Stories from the Sales Frontlines

robr2

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

Back when the feds dropped the 55 mph national speed limit, Montana went to a daytime speed limit of "reasonable and prudent." According to wiki, the speed limit now is 75 mph.

There is a highway in TX where the speed limit is 80 or 85.

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.

One article I read said that Florida is back to it's pre-recession employment levels. But the jobs are no longer in construction, manufacturing or professional services. Nursing and healthcare, retail, tourism and food services are the biggest areas of employment. Construction is still way below it's 2006 peak and construction is centered around health care and not housing.

Michaell

Back when the feds dropped the 55 mph national speed limit, Montana went to a daytime speed limit of "reasonable and prudent." According to wiki, the speed limit now is 75 mph.

Not only that, but the fine was something like $5.

There is a highway in TX where the speed limit is 80 or 85.

I-15 in Utah - south of where I-70 connects - is marked with a 80MPH speed limit. However, the limit drops to 65 when going through towns. And, it's heavily enforced.

abacomike

Not sure why I have been away but I’m here now.

I just got home from the hospital after 3 weeks due to a herniated disk, and I opened up the forum and the first thing I saw was a post from *jmonroe. What a sight for sore eyes. I'm just relieved that you are OK and that you were merely on a hiatus like Richard was.

I have been away myself for a while - but I usually just monitor what's been going on. Good to hear from you!

As for the Genesis, weren't they just recalled for a braking problem?

robr2

Not only that, but the fine was something like $5.

During the time of 55 mph, the $5 wasn't for speeding - it was for wasting natural resources (ie gas) as that was the reasoning for the spped limit.

Today the fines range from $20 to about $100.

jmonroe

Hey guys, thanks for the welcome back.

‘farmer’…the 2013 Genny 6 cyl. has 333 HP. Pretty anemic compared to the V8 that now has 429 HP. My ’09 V8 has a mere 375 but it’s a 4.8 liter compared to the 5.0 now. I feel kinda cheated.

‘mike’…I hope you’re feeling better after the disk surgery. Son #2 had some herniated material removed just about a month ago. The second time for this in 2-1/2 years. He now knows (I hope) that just because his back is not giving him a problem he shouldn’t be moving refrigerators like he did about 3 months ago helping a friend.

As for the Genesis, weren't they just recalled for a braking problem?

Yes, the Genny has a recall for the brakes. When Mrs. j heard about this she called our worthless dealer and they said a recall notice will be sent out soon. That was at least 3 weeks ago. To their credit they did say that I could make an appointment before the recall letters were sent out. I’ll probably do that pretty soon because I think I’m on their sh** list and they’d just as soon rather not deal with me.

jmonroe

fezo

I posted as a new topic to get the emotorcons.

Frosty in Florida. Just what you need.

"Being "old" doesn't necessarily mean being valuable. Just look at me....Grin." - You beat me to it. BTW, I have nothing against your cars and would gladly accept one or both. You've talked me out of the house so I guess all that's left is the money.

good to see jmonore back - excuse or not.

One more thing to add to the list of disasters over here. My oldest daughter had a nervous breakdown last night. She had a lot of pressure on her and I know was afraid of what might transpire today so if it was going to happen this was the time. Until she gives me a passcode the hospital she's in won't even say she's there or not. As if I didn't have enough on my plate.

jmonroe

Until she gives me a passcode the hospital she's in won't even say she's there or not.

I hope she gets over this quickly.

I don’t know about the rest of you guys but I’ve had it up to here with all of this PC and privacy crap especially when it come to matters about the family. The bad guys have all of this info anyway so who’s kidding who?

jmonroe

Kirstie_H

Starting in with the grumbling already?
Good. At least we know that means you're not an imposter

robr2

I don’t know about the rest of you guys but I’ve had it up to here with all of this PC and privacy crap especially when it come to matters about the family.

The issue fezo is facing is that she is over 18 and thus an adult. The privacy laws were enacted to keep insurers from peering into our medical records and to protect patients from estranged or dangerous relatives/friends.

