Stories from the Sales Frontlines

houdini1

I am talking about "air" source heat pumps. If you have a ground source or geo thermal then it would work better than an air source at the lower temps.

My bet is that Richard also has an air source unit.

sterlingdog

I want to thank both you and Keith for that good advice. I like the idea of your system combination. That was good planning. I agree about the summers. The heat pump works great for cooling. I just had rather not feel that cold air from the vents in the winter.

Keith, I do live in North Carolina---Pinehurst specifically. We are in the Piedmont Region, 3 hours from the mountains and 3 hours from the beach. I will check on the defrost setting---didn't know there was such a thing. Thirty minutes or an hour would certainly be better. I'm used to having two gas packs in my houses. This house has one heat pump, but the house only has 2,600 sq.ft. Our last three houses had about 3,600 sq.ft. which was ridiculous for the two of us. Being older, we bought this one all on one level. It's great not to have to climb steps.

Thanks for the input guys.

Richard

wlbrown9

"I am talking about "air" source heat pumps. If you have a ground source or geo thermal then it would work better than an air source at the lower temps. "

Of course, but the payback may not work out. How many more $$$$ for a ground source or Geo source heat pump? Reminds me of discussing with my neighborhood heat and ac repair guy a couple weeks ago when he replaced the gas control valve on my 18 year old forced air natural gas furnace.

"Yep, your system with standing pilot light is about 60% efficient. Same model with ignition would be about 75-80% efficient. Now they have some really efficient systems, 90-95% or more, but no one talks about how expensive they are. For what they cost, most would never reach payback from the savings"

houdini1

Absolutely, we are in complete agreement.

Kind of like putting one of those $75,000. wind turbines in your back yard in order to get "free" electricity !!

tjc78

It has been a rough day for the Grand Marquis---

They are great cars. Dated yes, but very reliable. The ride is great, handling decent for a barge and as comfortable as you can get. My grandfather has driven GMs or Town Cars since the late 80s and not one major repair on any of them. His current ride (an '04 GM ultimate) has been flawless through 50K except for the drivers side window switch (replaced by me for about $80). He averages around 18 MPG (per the trip computer) in mostly city driving. I am actually considering grabbing one (or a TC) when my '06 Avalon comes off lease in a few months. Probably a one year old or so.

imidazol97

Check your carspace email for off topic email.

driver100

Here's some good news amongst all the doom and gloom:

FRANKFURT — German car maker Volkswagen AG said Monday its 2008 net profit rose 15.4 per cent on record deliveries, but said the global economic crisis meant that 2009 earnings would not hit the same levels.

And, why not try this to get the economy going;
There was another bright spot amid the gloomy outlook. VW recently said a newly introduced German government plan that offers a €2,500 (about $5000 U.S.- making a GM just $10,000) bonus to people who scrap aging cars and buy new ones has given a strong boost to sales.

Or, if it's easier why not give a tax deduction equal to say half the value of a new car? Instead of giving people an extra few bucks a week as a tax savings, which might be used to purchase and might not...this goes into really buying something. This could be extended to other items like TVs, Electronics, appliances, heat pumps, jewellery, furniture. The money goes to buy products and more people go back to work to make or sell these products. It will mean less revenue from taxes coming in...next year, but it will save money being paid out and lost by people just saving, or useless make work projects.

sterlingdog

You should also check your carspace email. If I did it correctly, there is a message for you. :confuse:

Richard

sterlingdog

Good for you! We GM fans need to stick together. It was nice of you to buy that part for your grandfather. As I keep telling my nephew, the more things that you help me with only increases your allotment in the will. :P

Richard

jmonroe

We're used to having gas packs.

When we built our 2 story home in South Carolina (moved in the week before Christmas 1992) we had a heat pack (I know you said gas packs but in the further South they called them heat packs) for the first floor and a heat pump for the second floor. The heat pack was by far a better unit for heat but I didn’t have a choice because to get the Good Sense electric/gas rates I had to go with what they said. Like several guys have already said, a heat pump is a much better air conditioner than a furnace. Since there was just the two of us and the house had a first floor master suite it didn’t really make any difference until I forced myself to go to the second floor just see the other part of the house I was paying for.

