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Make it into a little family vacation trip.
I didn't even know where it was. I don't know too many ZIP codes by memory. Had to make it up.
The site is a good one though. I notices out of all those cars not too many were black, and the black looks good. I did like that Maurader. That would be a good catch. How about a Turnpike Cruiser, that's what they should bring back with those little aerials in the roof.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My thanks to you and Explorer.
Richard
I'm not in the biz, but I saw one the other day and it made my head turn just like when you see a knock out blonde walking down the street. I really do like the styling and looks of it, and with a Hemi engine to boot, it really is a nice vehicle. But that's just me.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
You guys asked.....here's the rest of the Monza story.
After selling the MGB, and literally having cash "on hand", I was tooling around campus on a 2-wheel conveyance (it wasn't motorized, either).
I had the cash literally stashed in my underwear drawer in my apartment for a few days. Don't ask me why, but I thought I would make a statement to the university bursar's office by paying the next quarter's tuition all in cash. What statement that was supposed to make isn't real clear to me now.
Being paranoid, I chucked the idea of paying tuition in cash and decided to put it in the local bank. Understand, up until this point, most of the dealings I had with the bank was arguing with them about my pitiful savings/checking account (usually centered around my various overdrafts....never my fault, of course. It HAD to be their accounting errors
So, I put the cash in a paper bag (think Soprano type exchanges). Stuffed it down my jeans. Mounted my bicycle and was off to the bank. Feeling rather omnipotent cruising around with several thousand dollars on my person, I get to the bank and ask to see the manager. Had to settle for the [non-permissible content removed]'t manager. He didn't invite me into his office, but I requested we do so (I was feeling quite important at the time).
Proudly, I told him I wanted to make a deposit. Again, most times the bank personnel had seen me was when I was complaining. The [non-permissible content removed]'t manager probably thought "oh, here we go again....young brash college student here to tell me his tale").
I pull out the paper bag. Open it and show him the money wrapped in rubber bands. Matter of factly, he pulls out a deposit slip. He empties the bag, and asks me how much I want to deposit. "All of it"!
As I look back on this scenario, I'm sure I looked and acted very suspicious. I would have probably called the police since I had a stack of cash, in a paper bag, concealed in my jeans.
He takes the money to a counting machine, returns, and finally asks me why I was conducting an all cash transaction. I explain to him about selling my car.
"How did you get here?" This is where my "big shot" bubble was burst. I had to tell him I was pedaling my way around. He got a chuckle out of that.
Talking a bit more, I explain that I was going to take whatever was left over after paying tuition and buy something else, more reliable.
"Nothing's more reliable than a Chevrolet. I've got one for sale." Being relatively gullible, I asked to look at it. I got my deposit slip. We went out the back door of the bank.
It was a '77 Silver over Black Monza fastback hatch.....probably about 7 years old, at the time. No frills....manual trans. No A/C. 4 Cyl (Chevette motor?). The [non-permissible content removed]'t manager goes into sales mode.
He bought it new. Allegedly, only drove it back and forth from home to the bank. It's clean. Surprisingly, no rust. Looked good. Rear left 1/4 panel paint was a little off in color...maybe a repaint, but no bondo that I could tell. Couple of dings here and there. Smelled funny on the inside, though. Some burn holes in the carpet.
We schedule a test drive for later in the day. He picks me up at my ramshackle apartment. I get in and we go for a spin. Clutch feels fine. No gear grinding. Brakes work...no squeals. Tires have decent tread. No hiccups from the engine. If memory serves, it had about 60K-70K miles on the odo.
He shows me the "book" on the car (remember, no Edmunds, no TMV, etc available at the time). I had no idea what the car was worth short of what he showed me in his little book that the bank used for loaning money on a car. He asks for several hundred over loan value. I offer loan value. After a little back and forth (that's the way we're supposed to do it, right?), I had no idea what I was doing. He came down a bit. I go up a bit. We've got a deal.