Yes he is her father and can prove it. But without her authorization, the law says he can't have a say in her treatment.

Michaell

jmonroe, let me also add a hearty welcome back.

I'll be curious as to how you're treated by the Hyundai dealer after the experience you had with them on the XG.

I'm more interested now since I leased a Hyundai Elantra GT last week - I prepaid for all the maintenance visits over the next 3 years, so I shouldn't have any problems. (knock on wood)

houdini1

Glad you finally made bail monroe...we can't afford to lose anyone here. Welcome back.

mako1a

I’ll probably do that pretty soon because I think I’m on their sh** list.

Don't feel all alone on that scenario. My wife has been called to clean-up duty a few times after I made a mess of a situation by being right even though the other guy wasn't ready to be wrong.

JM, Mustang GT is still the best bang for the buck in Horsepower. I was late for a doctor appt and Mr SS Camaro took it as a come-on. (I'm too old for this stuff, but it sure is exhilarating).

fezo

Visiting hours are very limited and she sounded like all the pressure that was in her popped. She sounded better than she has in months. I asked her about the facility because I was all set to pop her somewhere else but she says she likes it, it's clean, she's eating which had been a problem and they've taken her off all medication except one while they evaluate. The one they'd be crazy to take her off of. She's a fragile kid who was handling a lot of responsibility and then took on the toxic boyfriend and managed to get that mixed in with work. We're out a grand or so plus an irreplaceable family heirloom that no doubt got hocked for drugs but the people here are all in one piece. Everything else is just things. Even the heirloom.

I hope to see her for a little on Sunday. She's gonna be OK.

HPPA laws indeed. It was inconvenient but I'm happy her privacy is protected (he says on an Internet bulletin board).

sterlingdog

Steve, I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. Having had similar experiences with two family members, I know that it is very painful for your daughter and for you. Her family will need a lot of patience as she works her way through this. Be prepared that this could take several months of therapy sessions, plus the trial of various medications until the one is found that helps her. These medications won't come without certain side effects, so it could be a long road until recovery. As with your illness, this, too, will take some time. You have always had a positive outlook and this may help your daughter quite a bit. I'll be thinking about you; keep us posted on the progress.

Jmonroe: If Steve's daughter didn't sign a HIPPA form, it will be difficult for him to get much information regarding her treatment. Even a spouse could be in the dark without the necessary permission granted. It's a sign of the times in order to keep certain persons away whose intent is to bring harm rather than help and concern. I realize that privacy issues today seem to have gone a bit to the extreme, but we have to realize that technology has enabled the world to know more and more about us as individuals. Certain protections are now vital to our interests. If you go into the hospital, be sure to list the person or persons who may be informed about your condition and treatment. You'll have to decide if Mrs. Jmonroe is enough or if you wish to include one or more of your sons.

Richard

oldfarmer50

"...won't even say she's there or not..."

Thank HIPPA for that. As usual when the gov't tries to fix something they screw it up more. My younger son also suffers from a moderate mental illness and we have been frustrated many times by "confidentiality".

At least she is receiving treatment and is safe for the moment. Good luck. You are only as happy as your unhappiest child.

houdini1

fezo, farmer hit the nail on the head when he said, "You can only be as happy as your unhappiest child". The Man up above must know how strong you are. You have certainly had your share of trials.

Hang in there my friend. You deserve some good news, and I am sure that it is on the way.

explorerx4

Fezo, You certainly have a lot of challenges in your life, but you always seem to work through them.
It will be important for your daughter to eliminate the 'toxic influence', so she can move forward with her life.
If it takes a restraining order, hopefully not, it has to be done.
Sorry to be so blunt, but in our extended family, it works.
Hopefully, it won't come to that.
Wishing your family the best.

fezo

She has been fighting against filing for a restraining order. I expect that to change.

nyccarguy

Jmonroe - welcome back my friend! Good to see you & know that all is well.