If you can believe this, my next door neighbor here in the Burgh area has a heat pump. He worked for the electric company here when he had his house built in the mid 70’s and chose not to have a gas line run to his house. He’s on his 3rd heat pump now. When I’m outside when that thing kicks in it brings back memories of that distinctive sound when that unloader valve actuates.

Topic thing: Since I had that house built I made sure it had a BIG garage so I had a place to play and I still had my boat 80’ Park Ave at the time. I think I made that garage 26ft x 26ft. but I should have made it a 3 car garage and been done with it.

jmonroe

jmonroe

jmonroe.....got a call this a.m. from the local Hyundai dealer.

Talking to him for a bit, he said he's got V6 and V8 demos. One, in the color you like.....burgandy. it's a V6 but has the tech package.....2K miles. He didn't give me specific numbers but did say it would sell for "under $30K".

You just won’t let up will ya?

That price for the V6 with 2K on it sounds pretty good. Son #1 keeps telling me to wait until a demo V8 is ready for sale so I could get a good deal then he immediately follows that up and says, “maybe you shouldn’t wait, just get what you want now”. He’s said this a couple times already so I know he’s just itching to take a V8 Genny for a spin. :surprise:

He also said a lease on the V6 with tech would be $420/mo +TTL. Don't know what the money factor is, or if there's a CAP reduction involved, but that sounded like a pretty good deal, if you're a lease person (I'm not).

Thanks anyway but I’m not a lease guy either.

jmonroe

sterlingdog

I can't imagine a heat pump in the Burgh. It would run itself to death seems to me. Usually, ours doesn't run that much during the day.

We had a huge garage in the last house. It was like a two and a half and pretty long. The one that we have now just will hold the Explorer and the Chrysler. We are fortunate though that this one has lots of cabinets and two closets. At least it makes me keep things put away. I really like a garage. It keeps the cars much cleaner and protects the paint jobs. I had the Explorer detailed right before the storm. Now with snow on the ground, the Explorer is sitting in the garage just as pretty as a picture.

Richard

imidazol97

Got it. One there for you.
What is a heat pack? Can they be sold to be used in cars --on topic...

morin2

I'm sorry we went with a heat pump in MD. Our Jan elec bill was $375 (oh, thank you politicians for the deregulation) and that was with us freezing as the programmable thermostat keeps it at 64 at night and while we're at work and 68 for the few hours when we want to be less frozen. Our last house had a woodstove and I really miss it.

Back to the topic of GM: My father and uncle always had a Crown Vic or GM. They didn't believe in unibody cars and would never own an import. I do believe they are superior for attachment points for trailer hitches and dismayed that the Edmunds specs indicate 1500 lbs max towing.

sterlingdog

Go back. You've got another message.

Richard

sterlingdog

Another fan! Welcome to the club. Only 1500 lbs. towing? That surprises me as well. It's good to see you here again. Chime in more often.

Richard

morin2

OK, as long as there's no limits on the number of Richards here...

I even owned a crown vic once - an 87 wagon with 10 passenger seating (dual facing rear seats). My wife hated it and called it "the tuna boat". It was a brief ownership...

driver100

Richard, why not try an Infinity...that's what this guy was driving:

OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) clock car allegedly travelling 250 km/h (150 mph)
Tue, 2009-03-03 05:42.
Jeremy Nusinowitz
OPP pulled over an Infiniti travelling southbound on highway 400 near Finch Avenue (near Toronto Canada) just after midnight last night.

Officers clocked the car allegedly travelling at 250 km/h, 150 km/h (90 mph) above the posted speed limit.

The driver had his license suspended and car impounded on the spot.

sterlingdog

I remember those boats. They were huge!

Richard

sterlingdog

I didn't realize that they would go that fast. I wonder what the police were driving?

Richard

graphicguy

You just won’t let up will ya?

