Stories from the Sales Frontlines

driver100

Shell premium or Costco premium. There you have it. He diagnosed the problem right there. Costco gas.

Gigi, if it wasn't such a pathetic answer that would be humorous!

And why don't all the other cars on the road that have Costco gas in them have the same problem.

I have no mechanical knowledge or ability but I think that guy is buying time and hoping for a miracle.

Michaell

Gee, I wonder what cardoc3 would make of this situation?

(ducking for cover now)

jmonroe

*** I had to laugh. Here is a man who knows everything about plumbing, wiring, auto repair, etc. and he can't post a picture on this forum. Neither can I but I have an excuse---I'm technically challenged. ***

To be honest, I think we know you have more challenges than technical but I’ll let it go with that (where is that damn emotorcon?).

*** Since everyone at home had said that I would never find the replacement valve, I couldn't wait for them to see my success. ***

I’m happy to hear you found what you needed.

Back in the mid 60s though the early 90s there was a hardware store like you described not too far from where I lived before we moved to SC in 92. When we came back to the Burgh in 97 the placed was closed. The old timer that owned it for umteen years decided to finally retire and neither of his two sons wanted any part of the old store. So, that place is now a beauty shop/nails/piercing/tattoo center. Gee, just what I needed when I wanted a REAL hardware store.

jmonroe

Kirstie_H

I have to agree with both you and Dino. Ridiculous. Most people who have been driving for ages have gotten a bad tank of gas, or had moisture in the gas tank, but several of you have pointed out major issues with the diagnosis of "you're using the wrong brand."

If Audi required a specific brand of fuel, why is that not listed in clear print in the owner manual? And, I suppose that means that individuals living in an area without said brand of gas should simply not buy Audis. AND, we should presume that all Audis using the non-recommended brand(s) of gas would be subject to the same fate - failure of a non-fuel related part.

sterlingdog

Speaking of old technology, I remember so well those 16 mm projectors for home movies. Actually, my experience came as a school teacher. I used to thread those projectors by hand, around several knobs and through funny channels like a snake. Being technically challenged, it took me a good while to learn how to do it. After a couple of years, I got really good at it. I even learned how to splice the film when it broke and rethread it. I really amazed myself. They later came out with what they called the self-threaders for projectors. They didn't always work well. There were many times that I had to be the self-threader.

Then came the old Beta recorders. I was the first teacher in my school to use one. My students were amazed at first that you could record a TV program and watch it the next day. I was pretty amazed myself---and amazed that I could learn how to use it.

Years later in the 90's, they introduced distance learning. I was also the first teacher in our county to teach over the internet. It was a strange experience----me alone in a classroom and my students many miles away. I didn't enjoy it as much as having actual contact with my students.

When I was promoted to the board of education, I heard of something called "email". My boss bought me a computer. It was the most fascinating machine ever. I really saw a lot of changes in my 40 year career.

Richard

sterlingdog

Since you had to purchase the new laptop, I'm sure that Edmunds will give you credit on your dues for the next ten years. (Grin)

Richard

oldfarmer50

"...my broken S4..."

If anyone needed to start buying hoopties, it's you. Take $10k and spread it over three or four older cars. You can beat on them without caring if they break and if something doesn't work quite right you just shrug your shoulders and say "hey it's a hooptie".

Sometimes having low expectations is a good thing.

mako1a

I really saw a lot of changes in my 40 year career. You forgot the wheel and the wedge, Richard. (smiley guy).

Weather has been rough here all day and it's headed to NY, PA, etc. The weatherman said 6 inches of snow or 3 inches of rain. We got the latter by one or two degrees. Tomorrow should be fun as it all freezes tonight.

I was looking forward to snow to test the new (to me) 4WD Silverado.

sterlingdog

Driver, I'm so sorry to hear about your family situation. You are so right about not mixing money and family together. As you know, my BIL stole money from my wife, along with some acreage at the farm in Alabama. I was finally pushed to get an attorney. I really blame my deceased MIL for the problem. She should never have left the farm jointly to them both without specifying exact land boundaries. When people make Wills, they need to give careful thought to not only what they leave, but how they leave it.

