Stories from the Sales Frontlines

abacomike

DAD SAID HE FELT LIKE A HOT CORNED BEEF SANDWICH!

It isn't very often that my Dad craves something over and above what we eat at home or at the NYY Steak House, but when he does, I listen intently as he doesn't ask for much.

Yesterday, he must have mentioned at least 4 times to me how much he enjoyed the corned beef Reuben Sandwich I take him for out in Sunrise, FL. Unfortunately, it's a 30 minute drive out there and Sundays is a bad day to go to that restaurant because they are so very busy. While we were taking our daily walk at the Boca Town Center this morning, he mentions it again to me.

On the way home, I stopped for gas and then I told him I had a surprise for him. We drove over to the Casino, parked upstairs in their parking garage, and headed to the "1st Street Deli" restaurant they opened there last year. It resembles a typical N.Y.C. Delicatessen and even the waiters look like they are from New York.

I order a hot corned beef on rye for both of us with shoestring fries and a side of Russian Dressing along with a Diet Coke for each. My Dad was in second heaven for about 30 minutes as he carefully at every single morsel of food on his plate including pickles and coleslaw. The amount of corned beef on each sandwich seemed like almost a pound, there was so much. And I haven't eaten a leaner corned beef sandwich in years.

He hasn't stopped talking about his lunch since we got home.

As you an see, it doesn't take much to make my Dad happy, but I do have to listen carefully to just about ever word he says! LOL. So, I made my Dad's day today with a corned beef on rye. How delightful.

driver100

@imidazol97 said: For the Fusion/MKZ I checked front wheel bearings/hubs--same; cabin air filter--same;

>

Thanks for that comparison imid....that was very interesting. I thought they would at least have different HVACs...you should get something for your extra $5K to $8K.

I just think some people want what they perceive to be a premium brand, and are willing to pay the extra $s to get it. Ford has to keep the Lincoln name out there, but, they would have to spend too much money to make the line actually pay off. This way they can produce a premium car, and pass it off on the unsuspecting unknowledgeable car buyers. Chrysler just gave up on the Imperial altogether, which I guess is another way to do it.

driver100

@abacomike said:, I knew ahead of time that because of the very narrow market niche it has along with the Audi A7, BMW Grand Coupe, Jaguar XJ8, it would not bring a heck of a lot of money when it comes time to trade it.

That's something that I wondered about. I don't understand where the market is for a used very expensive car, such as an A7, bmw Grand Coupe, Jag XJ8 or MB S models. These cars cost close to $100k or more. Who pays $60 or $70K for used premium cars. If you can pay that much you may as well get a new less expensive C-Class, A6, 535 etc. If you got that much to spend on a car are you really going to look for a used one? I wouldn't want to spend those kind of bucks and get a used car, no matter how luxurious it was. And, since they aren't as mainstream repairs and maintenance probably cost much more.

Who is the buyer of these used luxury cars?

abacomike

@driver100 said:
Who is the buyer of these used luxury cars?

Usually, people who have the bucks, but don't want to have to deal with the depreciation on these cars during the first two years. Remember, a Mercedes does not fall apart after 2 years. There is a very strong market for "pre-owned" S Class and E class Mercedes Benz vehicles. Why pay $100,000 + for a new S Class when you can pay $60,000 + for one that's 2-3 years old. Some people would rather drive a pre-owned S Class than a new E class. If the car is "certified" by Mercedes Benz, the warranty is extended to 6 years and 100,000 miles, which ever comes first. So if you buy a 2 year old S Class for $60,000 with 30,000 miles on it, it will be warranted for another 4 years or 70,000 miles, which ever comes first.

jayrider

@driver100 said: Who are the buyers ?

Probably multi millionaires that clip coupons.

driver100

@jayrider said:Probably multi millionaires that clip coupons.

LOL........A neighbor bought a 1997 Lincoln here in Florida, 50K miles on it, looks like brand new....$3800!

