Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    When my girlfriend bought her Buick LaCrosse, she considered it because it looked more like a woman's car whereas she felt the Chrysler 300 was very much a man's car.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    I loved the first generation Solara SLE in Diamond white pearl with the ivory leather (I'm a sucker for that color/leather combo! :blush: . I remember the first one we got was that color and a couple came in and bought it without even driving it. They were really nice and agreed to leave it in the showroom for a week so that we could show it to other customers. :) The second generation became too rounded for my taste. Still a good looking car though but I do have more women than men looking at it.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,253
    "...Am I really gender unimpressed?..."

    Yes you are. Don't you know a "real man" doesn't think for himself. He doesn't buy a car based on what HE thinks is best. He runs to some macho authority figure who will then tell him what to drive to avoid ridicule. He doesn't trust his own judgment but defers to his peers. Hey, wait...Isn't THAT the definition of "girlie"? :blush:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    That's because a real man won't mind all the time he spends repairing the 300....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    I think the RX is kinda girlie. OK for my wife, but as my main drive...no. My neighbor has one. When I see him in it, I want to give him the old Arnie, hey Girlie Man

    Any vehicle with an automatic transmission is a girly car.
    If there is no clutch, it is a girly car.

    Men don't drive Automatics, period.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Just a reminder, my request for that new Lexus still stands. :blush: No hurry, whenever you're ready.
    :)
    Mackabee
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Nah thats not true some vehicles are just better with an automatic.

    Big trucks for towing automatic is much better. The new tow/haul modes on the big trucks work great.

    Big Suvs automatic is much better. Off-road driving is better with automatics. Big sedans again better with an automatic. Even some of the midsized sedans or big GT cars are better off with an automatic.

    Small cars manual all the way and Sports Cars too of course. Small SUVs are also better with a manual.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Just a reminder, my request for that new Lexus still stands. No hurry, whenever you're ready.

    Mack, don't you think the IS is just a little bit girlie? (At least the first generation was) Besides I can't spend anymore money, unless I want to be branded as an arrogant snob
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    Just to keep y'all informed, I submitted a request to Tidester and Kirstie to have this topic name changed:

    Manly Cars vs. Girlie Cars: Which do you drive?

    While we're at it, I agree with br 100%, but I disagree on the IS discussion. The former IS300 had sharper, more masculine lines than the new ISx50 model.

    epiney: Did you contact Max, yet?
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Oh yes the old IS300 was a much better driver's car then the current IS models.

    I just delivered that IS250 to a guy and even after driving it some more I don't like it.

    Sure it is more luxurious inside with much better materials but it isn't nearly as fun to drive. The engine isn't as sweet or responsive the whole car feels numb. The back seat is the same size and might even have a little less head room. The visibility out the front and back is bad. You had better buy that backup camera if you plan to see what is going on back there.
  • pmanzapmanza Member Posts: 34
    Epiney
    Good for you for wanting the safest possible vehicle that meets your family's needs. I also want the safest possible vehicle for my family, I just shop in a price bracket down from you is all! I cannot imagine the pain one would feel if they bought form over function (or just flat out cheap - think no safety equipment) and their family was killed or seriously maimed in an accident. Thank-goodness for all of us that there are many good and safe choices out there in all price brackets and sizes. Although personally, I feel bigger is better when it comes to safety.

    And for anyone who thinks it is a waste to spend money on an expensive new car, keep in mind, his gently used, well maintained luxury car could be our used car purchase in the future (thats how I got a Lexus, never could have afforded to buy one new).

    And yes to all, the RX300 is definitely a "girlie" car. I love mine, too bad she doesn't drink less gas. Maybe a 12-step program would help?
    Peggy
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Peggy, yes that was my point. If I had a choice between a old Eddie Bauer edition Explorer or a Kia Sedona and that's what I could afford, I'd pick the Sedona. My vehicle has low mileage, but is perfectly good, I just want to buy a safer one. I just happen to be fortunate enough now to be able to buy a nicer vehicle. It hasn't always been that way. I had to finance that Windstar and once had a old Tercel that had no heat. Had to wear a hat in cold weather.

    P.S. If you think your mileage is bad on the RX you should see the sticker on the Denali taht was in the showroom. I think it was like 12 mpg city :sick: .
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    cotmc, not yet as my wife needs to decide. She now says, don't ask me which car I want, I need to think about it. So I say, OK tell me which one and we'll go buy it.

    It's too bad Max is across the country, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't want the hassle for a mini ;) But I think it could be a quick straight forward deal, which is what I want.

    Actually, I looked at the ED prices on Volvo's website and they look pretty good. At first glance, it looks close to a good negotiated deal, depending on incentives. I understand guys get a good fixed fee for an ED, so maybe they can give me a little more on my trade and we could both be happy. I'll have to crunch some more numbers to see.

    OK mack... I set you perfect for ED comments :blush:
  • editor2editor2 Member Posts: 64
    Not that I subscribe to the gendered idea, but: I bet it's men who put "bras" on their cars. :blush: Hence turning potentially manly cars into, well, cars with bras.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Oh yes the old IS300 was a much better driver's car then the current IS models

    That's why they need the IS-F to even try to compete with the Euro boys.
  • pmanzapmanza Member Posts: 34
    funny you mention explorer. We have a 95 Explorer (its paid for, so we keep it) that my 17 yr old son is now driving. I figure it is big and solid and so fairly safe even w/o the side airbags, at least compared to what we could afford to replace it with. Just wait till you see what ins rates are for teenagers on full ins. The explorer is liability only. Hubby did let son drive his new Hyundai Elantra (talk about value for what you get) for a week and son promptly got a speeding ticket! He can't GET the explorer to go that fast, and if he does, it growls enough to tell him to slow down!

    I had a Windstar too, that and the Odyssey were the safest minivans, but at the time, HOnda was marking up the Ody's 3k over MSRP. I don't think so. got a Windstar. Was real happy to see the backend of it too.
    Peggy
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Reading these posts and listening to customers...

    What is important to some is of zero or little importance to others. For some, it's SAFETY. Man, if a car doesn't have 8 airbags, ABS and everything else, it's like they feel their family is in great danger if they get into the car. For others, it's the gimmick options that others (like me) see little or no value in.

    Some people HAVE to have sunroofs, leather and everything else while these items are just fluff ot others.

    I have noticed that often the people with credit problems and very tight budgets are the same people that "need" all of the trival extras.

    For others, it's COLOR! They just HAVE to have a certain color and often that particular color is a color we order few of because most people hate it.

    Amazing to watch sometimes...
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    Volvo's ED prices are attractive only when there are no incentives, or when you get extra premium package deal (extra thousand plus off). However, they also tend to have heavy dealer incentives at certain times of the year - in thousands (last I checked they had combined almost 3 grand on the outgoing '07 S40/V50 - and it lasted for a few months). I'm pretty sure many dealers would be eager to share those.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • pmanzapmanza Member Posts: 34
    Isell
    I think the emphasis on safety may depend partly on where you live. I live in a big city and have to deal with maniac drivers every day so safety is big to me. Of course the foo foo is nice too if it is included or only a little extra. And who wouldn't want a flourescent green car (hey Mack, think Jasper Pearl!). But you are right, everyone wants something different. I am always amazed at the beaters that some parents put their teenagers in (and well to do parents at that) just because "they are going to total it anyway". I would like to think that if my kid totals a car, that he will live through the experience. Of course then there is the opposite extreme, kids who get brand new Beamers for their 16 b-day. My son goes to Catholic HS and we told him in no uncertain terms, our money is going into your tuition NOT a fancy car. Don't expect us to try to keep up with the Jones, we can't.
    Peggy
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    "I would like to think that if my kid totals a car, that he will live through the experience."

    And I would like to think that if someone's kid totals their car, everyone else lives through it, too!
  • pmanzapmanza Member Posts: 34
    cotmc
    Very good point!!! There have probably been 10 car deaths at my son's high school in the last 3 years. the stories he tells me about the things the other boys say and do is just downright scary. He actually saw one boy driving down the street with his feet hanging out the drivers side window. He couldn't figure out how the boy did it until we told him about cruise control. I am so glad he is more of a loner than a follower at this age!
    Peggy
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Ok. Let's go with the LS then. Pearl white with the ivory leather, nav, moonroof, back-up camera, Mark Levinson sound system. Has to have parking assist so when my son that likes to hit the curb drives it he won't have trouble parking. ;)
    Mackabee
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,370
    My kid asked, "If I get a full college scholarship can I take my college fund and buy an Aston Martin Vantage?" I told him, "Nope, if you get a full scholarship I'm taking your college fund and buying an Aston Martin Vantage."

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    "I have noticed that often the people with credit problems and very tight budgets are the same people that "need" all of the trival extras."

    One of the most common "fluff" options that always brings up some good discussion and debate is the "Nav" option. Do you guys at Honda, Toyota, and Nissan see many customers wanting this option? It seems to be very popular with the Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus crowd. For some, it is simply a "must-have" item. As for me,

    1) Will I ever get $2000 worth of use from one?
    2) Why not buy a $500 (or less) portable system?
    3) Does the NAV system complicate the User Interface to the audio and climate controls?

    Give me stability control, airbags, and savings instead!
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,370
    Give me stability control, airbags, and savings instead!

    I'll take a 14.0 second quarter mile and a 155 mph top speed.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Let's go with the LS then.

    According to Forbes, the average age of a LS driver is 64. Mack, I knew were an experienced sales guy, but :blush: :P
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I think it's more of a guilt thing. I grew up driving old Volkswagens and cars that had nothing more than lapbelts and somehow I survived, and, yes, I got ran into a couple of times.

    So, I dunno. for me, if a car has a good set of seatbelts and front airbags I would feel comfortable with my kids in it.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    I think it's more of a guilt thing.

    Guilt about what? All of those things you mention, that's why there are so many types of vehicles. One to satisfy everyone. Within reason, it's a balance between safety, toys, performance, features and colors.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Well, I know some people think that unless their cars have EVERY safety feature known to man that somehow, thier family is in jeopardy so, yeah, I suppose that's guilt.

    The fear that if something happened and someone were badly hurt or worse that having a side airbag just might have made the difference.

    And, I guess that's possible.
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,618
    "Amazing to watch sometimes... "

    Absolutely!

    Then again, that's why I read all this s(tuff). It's entertaining as well as amazing.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    Just curious, what do you find so amazing about it?
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Oh, because people are funny...

    " I love that color!"

    " Oh, YUCK, what a horrible color"

    same color

    " Oh I LOVE the changes on the new CRV!"

    " Why did Honda screw up such a good thing?"

    " I can't see myself driving that car" why not?

    " I need a sunroof"

    " All I care about is SAFETY"
    " All I care about is fuel economy"
    " I want to drive a GREEN car"

    " Will my bankruptcy last year matter?"

    Ect....
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    That reminds me of a service customer I know. He was picking up his 1999, I can't remember the exact year but I know it was the first year with side airbags, year Range Rover after he had put about 4,500 dollars of repairs into it. He had the brakes done, new tires, new air springs, tune up with new plugs, wires, filters etc plus had a couple of oil leaks fixed.

    Me and the service manager asked why he was putting so much money into the car all of a sudden when he had been putting this off for a while.

    The guy said that he was fixing it up to give to his daughter...

    Me and the Service Manager both had the, "uh oh brand new drive in a fairly big SUV look on our face."

    He goes, "I know what you are thinking but let me explain my reasoning and then tell me what you think."

    "What other car can I get for that kind of money that has what that old Range Rover has? It weighs almost 5,000 lbs but only has 177 horsepower so it can't go that fast. It has front and side airbags, traction control and the air suspension gives it a basic roll mitigation system. You can't flip one over and I have tried to do it. Plus I know the history of this car and it has always been a good vehicle so I trust that it won't let her down."

    After he spelled out what he was thinking I really couldn't come up with an argument against it and neither could the service manager.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Not usually driven by girls but any small pickup is suspect

    Most ladies that I know that have pickups have big F-250 sized trucks.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Men don't drive Automatics, period.

    I have a friend who is as much a man as anyone who drives an automatic. Thing is he lost a leg many years ago so he cannot operate a clutch.

    No I challenge you to drive my daily commute for a week or two in a manual. I doubt you would make it without wishing for an automatic.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I have noticed that often the people with credit problems and very tight budgets are the same people that "need" all of the trival extras.

    Thats because getting all those little extras (which add up quickly) put them in a financial bind.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • pmanzapmanza Member Posts: 34
    snake
    based on your Pinto picture I am guessing that your wife is into horses? I ride (and my kids) so all our friends have big honkin trucks. If I sell my Lexi and get a sedan I will NOT fit in at the barn parking lot for sure.
    Peggy
  • nortsr1nortsr1 Member Posts: 1,060
    isell: what about
    "oh, that is a beautiful car" and then from the other side..

    "man, that sure is ugly"

    Nortsr
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    based on your Pinto picture I am guessing that your wife is into horses?

    My wife is a city girl, I sometimes wonder if she could tell the difference between a cow and a horse. While i know how to ride I am only on a horse once in a blue moon. However I do know some people that own horses.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    Most ladies that I know that have pickups have big F-250 sized trucks

    .....and need it to carry those W I D E loads.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    So I will bring the average down. :) I'm 51 years young! ;)
    Which one would you recommend then? :blush:
    Mackabee
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I am so glad he is more of a loner than a follower at this age!

    That's not being a loaner. That's having good sense. He must have gotten it from someone. Keep up the good work, it pays off.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Like a suspect,,..ehr I mean prospect I had. She came in to test drive a white Limited Highlander. She takes it home to her husband, comes back and I ask her if he liked it. "It drives really nice, but I don't like white." :confuse: Well Duh! She knew it was white before she got here, it didn't change color on the test drive. :P And that's exactly what I said to her, without the Duh! of course. ;)
    Mackabee
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Dang! I'm older than mac...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    You are older then me you fogies.

    :P
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I have a friend who is as much a man as anyone who drives an automatic.

    There ya go...talkin about me again. :blush:

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    I had a guy come look at trucks one time and about 5 minutes into he asked if he could drive it to show to his wife. I didn't have a good feel for him yet so I told him I would ask. After another 5 minutes with out turning a key he said "that one".

    So I ask for his drivers license and insurance card to make a copy and get the OK from Management.

    He tells me he will be back in two hours.

    He comes back says thanks, my wife didn't like it, and he left.

    So what do I find on the floor board of the truck when I get in? A receipt from Lowes for a new Refrigerator with a date/time stamp on it from when he was in the truck.

    All this guy wanted to do was save himself a $50 delivery fee.

    So I called him up and said hey, if your new fridge breaks that you used our truck to carry home you may need this receipt you left on the floor board. He hung up on me.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    That is funny.
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    So I will bring the average down. I'm 51 years young!
    Which one would you recommend then?
    Mackabee


    For you Mack, I would recommend ...

    TO BE CONTINUED...
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    That's not funny... that's fraud
This discussion has been closed.