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Stories from the Sales Frontlines
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It's phenomenal and awesome. :P We don't make a huge profit selling it (not that it matters) and the low pro tires pick up nails and debris a lot easier than normal tires. HIgh performance tires are sticky. It does cover flats and any incidental wheel damage that follows from that flat.
We have a lot of construction in Atlanta and people pick up flats pretty easily. When you have a tire that can run $400 and a rim that costs $1,000, the math makes sense very quickly. It's not for everyone, but about 95% of our customers get it. So, there's something there.....
And do you really think that our cost is $55? How exactly could the company stay in business only collecting that amount?
Edit: Not all plans are created equal. Your friend's plan may have had a $100 deductible or have a cap cost on how many times you can use it. Let me repeat the plan for you. No cap cost, unlimited claims, unlimited mileage, no deductible for 5 years. It covers any wheels and tires you wnt to put on there (up to 21" I think) and they will replace with exactly what you had damaged. Starting to sound like a deal?
That must make quite a mess of the dining room.
That reminds me of a Seinfeld episode where Kramer was preparing dinner in the shower while he bathed.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
If Mazda has indeed fixed the problems, then it's a very unique car. Aside from the S2000, there aren't many mainstream cars that will hit a 9K redline as smoothly as the RX8 did/does.
You have to keep your foot in it to get the power, though. If you are looking for torque, the RX8 isn't going to please you.
Given all of that, it is one of the sweetest handling cars around.
If you're expecting V6 like HP and torque, you'll be disappointed. If you consider it an alternative to 4 cyl, naturally aspirated sports car, then your expectations would be better served.
To answer your question directly, would I buy another one? Probably not in it's current iteration. Given you can get an AWD car like the WRX, which handles quite well, too....at a similar pricepoint. Or any bunch of other cars that are good handlers with more traditional drivetrains with less maintenance. I live in the midwest. So, for all intents and purposes, the RX8 isn't a 4 seasons car. I know a guy who slaps snow tires on his every winter. But, it's still a handful on the slick stuff.
I don't think the RENESIS has changed much. I'm guessing it's still rated about the same power-wise. I would hope that they upgraded the A/C, the starter, put in a stronger battery....addressed the plug fouling. Given the nature of the beast, you still have to be mindful of oil usage.
Then again, my needs have changed, too.
You do it ALL the time. You just don't know it, or don't care because the outlay for each individual purchase is lower than $100s of dollars.
Ever buy a fountain soda? Or any soda for that matter? Razor blades? Both of those cost PENNIES, but if you can tell me where I can get a pack of 3 or 4 razor blades for under about $6, let me know.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
How about Life insurance?
Which is essentially what this service is offering you. Your tires/wheels are insured.
I have to have to disagree on that.
Low profile tires are actually better than regular tires.
Why?
Because they have stiffer sidewalls. What it does is that even if you have a flat, the sidewall will hold up sufficiently to not damage your rim. At least that is what has happened to me in the last 10 years of driving low profile tires and about 7 flats.
The value of any product isn't determined by the cost to the manufacturer or seller - the value is determined by the cost:benefit ratio.
If a buyer spends a large chunk of change on a Porsche, especially if he/she has had an expensive vehicle previously and has experienced the "wow" factor of repair bills, perhaps he/she is more interested in paying the relatively minor additional cost of the protection than in taking the risk. It's optional. It's not pre-installed. This means that the decision & value judgment is up to each consumer. In that case, I don't care if they charge $2000 for it - I'll just say no thanks.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
They are stickier, tend to pick up debris easier and Porsche doesn't want you to run on a plugged tire because the structural integrity of the tire has been damaged especially when there is a slash along the very small sidewall. Imagine taking a corner aggressively when there is a gash in your sidewall, it will flex and you can quickly start grinding rim.
Are you using Z rated tires?
I'll take 3. :P
I bet that list is longer than you think.
I bet that list is longer than you think.
Do you think it would be rude of me to ask my "ex" to return her engagement/ wedding rings? How about the diamond stud ear rings and matching necklace? How's about the Mikimoda pearls?
Because, those had a pretty hefty markup.
LOL, that is a different spin on things. It did convince me not to go back there again. So who lost?
Kirsty had some good ones. You might not buy it but perfume, lipstick and face creams cost a few pennies to actually make. You might buy a coffee for a dollar or a Starbucks for $4...coffee itself is only worth a few pennies.
