Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    Looks like the Venza will also compete against the Nissan Murano and the Mazda CX-7, eh? Will Toyota offer it with the 3.5L V6? If it has good power and reasonable economy (~25mpg highway), we'll have to check it out.

    The rear quarter panel view reminds me of the CX-9.
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    "The Venza is meant to (sort of) take the place of the Highlander, now that the HL has 3 rows of seats."

    I thought that was the purpose of the new, larger RAV4? :confuse:
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,375
    "...I guess my luck wasn't so good..."

    That's how I feel when I go to buy a car. After it's all over I find out I wasn' t as smart as I thought I was. :cry:

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

  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    I've seen Pre-runner in the past IIRC. Seems to be always on a pickup. I guess if you welded a camper/topper to the pickup and did a little surgery on the pickup, you might then have a sort of 4-Runner. Come to think of if, the early 4-Runners looked as if they were built that way :-)

    Okay...I did a search and found this explanation:

    "The Toyota Tacoma PreRunner model was added to the impressive line of Tacoma mid-sized pickup trucks in 1998. This interesting model name was inspired by the vehicles used to 'pre-run' off road race courses prior to their completion for competition purposes. As such, the PreRunner was promoted as being able to expertly undertake the same driving conditions that are presented on a typical race track. However, much of the PreRunner is about show and image. Although it looks like a sporty 4 x 4, it is not. "
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    :P

    -moo
  • oregonboyoregonboy Member Posts: 1,650
    It wasn't just his teeth that were crooked. :P
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    If it's a push, you guys should write:

    "Ford is the Titan of the Tundra" for Joel being such a good sport :D
  • oregonboyoregonboy Member Posts: 1,650
    Yep, a Prerunner is a 2wd Tacoma that sits high with big off-road tires so that it looks like a 4wd. All the disadvantages of a 4x4 with none of the benefits. (okay, ground clearance and limited slip... I think).

    james
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    ha ha.....

    Factory installed option, i guess....4x4 for only $12.00
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    If you find dropped money, you look around and see if anyone looks like they just dropped it. If not, move on with your life and smile at your success.


    About a year ago one of the guys sells a Altima to this guy. He is a regular city/blue collar guy. Now when he was there I made some small talk but and he seemed a little out there. My buddy who sold him spotted him it was a good deal. After the customer left the salesman is putting the trade away and come to tell me he found two perscription bottles in the car. None of the scripts were in the guys name. They under female names. There was one script with about 40 pills in it for vicks and another script for perks with about 30 pills in that. The kid said what do I do?

    I said he might not notice one missing but sooner or later he will definatley notice and will "be back" :surprise:

    I told the kid call him right away. Sure enough the guy had forgot about them but once he was reminded he back in 20 minutes. I was there when the guy got back. He smiled and asked you know what these are? We both said yes. He then offered a couple as a reward but we declined. It is was too bed because it could have made the day less painful ;)

    For the record any money found on the ground is yours no matter what the domination.


    GP
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    I know you asked the question in "question and answers" about when the 2009 Muranos would be on the lots. Today we had the Nissan training on the Murano at the dealership. Real nice job. They now come in a LE model with heated rear seats. Complete luxury vehicle. They were supposed to be here by the 12th of this month but for what ever reason they haven't hit yet. We had the British guys from Nissan if you ever had them for training. These guys are so funny. They always want to know where they can go "birdpulling"

    When they hit our lot or if I hear some one gets them first I'll let you know.

    GP
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Thanks, bud. I remember those British dudes. They can be fun.

    Keep me updated. I'm going to swing by my local dealership when they drop.

    What was your initial impression? You think it's going to do well?

    The pictures I saw of the styling were a little bit off for me. I didn't like it as much, but I need to see it in person.

    -moo
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    actually, a Pre-Runner has the TRD package (shocks, wheels tires, suspension, locking rear diff) just as the 4x4 - but no transfer case. Hey mac - isn't the Venza on a camry chassis and kinda like an RX?
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    What was your initial impression? You think it's going to do well?

    The pictures I saw of the styling were a little bit off for me. I didn't like it as much, but I need to see it in person.


    Awesome more horse power, 270hp ... very nice job.

    Ya know what is funny I didn't like the Murano when it first came out. I didn't like the styling of it. But today I think it is the best vehicle we sell or at least one my favorites.

    gp
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Awesome more horse power, 270hp ... very nice job.

