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxico- ns/emotorcons/emo_frown.gif

    Grin:
    http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxico- ns/emotorcons/emo_grin.gif

    Mad:
    http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxico- ns/emotorcons/emo_angry.gif

    Cry:
    http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxico- ns/emotorcons/emo_bawling.gif

    Tongue:
    http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxico- ns/emotorcons/emo_tongue.gif

    Wink:
    s-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxicons/emotorcons/emo_wink.- gif

    Surprise:
    http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxico- ns/emotorcons/emo_surprise.gif

    Blush:
    http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxico- ns/emotorcons/emo_blush.gif

    Confused:
    http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxico- ns/emotorcons/emo_confused.gif

    Sick:
    http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxico- ns/emotorcons/emo_sick.gif

    Shades:
    http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxico- ns/emotorcons/emo_shades.gif

    Lemon:
    http://static.ed.edmunds-media.com/edmunds-webassets/1.49.168/img/forums/webxico- ns/emotorcons/emo_lemon.gif

    :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,336
    XM usually ends up with 4-5 different holiday stations (varies year to year). Not sure what regular stations get bumped, but it has never been anything I normally listened to. Stuff life the "luv" songs station?

    I remember country, classics (bing crosby), traditional, and Holly (the newer, "fun" stuff).

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,336
    The emotorcons are still there. you just have to use a new post, not a reply.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    Copy the following and save as a .TXT file and open, copy and paste as needed.

    Easy for you to say!

    Us old guys don't do that kinda stuff.

    Thanks for trying though.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    Copy the following and save as a .TXT file and open, copy and paste as needed. ;)

    Easy for you to say! :sick:

    Us old guys don't do that kinda stuff. :shades:

    Thanks for trying though. ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    but it has never been anything I normally listened to. Stuff life the "luv" songs station?

    That's about the only one that I can listen to for an extended time....17 Love Channel. Softer popular songs.

    Other channels might play 2 or 3 decent songs, then something I don't like, so I just go to USB and play the music I approve of. I offered Sirius my services to run a channel for them - didn't hear back.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    J.....good to see you back. More importantly, glad to hear you're well.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,589
    Speed limit on major highways in Florida are 70 mph. I-75 is an example. They are talking about raising the limit to 75 mph. Probably not a bad idea since most people are doing 80 any way.

    We were on the road yesterday at 5 p.m. on hwy 301 where the limit is 55. There were cars going 80 there and some cars were racing others as they zigged in and out. That is a serious offense back home...they call it racing and it is serious. I saw a guy in a pick up truck race to get through a red light, and by the time he got to the intersection the light was red for at least 2 seconds.

    The article in the newspaper said at one time there wasn't a speed limit in Montana. Now it is 80!

    Florida is supposed to be hard hit by the recession. I have never seen so many cars or so much construction going on. A lot of the intersections have 2 lanes to turn left, and there can be 10 to 20 cars in each of the left turn lanes.

    What is going on? :confuse: :confuse:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    LOL! If I don't quit gaining weight, I just may have to give you those suits.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Give me a break..."

    I do like your selection of Christmas songs. If you can get pass Frosty, I imagine that they will play your choices.

    I'll be down your way during the holidays. We're leaving on a cruise December 20 from Tampa. When we return on the 26th, we're heading for Sarasota to see some old friends.

    Richard
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