That price for the V6 with 2K on it sounds pretty good. Son #1 keeps telling me to wait until a demo V8 is ready for sale so I could get a good deal then he immediately follows that up and says, “maybe you shouldn’t wait, just get what you want now”. He’s said this a couple times already so I know he’s just itching to take a V8 Genny for a spin.

I'm all about spending other people's money. Just ask Richard. :P

sterlingdog

It's going to be a race to the finish line to see who pulls the trigger first. I'm betting on jmonroe. He's cleared the field with his wife, his Son #1 has become an encourager, and jm wants it so badly that he can smell the rubber. :P Let's keep doing our part to help.

Richard

golic

Happy Square Root Day fellas. May you all sell lots today and this month.

tidester

Happy Square Root Day fellas.

Thanks and the same to you!

3/3/09 -> 3² = 9 for those interested.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

sterlingdog

Goodness! You're on the day shift. Now who is going to make sure that I behave late at night?

Richard

tidester

Not to worry - I'll be there!

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

mplshondadlr

[copied as written - names have been removed]
Hello, I have heard many great things about XXXXXXXX Honda based on referrals and feedback. Today, I stopped in and place an initial offer on a 2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L with RES. The offer was for $26,110 which was roughly $3,000 lower than the internet price quoted [EDIT: That would be over $9000.00 off the MSRP] to me by XXXXXXXX. At this point, XXXXXXXX questioned my basis for such an offer and begins to tell me the value proposition for owning a Honda. As a current owner, I understand the value of a Honda, but in this very challenging economic condition, I thought we could begin a very healthy negotiation discussion. I asked him after listening to his thoughts of my offer if we could establish a middle ground for discussions. He indicated roughly $50 to $75 off of the quoted price. At that point, I knew a middle ground could not be established, and did not want to continue taking his valuable time to help other willing clients. After driving away from your dealership, I could not help but feel a lack for a potential customer. Regardless of your initial thoughts of an offer, I believe there is value having both parties at least attempt to find a middle ground. In my opinion, I believe XXXXXXXX could have made a more sincere approach in earning my business. I am disappointed and hope this is not a reflection of the culture at XXXXXXXX Honda. Thank you for taking the time to read my comments. Sincerely, XXXXXXXX

Needless to say, I did not close the deal and the GM had no better result when he called this guy.

greanpea68

Hey guys just checking in here.... I know it has been a while but I seem to be more busy now that I going through a divorce :shades:

Anyway.... you guys are still above average.... national average of a person buying a car is with in 30 days. If i am not mistaken you guys are way over that time limit setting new records. Good luck and just buy the car. You aren't getting any younger Hope all is well with everyone here and will be back later. Take care.

GP

No matter where you go, you are there!

boomchek

We were just discussing this silliness on the Got a Question for Dealer forum.

So basically buddy received $6k offan Odyssey, but since that's not good enough he wanted another $1500 off, hence offering another $3k lower hoping you'd counteract in the middle with his target price. I think this is not about the price but about him getting his way.

It's too bad some customers don't see a good deal when it smacks them right in the face, especially after asking for and getting a rock bottom price over email. I might as well quote MSRP over email and then negotiate from start when they arrive in the showroom. Seems like people like him do want to grind and negotiate. Otherwise he'd take the vehicle at quoted email price.

You should have sent him to a Big 3 dealer if they were more concerned about the size of the discount than the vehicle they were buying.

cracovian

Either way, unless those Hondas go for $20K even, you will continue selling half of what you used to. I suspect the guy will get his way soon... Also, I'm not sure what all this talk in the media about "very deep incentives" - they plainly suck and Toyota is even reducing them this quarter - good luck to everyone...

mplshondadlr

I did direct him to a Chrysler dealer

mplshondadlr

"Either way, unless those Hondas go for $20K even, you will continue selling half of what you used to."

Why stop at $20K? Why not $15K or less? :confuse:

fezo

Sure! You'll lose money but make it up in volume....

boomchek

Thanks!!