    GP, you're not selling me here. I need some details. ;)

    -moo
  • epineyepiney Member Posts: 462
    GP, you're not selling me here. I need some details.

    :P :D

    Maybe it would look better if I asked GP for the specs
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Yes they did. It's called Tundra grade and it's just a small step below an SR5 and about 2k lower in MSRP. Still pretty well equipped but lacks power driver's seat, TRD off road package, and a couple of other things. Doing nicely.
    Mack :shades:
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    It will be available with the 3.5L and a six speed sequential shift tranny along with a 2.7L also with the six speed tranny.
    Mack
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Actually it's a rather strange move by Toyota. The Camry Solara is being discontinued after this year and the Venza is taking its place in the line up. I know, one is a couple and the other a cross over sedan/wagon. But who cares, the Solara started out good but sales have dropped off a bit. Coupes usually don't do good unless they are small sporty coupes.
    Mack :shades:
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    2008 Toyota Highlander Overview



    Highlander

    Highlander is Toyota’s midsize crossover. Based on the Camry platform, it comes standard with 3-row seating and is powered by a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. It’s available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Also available is Highlander Hybrid, which has an electric motor paired with a 3.3-liter V6 engine.

    Toyota designed Highlander to appeal to buyers who might also consider a traditional SUV or minivan. Murano stays focused on sophisticated adults who want a crossover with style, versatility, and high-tech amenities.



    Key Murano Advantages


    Murano

    Xtronic CVT (vs. 5-speed A/T)
    Independent multi-link rear suspension
    Vented rear disc brakes
    Available 20-inch wheels
    Available HID bi-functional xenon headlights
    Available dual panel moonroof (vs. single panel)
    Available heated rear seats
    Available power rear seatback return
    Available rain-sensing wipers
    Available hard-drive-based navigation system1 (vs. DVD-based)
    Available XM NavTraffic®2
    Available 9.3GB Music Box
    Available Interface System for iPod®3
    Longer wheelbase

    my bad I mixed it up with highlander. Murano has 265 HP :)
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    2009 Murano What’s New


    Here is an overview of the changes for the 2009 model year. For complete information, see Murano Features and Specifications under the Additional Vehicle Info tab.

    2009 Murano Change
    Models and Packages
    Trim levels revised The LE is a new top-of-the-line trim level, replacing the SE.
    Packages revised New packages are added and existing packages are revised for 2009.

    See Murano Features and Specifications under the Additional Vehicle Info tab for package details.

    Engine
    More powerful V6 engine Engine output increases to:

    265 hp @ 6000 rpm
    248 lb-ft of torque @ 4400 rpm

    Drivetrain
    Xtronic CVT revised Murano’s transmission now features Adaptive Ratio Control, a sophisticated electronic control system that varies transmission response depending upon the driving situation and road conditions.

    The manual shift mode is discontinued.

    All-Wheel-Drive system revised The new intuitive AWD system works in conjunction with the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system and features yaw rate control.

    AWD is standard on all trim levels. 2-wheel drive is optional on S and SL.

    Wheels and Tires
    20-inch wheels and tires available LE comes with 20-inch titanium-finish aluminum-alloy wheels and P235/55-20 all-season tires.
    Exterior
    Exterior revisions Murano’s exterior is completely restyled, while retaining the distinctive Murano look.

    Roof rack side rails are now standard on LE.

    Dual panel moonroof (Optional on SL and LE) When open, the available dual panel moonroof’s front sliding privacy glass panel retracts above the rear fixed privacy glass panel. Dual sunshades allow front- and rear-seat passengers to choose between sunlight and shade.
    Power liftgate with closure assist (LE; optional on SL) The liftgate opens and closes with the push of a button. Controls are located on the front dash, liftgate, and keyfob. Closure assist eliminates the need to push the liftgate closed.
    Exterior color availability revised Platinum, Midnight Blue, Sunset Red, and Chardonnay are deleted.

    Tinted Bronze, Saharan Stone, Platinum Graphite, and Deep Sapphire are added.

    All exterior colors feature Cross-Linking Clear Coat paint.

    Interior
    Interior revisions Murano’s interior is completely restyled, enhancing its upscale appeal.
    Front seats revised S features a 6-way manual driver’s seat with manual lumbar support. SL features an 8-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar support. LE features a 10-way power driver’s seat including power lumbar support.
    Power-return rear seatbacks available Rear seatbacks on SL and LE provide power-return to their upright position (the fold-down function is manual).
    Heated rear seats available Heated rear seats are standard on LE.
    Comfort and Convenience
    Telescopic steering column adjustment A telescopic adjustment function is added to the steering column on all Murano trim levels. LE features power tilt and telescopic adjustments.