Following Monday, I go pick up the car after hitting the bank and paying him. Title is transferred. First thing I do is to detail it. Wash it. Wax it. Hit the interior with soap, water and a vacuum. What's this? I find a little "pipe" under the driver's seat. A Baggie 'o weed (a pretty full one, no less) under the passenger's seat....along with two "rolled cigs" stored with it. Now, I was no angel in college. But, I wasn't really into the whole NORML and bong scene. Beer? Yes, most definitely! Weed? Not really my thing.
After conferring with my friends, who unanimously said I should keep, or sell it, in my twisted, paranoid mind, I decide that it was some sort of undercover "sting". And, that if I did keep it, the campus cops would be just around the corner to cuff and book me, and get me thrown out of college. Best thing was to be a good citizen and return it....either to the police, or to Mr [non-permissible content removed]'t Manager. I was at the age when I didn't trust the campus police. So, off to the bank.
I put it in another paper bag. Head straight to the [non-permissible content removed]'t Mgr's office and present him with my "find".
His face told the story when I presented him with the evidence. At first, he stumbled...."what's that?" Then, looking at the bag, looking at me, and back at the bag, he says...."that's not mine, it must be yours".
"I don thin so, Lucy". He didn't ask what it was, or where it came from. Just a very flustered denial. I laughed and told him very smugly "It's yours. I know it. You know it. We'll just keep it our little secret". Proud of doing something of a civic duty, I left smiling.
Every time I went into the bank after that, I always got a smile, a nod, sometimes even a handshake, from the [non-permissible content removed]'t Manager.
The car I kept for another ~3 years. It was actually pretty a good car, until the engine blew, just short of 100K miles.
But is that a feature or is it faulty wiring in Explorers?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Great ending to the story. Thanks for sharing gg.
I always liked the Daytonas, and always wanted one, and would buy one in a second if I had the extra budget.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
The assistant manager probably took up the habit to relieve stress from snotty nosed college kids complaining about overdrafts. :P
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
I think there was Edmunds in those days. It was a small paperback book of prices published quarterly.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Good story GG. I think you should have used the pipe to extract enough for a loan on a GTO though.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You made up ZIP = 10012
It's about 100 from me. I say if you want it, go for it!
If you decide to go get it, let me know - I'll buy lunch! :P
Last summer we switched banks to a bank thats about a mile and a half away. Every time I went to it for whatever was on a bike. First time I arrived there in a car the banker who greets everyone wondered where my bike was.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
is this your car?
As for the weed? I would have asked for a partial refund on the sale price of the car. :P That's just the tightass in me.
Richard
Richard
so far, it has also survived both my kids driving it on an everyday basis over the last 3 or so years.
You of all people. It sounds more like what I would do.
You know what they say...great minds think alike. The only difference is, I could have done it without hurting myself. :P
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Isn't it amazing what you can learn about cars when you get away from Euro's for a while? Like when you're on vacation.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I thought about that too. I think it is just a different attitude, Euro car makers feel their customers are intelligent enough to leave the key in the ignition until they are finished listening to the radio.
LOL - just joking. If I was to guess I do think American owners do like features that pamper them, and Euro drivers would choose having more control over whether the radio is on or not.
I did like the feature because quite often you might as well hear the radio up until you do get out of the car. Would I give up the superior handling, a feeling of the car being tight and solid, the superior vision in all directions, the superior seating position and comfort, a right hand mirror that slants down when you put the car in reverse so you can see the curb or items close to the ground, the extra horses to move onto highways, a 6 speed shifter to have more control when driving, side airbags in the front and back, stability control, 4 year bumper to bumper warranty, all sevice performed for 4 years for free, and a big flat hood stretching out in front of me to trade for the radio feature.........nah, I don't think so.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Just off the top of my head I think that feature was added so that the power windows still had power for a few minutes after turning off the car. That way if you noticed you left one window open as you were leaving the car you can still close it without re inserting the key.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Quite a list! However, I have almost everything you mentioned except the cute mirror thingy, 4 free years of service and a stick to play with. Although I do have a 5 year bumper to bumper warranty, so I think that might be a wash or maybe even better. As for the 6 speed shifter, I’m too lazy to play with those things. After driving a truck for UPS for two years while going to night school, I’ve had my fill of that.