Now, that I kind of get. I understand what Mike is explaining, but, I just can't imagine paying $60 or $70K for a used car. For one thing, it won't have most of the technology and safety features a brand new car costing the same will have. If you can afford that much...why buy used?

abacomike

@driver100
If you can afford that much...why buy used?

One must understand the motivations involved with those who buy pre-owned as opposed to new.

Personally, I agree with you on this point. I certainly would not buy used, but we must remember there are those who are driven by other opinions and priorities you and I disagree with - that does not make their preferences invalid. Those who buy pre-owned $60,000 or $50,000 cars prefer that to buying new.

Each to his or her own. But if there was no market for pre-owned luxury cars, dealers would not take them in trade and would merely wholesale them. But I see scores of used Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Jaguar, etc., vehicles on dealership used car lots.

As an example, my dealer took my trade in (2014 E 350) and sold it for a profit even though the buyer could have bought a brand new one for $4000 more. Why would a buyer do that? Because $4000 is $4000, period. The car I traded was hardly broken in and in pristine condition.

Once you understand the motivation behind their decision, you can better understand why they buy used luxury cars.

stickguy

I think I would be more likely to buy an almost new car like your E class (like you said, not even broken in yet!) than something like a 3 YO S class that is still going for such major money.

oldfarmer50

"bought a 1997 Lincoln 50k miles for $3800"

I know somebody who bought a 1995 Lincoln with 67k miles for $3200. He's no millionaire. (but he feels like one driving that car)

graphicguy

@oldfarmer50 said:
"bought a 1997 Lincoln 50k miles for $3800"

I know somebody who bought a 1995 Lincoln with 67k miles for $3200. He's no millionaire. (but he feels like one driving that car)

Wait...wait...wait....I thought that guy was independently wealthy?????????

nyccarguy

@driver100

I think it's a hard concept for many of us to comprehend. Many of us would rather have a new C-Class instead of a CPO E-Class. Some people lease cars and barely drive them. To the train and back home, then they take their wife out to dinner on Saturday night and maybe to the golf course on Sunday. My 3 series had an MSRP of $46,000. There are 2011s out there right now (maybe with less equipment) with asking prices in the Mid $20K range.

Mr_Shiftright

I know someone shopping for a CPO E class actually. He's a trust fund lucky baby but the executor of the trust would do a double back flip if he tried to buy a new Benz outright. He told the trust funder to "buy a nice Toyota", which the recipient thought was an "insulting remark" --LOL! Poor guy has to live on only $12,000 a month for life, plus other bills are paid.

But hey, he won the genetic lottery, okay, good for him, Also a nice person. I'm fine with it all. I'd be glad to help him pick out a nice used Benz. Maybe I'll buy it from him in 5 years at a huge discount. He takes very good care of his things.

A closer friend of mine bought a new 7 Series BMW for over $80K, and that was one money-eating headache from the get go. He finally sold it for dirt, non-running, with enormous problems, some 8 years later. Depreciation? Almost 10K per year. Ouch!

abacomike

@MrShift
I know someone shopping for a CPO E class actually.

There are some outstanding values out there on 2 and 3 year old E Class coupes and sedans with 18,000-25000 miles on them. They are warranted for 4-6 years more by Benz or 75,000 miles more, whichever comes first. These are great bargains and can be purchased for $35,000 - $45,000. A new one would cost $55,000-$60,000, depending on age and mileage and condition.

I do not buy used cars, but there are millions of people who buy CPO Mercedes Benz cars to avoid the big hit on depreciation the first 2 years. One of our neighbors just picked up a 2011 E 350 sport sedan with. 20,000 miles on it for 33,500 and includes 3 more years of warranty or 80,000 miles more, whichever occurs first. That , in my opinion is a great deal.

roadburner

@abacomike said:
Dad was never like this when he was younger. This seems to have surfaced over the past few years - his need to get something for nothing. However, it could explain acute behaviors on others. I don't know about Ann Landers and her comment about 3X worse, but that is quite possible when inhibitions are relaxed in one's personality.