    Adjustable pedals are discontinued.

    Rain-sensing front wipers (LE; optional on SL) The rain-sensing function can automatically turn on front wipers when moisture is detected on the windshield.
    Push Button Ignition All Muranos feature Push Button Ignition (Intelligent Key remains available).
    Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System1 (LE; optional on SL) Wireless technology allows users to link up to five compatible Bluetooth®-enabled cellular phones with the vehicle's audio system for hands-free use.
    Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System2 (Optional on SL and LE) The previous DVD-based system is replaced with a hard-drive-based system including:

    20GB hard drive that stores navigation data and includes a 9.3GB “Music Box” that can be used to load music from commercial CDs. (Vehicles equipped with a hard drive navigation system have a single-disc CD player.) A compact flash card port can be used to play MP3 files.
    Touch-screen capability
    Voice recognition capability
    Lane Guidance function that shows which lane to use when approaching a freeway interchange or exit
    3-D graphics that show the shape of buildings in selected metropolitan areas
    XM NavTraffic®3 (in selected markets)

    Foldable cargo organizer (LE; optional on SL) The organizer fits into the underfloor storage compartment and includes net partitions to hold items in place.
    Safety Features
    Vehicle Dynamic Control4 (VDC) availability revised All Murano trim levels now feature standard VDC, Traction Control System (TCS), and Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS).
    Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) revised Murano’s TPMS no longer displays the air pressure for individual tires.
    Audio Systems
    Audio systems revised The standard CD audio system on S and SL now provides an auxiliary input jack5.

    S now features 6 speakers, but does not include steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

    The premium Bose® audio system (LE; optional on SL) now includes 11 speakers and satellite radio. On LE, it includes the Interface System for iPod®6. The cassette player is discontinued.

    Nissan Mobile Entertainment System (Optional on SL, LE) System includes a 9-inch screen located in the headliner.

    :shades:
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    How's that for info. Direct from Nissan Virtual academy!

    You're right Mack I do need to start using spell check sometimes I go back and look and I don't even understand my own post :blush:
  • psorterpsorter Member Posts: 89
    "Drivetrain
    Xtronic CVT revised Murano’s transmission now features Adaptive Ratio Control, a sophisticated electronic control system that varies transmission response depending upon the driving situation and road conditions. "

    That sounds like it could be trouble, could be the start of those bizarre hesitation problems the highlander/camry/lexus v6 5speed autos have been plagued with when the smartass transmission decides to do something different then you told it to do.

    At least provide a switch to disable it :D
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    The TRD off-road package is actually an option on the Pre-runner. This was the best idea Toyota came up with. They saw all the metro-sexuals driving 4x4 trucks and never took them off road. So hey, let's build a truck that just looks like a 4x4 for all the urban cowboys. We sell a bunch of them.
    The new Venza is on a Camry/Avalon chassis and it is kind of like the RX.
    :shades:
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Ok, I appreciate the technical data. That actually did help a bit.

    These are the interesting features:

    20" rims available!
    Power rear liftgate
    Telescoping wheel replaces adjustable pedals
    Hard drive
    (I must have missed Bluetooth and Ipod auxiliary jack, they have that now, right?)
    Upgrade in HP
    Some strange thing with the transmission that adapts to your driving and road conditions. (I assume this is something like Porsche's VarioCam Plus on the Cayennes.)

    Those are some of the highlights to me.

    Thanks for the update, GP.

    -moo
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Almost every modern transmission has adaptive shift technology of some kind. It is just more extreme on the CVT because there are no predefined ratios.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    I must have missed Bluetooth and Ipod auxiliary jack, they have that now, right?)

    Yes the 2009 Murano has that now

    GP
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    So I receive a phone call the other day and the gentleman asks me if we have a Turbo Cab available for sale that registers on our website. I let him know that that particular vehicle is sold, but we have a slot that just opened up for him to be able to build one. The build slot is for July and he can have it in August.

    He reponds that that seems like a great option. But, before he proceeds with everything, he wants to run some paperwork by me and make sure that we can accomodate. I said sure, send it over to me. He assures me that everything is wonderful and simple. We get off the phone and I wait for the e-mail.