Fezo - you want me to take care of this "toxic boyfriend?"

driver100

We're leaving on a cruise December 20 from Tampa. When we return on the 26th,

Fantastic...have a great cruise. You will be going under the Sunshine Bridge....I love that bridge, it is well worth the $1.50 it costs to cross on it.

I'd be there to wave you goodbye......but we return to Canada from Dec 14 to Jan 3. I'd have loved to meet up with you and your wonderful wife.

driver100

As if I didn't have enough on my plate.

You are the strongest guy I know of. I don't know how you get through all the stuff you deal with....and stay so positive.

You are my hero.

(Frosty in Florida....lol)

bwia

GM is at it again. Just saw the 2014 Buick LaCrosse and I can't believe the MRSP on the V-6 model is north of $47K. The LaCrosse resurrected the Buick line in the US and now GM is pricing it out of reach. Talk about killing the goose that laid the golden egg.

oldfarmer50

"...take care of this toxic boyfriend?..."

So you deal in cement shoes as well as plumbing supplies?

nyccarguy

cement shoes? No because they could eventually find the body. It has to at least look like an accident as not to arouse any suspicion:)

tjc78

I just looked at the LaCrosse and to be fair there is a lot of content that my full boat 2012 doesn't have. Adaptive cruise, cross traffic, bigger wheels, and that ultra luxury package for 2500 isn't gonna sell. Heck adaptive cruise is usually $1000 option standalone

I see about a realistic 2500 price increase over the 2012 but most of that is from all the extra equipment. This was configuring as close as I could to my 2012.

fezo

Look like an accident? Now you're talking! Sometimes you need a New Yorker....

robr2

Just saw the 2014 Buick LaCrosse and I can't believe the MRSP on the V-6 model is north of $47K.

Huh?? The FWD base model with the V6 is less than $34K. If you tick everybox it will crack $48K.

graphicguy

Fezo.....you ARE DEFINITELY strong guy. Keep the faith!

None of my business surrounding the circumstances, but regardless of my child's age, if someone is hurting them, physically or mentally, the offending party is slated to have a very bad day when I step in. No, I'm not a "tough guy"....until it comes to the people I love. My son is at the very top of that list.

J....I went out to dinner last night with some friends. One had just bought (leased?) an Equs. Since he just got it, he drove. I was impressed. Those are some nice cars. I was a passenger, so hard to tell how it drove, except he goosed it a couple of times, and it felt quick. It rode well, and had a ton of "stuff", like most luxury cars.

I fall more into the sport end of cars. But, I can certainly see the appeal of the Equs.

abacomike

I had to take the Mercedes in to the dealership this morning to have them replace my wiper blades (they covered it under warranty, luckily) and I saw a new Mercedes CLS 550 in front of the showroom. It was a sharp looking car, so I sat in it to get a feel for it. It is a 4 passenger 4 door coupe (much like the new BMW 6 series 4 door coupe) but the interior of the car is actually smaller in terms of seating comfort, headroom and shoulder room.

The General Manager of the dealership saw me in the car and walked over to me and commented that I could trade out of my 2014 E Class for around $25K, including tax and fees. It sounded interesting, so I took it for a spin on I-95. It handled beautifully and the 400+hp twin turbo V8 sure provided more than enough power - tremendous torque. The ride was not dissimilar to my E Class and the CLS is built on the same chassis as the E Class. MSRP was $81,800 and was loaded with just about every option (including Park Assist where the car parks itself - down here in Florida, I haven't parallel parked in over 10 years - a waste of money down here, for sure). It was a very good riding car on the interstate and seemed a little better riding than the E Class.

In any case, it was a NO SALE for me, at any price. Just not the right car for me.

My E350 just turned 7 months old and has 6000 miles on it - hardly broken in - but that hasn't stopped me in the past - as most of you guys already know.

My car's computer shows that it will be due for it's first A Service in 160 days - on or about April 1st, which would be 12 months since it was purchased. I know most of you have side bets that I won't get an oil change (which is usual for me), but I intend keeping this car until the redesign in 2015 as a 2016 model - or about 18 months more, at the very minimum.

When I get my oil change and A Service done, I'll post it so you guys who bet against my getting an oil change on this car can fork over your money to those who believe me this time.

oldfarmer50

"...configuring..."

Speaking of which, is the Edmunds web site still glitchy or has my computer gone bad?

Just tried to do some pricing and TMV research and it was totally unworkable.

What's going on? The Ford price and build site worked fine.

isellhondas

In the town were I grew up, "they" had a way of dealing with "toxic boyfriends".

Very quick and efficient too.

sterlingdog

When I wrote my post to you, I didn't realize that there was a toxic boyfriend in the mix. I think that nyccarguy is the perfect person to solve your problem. To keep it car related and on topic, might I suggest the following strategies: 1. Failed brakes 2. Loose steering 3. Loose lug nuts 4. Stuck accelerator 5. Cabin carbon monoxide

Like GG, I'm not a tough guy at all, but I know how to pay to have something done. There are many missing bodies from New York and other northern states right here in my county. We have a large river and swamps that run through my town along I-95. Those swamps provide an excellent dumping place for unwanted garbage. We also have some locals who work contracts for very reasonable amounts. I'm with GG; touch a loved one of mine and that's your last act.

Richard

jmonroe

J....I went out to dinner last night with some friends. One had just bought (leased?) an Equs. Since he just got it, he drove. I was impressed. Those are some nice cars. I was a passenger, so hard to tell how it drove, except he goosed it a couple of times, and it felt quick. It rode well, and had a ton of "stuff", like most luxury cars.

When I was at the local Hyundai dealer about 3 weeks ago to get some oil filters for the Genny (still haven’t learned not to do an oil change myself). I have to go to the dealer for these because the local auto parts don’t have them but they can order them from a company I never heard of and they would be more expensive to boot, so I go to the dealer. I know, I digressed, but when I was at the dealer the SM saw me and told me that deal he offered to give me back my 3 grand still stands and he could do even better on an Equss. He wanted to unload one but I was not interested. I got the filters and left but he offered once again to make me happy whenever I wanted to trade the Genny. If I got an Equss it would not be the 4 bucket seat variety with the huge permanent rear entertainment console. It would be the standard model with rear bench seat and the fold down entertainment console

If somehow I did get another Hyundai it would be the 2014 Genesis R-Spec with the 5.0L, 429 HP V8. That’s a long shot and it would have to have a good ride. The reviews for the 2013 say they are harsh riding but that is in the rear end of the guy in the seat so who knows how it really is until your rear end is in the seat.

Like I said before, I’m getting Mrs. j warmed up to seeing a new piece of sheet metal in the garage and she is just thrilled about that.

jmonroe

bwia

I saw a new Mercedes CLS 550 in front of the showroom

With your herniated disc, for a moment there, I thought you were looking at the CLS for some sort therapeutic relief. A car perhaps with creature comforts such as vibrating seats with a massager, heating & cooling, lumbar and back support. For $81K you should be able to get that and more.

explorerx4

Mike,
Along that therapeutic line of thinking, how about getting a doctor's note that you need it for that reason? Then you could write it off as a medical expense.

driver100

vibrating seats with a massager, heating & cooling, lumbar and back support. For $81K you should be able to get that and more.

For $81K the car should come with a personal masseuse (probably Swedish).

snakeweasel

Does anyone know how I can complain?

The best way would be to return their renewal notice with a letter stating that this is the reason you are not renewing.

Other than that not much use in complaining because they already have your money.

snakeweasel

Welcome back.

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

Well things are going good now. We were a little worried as the wife has some relatives still in the Philippines but all are well. The son in law was sent by the Army to the Philippines a few months ago to help train Filipino soldiers in the war on terror, we were wondering about him too. He is OK and is helping on the relief efforts now.