Like I’ve said before, that’s why they make chocolate and vanilla but I have no idea why anyone would choose vanilla. :surprise:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
The power left in the power windows even when the car is turned off is another great invention. I remember my 81 Cutlass did not have that feature. I was dressed in my jacket and tie and had to go from one sales call to the next. I went through the car wash, and was too busy making notes to realize my window was down. The water started spraying in like a fire hose. By the time I found the ignition key I was soaked. Had to lean forward (we kind of did in those days anyway), have the air conditioner on full to try to dry off before my next appointment. Yes, that is a great invention.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Ah, I paid cash so the extra $15000 would have been in my savings account and would now be worth about $8000. I'd rather have the enjoyment of a good car.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Well, I drove a taxi cab for 2 years while going to teachers college so I am tired of automatics. I agree, your car has most of the same features as mine does. And I love Hyundais, I think they look like little Mercedes, maybe better design than all but the most premium D3s like a Caddie or some Lincolns oh, and maybe Richards beloved GM. But you out of all people Mr. Monroe, an engineer, should appreciate the extra engineering that goes into Euro cars, and you should be more than willing to pay for that!
I'll take the vanilla if it has peanutbutter cups or moose tracks in it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
that leaves an extra 15k for my kid's education.
that leaves an extra 15k for my kid's education.
I've done that and I would probably agree. Although nothing wrong with kids paying for their own education either. That is most likely the best choice you could make though. My kids are on their own now so I can indulge a little....but I have been there and done that too....and that is definitely a priority......I would have done the same at that time in my life.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Although, as we are talking features, I miss the rain sensing wipers function on my '01 Olds Aurora. - a great car, with great features, still the best leather seats I ever sat in. That was always slick.
Richard
Gosh! I wasn't aware that UPS was in business in the 1940's. :shades:
Richard
Has the Florida sun baked your brains? Are you not aware of whom you were addressing?! Your memory bank does recall that jmonroe is the Secretary General of Tightassness, right? :P
Richard
There are a lot of things you're not "aware" of.
When I get a little time, I have a tell for you and everyone here.
On top of that my monitor burnt out last night so I don't know when I'll be able to tell this tale.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I did mention my wife is 35 weeks pregnant, right? I might not get to this for a while. Maybe we'll make it a family trip in the summer
I am "Safety Expert" and JM is the "Tightness Expert". Richard, you are the "Grammar Expert" and the expert in trying to keep GMs on the Road.
Still, an engineer of all people should appreciate fine engineering, and know that you are expected to pay extra for it.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard
No, you had not shared. That is wonderful! Did you play a lot of music around your wife during the 35 weeks? I've read that this causes the baby to have an appreciation for music. You should have driven your wife around in a Grand Marquis for the same reason. :P Best wishes and let us know when the blessed event takes place.
Richard
So you think !!!
I decided I didn't want to leave anyone hanging so I just made some time for this tale.
I’ve mentioned that I went to take another look at the Genesis this past Saturday. So, last night before my monitor went out I went onto Edmunds and was looking at the TMV prices for the Genesis and to see what her 06’ Sonata LX, with just under 12,500 miles, is worth. It’s in almost perfect condition so I wanted to get some info. The TMV for the V8 Geny is pretty good and because that is only the average price paid and I’m an above average guy I should be able to do better than that. However, the price for the Sonata ain’t so hot but it ain’t bad either (considering what I paid for it) and coupled with my hot pants for the Geny, it’s doable.
Guess who walks into the office while I’m doing my research? Yep, you got it. She says, “I see you’re pretty interested in that car so I guess you’re going to get it, you always get what you want”. I wasn’t about to let that go by without my opportunity to do a little schmoozing so I said, “I got you didn’t I”? Yeah, I got that look alright. :surprise: The surprising part of this is, I didn’t get any mention of “furniture”. Later on last night I hear her on the phone with Son #2 telling him what I’m doing and then I hear her talking to a friend telling her what’s going on and again, no talk of you know what. So, I’m beginning to think I can pull this off.