You worked so hard to build a new business for yourself and later your SIL. It's a shame that he is not the business man that you were. I see this so often with children. There are some fine young people who work hard and can manage money. Then there are those who can't. Best of luck to you.

Richard

explorerx4

Good luck with your trip and remember to take your time.
One of my kids is driving from Ohio to CT tonight.

sterlingdog

"...look at a company like Blockbuster."

You're correct. It reminds me of the Bombay stores across this country. I had a friend who was pretty high up in the corporate office. I was so surprised when they went out of business. My friend explained it this way. Daddy died and the two sons took a joy ride across America. The father had built up a good import business with good products and decent prices. What a shame to see it all gone within three years of his passing.

Richard

sterlingdog

"Why not? Family is family and if they can't depend on you, then who?"

Well, they might try depending on themselves. Though a novelty these days, it's what my generation was taught. I love my small family but I have friends that I would trust more with my money and property. My situation may be the exception, but I have to wonder based on the things that I hear these days.

Richard

sterlingdog

Nyccarguy's family is a prime example of what made this country great. They are so blessed to have a fine young son to carry the business forward. He's also good at finding missing people. Grin.

Richard

murphydog

Robr - I do use the same dealer for service, however I drive the car so little it is a once a year visit, and I always decline anything that is not specifically called out in the service manual. I can't believe I would be in the system as "high value" based on my frequency of visits.

Truthfully this is likely the last year I will have them perform the service. I actually like to tinker under the hood, replace brake pads and other pretty straight forward stuff…though I am looking forward to seeing the 2015 C class - Perhaps I will have a purchase story to share this spring…

explorerx4

Example of what made this country great? You mean it's not the Kardashians?

graphicguy

Some answers....

Michael....the problems with the Cadillac stemmed from the fact it was my late Mother's car ( she could no longer drive, and it fell to me to rectify). It was broken from the day she bought it. And, she was getting the run around by the dealer.

The Audi was originaly bought by my former GF. It ended up being my car, for a variety of reasons. It was indeed bought in Chicago....new. It has been serviced in Cincinnati. It's being servived by the Audi dealer furthest from me. Markincincinnati buys his from the closest dealer....two different dealers. I blame the district, not the dealers in this instance.

Not sure if I have to deal with the selling dealer. Any Audi dealer SHOULD be able to deal with the issues, I hope.

Headed out tomorrow for Chicago....early a.m. Be back over tbe weekend. Taking the dealership's loaner. Will deal with it next week.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my Edmunds friends, be they U.S. Citizens, or from other areas. I give thanks for you all.

robr2

Not sure if I have to deal with the selling dealer. Any Audi dealer SHOULD be able to deal with the issues, I hope.

Any Audi dealer should be able to deal with the issues. But if you decide to pursue lemon law, it has to be through the state you bought the car through. Look in your paperwork - you most likely signed a lemon law disclosure.

Or did your former girlfriend buy it? You might be SOL there if you bought it from her.

sterlingdog

Here is a puzzle question for you. I never have to sign in or sign out of Edmunds. How do I do it?

Richard

sterlingdog

You mentioned 10 cars in your post and none were domestic. If you were forced to buy a domestic, which one would you purchase?

Richard

sterlingdog

Congratulations on the new job. You quoted $9995 for the car. If a buyer knocks at your door, what would be the bottom line?

Richard

sterlingdog

Let me know how the Silverado does in snow. Though I like the F150s, I am also impressed by the Silverados. We've had rough weather as well. Our temps have varied so quickly. One night it's in the 20's and the next night it's in the 40's. We've had heavy rain all day and strong winds. We're under a tornado watch until 1 AM.

Richard

sterlingdog

If this weren't a nice forum, I'd tell you what I really think of that family! They are a prime example of what is wrong in this country.