I'd like to research this a bit more to see of there is and study or series of studies that she'd more light on the subject.

I'm 56 and I have known so many people who were "old fogeys" before they reached 45. I refuse to be one of those guys who refuse to learn about any new technology and then complain about it. I don't embrace every new fad that comes down the pike(see: 3D TV) but I keep an open mind.

stickguy

@roadburner - get off my lawn.

mako1a

@graphicguy said:
Wait...wait...wait....I thought that guy was independently wealthy?????????

GG, before you have oldfarmer scratching his head wondering where all this wealth is...that was me who sort of jokingly claimed to be independent wealthy a couple of years back.

driver100

@abacomike said: my dealer took my trade in (2014 E 350) and sold it for a profit even though the buyer could have bought a brand new one for $4000 more.

The only explanation I can think of is that some people just can't bring themselves to spend the extra money if they don't have to. Or, the corollary, if they can save a few bucks on something, they can't pass it up. They can't spend that extra $4k, when they can buy used and save that money (for some unknown reason). In the case of your Benz, wasn't it one model year older at that point.....the depreciation of buying a one year older MB would be way more than $4k.

Our friend the multi-millionaire told me this the other day. When I traded in my 1995 Grand Cherokee for a 2000 Cherokee, he called the dealer to see if he could buy my trade in...he knew it was a good car. He can afford to buy whatever car he wants....anything, but, he would get more of a thrill buying a good 5 year old Jeep.

btw....the dealer said they couldn't sell it to him. He asked me why that would be. The only reason I could think of (and if you have an opinion please give it) was, it was coming in off a lease, and I think it didn't belong to the dealer at that point. But, I don't know what Chrysler would do with them.

driver100

@graphicguy said:.I thought that guy was independently wealthy?????????

He is if he can find all the money hidden in coffee cans around his property.

driver100

@MrShift@Edmunds said:but the executor of the trust would do a double back flip if he tried to buy a new Benz outright.

But, how many cases are there like that? Your poor friend...can't buy what he wants to...boo hoo

driver100

@stickguy said:
roadburner - get off my lawn.

Talk about sounding like an old foggy!

abacomike

@driver100:
In the case of your Benz, wasn't it one model year older at that point.....the depreciation of buying a one year older MB would be way more than $4k.

No, driver, I traded the 2014 in November and bought a 2014 CLS 550.

graphicguy

@mako1a said:
GG, before you have oldfarmer scratching his head wondering where all this wealth is...that was me who sort of jokingly claimed to be independent wealthy a couple of years back.

I'm going to demand a refund of my dues.

Y'all are a buch of old far....ummmmm....senior citizens, anyway!

jmonroe

Mike said

DAD SAID HE FELT LIKE A HOT CORNED BEEF SANDWICH!

On the way home, I stopped for gas and then I told him I had a surprise for him. We drove over to the Casino, parked upstairs in their parking garage, and headed to the "1st Street Deli" restaurant they opened there last year. It resembles a typical N.Y.C. Delicatessen and even the waiters look like they are from New York.

I remember that my dearly departed Delray Beach Brother liked to go to the Rascal House (pretty sure that was the name) which was a fair drive from Delray Beach. Then they opened a store closer to him but I don’t remember where. He didn’t think it was as good as the original place but now both of them are gone and that place was an institution.

Probably one of those situations where the grandfather/father made it what it was and the new generation kids screwed it up.

jmonroe

graphicguy

Driver....that reminds me of a childhood friend I had growing up. We were still in grade school, but this friend had seen either a TV show or cartoon showing someone digging up a coffee can buried with money. For reasons I can't quite remember, he decided to bury a couple of dollars in an old coffee can in his back yard.

A couple of months later, we dug it up. Well, the money didn't fare too well. It was wet, and falling apart. Lesson learned.

