Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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OK - I didn't doubt what you were told. I didn't say he got a USAA deal.
All I said is that there is probably more to the story. I'm guessing that your guy got thrown under the bus by the CA guy and was reprimanded. Ho probably got a warning from corporate and he took it out on you - the guy he went to bat for.
It's unfortunate that this went down.
"All I said is that there is probably more to the story. I'm guessing that your guy got thrown under the bus by the CA guy and was reprimanded."
It was my SON's FAULT! I told him specifically that his deal was a favor to me - a one time favor. But then he bragged about his deal to his neighbor, which I explicitly said he cannot do - and that's what caused this mess.
I blame my SON COMPLETELY go this mess. He disregarded my continued requests to mention nothing to anyone about this special deal - but he had to OPEN HIS BIG FAT MOUTH snyway .
100% of the blame is only son 'a shoulders , no one else !
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I totally get your drift and have the same philosophy. If I can't explain it to my nephew and niece, then I certainly can't explain it to your son. Here is a current example: My BIL is preparing to die. I'm helping my sister sell his medical practice and settle certain business affairs. My sister told her two children (my nephew and niece) that the money train had come to a stop. It shouldn't have ever started. My nephew works for Donald Trump and my niece is a top executive with a communications firm. He is 48 and she is 46. Neither one of them ever has any money. My sister and BIL supplement both their incomes. When my sister broke the news to them that the faucet was now cut off, they said that they didn't understand why as in "You and Dad have plenty." I tried my approach by explaining that their dad was older than their mom. I further said that my sister might live 15 or 20 more years. She wants to be careful with their money so that she can continue to live the life to which she and her husband are accustomed. All I got for my efforts were blank stares. While I had their attention, I also told them not to come to me for any handouts. These two kids have long passed their inheritance as far as I'm concerned. We've been doling it out since they could walk. If there is anything left when the times comes, that's fine. If not, too bad. Perhaps now they will learn some fiscal responsibility. They had better. The well has dried up.
Richard
What a nice experience. They should all be that way.
Richard
Yes, and that includes cars, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, televisions, entertainment centers, all car parts, kitchen and bath redos, jewelry, clothing, truck and automobile tires, eyewear, roofing, cooking, restaurants, vacation spots, travel directions, weather forecasts and tips, and whether it's better to wear boxers or briefs. Well, perhaps not the latter, but I'm sure that we'll get around to that sooner or later.
Richard
"...the well has dried up..."
Boy, between Mike's kid, driver's SIL and your relatives I'm almost glad to be poor.
It's infuriating when you tell a child not to do something and tell them and tell them and then they go right ahead and do the thing you told them not to. At least mine only messed up a few old cars.
I can tell mike feels betrayed and is hurting. Wish there was something we could say to make him feel better. Gotta be rough.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Richard, I never understood how some people (friends and family) that I know, who make good money (more than us) always seem to be broke, or complaining about scraping buy, while we have been self sufficient (there was never any faucet in my family!), when I know we made no more, and probably less, than some of them. And not like we have lived like paupers (nice house, respectable cars, etc.) Plus putting 1 kid through college, with another one pending.
I think living within your means, even if that entails not having some "goody" you think you deserve, is a dying art.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
@abacomike
It is unfortunate that your son didn't take your warning seriously. I'm sure you frankly explained the situation. The fact that you had to fly across the country to seal the deal for him should have been enough for him to give an "I'd rather not say" or a "it's a Mercedes, I bought it because its a great car, not a great deal..."
I also can't believe (I believe you, just not the situation) that the dealer you've given so much business to won't do business with you in the manor they've been doing business with you in the future.
I know you are upset, but don't be too hard on your son. If you are still mad at him by the next time you visit your lawyer's office and want to "leave" your beautiful Benz to me, just remember that there are 2 "d"s at the end of my name;). Ha!
@Michaell brought up a fantastic point that every car deal is different. Incentives, leasing, & financing programs differ throughout the nation. Different dealers pay their employees commissions differently. Are you the 1st sale of the month for a green pea or the 25th of the month for a veteran that needs the sale to make a big spiff?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
BMW CCA members get a rebate on new and CPO BMWs, but you have to be a member for at least 12 months. You send a copy of the purchase contract to the Club and you get a check in 2-4 weeks. The dealer is never involved.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
@verdugo told me about a fantastic program for Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram vehicles. Join "tread lightly" and be a member for 30 days and you will get a certificate with a number on it. Show this number to your selling dealer and you can buy any of the aforementioned vehicles for 1% below factory invoice. A good ROI for a $100 membership.
I've received 2 $500 rebates from BMWNA from my BMWCCA membership. One in 2007 when we leased my wife's X3 & one in 2012 when I leased my 328xi.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Those are the exact words used on us. I tried to explain we have to live on the interest or growth from the money we invested....if we give it away, then our standard of living will be less. Also, why should the irresponsible kids get more to throw away and the 2 other adult children who have been fiscally responsible not get anything?
Then, I blew my top when I was asked if it could come out of their inheritance. They seem to be upset when I told them why that wasn't a good idea - same as handing money over - so now we are getting the cold shoulder. I don't care...you can't buy love (Beatles 1960s) and you can't buy respect.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Stick, you are a good example of what can be done by being responsible. Most people can have a great lifestyle in this great country (and in Canada too), if they don't live beyond their means and if they do a bit of planning and budgeting.
My wife and I had a lower than average income for most of our lives. Just by luck and circumstances were we able to build a business that did well. But, we were fine before, and we could have managed very nicely if that didn't happen. People who want more will never be happy - because no matter what they have - they will still want more.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
vehicles. Join "tread lightly" and be a member for 30 days and you will get a certificate with a number on it. Show this number to your selling dealer and you can buy any of the aforementioned vehicles for 1% below factory invoice. A good ROI for a $100 membership.
I went to a Chrysler "drive it" promotion a few years back and they were giving out $500 coupons on any Chrysler. I get a $500 discount on any Dodge truck from my Farm Bureau.
Never saw anything I wanted to spend them on.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
"...Getting the cold shoulder..."
Sounds like you're not losing much. That is inconceivable. My older son is the exact opposite. He's had occasional money troubles which were made worse because he WOULDN'T come to me for help. He'd rather handle them on his own to the point where any assistance I have to force on him has to be considered a loan which he intends to pay back.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
>
I doubt anyone here believes that. The harder you work the luckier you get.
Joe
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
I didn’t think it was your post either but with this rinky-dink format that we have now it is easy to pull in a quote from a quote. Sometimes it takes too much work to figure out who said what and to whom. Of course, not having the memory that I used to have doesn’t help me either. It seems you either have to shoot from the hip or spend so much time getting things researched, the fun of posting is now lost.
I feel for our hosts/moderators trying to answer up for a system that is not as user friendly as the one we had before. And that is as PC as I can put it.
I hope no innocent member here gets banned because some of what I said above gets pulled into their quote, but if it happens, I’m not taking credit for it.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Knocking as hard as I can on wood right now.
I feel badly for those who have family members who seem to "not get it". Whether it's financial troubles or something more nefarious.
I feel so blessed and fortunate that my son has really made it on his own. Yeah...while he was still living at home, Bank of Dad had to toss him a Benjamin or two. Same Bank financed his car purchases (at a very unfavorable interest rate to the bank).
All-in-all, he takes pride in the fact that once he moved into his own place and found a decent way to make money, he's never had "the conversation" with me about how he needs my financial help.
All that said, part of that comes from the fact that he loaths the inevitable financial responsibility lecture that accompanies the money he would ask for....
We could set up a poll!
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
OK, since you brought it up, I’m a tighty-whities guy.
Not to make lite of your predicament with your nephew and niece (I’ll never understand those things) but I’m sure ‘fez’ and ‘OF” just got a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel they’ve been peering into for a long time now. Hell, why am I concerned with them? I want in that line too.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
To be fair, we have two adult children who wouldn't dream of asking for money. 2 out of 3 ain't bad! The one's who do ask have a big house, send kids to private school ($25K a year eachX3), have new cars, vacation about 4 or 5 times a year.