But for a while we were worried.

abacomike

Mike,
Along that therapeutic line of thinking, how about getting a doctor's note that you need it for that reason? Then you could write it off as a medical expense.

The kind of therapy I would have needed if I bought another new car isn't provided by a massage therapist - but rather by a psycho-therapist! Although the thought of a massage for my back 3-5 times a week doesn't soind like a bad idea, to be sure. I can just picture myself laying on my stomach and a massage therapist "manipulating" my aches and pains - what more could a guy ask for?

snakeweasel

The issue fezo is facing is that she is over 18 and thus an adult. The privacy laws were enacted to keep insurers from peering into our medical records and to protect patients from estranged or dangerous relatives/friends.

Not to mention that in a case like this it could be part of her treatment. Not saying that you had anything to do with her condition but having relatives and friends hovering around her in her room may not help her in her recovery.

Let the doctors do their jobs and I hope for a speedy recovery for your daughter.

snakeweasel

Look like an accident? Now you're talking! Sometimes you need a New Yorker....

No, Make it violent and public. Make it a warning to others and have your crooked friends in the police department run interference for you. That's the Chicago way.

snakeweasel

You could do that, it would give the IRS agent that nixes that something to talk about for years to come.

sterlingdog

They should have enough to talk about for years right now.

Richard

fezo

You guys have too many good ideas. I'd be all set were it not for my own moral and legal concerns.

oldfarmer50

Up until today I was jealous of my wife as every week she received a mailer asking to buy back her PT Crusier for big bucks due to the "incredible demand" for them LOL! But now that has changed.

I got a mailer from the owner of my Mitsu dealership himself telling me that they want my Eclipse and I should talk to the owner himself for a great deal. Wow! I'm honored. They also said they wanted to put me in a new Mitsubishi for the same or lower payment that I had now.

I may take them up on this offer since I made my last payment in January and currently am paying $0/month. A free car? I'm there.

Seriously though I did see that Mitsu has a new little car (Mirage) for about $13k that might make a nice city/commuter ride. 40mpg is impressive even though it looks to be slower than a snail.

Oh, also I have a question for driver 100 or any other Canadians. Can you get me that bobble-head doll of the crack smoking mayor from Toronto? Also, during an interview, Ford's brother was defending him and used the term "he's got short pockets". That's not a phrase I'm familiar with and my wife is buggingbme to "ask your friend from Canada" what it means.

Note to hosts: even though I started a new message there are still no emotorcons.

tjc78

My Grandfather used to use the term "he's got long arms and short pockets" to basically say someone was cheap. I guess literally to mean he has the money but won't spend it. Not sure what was the intent of the way used in the interview.

jmonroe

***** I'd be all set were it not for my own moral and legal concerns. *****

If this place can see a "feel of the road" BMW buyer go to another brand you can be tweeked, given enough time.

Have you seen any improvement with your daughter yet? I had a cousin, back in the early 90's, have a nervous breakdown and a month later he was his old self again. To this day he shows no signs of the problem. I hope this is the case with your daughter too.

jmonroe

nyccarguy

I tuned into Saturday Night Live for the 1st time in years last night. They had a skit about the mayor from Toronto that had me laughing hysterically! The comic who payed him could've passed for Ford's twin brother.

oldfarmer50

"Note to hosts: even though I started a new message there are still no emotorcons."

Now that's odd. When I posted that there were no emotorcons at the bottom of the page so I typed in as a substitute. When the message posted, lo and behold, the emotocon was there. What's the deal-e-o?

Edit: wow, there they are again. So that's the secret. Now I'll just have to figure out how to type in the confused, the angry, the puzzled etc. ;(

snakeweasel

Seriously though I did see that Mitsu has a new little car (Mirage) for about $13k that might make a nice city/commuter ride. 40mpg is impressive even though it looks to be slower than a snail.

Well it's only 74 HP and 74 lbs of torque so don't expect much but for an urban commuter car how much zoom do you really need?