Now, if I can only get 14K for her 10.5K 06’, I’m in. You better hurry up with that GM deal you’ve belabored for so long. You don’t want me to beat you to this site with a sales tale, do ya? :P
FWIW, my monitor is “dead”, like in, it didn’t work after I rapped it a couple times last night and it wasn’t working this morning when I tried to sweet-talk it. So, tonight I’m on my way to buy a 22” wide body for around $240 at Best Buy. That purchase is going to hurt but when I get the Geny, I’ll be fine.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Aren't you the perfect old charmer! That was the best come back a husband could have made. You earn bonus points for that one. I can't believe that Mrs. Monroe missed her chance to pitch for the furniture. The planets must be in perfect alignment for your horoscope this month.
If I wasn't so hung up on the GM, I might consider the Genesis. It is a really nice looking automobile. What color do you want? Bet it looks good in black.
The 22 inch monitor at Best Buy is only $200. You'll save $40. Also, the guy told me to wait until Sunday because they are supposed to have a sale. You may get a better deal then. Also, since Circuit City is going bust, you may want to check them out. Office Depot and Staples might be worth checking as well. Staples owes me $25 in reward money. I'll check them out before I buy.
Keep us posted.
Richard
I wouldn't be so happy just yet...I think she is thinking of a way to outfox you. his is just a new technique.
Good luck with the Genesis. I still have faith in you, the Genesis is almost a Euro car any way.
Good luck to you and Richard with your monitors. Maybe if you went in together and negotiated you could get an even better price.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
We've had plenty of "TO BE CONTINUED's" here, but never a "TO BE STARTED."
:P
Check your local Costco. They will get shipments of monitors and they are cheap. Also, before you buy at Best Buy, check amazon. They are usually cheaper, no tax, and you qualify for free shipping.
Finally, if you do want to buy from Best Buy, check bestbuy.com. Sometimes they have chepaer prices there, and the local store will match them.
Richard
Did you have to say old but I am kinda good when I have to be and believe me, I'll have to be to pull this off.
It is a really nice looking automobile. What color do you want? Bet it looks good in black.
The color I’m leaning towards is Cabernet Red Pearl with the Cashmere interior and I can’t believe I'm saying this but I could also go for the Black/Black. That’s the one I saw first and like you said, it’s a nice looking machine so almost everything would look good. Maybe I should let her pick the color (a little more schmoozing can’t hurt), she’s good at that stuff and I’m pretty sure she’d say that since it will be my car, I should pick the color.
Heaven help the salesman. He is about to become the baby seal of the sales department.
Ah man, I feel for that poor guy just thinking about this.
The 22 inch monitor at Best Buy is only $200. You'll save $40.
As for the monitor thing, thank's for the helpful input guys. I’ll do a little shopping at the stores you mentioned but around here, the Best Buy Sunday flyer has a 22” LG going for $240 so that’s where I got that number. I always gear up when I start out (notice the car lingo here) so I’ll think I’m getting a deal when I buy.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
If you must buy from Best Buy, challenge the salesperson to meet Newegg's price.
Before our gracious host smites my post, I have a sales story. Lexus offered to pay us $75 in the form of a Visa gift card if we would drive one of their vehicles, so we drove to the closest dealership. Since we do not intend to buy anything now - my wife drives an '07 ES 350 that we plan to keep for at least 6 more years - we picked late Wednesday morning for our visit, assuming (correctly, as it turned out) that the showroom would be quiet.
Our salesman was helpful & polite, even after we told him that we aren't currently in the market. He accompanied us on a test drive of the new 2010 RX 350 & demonstrated the car's features to us. My wife & I were the only 2 people in the showroom not on the dealership's payroll, so I am confident that our visit did not cost him any sales.
The latest RX 350 has been out for only a couple of weeks, so our salesman told us that his store would not sell any for less than MSRP, but he expected that prices would soften significantly by early summer.
Because he was clearly not pressed for time, he also chatted about life in car sales. He's worked at this dealership since the late 90s but left 3 years ago to become a sales manager at another Lexus store. He lasted only a few months in that job before returning to his old store; he told us that he left because he was afraid that he would "kill someone" if he stayed.
Apparently, sales management is high pressure work. Why? (We were too hungry to prolong the conversation by asking questions.)
On the surface this sounds like a good idea but how long do you want me to be in the dark trying to post here?
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl