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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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1. I have always heard that, on the average, men make more than women, so I would need at least a 40% higher salary than Kirstie.
2. I also want that "Cadillac health insurance plan". I am not getting any younger.
3. Country club membership.
4. Stock options.
I assume the company car and credit card for gas is part of the normal package.
Thanks again guys for thinking of me.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Richard
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Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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Try telling that one to a cop!
I'll have to try that myself...I was speeding officer because I take statin drugs so I have no feeling in my feet.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If it's a BMW count me in too!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
What ever happened to washing dishes by hand?
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Did you properly torque the lugs after using the impact wrench?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
That's because you have to go through your 15 year probationary period first.
Richard
I ALWAYS use a torque wrench for the final tightening. The nice thing about the impact wrench is that I can snug the lug bolts up with it and then it only takes 1/4-1/8 of a turn to hit the specified torque value- 120 N-m in the case of E90 3 Series lug bolts.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I was just making a statement that whoever the company Edmunds uses for the care and upkeep of the forums, really should be rethought.
If you're company (like Edmunds) stands by their information, and getting eyeballs to look at their information, having a site go down is the mortal sin.
Now that I got that off my chest.....
Looks like Audi, who was being so cordial with my car woes, isn't being so nice, now. Reader's Digest version.....the MMI still doesn't work right. The drivetrain still binds/grinds/makes terrible sounds. I can't imagine what the transfer case looks like inside. It sounds like there is absolutely no lubrication in the gear sets. It feels like when turning a corner, the entire rear end is being drug around a corner and that the Quattro is "binding".
It's clear to me Audi doesn't know what to do.
Local dealer, while not really saying they didn't know what to do, they did return my car to me, the same as I dropped it off to them, stating they updated MMI software with a note that MMI only works with specific iPod versions (which versions those are, they didn't say). They also "lubed" some parts which I'll assume are part of the Quattro system and said everything was fine. It's not. Nothing was fixed....at all. I'm sure they just did what Audi authorized them to do.
I was in Chicago for Thanksgiving. Probably not a smart thing to drive my car there. But, I figured if it's going to fail, best I be stranded in the middle of IN somewhere, nowhere close to anything, so I can really frustrate myself. The car made it. And, last Friday, I took it to the selling dealer (in Chicago). They needed more time than I had (came home Saturday). They did notice the problems, right away on a brief 1 minute test drive. They balked at letting me use one of their courtesy vehicles given I would be driving 6 hours away, and couldn't promise I'd have their car returned to them within 24 hours of mine being repaired.
But, they are trying to work something out with the local dealership.
In the interim, I'm convinced it's just a matter of time before something in the drivetrain goes "kablooey". I'm borrowing a '98 Ford F150 from my best friend. 177K miles and runs very well.
The saga continues....
http://jalopnik.com/tesla-scores-win-against-car-dealers-in-ohio-as-amendme-1476- 300041
Good. I was really more concerned about the impact driver OVER TIGHTENING the lugs. Too many think tighter is better - until they warp a rotor or need to change a tire on a cold highway and don't have a breaker bar.
I believe that the forums were acting up, not edmunds.com. Remember the forums aren't where the real money is made. That's the job of the main site. If we were actually dues paying members, the forums would have been back up very quickly.
All posters feel free to give your opinions. Thanks.
Richard
It's the beginning of the end, car dealers. Nobody loves you.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
And, I've never had a warped rotor nor have I had a wheel come loose.
It's a matter of applying common sense. Most people will overtighten.
Yep, and when the traditional stores go away, the price shoppers will have a new thing to not love. Set in stone MSRP pricing for one thing.
I wouldn't hold your breath but things certainly will change. Time changes everything.
I liked the no pressure, no haggle interactions when buying our 4 Saturns.
richard - good point on the probationary period. isell and I have both been on these forums from the very beginning - going on 17 years now, I believe.
I guess you could call that time spent here an extended interview. I was told that one of the reasons I was asked to be a host was that I only had one post deleted in all those years.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I used to get posts deleted about as often as I used to get speeding tickets.
But I guess I finally mellowed out. No tickets in MANY years and nary a post deleted for a LONG time.
Either that or the hosts learned I know when to pull my punches and walk away.
I think that Saturn tried to elbow their way into an already crowded marketplace with cars that were certainly unique but nothing really special. They didn't stand out in any way and I honestly think that many people looked at them as "just another GM car".
One car magazine at the time called them "Plastic Vegas". a cruel statement considering the fact a Vega was a totally different animal.
Some people enjoyed the laid back no nonsense no dicker way of buying a car while others resented paying FULL STICKER and bought some other car that they got a discount on.
Our store once hired an ex Saturn salesperson. In his words.." They aren't for everyone". He thought a lot of the product but he couldn't make enough money to pay his bills.
Just another victim of a tough, unforgiving marketplace. They tried, they failed.
I never understood why they had to turn to Honda for their V-6 engines when GM is perfectly capable of building decent V-6's? That was my first indication that they were in trouble.
I used to push them as cheaper alternatives to used Hondas and Toyotas to my customers. I had a lot of confidence in them as being a lot for the money.
I recently ran into one of my Saturn customers in a parking lot. Still running strong with 335,000 miles!
Most dealerships do the full circle inspection whenever you bring your car in, and check off items that need attention. Then try to sell the service of course.Possible they've been checking it, and its been clean.
After two years I'm sure it was time to toss it.
I don't like the thought of all of that dirt getting into my engine.
I think you gave lots of good reasons why people gave up on Saturns. We went to a dealer and we were considering buying one as a second car. The manager/owner was an old friend from school. I expected a little bit of a discount for being an aquaintance, and I thought they had room to move to build market share. When I wasn't given any extra discount it just turned me off....rightly or wrongly, I felt like I was just a statistic.
Your other reasons were good too, to me it was a GM car. OK but ininspired styling. Near the end GM kind of gave up. Which reminds me, I just saw Saab is ready to get back in the game.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Second weird occurrence, while in customer lounge, this 20 year old girl comes up to a 2 year old and starts talking to her and her mom, plays and colors with the toddler. Mom ends up giving the girl, who I over hear saying she is working on her g.e.d, her phone number to babysit her kid. Not something you see every day.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Another issue on a lot of cars is aluminum/iron corrosion that practically "welds" the wheel to the hub. I usually clean both surfaces with a wire brush and then I apply a thin film of anti seize paste to the center bore of the wheel.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Ah yes- the Oxmoor(ons) Auto Group- always a paragon of efficiency...
When I take my BMWs or Mazda to the dealer they always pull up the car's service history while I am being checked in. Probably too much effort for those jokers on Shelbyville Road.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I also use anti seize when doing the winter/summer tire change over.
As Craig always says..."why would anyone buy a car from someone they don't trust....". Agreed!
So the RICART group is calling TESLA the "armegedon" for the auto sales franchisees. Hmmmmm!. I don't know how much TESLA will change the industry. One price shopping may work in this instance, given the nature of the electric car industry as we know it right now. Given than Mitsubishi and Nissan is practically giving their cars away. And, that TESLA can't keep up with demand, maybe they're the ones who will indeed change the industry.
To me, competition is never bad. That TESLA would be just another competitor, competing against different brands who are tied to frahnchise laws. The franchisees will cry foul, while the manufacturers will say they can't compete since they're forced to use a "middle man" (i.e. the franchisees).
The franchisees should be at an advantage given they are much more widespread, with a much larger, and way more established customer base. Plus, they can trot out dedicated sales staffs for those who prefer the more "traditional" sales experience (which is the only way to buy a new car, currently).
A friend bought a Veloster our there last week. Wasn't too happy with how they tried to "sneak" 12 more payments into his deal. He was gonna walk, but they kept sweetening the pot till he agreed to buy.
Should have gone to Hyundai of Louisville though... free snacks and soda. Oh yeah, forgot, nothing's free.lol
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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We haven't had any outrageous customer or sales trolls drop in for awhile, either. That's cured 99% of any issues we had in this discussion!
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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They must have changed the requirements since I became a Host.. ;-)
I think Pat got me a couple of times, even after I was hired...
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It's recommended at 50,000 miles that it be changed. If you regularly drive in dusty areas, such as gravel roads where you follow other cars that are kicking up lots of dust to clog the filter, I would consider 50,000 mi fine.
Your dealer hopefully doesn't do this, but the quick lubes love to bring out a filter, maybe from your car and maybe not, and show you the dark dirt collected on the intake area of the filter, which is normal. Usually that looks a lot worse than it is. But it scares a lot of people into buying a new filter.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Well, in our house that went away in 1973 when I installed our first dishwasher, a Kitchenaid. We built our first house in 1969 and we didn’t have the money for too many extras so a dishwasher and other upgrades waited for a little while. Believe it or not we got a dishwasher before we got whole house A/C.
I remember going to Mrs. j one day in May and said, “it’s about time that we get whole house A/C”. She said, “not until I get a dishwasher”. We had a window unit in our bedroom so we had no trouble sleeping and the kids had one for their room too. Most of our time was spent in the basement family room so it was not too bad down there. That’s why she felt a dishwasher was more important than whole house A/C. So, that’s the way we did it and she says I’m spoiled.
A year later I installed a Sears whole house A/C unit myself. Back then Sears offered a pre-charged Freon evaporator unit for the furnace plenum, and a pre-charged Freon condenser unit for the outside and a pre-charged Freon line to hook up the two pieces. Once everything was installed all I had to do was turn a couple fitting nuts and wala, we were cool.
So, I guess you’re going to tell us that you and the Mrs. wash dishes by hand, huh? Remember, around here your nose doesn’t grow when you tell a tale like that your dues go up.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You just explained why I don’t leave the lot where my tires were touched without first checking the lug nuts. Either when buying new tires or taking my cars in for PA state inspection once a year. I’ve had a few stares and comments over the years but it’s my car and my neck so I just ignore those stares and comments.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Yeah, me too. She really didn't like me.
I think we got deleted in tandem after some kind of an interchange?
Why don't you take it out to the track and beat on it until it blows then flat bed it back to the dealer? Get it over with.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Have you been watching me when I remove tires?
I’m going to put the snow tires on the Genny this weekend. Guess what I’ll be doing? I have a large bottle of that stuff with its own applicator. I use it wherever I suspect I might have a problem. I haven't been disappointed yet. Some of the best goop I ever bought.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
As for washing dishes by hand, I still hand wash the pots and pans and the Pyrex dishes. That way, we don't have to run the dishwasher as often. During holidays, we hand wash the good china, crystal, and flat silver. Here's a little tip for you. Don't ever put sterling silver or silver plated knives in a dishwasher. The extreme heat will cause the glue between the handle and the blade to loosen. Also, after your company has gone home and you wash the dishes, be sure to count your knives, forks, spoons, etc. When there is a crowd, I have known so many people to accidentally toss a fork or spoon in the trash. We don't let others help with the dishes; that's how things go missing. Another tip: If you hand wash your crystal, don't hand dry it. Stand it straight up to air dry so there will be no lint on the glass. Also, don't turn the glass upside down to dry as you see in restaurants. Stand the glass straight up to avoid having streaks on the glass. I learned all of these worthless tips when I worked under an event planner as a second job. It was fun, but details were very important for repeat business.
Richard
Heck, I even zapped kyfdx and sent him a rather nastygram. I had totally misread the situation. It wasn't long after that that I recommended him as a host.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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I have no problem with a set price. TRADE-IN has always been my problem.
I don't like dealers driving my car. I especially don't like 2 or more in 1 day driving my car, but when you go to where the car lots are, they all want to drive it for some reason, then give you a pawn shop price. My trades are usually 2 or 3 years old, low mileage, some warranty left. Why can't I get 1 (one) drive/appraisal and use it at any dealer in the area?
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
I would never want to do the dishes that well, or it will be expected of me all the time.
I am the one who always loads the dishwasher, I think (not to be sexist - just a fact) men have a better idea of spacial awareness. I can probably pack twice as many dishes into the DWer than my wife. She does surpass me in many other skills.
I hope I don't get a warning email for that observation.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The filter was about 2 years old and a new one cost $21.28 out the door.
Very easy replacement.
The air intake housing, which is shaped like a square shoe box, is front and center.
Release 4 clips, remove the top, take out the old barrel shaped filter (size and shape remind me of a Quaker Oats container), pop in the new one, replace top, reattach clips, done.
Oh man, she absolutely hated me- I think I averaged one deletion and accompanying nastygram per week. I'm almost certain that she is the host who resulted in my excommunication many moons ago...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Still, I felt bad when I heard of her passing.
Yep, a lot of trolls and troublemakers have come and gone and so have a bunch of the really great people that I truly miss.