Although I do like Hondas and think the Odyssey is the best minivan out there( as I sold them before), you can't beat a base Grand Caravan's price point of about $21k. I've sold quite a few to families on a budget.

However those wanting an Odyssey on a Caravan budget will be disappointed.

Kirstie_H

And you can deposit the money in First Citywide Change Bank.
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/first-citywide-change-bank/22- 9045/

kyfdx

Wish I had put my 401K with them.. :surprise:

isellhondas

I have to wonder what, exactly, people are thinking?

With some people no matter how rock bottom of a price you give them, it's never enough but making a ridiculous offer like that makes us lose interest quickly.

fezo

Absolutely! Thanks goodness you understand complex economics....

isellhondas

Except, that Caravan will lose half of it's value in two years thus negating any "savings".

That is assuming Chrysler can stay in business.

fezo

If not it will lose 90% of its savings...

How's this for a deal? I'll give you my old car and you give me a new car. You should jump at it. They tell me old cars are still selling...

cracovian

I'm not talking about the dealers taking the actual hit but if the manufacturers are comfortable with the current 50% (or lower) sales volume at 70-90% production capacity then the "super-attractive" $2.5K in rebates will do indeed...

lemko

They stopped manufacturing the Cadillac Brougham in 1992. The model with the button tufted seats was the d'Elegance.

boomchek

So it'll lose $10k in two years. An Odyssey might lose, how much? $6-8k? If you're a family on a budget though you still can't beat the value.

mplshondadlr

Actually - we have a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT with a couple options including sunroof. This van has 7600 miles on it and the original window sticker was in the glovebox: $35000.00. The huy who traded it in bought in July of '08 for $27555.00 plus TT&L.

He traded it in January for an ACV of $14000.00!!!! We have it priced on the internet for $14995.00 and cant sell the damn thing. It does have a pretty cool key though.

Meanwhile, we just bought a 2006 Odyssey EXL off the curb for $17000.00. It has close to 35000 miles and was bought brand new for close to $29K.

Do the math! :P

isellhondas

Exactly what I'm talking about.

Nobody wants them even though (used) they are a lot for the money.

Once in awhile, we will take a chance and keep one rather than wholesaling it and we always regret it later when, after three months we have to take a loss at the auction.

boomchek

Ok ok, so in that case it makes sense, the Ody is less of a loss but the majority of the Odyssey's depreciation would have been in it's first year.

You don't have to convince me that impoirts depraciate less as I sold Hondas before. But they still do depreciate.

And most people at a Honda dealer won't be looking for used Caravans, hence the inability to sell.

We do quite well with pre owned Caravans actually.

jmonroe

Let's keep doing our part to help.

OH...is that what you call it? :confuse:

jmonroe

explorerx4

i was referring to maintenance not repair.

explorerx4

i'm pretty jealous. 'my' explorer is an outside pet now, so it is covered with salt.
at 10 degrees this morning, it was a little grumpy, until it warmed up.
not enough of a problem to swap it for a new vehicle, though.
yesterday, we had a bunch of snow, but just like the old days when i used to drive it daily, it went where i needed to go without any drama.
i put it in 4 high for about 100 feet when i had to take a left turn up a hill from a stop. other than that the 4 auto mode was fine.
it's kind of fun being the first person to drive on a road covered with 8-10 inches of snow.

jmonroe

...national average of a person buying a car is with in 30 days. If i am not mistaken you guys are way over that time limit setting new records.

How could it take 30 days to buy a car once you begin shopping/talking to a salesman? If that is the true average, most people must be grinders.

I haven't talked to anyone at a dealership yet about buying. The first time I went, all I wanted was a brochure so I had to ask someone for it. The salesman coerced me into taking a look inside the car, I told him I was not buying then but he insisted so I don't count that. The second time I went to the dealership they were so busy I don't think anyone even knew I was there, so that surely doesn't count. I'm still on the fence because I haven't decided yet if I really want a new car. So I guess you can say I'm limitless.

jmonroe