Make sure you bury your money in water tight containers.

verdugo

@abacomike said:
verdugo:...
Poor Richard. That's the second time he's had problems.

Glad you finally made it back verdugo - I missed your thought-provoking posts - as I did Richard's provoking thoughts.

Thank you Mike. What a great way to start the week, reading something like this.

graphicguy

Mike....this is mainly for you, but thought the others might want to see this. Benz is back in the game in a large way with some of their new cars.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2015-mercedes-benz-c-class-photos-and-info-news

jmonroe

@driver100 said:
He is if he can find all the money hidden in coffee cans around his property.

That’s what I hate about coffee cans. Every time I try to plant a new shrub I hit one and it dulls my shovel.

jmonroe

verdugo

@nyccarguy said:
verdugo

Welcome back! How's the Jeep? How's life with the C-Max plug in?

Hi there nyc. Glad I wasn't in Stamford for that cold spell recently.

The Jeep is very sad because we haven't gone up skiing yet. Unfortunately, there's no snow here.

The C-Max has been great. We got a "bring it in for service" message, but the dealer couldn't find anything. There's a program (not sure who sponsors it,) but we won a free 240v charger for our house. We now charge it in less than half the time as we used to. I realize it's no Tesla, but it has quite a bit of power when accelerating. It's actually fun to drive.

When our lease is up, we're going to get another electric.

verdugo

@driver100 said:
Now, that I kind of get. I understand what Mike is explaining, but, I just can't imagine paying $60 or $70K for a used car. For one thing, it won't have most of the technology and safety features a brand new car costing the same will have. If you can afford that much...why buy used?

Actually, a 2 year old $100k car will have more technology and safety than most brand new "normal" cars.

mako1a

__I traded the 2014 in November and bought a 2014 CLS 550.

How the heck did I miss that? I read this every day and do NOT remember Mike going from an E350 to a CLS 550. That thing should have more HP than my Mustang (that's what gets my attention).

All I remember is having the E350 washed every week. I must have been in a time warp as the CLS probably sits lower making in/out more difficult and the HP of that 550 could be downright scary.

dino001

How the heck did I miss that?

Same here. All I remember Mike saying it wasn't his cup of tea. Now he has it in his driveway? This is insane...

abacomike

@jmonroe said:
Rascal House - Probably one of those situations where the grandfather/father made it what it was and the new generation kids screwed it up

Yes, the Rascal House, originally down in North Miami Beach and South Miami Beach was a great place to get delicatessen style food - corned beef, pastrami, salami, lox and bagels, etc. Those days are now gone, as you mentioned in your post.

The most famous place in Miami Beach (right on Lincoln Road near South Beach) was Wolfie's. All the big named stars used to eat there (Sinatra, Martin and the rest of the Rat Pack). That restaurant was the most famous for many years during the 1950's and 1960's.

Pumpernicks was another famous Delicatessen restaurant type place down here during the same time. But those place are all gone now.

abacomike

@graphicguy said:
Mike....this is mainly for you, but thought the others might want to see this. Benz is back in the game in a large way with some of their new cars.

You are right, GG. The new C Class looks like a cross between the CLS 550 and the E 350 Sport Sedan. Their entire line-up has the same front end treatment - gone are the days of the Star Ornament on top of the hood and now they all have that big Star Front End. From the front, the new C Class looks just like the E 350 Sedan. From the side, much like the CLS/CLA, and from the rear like the CLS.

I sure hope Mercedes Benz does not end up styling all their cars the exact same way as BMW has. That was one of the reasons I was not impressed with the BMW Grand Sport Coupe - looked like any other BMW. On the other hand, the CLS 550 is styled very differently than any of the other products.

But Daimler Benz sure is pushing the envelope with all these new entries and restyles. The E Class is being redone for the 2016 model year in early 2015. They just redid the S Class - their styling and grace is definitely refreshing.

abacomike

@mako1a said:

How the heck did I miss that? I read this every day and do NOT remember Mike going from an E350 to a CLS 550. That thing should have more HP than my Mustang (that's what gets my attention).

All I remember is having the E350 washed every week. I must have been in a time warp as the CLS probably sits lower making in/out more difficult and the HP of that 550 could be downright scary.

You need to stick your nose over to the Chronic Buyers Anonymous Forum more often.

As for horsepower, 405 I believe, but the torque is the scary thing - 447 ft lbs. As for lower, just a tad, but I keep the car raised by using the air-suspension thing-a-ma-jig for easier entry/exit. Yes, the car moves quickly when I need it to - 0-60 in 4.7 seconds.

And, I have this washed every week instead of an E 350.

It was the last day of November - went in for my car wash, they called me over and made me an offer and a deal on a new CLS550 I just could not refuse.

abacomike

@verdugo said:
Actually, a 2 year old $100k car will have more technology and safety than most brand new "normal" cars.

You are correct, Verdugo. I'll bet driver has never heard of "pre-owned" Rolex Watches either! The market for pre-owned Rolex Watches is phenomenal. I've researched pre-owned Rolex's and found that their Gold President models and Date-Just models in gold/stainless hold up to 50% of their original value after 5 years. People buy these watches all the time.

abacomike

@dino001 said:
Same here. All I remember Mike saying it wasn't his cup of tea. Now he has it in his driveway? This is insane...

"This" isn't insane, but Mike, on the other hand, certainly is!

oldfarmer50

@mako1a said:
GG, before you have oldfarmer scratching his head wondering where all this wealth is...that was me who sort of jokingly claimed to be independent wealthy a couple of years back.

Back in college I made $40/week after taxes. I put $20 in the bank and with the other $20 I took my then girlfriend out to the movies and filled the gas tank of my car.

Then I got married and haven't had $20 in my pocket since. On those rare occasions when I do, I feel independently wealthy.

jmonroe

@abacomike said:
Pumpernicks was another famous Delicatessen restaurant type place down here during the same time. But those place are all gone now.

Name dropper. But since you mentioned it, Pumpernicks was right across the street from the Deauville Hotel on Collins (I’m pretty sure that was the road) where we spent our honeymoon back in the late 60's. I was young enough back then to try their mile high cake desserts and huge slices of pie before retiring for the night. Mrs. j still remembers those deserts too. Yep, those were the days.

jmonroe

abacomike

@jmonroe

Pumpernicks was right across the street from the Deauville Hotel on Collins

Yep, that's where one of them was. There was another one up on Motel Row way up in North Miami Beach. Spent my honeymoon at the Castaways in a room right next to Della Reese. She was on a vacation at the time. We had dinner and drinks every night with her and her SO.

Spent many Winter breaks and Spring Breaks down in Miami because my grandparents had a home in Coral Gables. I still remember those 4 hour flights from New York on Lockheed Super G Constellations and McDonnell Douglas DC 7's. We always landed at Miami International Airport because Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood airport was not open to the larger planes at that time.

Yep, those were the days, jmonroe

driver100

@abacomike said:

No, driver, I traded the 2014 in November and bought a 2014 CLS 550.

What was I thinking? Somehow I thought you got an E350 because it had changed so much.
So, I guess it is one of these....

That is beautiful. I know they have their disadvantages. Can only get 2 people in the back. I have read that the passengers can only be 5'9" tall at most, or they won't fit. But the front seats are supposed to be amazingly comfortable. The massager in the drivers seat is supposed to be a real treat.....drivers have reported getting out and trying to leave a tip for the seat.

abacomike

@driver100

That is beautiful. I know they have their disadvantages. Can only get 2 people in the back. I have read that the passengers can only be 5'9" tall at most, or they won't fit. But the front seats are supposed to be amazingly comfortable.

That's it! I got it in Palladium Silver (a light medium gray) w/black leather with gray stitching which comes with the AMG 19" wheel package. And yes, it has the massaging driver's seat, rear spoiler, lane tracking/blind spot monitors, and a few other things. Only 2 passengers in the back and yes, the front seats are very roomy.

driver100

@mako1a said:
__I traded the 2014 in November and bought a 2014 CLS 550.

