I used to siphon gas from my cars for my lawnmower and I can remember what happens!
Yeah, me too. And I used a piece of clear Tygon Tubing, boy did that hose get stiff and yellow after about 10 years. I don't do it anymore, too hard to fish the hose into these new baffled tanks.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
every vehicle I have ever traded in had a full, or close to full tank of gas.
Whenever I've sold my vehicles private sale, I've always kept about a half a tank of gas in it. If a buyer thinks you're to cheap to leave a few drops of gas in the tank, then they'll probably think you're to cheap to follow a proper maintenance schedule.
Any used car sold should have a least a quarter tank of gas... new cars a full tank.
How'd you get the 22% off? Rebates... sale price...haggleing? What is the sales experience like comparing the purchase of an RV to that of the mundane 200hp automobile?
I saw your RV photo in the motor homes discussion, it's very nice.
Jipster, the norm for a new motorhome (A-class) is at least 22% off MSRP. The MSRP was $456,000 and he came down to $380,000 and I said $325,000 and then he said $355,000 and I said OK. The sales experience is just like buying a car. The F&I office wanted me to purchase an extended warranty for $8,997.... I said no. Extended warranties on Motorhomes seem like much more of a problem than automobiles (Reading from motorhome magazine).
I thought the price was reasonable because it was a special order 2008 model. (Aqua-hot hot water system, select control king bed, dishwasher, stacked washer and dryer, full tile floor, see-vision system, two electric awnings, central vac, two inside TV's and one outside, all leather seating, four slide-outs, two leveling systems [air and hydraulic] and the new 425 hp clean air Cummins diesel). No smoke comes out the tailpipe that I can see.
That's the story... Mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
$355,000??? I lose that in one night at the craps table.
Wow... I had no idea they cost that much. I was thinking maybe 200k.
Getting over $100,000 off a new vehicle sounds like some pretty good negotiating though. I think that may be a Edmunds record. I only got $5,600 off my new Mazda.
Curious as to how you plan to use your RV. Live in, summer travel... or a weekly getaway type of thing?
Actually, it has absolutely nothing to do with trade value - wherever that came from. It is just one of many buying signals you can pick up from a customer. Another is if all the crap has been removed from the car. A recent detail can be a signal. And the list just keeps on growing
Please don't take me too seriously! If $50 worth of gas is a deal killer on either side of the table, people need to take a step back and look at the big picture...
Anyway, I have never had a car delivered, new or used, from a dealer with less than a full tank. :shades:
$355,000??? I lose that in one night at the craps table.
Wow... I had no idea they cost that much. I was thinking maybe 200k.
Getting over $100,000 off a new vehicle sounds like some pretty good negotiating though. I think that may be a Edmunds record. I only got $5,600 off my new Mazda.
Curious as to how you plan to use your RV. Live in, summer travel... or a weekly getaway type of thing?
Jipster.. There are motorhomes that are a lot cheaper and then again, there are some that are a lot more. My friends bought a Monaco Signature (top of the line) for about $750,000 (MSRP).
Marathons, Prevosts and Newells start at $1.2 million and go up from there.
I'm just the poor red-headed step child
I plan on driving my new Monaco about 4 or 5 times a year... maybe 8,000 miles per year total. This is my dream come true.. something I've been reading about for about 9 years and finally took the plunge.
Happy Motorhoming to all! Mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
How come none of you guys bailed snake out? Shame on yous!
Thats ok, I just looked the judge in the eye and said "Kindly Judge your honor my parents treat me rough, with all their marijuana they won't give me a puff. they didn't want to have me but somehow I was had, Leaping Lizards thats why I am so bad." :shades:
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Usually the sales guys that I purchased from have some type of contract with the gas station down the street where i've seen them had a purchase order to the attendant and they get a copy back so I'm sure some of the gas is most likely paid for by the dealership.
yeah, wow! i think i just kinda stared at my computer for a bit after i saw that price tag!
i would love to RV - quit this stupid job and just see the country! im only 27 though...i don't have enough buckos to buy one even if i sold the house and the two cars...
sigh...someday!!!
hey, can i buy yours used in about 15 years? i wonder how much used ones go for...
-thene :shades:
oh, and by the way...DA BEARS are better!!! is it football season yet? how cool would it be to follow your team to the away games in that thing one year?
my trade (a truck), has a 22 gallon tank that is full, and the new car has a 12 gallon tank that is 1/4th full, you owe me some gas! If my trade is worth, say, $9,500 and you credit me $35 for gas, that's fine. If the trade is worth $9,500 with an empty tank, then the tune changes.
At 1/4 tank, my truck would usually take 15 `17 gallons to fill. 15 x 3.15 = $47.25.
You folks tend to take things to litteral here sometimes.
As a good salesperson there are a few things you look for when you first go to evaluate the customers trade.
1. Is the trade on empty.?
2. Is the trade cleaned out or are all the belongings that stay in a car in a box buy the seat?
3. Is there still water dripping off the undercarriage from where they ran it through the car wash before they got here.
4. Look at the plates. What county do they live in and how many dealers did they drive past to get here.
5. Is the car a Ford with a sticker from the Chevrolet store? (bought it used)
All of these are signs of a buyer. Not cod lock but usually not your casual Ice cream Licker and Tire Kicker.
hey, can i buy yours used in about 15 years? i wonder how much used ones go for...
Hello thenebean... well, it's hard to say how much it will go for used but my estimate is that in five years it will be worth about $100,000 to $125,000 (mileage in the 60,000 range).
I figured my depreciation, storage costs, insurance, etc. will cost me about $4,500 a month over five years without even going on any trips. There is no payment included in the figure.
But, when you consider staying in hotel suites (equipped like the motorhome), the cost per night will run $300 - $1,000 per night or more depending on the hotel. When you compare apples to apples, the differences are not that far apart.
The fact of not packing and unpacking when traveling is a big plus for me. No airport waits, security waits.. etc. I really don't like to fly anymore...it's not like the good ole days for sure!
I'm going to Europe for 3.5 weeks next week and I will not be looking forward to the airports and security and the possible crazy terrorists.
My next motorhome trip this summer will include a northern trip West... (Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, California).
M156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
doesn't that seem odd to you, though? All dealers say there is more profit in used cars. So how is it the lower profit vehicles (new cars) get a full tank?
whoops. just saw your post to snakeweasel about honda paying for the gas. how does that work?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
i always thought RVing would be so much fun. i definitely prefer driving to flying (unless of course you're going somewhere where you CANT drive...)
i don't think i'd ever need anything that large, however just a small motorhome that you can just pack up and go wherever your heart desires just seems like such a freedom from the everyday humdrum of life - where things are so predictable...
Other things you can learn from a trade *Decals and vanity plates can provide the customer's interests *Car seats and booster chairs provide family info - if they are in a 2 door vehicle, it is another buying signal. *Military stickers can tell you something about the customer. In other words, there are many things you can learn about a customer without even asking a question. When I first started in this business, the dealer I worked for had us go to the trade before we showed a new car specifically for this reason.
"My next motorhome trip this summer will include a northern trip West... (Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, California)."
Assuming you're not David Stern, you are welcome to take a detour into Arizona! I'm thinking the Grand Canyon National Park might be an excellent place to park a motorhome for a couple days!
"But, when you consider staying in hotel suites (equipped like the motorhome), the cost per night will run $300 - $1,000 per night or more depending on the hotel. When you compare apples to apples, the differences are not that far apart."
Hmmm... I think it is difficult to perform an apples to apples comparison between the two. The better hotel resorts often have several amenities and activities that you cannot typically provide with a motorhome. Also, I haven't found many hotels that charge $1000 or more per night -- no matter how hard I try!
If you consider a cruise as alternative to both, I think you can find some nice cruise ships with 4-person luxury suites for $500/night or less.
Seriously, hope you enjoy your new set of wheels!! Be prepared for $4/gallon gasoline when you hit California this summer.
Poll: For all you guys and gals on the sales frontline, what percentage of shoppers do not have a particular model in their minds when they visit your dealership?
Explanation: We enthusiasts pretty much always know which model we want you to show us. Yet, from what I've read, I'm guessing there are also many customers who rely on you to suggest the best model for them. What percentage of customers fit into this category?
I used to siphon gas from my cars for my lawnmower and I can remember what happens!
My supervisor came in on Monday very eh, perturbed because his kids drained the lawnmower gas can for their car. Then the other kid took his car so he had no way to go get gas for the lawnmower.
I was just wondering what the heck he was doing mowing the lawn when he has two teenage boys that are using his cars and his gas :confuse:
I sell Nissans and I would say about 50% know what they want and about 35% of those know what they want to pay.(MINI COMMISION). The other 40% are cross shopping Toyota and Honda. The last 10% don't know or want a used car. We are mostly a new car store here.
I'm with you. The second happiest day of our lives was the day we sold our motorhome. What a PITA! Storage, insurance, constant repairs, parking fees etc!
I agree on the cruise. We have taken eight of them and there is simply no greater value than a cruise!
A perfect Saturday: Get a few buddies and head for the new car dealerships. Pretend to be car buyers who want to buy today. Eat some free hot dogs and ice cream there for breakfast. Make a bet on who can test drive the most cars during the rest of the day. Make another bet on who can drive the most expensive car of the day. Test drive some cars. Eat some free hamburgers and apple pie for lunch at another dealership. Then test drive some more cars, maybe some loaded SUVs ant trucks too. Keep track of the test drives. Then go down to the Cadillac dealer for the catered buffet of wings, pizza and caviar. Eat dessert there too; they have a frozen yogurt machine. Drive some new Cadillacs and some really expensive used cars there too. Then go to happy hour down at some place where the waitresses dress up in funny costumes. Tease the cute ones. Drink beer and eat munchies. Settle up on your bets. Take a vote on whether the guy who drove a big motorhome cheated or if he should get the most expensive test drive prize. Make the loser pay the tip (he never does cuz he's pissed). If you live in a big metropolitan area you can have this fun about twice a month. By the time you get back to the dealers you went to on the first Saturday, they'll have hired a few new salespeople. Always pick the new ones by pointing to one when you get out of your car upon arrival. Tell the greeter that you are here to see him, over there. When you are finally in the market to buy a car, go to a dealer in another town. Be nice there. That's how you get the best deal.
If a situation like that happens, usually you know by the way the customer talks or reacts if they're serious or not.
If 2 or 3 buddies come in, and ask about a certain car, and if they're not really paying attention to your answers because they have another agenda, it's usually a kick out the door.
When you are finally in the market to buy a car, go to a dealer in another town. Be nice there. That's how you get the best deal.
And when you are in the market for a car and drive to another town to buy it, hopefully, if you are serious about what you wrote, then hopefully, there will be nobody there to help you because everyone will be busy test driving flakes who are there for free hot dogs and pop.
I said... "But, when you consider staying in hotel suites (equipped like the motorhome), the cost per night will run $300 - $1,000 per night or more depending on the hotel. When you compare apples to apples, the differences are not that far apart."
Cotmc said..Hmmm... I think it is difficult to perform an apples to apples comparison between the two. The better hotel resorts often have several amenities and activities that you cannot typically provide with a motorhome. Also, I haven't found many hotels that charge $1000 or more per night -- no matter how hard I try! If you consider a cruise as alternative to both, I think you can find some nice cruise ships with 4-person luxury suites for $500/night or less. Seriously, hope you enjoy your new set of wheels!! Be prepared for $4/gallon gasoline when you hit California this summer.
Cotmc... hello!!! Have you ever booked a suite at the Bellagio in Las Vegas?? How about the Wynn?? Yes.. $900+ for a suite!
Pierre Hotel in NYC? Four Seasons in NYC?? Over $1,000 a night! The Ritz Carlton?? $$$$
I don't think I would take a cruise on a $500 a night or less... you got to be kidding. (Carnival cruise... one time.. never again!) The cruise I'm taking next week is about $1,000 a night for a suite with two black tie dinners and the other nights are coat and tie. It's a lot cheaper on the motorhome! LOL!
No one wants $4 a gallon gas but I keep thinking what the Europeans are paying and it makes me feel better. Even though I have a big motorhome that gets low gas mileage, I still conserve where I can. I keep my speed down and try to combine my trips. Every since I started driving in 1974, there has always been a gas crunch. :sick:
Mark156 :surprise:
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
The cost of gas, lodging, motor homes, etc is all relative to the individual. To some $1000 a night for lodging may seem extravagant. To others it is the reason that they got up every morning for 30 years and busted the hump at there job so they could live that life style when they are retired.
We all live in different social circles and for the most most part are circle is of people of the same financial status.
I for one applaud Mark for putting himself in a position to be able to afford to these things. its not like he did not have a plan to get there. He wasn't able to just do this one day by luck. it sounds like he had a financial plan and stuck to it. If rolling down the road in the Ritz Carlton on Wheels is how he wants to spend his retirement then more power to him.
I am not mad, just jealous.
Now, put Nashville in your travel plans one day and give me a ride.
I thought of you all last night as I was putting $6 worth of gas in the new F150 I leased.
We were busy last night and by the time I got around to getting my truck ready to go the gas station was closed and the truck was on empty. As I pumped the gas I thought boy the crew at Edmunds would get a kick out of the Finance MGR at a dealership having to buy enough gas to get home in his new truck
mark...you're right about the suties in Vegas. But, the standard rooms at the Bellagio and Wynn are pretty darn nice....nicer than any other hotel I've stayed at. All the rooms at the Venetian are suites. Any of them can be had for $200-$300/night during the weekday.
That said, I would think motorhoming is something you enjoy doing (like boating). You can't make good financial sense out of it. I know I can't make financial sense of the boat. Believe me, I've tried. I just enjoy doing it. It's not a cheap hobby, though.
Gotta say, I went to the Monaco WEB site. If the one you've got is anywhere near as nice as the ones they showed there, I'd be tempted to sell my house and live in one of those, year round. The allure of picking up and going wherever you want, whenever you want, would be pretty compelling.
Just when I tell myself I don't need another vehicle, I come across something that makes me re-think things.
I need some help from you guys.
Last night, an acquaintance called me. He and his girlfriend bought a 1970 VW Beetle Convertible from and old man who had it since new. It's in all original condition, with the exception of the outside mirrors, (bought new and are correct for the year/make). They even have the original owner's manual. Anyway, it runs. It leaks a bit of oil, but from what I can tell doesnt' burn any (so they say). Looked at the oil in it and it looks like it's "burnt", but it may just be old.
They've had it a couple of years, but don't drive it much, other than to start it up every week. It needs a new top and a paint job....there's rust, but not enough that a little sanding and bondo wouldn't take care of. Windshield wipers don't work. Neither does the heater blower motor (does it even have a heater blower motor?). The interior could use new seats, or at least, reupolstering.
Here's the kicker....they want $700 for it. Deal or no deal?
Comments
Yeah, me too.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Whenever I've sold my vehicles private sale, I've always kept about a half a tank of gas in it. If a buyer thinks you're to cheap to leave a few drops of gas in the tank, then they'll probably think you're to cheap to follow a proper maintenance schedule.
Any used car sold should have a least a quarter tank of gas... new cars a full tank.
How'd you get the 22% off? Rebates... sale price...haggleing? What is the sales experience like comparing the purchase of an RV to that of the mundane 200hp automobile?
I saw your RV photo in the motor homes discussion, it's very nice.
Jipster, the norm for a new motorhome (A-class) is at least 22% off MSRP. The MSRP was $456,000 and he came down to $380,000 and I said $325,000 and then he said $355,000 and I said OK. The sales experience is just like buying a car. The F&I office wanted me to purchase an extended warranty for $8,997.... I said no. Extended warranties on Motorhomes seem like much more of a problem than automobiles (Reading from motorhome magazine).
I thought the price was reasonable because it was a special order 2008 model. (Aqua-hot hot water system, select control king bed, dishwasher, stacked washer and dryer, full tile floor, see-vision system, two electric awnings, central vac, two inside TV's and one outside, all leather seating, four slide-outs, two leveling systems [air and hydraulic] and the new 425 hp clean air Cummins diesel). No smoke comes out the tailpipe that I can see.
That's the story... Mark156
Wow... I had no idea they cost that much. I was thinking maybe 200k.
Getting over $100,000 off a new vehicle sounds like some pretty good negotiating though. I think that may be a Edmunds record. I only got $5,600 off my new Mazda.
Curious as to how you plan to use your RV. Live in, summer travel... or a weekly getaway type of thing?
Anyway, I have never had a car delivered, new or used, from a dealer with less than a full tank. :shades:
So you're Cosmo Kramer.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Others don't and the dealer pays.
Also, CPO cars get filled.
Actually he is neither, as neither Kosmo (with a "K") or the salesman broke and "got" gas.
Wow... I had no idea they cost that much. I was thinking maybe 200k.
Getting over $100,000 off a new vehicle sounds like some pretty good negotiating though. I think that may be a Edmunds record. I only got $5,600 off my new Mazda.
Curious as to how you plan to use your RV. Live in, summer travel... or a weekly getaway type of thing?
Jipster.. There are motorhomes that are a lot cheaper and then again, there are some that are a lot more. My friends bought a Monaco Signature (top of the line) for about $750,000 (MSRP).
Marathons, Prevosts and Newells start at $1.2 million and go up from there.
I'm just the poor red-headed step child
I plan on driving my new Monaco about 4 or 5 times a year... maybe 8,000 miles per year total. This is my dream come true.. something I've been reading about for about 9 years and finally took the plunge.
Happy Motorhoming to all! Mark156
Thats ok, I just looked the judge in the eye and said "Kindly Judge your honor my parents treat me rough, with all their marijuana they won't give me a puff. they didn't want to have me but somehow I was had, Leaping Lizards thats why I am so bad." :shades:
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Thanks for the explanation, at least now we know where you're coming from.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Sounds like a very nice one, though. Congrats on the purchase.
i would love to RV - quit this stupid job and just see the country! im only 27 though...i don't have enough buckos to buy one even if i sold the house and the two cars...
sigh...someday!!!
hey, can i buy yours used in about 15 years?
-thene :shades:
oh, and by the way...DA BEARS are better!!!
Nothing is ever free.
At 1/4 tank, my truck would usually take 15 `17 gallons to fill. 15 x 3.15 = $47.25.
You folks tend to take things to litteral here sometimes.
As a good salesperson there are a few things you look for when you first go to evaluate the customers trade.
1. Is the trade on empty.?
2. Is the trade cleaned out or are all the belongings that stay in a car in a box buy the seat?
3. Is there still water dripping off the undercarriage from where they ran it through the car wash before they got here.
4. Look at the plates. What county do they live in and how many dealers did they drive past to get here.
5. Is the car a Ford with a sticker from the Chevrolet store? (bought it used)
All of these are signs of a buyer. Not cod lock but usually not your casual Ice cream Licker and Tire Kicker.
Hello thenebean... well, it's hard to say how much it will go for used but my estimate is that in five years it will be worth about $100,000 to $125,000 (mileage in the 60,000 range).
I figured my depreciation, storage costs, insurance, etc. will cost me about $4,500 a month over five years without even going on any trips. There is no payment included in the figure.
But, when you consider staying in hotel suites (equipped like the motorhome), the cost per night will run $300 - $1,000 per night or more depending on the hotel. When you compare apples to apples, the differences are not that far apart.
The fact of not packing and unpacking when traveling is a big plus for me. No airport waits, security waits.. etc. I really don't like to fly anymore...it's not like the good ole days for sure!
I'm going to Europe for 3.5 weeks next week and I will not be looking forward to the airports and security and the possible crazy terrorists.
My next motorhome trip this summer will include a northern trip West... (Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, California).
M156
whoops. just saw your post to snakeweasel about honda paying for the gas. how does that work?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
i don't think i'd ever need anything that large, however just a small motorhome that you can just pack up and go wherever your heart desires just seems like such a freedom from the everyday humdrum of life - where things are so predictable...
maybe someday...i gotta save the pennies!!!
-thene
*Decals and vanity plates can provide the customer's interests
*Car seats and booster chairs provide family info - if they are in a 2 door vehicle, it is another buying signal.
*Military stickers can tell you something about the customer.
In other words, there are many things you can learn about a customer without even asking a question. When I first started in this business, the dealer I worked for had us go to the trade before we showed a new car specifically for this reason.
Assuming you're not David Stern, you are welcome to take a detour into Arizona! I'm thinking the Grand Canyon National Park might be an excellent place to park a motorhome for a couple days!
"But, when you consider staying in hotel suites (equipped like the motorhome), the cost per night will run $300 - $1,000 per night or more depending on the hotel. When you compare apples to apples, the differences are not that far apart."
Hmmm... I think it is difficult to perform an apples to apples comparison between the two. The better hotel resorts often have several amenities and activities that you cannot typically provide with a motorhome. Also, I haven't found many hotels that charge $1000 or more per night -- no matter how hard I try!
If you consider a cruise as alternative to both, I think you can find some nice cruise ships with 4-person luxury suites for $500/night or less.
Seriously, hope you enjoy your new set of wheels!! Be prepared for $4/gallon gasoline when you hit California this summer.
Something tells me mark156 isn't to concerned about $4 gas.
That RV of his looks big enough to hold an olympic size swimming pool.
Explanation: We enthusiasts pretty much always know which model we want you to show us. Yet, from what I've read, I'm guessing there are also many customers who rely on you to suggest the best model for them. What percentage of customers fit into this category?
LOL!
Wait.. actually, I'm not laughing... I'm still crying about that $4/gallon gasoline!
As you can see... I'm a fan of (...) as well.
My supervisor came in on Monday very eh, perturbed because his kids drained the lawnmower gas can for their car. Then the other kid took his car so he had no way to go get gas for the lawnmower.
I was just wondering what the heck he was doing mowing the lawn when he has two teenage boys that are using his cars and his gas :confuse:
I usually get the, "I don't know if I want a Range Rover Sport or a Range Rover. I need a third row though..."
"Sorry only the LR3 has a third row."
"Ohh that looks funny from the back I don't like it."
Grumble Grumble internal commentary(You don't drive it from the lady)
I agree on the cruise. We have taken eight of them and there is simply no greater value than a cruise!
" Oh, I would like to test drive an Accord and a Civic and maybe a Pilot"
These people will wreck a busy Saturday for you and they rarely buy anything.
Get a few buddies and head for the new car dealerships. Pretend to be car buyers who want to buy today. Eat some free hot dogs and ice cream there for breakfast. Make a bet on who can test drive the most cars during the rest of the day. Make another bet on who can drive the most expensive car of the day. Test drive some cars. Eat some free hamburgers and apple pie for lunch at another dealership. Then test drive some more cars, maybe some loaded SUVs ant trucks too. Keep track of the test drives. Then go down to the Cadillac dealer for the catered buffet of wings, pizza and caviar. Eat dessert there too; they have a frozen yogurt machine. Drive some new Cadillacs and some really expensive used cars there too.
Then go to happy hour down at some place where the waitresses dress up in funny costumes. Tease the cute ones. Drink beer and eat munchies. Settle up on your bets. Take a vote on whether the guy who drove a big motorhome cheated or if he should get the most expensive test drive prize. Make the loser pay the tip (he never does cuz he's pissed).
If you live in a big metropolitan area you can have this fun about twice a month. By the time you get back to the dealers you went to on the first Saturday, they'll have hired a few new salespeople. Always pick the new ones by pointing to one when you get out of your car upon arrival. Tell the greeter that you are here to see him, over there.
When you are finally in the market to buy a car, go to a dealer in another town. Be nice there. That's how you get the best deal.
If a situation like that happens, usually you know by the way the customer talks or reacts if they're serious or not.
If 2 or 3 buddies come in, and ask about a certain car, and if they're not really paying attention to your answers because they have another agenda, it's usually a kick out the door.
When you are finally in the market to buy a car, go to a dealer in another town. Be nice there. That's how you get the best deal.
And when you are in the market for a car and drive to another town to buy it, hopefully, if you are serious about what you wrote, then hopefully, there will be nobody there to help you because everyone will be busy test driving flakes who are there for free hot dogs and pop.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Cotmc said..Hmmm... I think it is difficult to perform an apples to apples comparison between the two. The better hotel resorts often have several amenities and activities that you cannot typically provide with a motorhome. Also, I haven't found many hotels that charge $1000 or more per night -- no matter how hard I try!
If you consider a cruise as alternative to both, I think you can find some nice cruise ships with 4-person luxury suites for $500/night or less.
Seriously, hope you enjoy your new set of wheels!! Be prepared for $4/gallon gasoline when you hit California this summer.
Cotmc... hello!!! Have you ever booked a suite at the Bellagio in Las Vegas?? How about the Wynn?? Yes.. $900+ for a suite!
Pierre Hotel in NYC? Four Seasons in NYC?? Over $1,000 a night! The Ritz Carlton?? $$$$
I don't think I would take a cruise on a $500 a night or less... you got to be kidding. (Carnival cruise... one time.. never again!) The cruise I'm taking next week is about $1,000 a night for a suite with two black tie dinners and the other nights are coat and tie. It's a lot cheaper on the motorhome! LOL!
No one wants $4 a gallon gas but I keep thinking what the Europeans are paying and it makes me feel better. Even though I have a big motorhome that gets low gas mileage, I still conserve where I can. I keep my speed down and try to combine my trips. Every since I started driving in 1974, there has always been a gas crunch. :sick:
Mark156 :surprise:
I agree. When my sons were teenagers I didn't even know what the lawn mower looked like.
I had to re-introduce myself to it when son #2 left the house. What a shock that was.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
We all live in different social circles and for the most most part are circle is of people of the same financial status.
I for one applaud Mark for putting himself in a position to be able to afford to these things. its not like he did not have a plan to get there. He wasn't able to just do this one day by luck. it sounds like he had a financial plan and stuck to it. If rolling down the road in the Ritz Carlton on Wheels is how he wants to spend his retirement then more power to him.
I am not mad, just jealous.
Now, put Nashville in your travel plans one day and give me a ride.
We were busy last night and by the time I got around to getting my truck ready to go the gas station was closed and the truck was on empty. As I pumped the gas I thought boy the crew at Edmunds would get a kick out of the Finance MGR at a dealership having to buy enough gas to get home in his new truck
That said, I would think motorhoming is something you enjoy doing (like boating). You can't make good financial sense out of it. I know I can't make financial sense of the boat. Believe me, I've tried. I just enjoy doing it. It's not a cheap hobby, though.
Gotta say, I went to the Monaco WEB site. If the one you've got is anywhere near as nice as the ones they showed there, I'd be tempted to sell my house and live in one of those, year round. The allure of picking up and going wherever you want, whenever you want, would be pretty compelling.
I need some help from you guys.
Last night, an acquaintance called me. He and his girlfriend bought a 1970 VW Beetle Convertible from and old man who had it since new. It's in all original condition, with the exception of the outside mirrors, (bought new and are correct for the year/make). They even have the original owner's manual. Anyway, it runs. It leaks a bit of oil, but from what I can tell doesnt' burn any (so they say). Looked at the oil in it and it looks like it's "burnt", but it may just be old.
They've had it a couple of years, but don't drive it much, other than to start it up every week. It needs a new top and a paint job....there's rust, but not enough that a little sanding and bondo wouldn't take care of. Windshield wipers don't work. Neither does the heater blower motor (does it even have a heater blower motor?). The interior could use new seats, or at least, reupolstering.
Here's the kicker....they want $700 for it. Deal or no deal?
VWs have do have heat but it doesn't work very well so even if it was "working" you might think it was broken.
I don't think they had a blower motor. Just a very weak heater.