    In a couple of hours, he sends over 2 forms. Both forms were detailing instructions on how we would be paid by using a bond and both seemed to imply that he would be titling the vehicle out of the country. I ran it by my manager and he quickly let me know that we would certainly accept cash by wire, cashier's check or in person, but no bonds.

    I e-mailed my customer and let him know. He responded with:

    The transaction process would be very simple. You'd deliver to me a
    Firm Offer in the form of a Buyer's Order for the chosen automobile. I'd
    return to you next day "full payment" in the form of a Money Order along
    with the other paperwork including a 1099-OID, 1040-V and a copy of the
    Registered Private Bond that I will already have deposited with Treasury to
    offset this transaction. All that would needed to be done would be to follow
    the directions accompanying the paperwork. The full amount of the
    transaction would be deposited into your dealership's account thru its bank.
    I'm sure your Comptroller and Dealership Owner would much prefer a "Tax
    Credit" that would be applied to your dealership's quarterly taxes instead
    of more debt notes in the form of FRNs that possess a tax liability. Run it
    by them, I'm sure they'd know precisely what I'm referring to.


    I reiterated that we do not accept bond payment, but he could pay cash, lease or finance the vehicle.

    He responded with:

    Tell your manager to go back to school!!!

    I replied that perhaps this means that he is no longer interested in purchasing a vehicle from us, but why doesn't he just cash his bond on his own, save a ton of paperwork and then just pay us. To which he replies:

    Tell your brilliant (Mis)Manager to read Public law 73-10 and 31 USC 5118.
    By refusing the credit from a Creditor, you're saying that the U.S.
    Government stole the gold in 1933 from the Sovereign people(non-U.S.
    citizens) and are refusing them their remedy.


    I seriously couldn't make this stuff up if I tried. :) I'm not sure that I ever said anything about stealing gold, but this guy needs some help. What's your take on it? :D

    -moo
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Just your common run of the mill nutcase with no money.....who wants a Porsche really, really, bad!!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    Ha! :surprise: :lemon:

    Maybe you should head on over to neighboring South Carolina and ask the candidates if they will will return the gold, if they are elected? Make a big stink about it, too! Tell them this whole dilemma is costing you a good sale.

    By the way, Moo, that reminds me... You see, I have a small rental house with about $50K in equity. I've been wanting to get my own Turbo Cab. Don't worry, this will be wonderful and simple. Please ask your Manager to accept the deed on this house as down payment. Please make sure to tell him it's better to have a tax deduction rather than increasing his tax liability. In August, I'll pay the remaining cost with some Lucent stock options.

    Thanks!
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    SCAM - We have had various attempts to fleece us out of a car or our routing info - we now use a different account strickly for incoming wire transfers.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    Now thats is a story from the front lines. At first I was wondering if he would have to pay a tax on the bond? I don't know much about them. But my gut was telling me that LR is right

    GP
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    I start tomorrow at 8:30 in the morning. Got some training video's I need to complete and might be selling cars by tomorrow evening. :)

    -Rocky
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    :confuse:

    We've got a greenpea about to start selling cars? Oooh goody. This will be fun to hear about.

    On a sidenote, anyone else really F@$%ing tired of hearing about this "recession" that we're in? Media typefolks, please move on to something about serial killers, droughts or how much you love/hate Clinton/Obama/all Republicans. I can't stand it when they sit on the same subject for 3 months in a row. Forget about the "recession" and spend your damn money already!

    :shades:

    -moo
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Well unfortunately we here in Michigan, have been in a recession for like the last 7 or 8 years. :sick: The only city that is doing okay is Grand Rapids. The other side of the state things are ugly !!! :cry:

    I hope the rest of the country does not have to go through what we have been going through. It makes customers that have money to spend on items like cars hold on to it thus causing us in sales, well to not make a red cent. I start tomorrow and will try to keep ya'll up to date !!! ;)

    -Rocky
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    First time selling?

    Good luck, Rocky!

    -moo
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    First time selling?

    Good luck, Rocky!


    Well cars anyways. Working at a Chevy, dealer in used cars :)

    Thanks,

    -Rocky
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    I lived in Bland Rapids for 10 years. Which dealer are you at? I've been here for 15 years so it most likely is a new owner since I left.
  • greanpea68greanpea68 Member Posts: 1,996
    I start tomorrow at 8:30 in the morning. Got some training video's I need to complete and might be selling cars by tomorrow evening.