I am in the book business....the cost to print a book that sells for $8 might be about 20 cents each. Lots of people to pay off though, authors, designers, sales force, editors, trucking companies, retailer profit etc. etc.
If I buy life insurance and pay $500 a year but never use it the insurance company just made 500% profit after paperwork and commissions. If I do use it I might stand to gain $50,000...not such good profit.
It is just insurance, pay $500 (on a $60,000 or more car) and have peace of mind or have the possibility of a flat a year and pay $2500!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Are you sure you didn't sustain a nasty head injury?
'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
Unless you live in a cave, or in a forest, hunting wildlife to eat, or living in a self built log cabin, you have been and are buying products marked up that much if not more.
Starbucks coffee
Fast food
Groceries
Restaurant dinners
Life insurance
Car insurance
The computer you're using
The clothes you're wearing
Your runners (costs $2 to make Nikes that sell for over $100) 5000% markup
Furniture in your home
Beauty products
Medication
So once again, if you see value in the product, and can benefit from it, why do you automatically have to be called a "sucker".
If I spent $2000 fixing wheels and tires over the course of 5 years, what would make more sense? To have the $600 plan or to have spent $2000?
If you come up with a great product that I see benefit in, and nobody else has, I'll buy it, no matter what the markup is. And I'll even respect you for such a great idea.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
[copied verbatim] "Its our understanding that the CRV EXL 4WD invoice price exluding holdback, cash and other incentives for the model listed is $24822. Our research also indicates that inventory in Minnesota is good."
Mind you, this is for a brand new 2008 CRV EXL 4WD
..."Taking in consideration for the 1 year depreciation of the vehicle, our offer is $22500.00"
We actually had the exact vehilce he was looking for in-stock. So I wrote the following:
My research of the 2007 Honda CRV EXL 4WD trade value using edmunds, kbb and nada shows an average trade value of $22043.00 This trade value is for a 2007, not a 2008 as the 2008's haven't even hit the "books" yet. My 2008 CRV EXL 4WD has been here just 15 days. Honda did not sell this CRV to us at a discounted price because it is one model year old - they charged us the same price in September 2008 as they did in September 2007.
Then I went on to show him ad's from carsoup.com and cars.com showing him that USED 2007 CRV's with up to 23000 miles are selling for just about $500.00 LESS then I am able to sell a new 2008 for.
Needless to say, I have yet to hear back from this car buying expert.
So, does anyone else have off the wall oddball stories to share?
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I love it when a shopper tries to educate me on why we should take their dumb offer.
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Edmunds Moderator
Even in the Honda world, sales have slowed down. We're probably as busy as a GM store would have been three years ago.
I also remember someone (again, a long time ago) who had a similar user name.
I'm usually fairly careful to log out of a computer that is public, or used by more than one person in my household. Can't say I'm always cognizant of doing so, though. For awhile, there was one shared computer in my house.
lemmer....I don't remember ever debating with you. Doesn't mean I didn't. Just that I don't recall.
q....I do remember a little back and forth with you on the merits of a 350z vs an RX8, though.
Weird indeed.
So now I don't know if discussions I've had with you were with you. lol
'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
Truthfully....let me ask my son, or some of his friends, if they indeed used my user name. The question is, will I get an honest response. :confuse:
There are too many coincidences for some of you to say there was someone with a user name like mine, who had an RX8 debating with you. Then, there's the question of why I didn't notice it.
As I mentioned, I do remember debating with you q. Lemmer, no slight intended, but I don't recall ever debating you about anything.
Boomcheck--
You hit the nail on the head. In fact, I never disputed that I was responsible for the road hazard aspect of the circumstance. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but I paid the $900 for wheel, tire etc.
My bone to pick with my dealership--and I do accept some responsibility--is that there was no lug nut key to be found in my car, a car I purchased new from them. This was the first flat I needed to change so I'm fortunate that I wasn't in the boonies when I made the discovery. I acknowledge that I should have carefully verified all aspects of the checklist, but who hasn't missed one of perhaps 100 items covered on the walk through? The salesman did point out where the spare and lug wrench were located. I asked only that they cover the car rental for the four days until my car could be repaired ($120).
Naturally, my salesman was long gone and no one at the dealership would go to bat for me. Corporate Mazda said that I couldn't prove that I hadn't lost the lug key and that I should have verified that it was with the lug wrench or in the glove compartment before taking delivery. Agreed. In the end, Corporate Mazda cut a goodwill check of $50 that I can use at any Mazda dealer. I also asked the service manager at Mazda dealership in Tulsa if they had ever replaced a stolen stock wheel from a Mazda3. He'd been there a long time and could never recall a case so I had the locks removed lest I accidentally lose the key that they would order.
I guess my question is should I continue to go to the dealership that sold me the car despite their antagonism towards my request for rental reimbursement or should I go to the other dealer that repaired the car even though they are a 90 mile drive as opposed to the 55 I have been driving? Am I rewarding bad behavior by going to my original dealer or is this caveat emptor and I should forget about it?
Gogiboy
Jip--
If I could have limped home I'm pretty sure I could have had a local tire store work with Mazda to get the wheel and tire. We have two other cars so there would have been no need for a rental and I could certainly have asked a friend to pick up the wheel and tire in OKC, then have it mounted in my home city. I'm not completely without charm.
Gogiboy
Isell--
In my 35+ years of driving this is a first for me as well. It doesn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling. Then again, I probably drove farther than was prudent trying to find a safe spot along the shoulder.
Gogiboy
Kirstie--
Maybe you should return to college. You'd fit right in with a sizable percentage of my current students.
Gogiboy
If you're otherwise happy with the previous dealer, I'd go back to them. The missng lug nut could have been a mistake made by detailers, the sales person, a mechanic, a lot person, another customer that stole it, you r car wash that took it, ... who knows.
If the dealer has a secret plan of not providing wheel lock keys to their customers in order to get kickbacks from their local towing company, in order to get the cars towed back to them to buy tires from them... then yeah, I'd stay away. Otherwise it's a small (but significant) omission that could have been anyone's fault.
Driving 90 miles for service to punish your dealer for something they might had little control over is a bit harsh and it will end up costing you money.
On a side note my old Honda dealer had wheels stolen beofre from cars at the compound, and hence they put locks on all alloy rims. We actually had many shift knobs stolen from used cars on the lot (S2000s, Civic SiRs) especially on busy saturdays when we had lots of traffic (automall location).
Most imortant things when buying a new or used car: spare tire, jack, wheel lock key, gas cap key, car key. Everything else on the checklist is not important.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
finding a safe place to pullover, even if it cost you a rim, was a good idea.
you wouldn't have wanted anything to happen to your parents,
I usually buy pretty good disposable razors for 4 or 5 bucks a dozen.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Starbucks Coffee--never have and never will.
Fast food--I admit it, I'm an addict.
Groceries--wife buys those, I don't (yeah, just a technicality).
Restaurant dinners--not often.
Life insurance--Nope. I want the family to be REAL sad when I'm gone.
Car insurance--Not fair. Where I live the state says you have to.
The computer you're using--If your computer is so old it starts with a hand crank. does that count? :lemon:
The clothes you're wearing--Again, so old they are probably going UP in value as vintage. :lemon:
Your runners ( cost $2 to make Nikes that sell for over $100).-- My last 5 pair of shoes didn't cost that much.
The furniture in your home -- Again, vintage.
Beauty products --The wife is a natural beauty and all the products in the world ain't gonna help me.
Medications -- Other than aspirin and beer never saw the need.
So I guess I can afford the high mark-up items that go with a car.
BTW, what kriste said about looking all nasty if she didn't get her beauty products got me thinking. Imagine if you car people could tap into the personal insecurities of men the way the beauty products makers do to women.
You'd be selling Yugos for $100K
Car guy--Well yes Mr.Jipster if you buy my junkmobile over here it will take all those nasty wrinkles out of your face, flatten your tummy and regrow all the hair you've lost. I'm only making 90K on this deal, I've got to pay for my liposuction you know.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Not a car guy but I do sell retail. When a customer offers me a really insulting low-ball price I just tell them that if they can buy the item for that price, they should buy two, because I'd like to buy one from THEM.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
ALL: Did you ever get the line, when you offer the customer a trade-in price, of something like this:
"What?!! I'd rather burn it than sell it at that price!"
I had a friend who was a yacht broker and he got this line quite a bit (old boats really take a depreciation hit). What he used to do, cheeky devil, was keep a box of those oven matches in his desk and he'd politely hand them over and smile.
He was about 6' 4" however.
A couple of days ago, my wife and I were pulling into a shopping center. Had to wait as a young lady crossed in front of us and walked into a Men's Wearhouse store. I don't mean to offend anyone by objectifying women, but this girl was hot. Tall, slender, attractive figure, long blonde hair, dressed very nicely, and not very made up. She was wearing a name tag and carrying a bag from a nearby fast food joint. Appeared to be returning or going to work.