Richard

sterlingdog

GG, I wish you the best with the Audi situation. The district rep certainly insulted your intelligence. I know nothing about cars, but even I would have been pissed at his remarks. Some of these company service people really think that the consumer has fallen off the cabbage truck. I had similar remarks said to me during my process of complaining about the Cadillac DeVille. It was a lemon from the start and nothing will ever convince me otherwise. I've had the new Cadillac for two years now. It has been an absolute dream. I think that all makes of cars have their lemons from time to time. Keep us posted.

Richard

graphicguy

Thanks Richard. I must be mellowing. This kind of stuff used to make me apoplectic with craziness!

Robr....I did indeed purchase the car from the former GF, and she bought it (using me as the documented finance vehicle) in IL, not our home state.

That said, I didn't sign any lemon law doc. Just like I didn't when dealing with my late Mother's Caddy!

Warranty is warranty. It's transferable. So, if they want to go to battle over where the car was purchased, and whose household purchased it, I'll oblige with a fight.

BTW...while posting, just finished watching "Bullitt" on TCM. Great acting (Steve McQueen), great location (SanFrancisco), great chase scene (Mustang Bullitt 390 vs Dodge Charger 440)!

nyccarguy

Thanks as always for the vote of confidence! So many people come into our store and simply say: "thank god there are still stores like this around."

My store is probably set up like your fiend's hardware store. We've got a counter & you have to be waited on. We've got old, wooden bins & rolling ladders. Truth be told, its a dump (keeping it PG for the rules). It works because people come in, look around & say: "wow, look at all this cool, old stuff." Then there are other people who think that because I don't have a fancy showroom or computers at the counter that certain things shouldn't cost as much as they do. Cracks me up when they try to play "let's make a deal" or tell me "cash, no tax, right? The other plumbing supply I go to never charges me tax."

BTW, when it comes to my uncle, we believe it is best to stay on the straight & narrow.

My Dad has some good lines for these imbeciles:

"No tax? No problem, call 311 (city agency hotline) and ask for Mike (Bloomberg). If he [non-permissible content removed] its ok, then let me know."

"The other store isn't charging you tax? Well somebody as to pay it, and he's not taking it from his pocket, so it must be in the bill somewhere. Check my prices."

robr2

Robr....I did indeed purchase the car from the former GF, and she bought it (using me as the documented finance vehicle) in IL, not our home state...That said, I didn't sign any lemon law doc. Just like I didn't when dealing with my late Mother's Caddy!...Warranty is warranty. It's transferable. So, if they want to go to battle over where the car was purchased, and whose household purchased it, I'll oblige with a fight.

All I'm saying is that you should check out the laws regarding invoking the lemon law. You bought it used (technically) and bought it out of state. Audi has an out based on the former and can make it hard for you based on the latter.

One thing you may want to consider is taking it the original dealer - it may be in a different district and that DM might be more sympathetic than the first. I'd also continue to bring it into any dealer and keep complaining about the MMI and the binding. Using gas as a reason is pure BS and you should escalate it as far as you can.

driver100

There are some fine young people who work hard and can manage money

True, and I remember your situation well.....and I thank you for your comments. I think it is worse than being a bad business person - I think he got used to having a $200K line of credit and he got carried away. I assumed a Master of Business would know how to manage money.

Thank goodness his family stepped in and forgave some of the money he owed them. What a mess, he probably owes about $200K but his family will deduct it from his inheritance. Our daughter will have to try to work more to keep things afloat - she is a doctor, his other business is fading. So, he is in his 40s and will have to find something. It was really due to poor accounting and spending....Accounting 101, don't spend what you can't cover yourself for if things go wrong.

roadburner

This morning I had an appointment to have my blood drawn for my annual physical, so I decided to drive the 2004 X3. As I was heading out of the driveway the "4X4" warning light popped on, signifying a fault in the transfer case. Rats!