    First month in the car biz... congratulations and good luck!! my best advice to give to you is keep taking ups. It is the only way you will learn. Don't worry to much if the regular guys give you a hard time.

    When I first started nobody talked to me for like 2-3 weeks. Just keep talking to as many people as posible and don't listen to the rat pack. The rat pack will be the guys complaining. Maybe you'll be lucky and not have to deal with that crap. Just treat people right.

    Who knows on average when people start in this business they usualy sell a lot of cars.

    GOod luck

    GP
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] ColoradoPosts: 0
    Good luck Rocky!

    What have you been doing prior to this and what made you decide to sell cars?
  • carhag2000carhag2000 Member Posts: 207
    Rocky, Take ups listen to your managers and trusted senior guys and DONT get discouraged. You will hear no a lot more than you will hear yes in this business. Its a lot like moo trying to round up a prom date!
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    !!!

    Let's be honest. I was turning them down as they came to ME. I learned to deal with rejection as a chiild when my parent's told me I couldn't have a BB gun. :surprise:

    -moo
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,725
    >f hearing about this "recession" that we're in? Media typefolks

    Most here have experienced enough to know when the media discovers a recession or a hot time in stock prices it's usually past the start. It's too late for the consumer to jump in or jump out to make money. In other words, 2 years from now they'll be talking how the slowdown started mid 2007 or early 2007. I'm not sure it's a recession and I'm not an expert.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • carhag2000carhag2000 Member Posts: 207
    Let's be honest. I was turning them down as they came to ME

    Buwahahahahahahahahahahahahaha...Im sorry thats rude, but honestly buwahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
    Oh yean and also Whatever!
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    :blush:

    Ok, I may tend toward a little stretching of the truth. Fantasy never hurt anyone.

    -moo
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    Nothing for the consumer to do but spend. So start doing it folks.

    -moo
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Classic ;)

    -Rocky
  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    First month in the car biz... congratulations and good luck!! my best advice to give to you is keep taking ups. It is the only way you will learn. Don't worry to much if the regular guys give you a hard time.

    What is "ups" ? I expect to get harrasseda little. That is part of being new !!!

    When I first started nobody talked to me for like 2-3 weeks. Just keep talking to as many people as posible and don't listen to the rat pack. The rat pack will be the guys complaining. Maybe you'll be lucky and not have to deal with that crap. Just treat people right.

    Okay !!! It looks like a good crowd and when I had to meetwith my boss they looked like they joke around during slow times. :)

    Who knows on average when people start in this business they usualy sell a lot of cars.

    Well I think my product knowledge will carry me a long ways and my boss said he's going to shadow me for a while. :)

    GOod luck

    Thanks GP for the advice :)

    -Rocky
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Nothing for the consumer to do but spend. So start doing it folks.

    I've been waiting for the credit suckers er I mean buyers to get out of the showrooms.
    Now that they have, I'm thinking more electric hybrid or plug in as soon as a real screamer comes out in electric. Kind of like Tesla only affordable. Volt is showing promise. But what will we do with all the gas only vehicles?

    ps I'm glad we now have a Chevy Guy here. (Rocky) I still think a base Vette is the best buy in the market today.">link title

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • rockyleerockylee Member Posts: 14,017
    Good luck Rocky!

    Thanks dad23

    What have you been doing prior to this and what made you decide to sell cars?

    Well obviously some of you don't know who I am but I've been a edmunds.com guy for about 2 1/2 years. I mainly post in news and views. I have over 14,000 posts as of today so I'm a regular ;)

    My work history looks like this.......

    American Income Life
    Grand Rapids, MI
    Insurance Agent

    Bankers Life and Casualty Company
    Grand Rapids, MI
    Insurance Agent

    BWXT-Pantex
    Amarillo, TX
    Security Police Officer II

    Burns International Security Services
    Covert, MI (Palisades Nuclear Plant)
    Armed Security Officer

    Johnson Controls, Inc.
    Holland, MI
    GMT-Process

    Perrigo Company
    Allegan, MI
    Job Setter

    Lily Products of Michigan
    Grand Rapids, MI
    Truck Driver/Industrial Chemical Maker

    Country Fresh, Inc.
    Grand Rapids, MI
    Dairy Product Manufacturer

    Preferred Market
    Pullman, MI
    Store Clerk/Stocker

    McDonald's
    South Haven, MI
    Cook

    Carousel Custom Creations
    Pullman, MI
    Machine Operator

    con't..........

    -Rocky
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