How the heck did I miss that? I read this every day and do NOT remember Mike going from an E350 to a CLS 550.

I missed that too Mako...I guess age is catching up to us. I was sure Mike was waiting for a new E350 because they changed it so much. Then he springs this 550 HP monster on us!

driver100

@verdugo said:
Actually, a 2 year old $100k car will have more technology and safety than most brand new "normal" cars.

I am not so sure about that. My wife's 2013 A4 has rear camera, lane change warnings, GPS, keyless start, to name a few things. I could be wrong, but, I don't think they had those things 2 years ago, even on an A6. In the case of my 2012 535, it actually came down in price by $2000 because certain options became standard. So, occassionally cars come down in price, and then the more expensive used car may actually be even closer in price to a new car.

I have a friend who has lots of money, but he is very careful about spending it. He could well afford a new car but he knows a guy who buys a new Camry every 2 years, and he always buys his old one. I'm not complaining, just saying, he can't turn down such a great financial bargain.

abacomike

@driver100:...
Then he springs this 550 HP monster on us!

The model is a CLS 550, but not 550 hp! Only 406 hp, I think, but the torque is 449 lb ft, I believe. A truly powerful monster when entering the expressway or turnpike - that's for sure!

driver100

@graphicguy said:Wait...wait...wait....I thought that guy was independently wealthy?????????

GG, not sure if that was for OF or me. If it was me, the guy who bought this Lincoln is not the wealthy guy who won't spend his money. This guy is a retired pastor, and he is going to leave his new Lincoln here as a Florida car, and he has another car for when he's up North.

driver100

@abacomike said:It was the last day of November - went in for my car wash, they called me over and made me an offer and a deal on a new CLS550 I just could not refuse

He used to get a new one when the ash trays got filled....now it's when his car needs a wash!

OMG, how are we supposed to keep track if you only post some of your purcheses on this site and some on the other sites?

jmonroe

@driver100 said:
I missed that too Mako...I guess age is catching up to us. I was sure Mike was waiting for a new E350 because they changed it so much. Then he springs this 550 HP monster on us!

Ya know, I missed it too. Mike gets so many cars how the hell are we to keep up with him already, huh?

Anyone in here want to set an over/under for how long he keeps the CLS 550? I’ll take the under, whatever it is. Even the end of this week.

jmonroe

driver100

@abacomike said: You are correct, Verdugo. I'll bet driver has never heard of "pre-owned" Rolex Watches either!

I have heard of used, sorry, pre-owned Rolex watches but that's a little different. You are really paying for the outer shell of a watch and that won't deteriorate much. The inards of watches aren't that different, so that can all be replaced if needed. But, a car, well, lots can wear out. Cars usually get safer as new models are launched. Cars get more equipment added each year. And, even if a two or three year old more luxurious model had the features they are usually much improved 2 or 3 years later....they cost less and have been improved upon. You may pay less initially for this used luxury car, but it is going to be worth less at trade in time....not enough of a savings to make it worthwhile to me.

btw, my wife may love getting a new Rolex, but a used one at half the price, probably not so much......

abacomike

@driver100...He used to get a new one when the ash trays got filled....now it's when his car needs a wash!

Hmm, I thought I posted the purchase here as well as Chronic Car Buyers. I guess I didn't because you and mako didn't know. Sorry about that!

The reason I did it was because I got a $3500 certificate from USAA and was able to buy it at dead, dead, dead cost minus that $3500 (total of $3500 below dead, dead cost.)

abacomike

@jmonroe...Anyone in here want to set an over/under for how long he keeps the CLS 550? I’ll take the under, whatever it is. Even the end of this week.

I only have 1200 miles on the car - it still smells new. By the end of this week is a bit too soon, jmonroe. But after that, I have no comment.