So after the lab visit I decided to stop by the dealer and see what my service advisor though. He said that if I had a few minutes he could hook it up to the scan tool and see what was wrong. About thirty minutes later he looks me up(I'm drooling over a CPO 135i M Sport) and tells me the score: "There were three weird fault codes that didn't seem related. I could clear them all and you probably wouldn't have another problem. However, the BMW parts warranty on the case is still in effect(some of you may remember that this dealer installed a new one last year) so I'd rather just go ahead and install a new transfer case rather than risk clearing the codes and have the case fail outside of the warranty period. How about I get you a loaner and I should have the X3 ready by Friday." He then proceeds to obtain a loaded 535i xDrive for a loaner, and while we are walking up to it he apologizes because it hadn't been washed yet.

Another reason why I'm EXTREMELY reluctant to switch brands...

[Deleted User]

Hi Richard! It sure is great to see you posting so frequently again.

I had a chance to drive a rental Sivlerado through the snow and ice in Wyoming oil/gas country. I hit a particularly bad storm that would have sidelined my SUV, but the Silversdo marched on without even a slip. I drove cautiously and mindful of the conditions. Not once did the truck slide or cause me concern. The auto 4X4 was a nice feature when I hit roads that were mostly clear, but still had spots of ice. Both the Ford and Chevy are great trucks and I believe you can't go wrong either way.

One development I'm watching is the release of the new Chevy Colorado. Soon a brand new design will be released with a turbo 4-cylinder diesel. I'm curious to see what fuel mileage GM can manage out of the power plant.

Kirstie_H

If you checked the "remember me" box when you signed in, it's unlikely you'll have to sign in again for awhile. Sometimes that lasts me for months. If you don't check that box, you're automatically logged out when you close your browser, at least most of the time.

gogiboy

"Jay....it's a '13 Audi S4. Great car when it runs right. It's about 21 months old with about 20K miles"

GG--

Wow that's about the oldest 2013 I can imagine. Doesn't that mean it was sold as a 2013 model in March of 2012? I know manufacturers keep backing up model year release dates, but this is getting ludicrous--sort of like Christmas Decorations being sold right after Halloween.

You've certainly kept the mileage low, not that it has helped with reliability. My brother and his wife have a BMW and Audi Allroad. From my perspective the Allroad has had an unreasonable number of repairs required including some very expensive ones, but they persist in hanging onto it against all logic. I will say this: It's a very nice looking car.

Gogiboy

driver100

Gee, I wonder what cardoc3 would make of this situation?

Michaell, that is a great idea! GG should ask cardoc for his his opinion.

driver100

I love my small family but I have friends that I would trust more with my money and property.

Richard, that is so true. You may think you know your relatives but you don't know them until you are in a situation where money is involved.

I am the most even tempered person I know of, but I could have put a fist through a wall when I was asked for an inheritance early. I couldn't imagine asking that or thinking it. Whatever we have saved we have to live on the income generated, and if that goes down we will be in the same situation as these people. How presumptuous.....I don't have even one foot in the ground yet and they want their share...what about the other 2 kids who are trying to make it on their own........I don't want to reward bad behavior.

Friends you can choose so you only associate with people who are decent and honest. Relatives...you are sometimes stuck with them, even if they have different values.

driver100

Audi, VW, BMW, Rover, Volvo if I knew it had a warranty and if I knew I could afford to dump it if it became too much trouble.

Otherwise, I would have to settle for a Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, Acura.

You mentioned 10 cars in your post and none were domestic. If you were forced to buy a domestic, which one would you purchase?

Interesting that you picked up on that. I didn't do it on purpose. I think that cars that are fun to drive are usually European, cars that are dependable are usually Asian. I know there are so dependable American cars these days, but they aren't as consistantly problem free. I like lots of American cars, I just like Euro cars the best....and my wife lived in England for a year and she prefers European cars for their styling and road manners.

I like Jeeps, Cadillacs, Escapes, and Fusions a lot, and there are more I would consider. It's just that I can only choose one, so I have to choose what I really like the best.

One related story. We have a neighbor in Florida who is a retired GM employee. His daughter drove up in a brand new Camry. He told her she has to park it on the street, she can't park it in the driveway....talk about Family.

driver100

He then proceeds to obtain a loaded 535i xDrive for a loaner, and while we are walking up to it he apologizes because it hadn't been washed yet.

RB, if I remember correctly you weren't impressed with a 528. Put the 535 into Sport or Sport + mode and take it for a spin, it is like having two very different cars in one.

imidazol97

> Sometimes that lasts me for months.

With the current stint of problems on Edmunds, I've been having to sign in often, daily at least. It keeps forgetting me. This has been a problem with IE8 and the Firefox that I'm using now. It occurred in earlier runs of server problems.

I tried clearing cookies, even used Cleanup! the program not the system tools in XP. No relief. But it's worth it having to sign in.

imidazol97

>Another reason why I'm EXTREMELY reluctant to switch brands...

Sounds like it's the dealership's full consideration of the customer that makes it worth it too. My Buick dealer used to be like that. They lost the Buick franchise when Obama cleared out a bunch of stores; now they're GMC and Chevrolet.

gogiboy

"I have to agree with both you and Dino. Ridiculous. Most people who have been driving for ages have gotten a bad tank of gas, or had moisture in the gas tank, but several of you have pointed out major issues with the diagnosis of "you're using the wrong brand."

About 20 years ago my wife and I were getting the same song-and-dance from a VW Dealership--maybe it's a pat German excuse. We were having a lot of problems with stalling and poor (unpredictable) starts. I can't remember what gas they blamed--Shell or Exxon I think--but we were told to use Conoco-Phillips. Right!

Of course that didn't correct the problem and we eventually found ourselves at a small independent shop that specialized in VW repairs. The mechanic diagnosed the problem almost immediately as he noticed a wire/connector had been previously repaired (poorly as it turns out) by the VW dealer's service dept. This was a wire that had some connection to the accelerator and required some ability to move; however not enough slack was put into it so that over time acceleration/deceleration caused the wire to pull loose again from it's connector. The fix required a new wire/connector coupled with some built in slack in the wire. The part was around $1.00 and the labor was something like $20.

Why the dealer's service didn't put in the slack during the first repair is unclear, but the second repair permanently rectified the problem and HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OCTANE OR GAS RETAILER!

Gogiboy

jmonroe

*** I am the most even tempered person I know of, but I could have put a fist through a wall when I was asked for an inheritance early. I couldn't imagine asking that or thinking it. ***

WOW. There is a word for this and I think it is chutzpah.

I guess we really are like family in here so you weren’t afraid to let us know about this.

I know you are upset now, and who wouldn’t be, but maybe as time goes by it won’t be as bad as it is right now.

jmonroe

jmonroe

*** This was a wire that had some connection to the accelerator and required some ability to move; however not enough slack was put into it so that over time acceleration/deceleration caused the wire to pull loose again from it's connector. The fix required a new wire/connector coupled with some built in slack in the wire. The part was around $1.00 and the labor was something like $20.

Why the dealer's service didn't put in the slack during the first repair is unclear, but the second repair permanently rectified the problem and HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OCTANE OR GAS RETAILER! ***

It’s great when you can take your car to someone that actually knows how to fix something and even better when they don’t screw up something else while they are at it. Son #1 found a good repair shop about 8 years ago and trusts the guy to do anything. So much so, my son doesn’t even do his own oil changes anymore. The guy even lets him bring in parts and they will install them. A big contrast to what I have experienced with shops of any kind in my day.

What I’m about to say isn’t terrible but it still bugs the you know what out of me.

As you guys probably know there was a recall for the Genny brakes that had to do with the brake fluid possibly causing corrosion of brake components due to moisture in the originally installed brake fluid. So, I called the dealer to make an appointment to have this looked at and I was informed that there was a previous recall to replace the brake stop light switch but I never got that notice. So, when I took the car in 2 days ago they would do the switch replacement and a brake fluid flush at the same time. OK, that is the good part. I get the loaner and off to work I go. About 2 hours later I get a call from the service advisor that I NEEDED some work done. It seems that I should have the intake manifold cleaned to make sure I didn’t have any problems down the line. I refused that service. They also said I needed an alignment. I’m sure they pushed this service because they had never done one and probably only looked at the mileage. I got tires and a lifetime balance and alignment in April so I know the tires could not be showing signs of “considerable uneven wear on the inside” like I was told plus I have looked at those tires almost every week since April so I know they are fine. I refused this service also. I did allow them to do the radiator flush because I was planning on doing that anyway.

As I’m driving home the car ran alright but not as well as I thought it should be running but it was not running badly. However, when I got home I raised the hood and low and behold the air cleaner box was popped up a little because the snaps on the lid were not closed. At least they didn’t try to con me into needing a new air cleaner because I replaced it in April and it was still very white. There is a sensor on the air cleaner box and I’m sure it would have sensed a problem and turned a light on eventually which would have given me heart palpitations one day as I was whizzing down the road.

Like I said nothing terrible but they know how to up sell a lot better than they know how to double check their work. I’m not going to slam them when I get the survey that the service advisor was very explicit about telling I would get and how only 10s are acceptable. They know how to make sure they do that.

jmonroe

driver100

I know you are upset now, and who wouldn’t be, but maybe as time goes by it won’t be as bad as it is right now.

Thanks for commenting....at least I know my thoughts were pretty normal, if you would think the same way. At that point when I was asked for an early inheritance....I wanted to say, "Just for that you won't get any inheritance, I don't want anyone celebrating when I go".

Another thing I was told was "We'll have to tell the kids it's your fault, if we can't pay our loans, and we get kicked out of our ($1 million) home (that has very little equity value)".

I was ready to put my fist through another wall with that one.

Good thing my wife handled the communications....after I told her what I thought about those comments.

driver100

I’m not going to slam them when I get the survey that the service advisor was very explicit about telling I would get and how only 10s are acceptable.

Those surveys are almost useless for the most part. Occassionally, the comments you make they can react on and try to improve. Most of the time you have to play the game....I don't want to give a bad survey and then get noted in their computer as a trouble maker.

Most of the time the dealer rarely even gets back to me about a problem. I just tell them I like the new snacks and coffee maker.

driver100

Our VW Passat dealer sent a notice we are welcome to a Suburu Snow Event on Dec 12. They are going to bring in 24 tons of snow and you can try out a Subbie in the snow.....in Florida!

I thought that was a great idea. There will be Santa and reindeer and food, and a train ride. Very creative.

isellhondas

That may be a reflection of that DEALER rather than the BRAND!

But, I really don't know.

oldfarmer50

"...never have to sign in or sign out..."

Me neither. It use to be that if I didn't look in here every few days I would have to sign in to post but now, I'm always "on".

oldfarmer50

"...Mustang 390 vs Charger 440..."

As a big Charger fan at the time I was appalled by how that Charger handled, wallowing and bouncing all over the place. In real life that Mustang that I'm sure McQueen had built to his specifications would have caught that stock Charger in the first block.

Ah Hollywood magic.

oldfarmer50

"...reluctant to switch brands..."

Until the guy calls you up on behalf of his nephew who has a case pending before you.

oldfarmer50

"...asked for inheritance early..."

Boy that takes ba........er....chutzpah!

My kids are doing that to me 50 bucks at a time.

driver100

I was appalled by how that Charger handled, wallowing and bouncing all over the place

Do you think that those cars were performing the way they naturally would? Just an opinion but I always imagined the whole thing was staged...outakes, flying wheel discs, stunt drivers driving more for affect than realism. Maybe the Chrger just wallowed because the bad guys were driving it.

driver100

My kids are doing that to me 50 bucks at a time.

lol................they are smart, at least they are getting something.....mine won't get anything, I'll spend it all.