I said to my wife, "I bet she is the top salesperson in that store and she makes a killing compared to everyone else."
We guys are a vain and shallow lot.
BTW oldfarmer - They already get us with sports cars, muscle cars, and various other ego stroking iron. It would take one heck of a salesperson to turn a Yugo into that.
Beware....
True. I had a flat tire repaired one time at Big O tires. When I came in I gave them my car keys and the lug nut key. Once they had completed the repair, and I had paid my bill, they gave me my car keys back and I headed out the door. I realized they hadn't given me the lug nut key halfway to my car, so I went back in and asked for it. The service advisor then told me it was put in the glove compartment. A bit presumptuous I thought... should have handed it back to me.
"
No apology needed.
We are all in the same boat and the news continues to worsen.
The stock market downturns have made it hard to get out of bed in the morning. Tough times, indeed. "
Aye, but I did need to apolgise so I did. I have enjoyed your posts in various forms. Please reference, How does $4 gas affect you for a short summation of our fiscal debacle. We have a treasury secretary who after Benanke thows a bone by offering up global lower rates, states during market hours that the financial markets are strangled. Thanks, Hank. Inspirational for a financial panic. I offer up lest you think we'll be free of this ex ceo of Goldman Sachs by a vote for change. BO has offered him to continue as Sec of Treas. I title this recession, no d word for me thanks, as the Pogo recession. The famous quote for those who even remember the comic strip, " we have met the enemy and he is us. " . I'll survive , you'll survive but it could have been avoided fairly easily. Hang tough all. Better days ahead. No one easier to sell than a salesman.He actually cares whether you're earning enough.
> Imagine taking a corner aggressively when there is a gash in your sidewall, it will flex and you can quickly start grinding rim.
You should NOT be driving a car, especially a sports car, if you are not connected to the road via the tires. If you cannot determine a low pressure or a flat tire and you want to corner with such a tire, Shame on you.
Nevertheless, I totally agree with your "insurance" product. It is worth it if you have to use it even once.
A few weeks ago I got a PHONE CALL from someone claiming to be from PayPal and asking me to "verify" my PIN number. It is astonishing what people will try. I seriously doubt PayPal knows anything about it.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
When's the last time you watched a car commercial or read a car advertisement in a magazine?
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
"Do these shop overalls make me look fat?"
Since my BMW is almost 3 ½ years old I thought I’d look at the Mazda6 s Grand Touring. I took it for a drive and I like it. These new ones are actually pretty nice - for a front-wheel drive. It’s not a BMW, but not much is as far as “every day” cars are concerned. I asked the sales consultant to work some numbers. I bought a few cars from this guy before. The General Sales Manager, who I also know, also got involved what else did he have to do?. I told them that before they presented any numbers, make sure they talked to the owner since he is the one I have known the longest and the one I have the personal relationship with. As a matter of fact, when I saw the owner who we will call Jim (because that’s his name), he shook my hand and hugged me. :surprise:
Well to shorten this up a little. On the offer sheet they gave me they asked for MSRP for theirs and offered under the trade price as computed on the mazdausa.com web site for mine. I used to buy cars there at invoice. :confuse:
I thanked them for their time and said I will call.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Fast food--I admit it, I'm an addict.
Groceries--wife buys those, I don't (yeah, just a technicality).
Restaurant dinners--not often.
Life insurance--Nope. I want the family to be REAL sad when I'm gone.
Car insurance--Not fair. Where I live the state says you have to.
The computer you're using--If your computer is so old it starts with a hand crank. does that count?
The clothes you're wearing--Again, so old they are probably going UP in value as vintage.
Your runners ( cost $2 to make Nikes that sell for over $100).-- My last 5 pair of shoes didn't cost that much.
The furniture in your home -- Again, vintage.
Beauty products --The wife is a natural beauty and all the products in the world ain't gonna help me.
Medications -- Other than aspirin and beer never saw the need.
Better show your wife this. That's got to be worth a few brownie points.
Insurance, well....I'm a big believer in....across the board (extended and tire warranties, not so much).
Medications......I'm with you on that one.
Clothes....I can't remember when I bought anything from anywhere other than Costco (probably a suit that's 3 years old, by now.
Shoes....I do have a couple of pairs of Allen Edmonds shoes I bought about 10 years ago. I keep sending them back to be "rehabbed" and they come back like new. Cost me a bundle initially. Worth every penny, though.