The other two are extremely careful with their money and live on a thrifty budget. They do the things they want to do and love to do things that don't cost a lot, bicycling, days at the beach or park, reading, meeting friends. I often think that I believe those two are much more content and live a better life overall. I think the 3 children, from the spending family, have a big advantage as far as their education and future are concerned.......out of about 40 graduates in my grandson's class all but 2 were going to prestigious universities. The kids in this school put on plays and concerts that are professional grade, they raise money for charities and start businesses to learn how the system works. I think they lack cooperating and learning about their common man, and how most people have to find what makes them happy. These kids get everything. One grandaughter in that family (she just turned 16) was telling us her favorite drink was some pumpkin latte drink from Starbucks and she sometimes has 3 a week. I can't afford to go to Starbucks for coffee! Hope these kids get good jobs or marry well, or they could have a problem later in life....but, I guess the parents will be there to help...since it is family.
btw....while talking about coffee and back to kitchen devices. We got a Kurig coffee maker and it makes great coffee (I like Nantucket Blend about $35 for 80 at Costco). They're only about $100 and they are simple and fast and it makes better coffee than most restaurants...right in our own home! Talk about ways to save money.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
That is very true, but, you do need some real breaks to get ahead. But, as you realize, you do make your own breaks/luck...or at least you set up an infrastructure of a company and you are ready or take a big risk and go for it when the big breaks come along. To successfully launch business you usually have to live and breathe your work 24/7. As many performers have said........yes, I/we were an overnight sensation, it only took 20 years to become one.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We were invited to the Casino Friday evening (tomorrow) as a guest to receive their extra large Kurig coffee maker - the big one with three or four nozzles. I decided to go and pick it up (they've invited only 50 of the customers to acquire one) between 7:00 and 9:00 PM. Between 5:00 and 7:00, they invited gold players (about 200) who will received the smaller unit.
I've always wanted one so I could make cappacino and Cuban coffee, etc. I think the major cost involved is in buying the kurig cartridges - I hear they are quite expensive. But we'll give it a try.
It's their Rivo model, MSRP $229.00 - so I guess it's a good one - worth the trip over there.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I won a Keurig back in November and I find it makes ok coffee. Now I'm not some sort of coffee snob but IMHO, coffee from the Keurig isn't hot enough and it's a little on the light side. I also find the K Cups to be obscenely expensive when compared to ground coffee used in a drip coffee maker. I do use their insert and my own grounds so the cost doesn't affect me.
The biggest drawback to me is that the K Cups aren't recyclable. That's important to me so I have found a generic brand called San Francisco Bay Coffee that has a somewhat recyclable pod.
The aluminum cover can be recycled and the corn based ring and grounds can be composted. The only thing that gets tossed is the filter as it is some sore of plastic mesh.
The only things I like about the Keurig is the convenience and that fact that they are building their new corporate headquarters in my town.
Here is an interesting thing - their patent on the K Cups has expired and now there are many knockoffs coming out. But their next machine and K cup will use some sort of digital matching system so that it will only brew OEM K Cups.
Just my opinion, but, I like the smallest unit the best. Doesn't take up a lot of room and it makes a cup of coffee within a minute, so no problem making two. Once you find the right coffee...the blend you like, then you will have great coffee, and it will be the same every time.
If you buy the cups in a grocery store they will be about 75 cents each. If you buy them at a discount store like W-Mart they will be about 55 cents each. If you buy at Costco they work out to under 40 cents each. I only have 2 a day or max 3, so I don't think it is that much to pay for something that is very pleasureable...and I don't have any other expensive vices.
Besides, if I don't spend it guess who will?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
robr2...there are all kinds of coffee pods out there for the Keurig that aren't made by them. I have their VUE system, which I can buy the travel mug size pods. It also allows me to adjust the temp, so I can get my coffee the temp I like it.
I know for awhile, there was some pretty intense competition among to pod brewers....I think Nescafe had one. I know Starbucks is still pushing theirs. But, Keurig has pretty much taken over the market.
I get my pods from Amazon. I also have one of those "insert thingies" that you can load your own coffee with, if you'd like. It mimics the pod.
I've been very pleased with mine. Don't remember how much it was, but I got it at Bed Bath with one of their never ending 20% off coupons.
Mike, not familiar with the one you're getting. But, if it's anything they've released recently, it's probably pretty good.
Rob, I find the Nantucket Blend, which is available at Costco 80 cups for $35, is my favorite. It is very smooth, medium roast, and as you said it is easy to make. I found Neumans, also at Costco is stronger, closer to Starbucks. I have had Italian Roast which is stronger too. Finding the right blend takes a few tries...I think some stores have a starter pack with a variety you can test. Like I say, coffee is a very expensive pleasure, and $1 or $2 a day is not a major problem.
About the hotness....the Kurig maker is designed to brew the coffee at the optimum temperature for best flavor. I find the temperature is perfect - not scolding legal lawsuit hot.
Re: the non-biologically degradeable cups. Like you say, if it bothers you you can buy refillable cups. I think they will find an answer to this problem soon....maybe find a way to make them into houses or something. Man will come up with something...he always does.
That's cool that they will make them so genetic cups won't work. One friend bought the stock when it first came out....I wish I had, most people love their Keurigs.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I know there are plenty of coffee pods out there. The K Cups are now being knocked off. The VUE pods are still all made by or licensed by Keurig so the prices are still pretty high The Riva uses a different pod for espresso and cappuccino again made by or licensed by Keurig. That's where the money is - it uses King Gillette's razor and blade model.
The VUE pods are recyclable if one is willing to take them apart.
I got my Keuring for free so I really shouldn't complain. Still, I prefer the taste of drip coffee.
Coke just bought 10% of Green Mountain Coffee (Keurig's parent). GMC is developing a cold system for soda and other drinks that is expected out next year.
You said it almost like someone I know, who started a business that became successful, said it. This has to be about 25 years ago and as best as I can remember his words…”I fell asleep for about 10 years and when I woke up, low and behold, look what I found? I’m sure glad I finally woke up. This is nice". To his, and his wife’s credit (luck?), his kids (2 sons and a daughter) haven’t ruined that business.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
40 cents a cup? No wonder your kids think you have lots of money.
I buy the big bucket of coffee at Sam's club for $10 and brew it by the pot in my Walmart coffee maker. Bet it costs less than a nickel a cup. It's hot and it's black and it wakes me up from my morning coma.
No pumpkin nonsense for me.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
That ain’t nothin. A couple years ago the company put one in the employee kitchen area. This gizmo has its own filtered water line connected to it. A fellow employee said it cost around a thousand bucks. I couldn’t believe that so I went and googled the model number (B300SE). Sure enough, he was right. And all this time I didn’t think they liked us a plugged nickels worth. Now if they would only buy the K-cups for it like they do where Son #1 works.
I gotta change employers.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I have thought about that many times, and I think a lot of great businesses were started because the original person has a dream, an idea. Usually money has little to do with it, many people just have an idea they want to pursue. Think Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Elvis, the Beatles, Henry Ford, Mark Zuckerberg even, they were passionate and they had an idea. They started small...like in a garage, and somehow they saw an opportunity and that led them to something larger than they could imagine. That's when you wake up, just like your friend did, and say how did I get to this point.....I never imagined I would be here in a million years.
Like venture said, there isn't luck, you make your own luck, but somehow the stars and planets had to line up just right too.
One of my SILs biggest problems is he has absolutely no passion or pride in the business, he just thinks of it as a way to make money. I never worried about profit...I always said if my customers do well, then I will do well. Some car dealerships should learn that lesson - like your former Hyundai dealership (not to mention that sore point again)
.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I'm still family, right?
BTW, I know I posted this before and missed the answer but are you available 3/4 - 3/5 maybe? I could actually meet you on my way to Florida. I'll bring the adoption papers!
OK, I lost your quote but you know what I was referring to...
I'll learn the new system yet!
No pumpkin for you ?
We have a Dolce Gusto coffee maker we bought for $30. You can make cappacinos and the pods are available at BB and Beyond online. We also have a small 4 cup cheapy that makes great coffee -- as far as taste, by the time I put the sweetner and the milk in it, I might as well be drinking a milkshake.
Keurig started by selling commercial models in 1998 and only entered the home market in 2004.
Funny story - one of the founders while developing the original commercial machine - would up in the ER with heart attack like symptoms. The doctors couldn't find anything and they finally asked about his coffee consumption - he answered that he drank 30-40 cups a day. It was part of their testing. He left the company after GMCR invested - he left with a one-time payment of $50K. I'm sure he kicks himself everyday.
SONY BLUETOOTH SPEAKER IS THE NEXT GIFT!
Next Thursday evening (week from today) they are giving out a Sony Bluetooth Speaker. I have no idea how it works, but I'm going to pick one up for free at the Casino. They sure have been generous lately - a Mont Blanc Pen ($455.00), a Keurig Rivo Coffee maker ($299) and now the Sony Bluetooth Speaker (200). I guess since they don't have a hotel attached to the casino, they have to give away something to their regular players. Wonder what will be next?
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
$50K? The paperwork alone had to cost around $200K.
That guy ought to be glad if he’s only kicking himself. He should have been shot by all family members who could be on an island somewhere by now.
Geez, what a dope!!!
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
@jmonroe said:$50K? That guy ought to be glad if he’s only kicking himself.
Keurigs are ingenius. The initial cost is relatively inexpensive, it's buying those K-Cups that gives them the big profit. Just like Gillette with their blades (mentioned) or HP with their printer cartridges. This is truly the gift that keeps giving....profits back to the maker.
Once Braun or Mr Coffee sell a regular coffee maker, that's it for 10 years, with a Keurig the coffee maker is just the start of the profits rolling in...they should be giving them away, but then the coffee wouldn't seem as special.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
>
Maybe it can be used if short about a pint of oil too if need be. At Tim Hortons in Canada, which is like Dunkin Donuts here, I almost get ill right then and there when the guy ahead of me orders a triple triple. That's triple cream and triple sugar.....why bother having coffee, you might as well heat it up and add it to hot water for any coffee taste you might get. Guess at least they are getting some caffeine effect.
I am not an aficionado about coffee, but, I do appreciate a nice smooth non-bitter cup-u-java 2 or 3X a day. I was satisfied with coffee made with just a Melitta filter in a plastic cup, until I tried a Keurig coffee at a friends. Now, there's no going back!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Yep - took a buyout of $50K
"...no going back..."
Worst cup of coffee I ever had was at Starbucks in the Miami airport terminal. When one of the parents gave me a gift card for them I just bought some pastries.
Maybe some day when I'm rich I develop a taste for fine coffee. I just missed the $425 million Powerball last night by 6 numbers.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I think Power Ball should give me a prize, for never having any of the numbers selected.
btw...I don't like Starbucks coffee at all. They have a new milder blend called blonde which I find I can drink, but, the regular blend is just too strong for me. Just me, but I have no desire to order a fancy coffee....I drink coffee because it isn't too sweet.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
"btw.I don't like Starbucks coffee at all."
The only drink I LOVE at Starbucks is the extra-large iced latte. It is the best latte I've ever had.
They use only top quality coffee beans (arabica I believe) which is very strong. But when diluted with mild and ice - it works!!!
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
I am a true oddball in the business world. I don't drink coffee at all. can't stand it (though I do like the smell of roasted beans).
I can (and do!) drink unsweetened home brewed iced tea all day though (actually Dunkin Donuts has excellent iced tea too).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Going against the grain here...I Love Me Some Starbucks!
We're on our 3rd Keurig in the office. The first two developed leaks just after a year of use. Story I heard was that the water pumps they use (or used) were not very good quality and were a common failure point.
I never drank coffee at all until I was about 30. Going to meetings at work it was the only thing to drink back then so I developed a taste for it. I like the bitterness of it also and cannot handle it with sugar, but I do like some milk in it.
For years I used to have a couple of cups of instant at home with breakfast (or FOR breakfast!), but about a dozen years ago I bought a Melitta Mill & Brew machine which was a big upgrade, and let me try different kinds of beans. It was a great little machine, grinding the beans just before brewing the coffee. Last year I replaced it with a Breville YouBrew, and that is just a fantastic machine. The grinder is better, and it makes coffee that is significantly hotter than most others. Apparently the optimal temperature is just below boiling, about 200 degrees or so, and this comes really close.
One of the neat things these days is that there are a number of local coffee roasters and you can try a variety of styles while supporting a local company. I don't mind paying a little more for something that is produced here when the cost is relatively modest.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
We brew our coffee in a Farberware old school percolator. We love it. Its kind of a PITA to deal with the wrap around filters you need, but makes such a great hot cup of coffee. Never been a big fan of the Keurig machines, coffee always seems weak.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I got she who must be obeyed a Keurig a few years ago. While the K cups can be expensive you can get large packages for a smaller price per unit cost. Plus considering that my wife is the only coffee drinker in the house and only a single cup a day it really is economical over brewing using a drip coffee maker.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
@Abacomike,
I'm sure this will blow over, both with your favored dealer and with your son.
Your local dealer probably is happy you are paying them to store a nice E series for a few months until they want to sell it as a low mileage CPO.
I am a Starbucks fan, too - I hate their Pike Place blend but like some of their reserve blends that they'll brew in the Seattle area only.
I only get it once or twice a week and the rest of the time drink the diaper water that is free at work. The things I'll do for my caffeine hit...