Options

Stories from the Sales Frontlines

19319329349369372003

Comments

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    My wife does the same thing. Then we have friends who just throw everything in and don't even bother to rinse off anything. I like my wife's method better.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    Our new dishwasher recommends not pre-rinsing. It monitors the water for dirtiness and keeps cleaning until it runs clear.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    This is beginning to sound like stories from the Sears front lines.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    What kind of detergent you guys use?
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    LOL, I just spit Pepsi on my keyboard !!!

    By the way, do any of you guys sell golf carts or neighborhood electric vehicles? I just heard that you can actually get one of these things for free because of the Fed. and State tax credits for electric cars !!

    They cost around $6,000. and that is the amount of the tax credit you can get !! What a wonderful country we live in !! ;)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    i'll bet it is quiet too. ;)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I just heard that you can actually get one of these things for free...

    Apparently, John Stossel is going to feature the "free golf carts" in the premiere of his new show on FBC tonight.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    ford is (re) introducing a model called the Fiesta.
    Basically, it is a competitor to the Honda Fit, just to provide a point of reference.
    From the corporate website you can build and order your car.
    What i am wondering is, how does this work from the local dealership perspective?
    Personally, i think i am going to start a little Fiesta slush fund.
    I want one, but won't be getting it for a while.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    "...do any of you guys sell golf carts..."

    A few hundred posts ago I mentioned seeing a truck load of golf carts coming out of the Manheim auction near me. Somebody must be getting in on that gravey.

    I wonder, do they put mop & glo on a golf cart?

    BTW, as I type this Allen Mulally is talking to Jim Cramer on "Mad Money" about Ford's future. I'm really liking what I hear about the 2011 Mustang V-6 (300+ hp).

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

  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    Re: Dishwasher liquid: Cascade gel but my wife wants to switch to those pouch things. Plus Jet Dry.

    To get back on track, even though I'm not in the profession I can tell a brief sales story. I often found myself hauling dirt, bricks, gravel, and all kinds of things home from the home improvement places. Given I don't drive 20K+ miles a year anymore we decided back in June my car ('99 Galant LS V6 w/152K miles) could be replaced with a CUV. As I live in the Chicago area I decided we would get one with AWD. I don't care much for 4 cyl engines so CUVs like the CR-V and Forester were eliminated from consideration. After a lot of research, various cars were eliminated for various reasons. The Equinox because the second row seats don't fold flat. The Edge for pool fuel economy (not a primary concern as noted above but there are others in it's class that do better). The Murano for styling (wife hates it). The RAV4 for the utter wrongness that is their rear hatch design. And so on. As I own a Mitsu and my wife owns an Elantra we test drove the 09 Outlander and Santa Fe. The SF was competent; engine seemed plenty powerful. Other than that it was nice. That's equivalent to the hot chick saying she just wants to be friends.

    We both really liked the Outlander, though. It had personality. The features were good. Powertrain was good. Road comfort was not bad at all. The split hatch design is appealing for hauling lumber. It seemed to be well thought out sort of like my Mazda MX-3 was back in the '90s.

    Thanks to Edmunds I found what was happening to it for '10. My wife wasn't thrilled with the front end redesign at first but liked it in person. The improvements were almost everywhere from engine (more power & economy), trans (6 speed w/a variant of the Evo S-AWC) to the interior (upgraded music system, materials, etc.). Economy-wise, even with AWD and being heavier it was rated the same as the revised EPA numbers for my Galant so I wouldn't take a hit at the pump. Cheaper, actually, as the Galant required premium. It'll also be cheaper to maintain as service intervals are longer and the timing belt went back to a chain. Not to mention having warranty coverage which was long gone on the Galant.

    I wanted the GT but could settle for the XLS if I had to. I waited.

    Finally, Thanksgiving week they got a couple of GTs in but we were traveling so we couldn't drive one. Saturday the 5th we were able to go. After the drive we decided to move forward with it. Negotiations were relatively quick and painless. Everyone was laid back; no pressure. No attempts at padding the line with window etching and so on. No problem getting the loyalty rebate. I felt I could do better private-party selling my Galant v. their trade offer so I didn't trade it in.

    That evening there was a Rally Red GT w/leather/navi in our garage. Just in time, too, as Chicago got hit with the first real winter storm of the season.

    The other GT they had (black) sold while we were there.
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    "...there was a Rally Red GT...in our garage..."

    Congrats on your new Mitsu. You are one of only 2900 people who bought them in November. Sad, very underrated cars in my opinion. Smoothest engines in the business. I hope they stick around in the US.

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

  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    The Fiesta looks like an actual honest attempt by a domestic maker to bring in a competitive sub compact.

    I like the looks of it personally.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    congrats on your new ride.
    just remember to not park too close to lakeshore drive if a big storm is on the way.
    you may not get to drive it again until spring.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I think Mitsibushi does better in other parts of the country than in my neck of the woods. We have a very weak dealer network here and they are rarely seen.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    with driver reminiscing about his SAAB, i thought of you looking for a GM a while ago.
    low mileage black GM
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    i thought of you looking for a GM a while ago.

    Only $3000 and 66k miles on it. He wanted a beater and it even looks pretty good.
    For 3000 bucks, he'd get it out of his system.

    I told my wife about the SAAB you found, and fond memories brought tears to her eyes, because she loved that car so much. We had a very romantic evening.... ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Actually, my last aunt alive.

    But VERY much alive at age 92. A huge Saab fan on her 3rd Saab, I think.

    My cousins can't keep up with her on the freeways. It's not unusual for her to jump in her Saab and drive 50 miles or more. She will drive it on a ferry, spend the day with her daughter and drive home at night, flying down the freeway.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    That evening there was a Rally Red GT w/leather/navi in our garage.

    First, when we are in the U.S. we stock up on Cascade "Complete". We can only get regular Cascade in Canada....there's a huge difference. We got 20 boxes in Florida last year.

    Congrats on the Mitsu. I rented an Outlander a few years ago and I really liked it. It is one of the best cars I have driven, and I always thought if I was looking for an SUV in that price range that would be my choice. I liked the handling, and the comfort, and the nice smooth strong engine. Mitsu's are really underated and get forgotten. Some rentals that I drove after were a Ford 500, Chrysler 300, Fusion,
    Impala, and I would have chosen the Outlander.

    Good choice and a good story.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    happy for you, but don't expect me to pull any more rabbits out of a hat. :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,507
    Smoothest engines in the business

    you don't get out much do you? LMAO!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    +1 High five!

    To bring it back on topic, I do all the research and my wife's only criteria is if she likes how it looks. She leaves the safety, drivebilability, power, etc. research to me. We're a good team.
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Well he is comparing it to his tractor... :surprise:
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Well he is comparing it to his tractor...

    LOL, But actually I checked an Edmunds review on the 2008 Outlander and they really liked it.
    They said;
    In our reviews, we've praised the Mitsubishi Outlander for its energetic V6 engine as well as its family-friendly design and moderately sporty handling. Negatives include a ride quality that may be too stiff for some and interior controls that still lack the solidity of the switchgear in Honda and Toyota offerings. Overall, buyers seeking value, style and fun-to-drive characteristics in a package that doesn't sacrifice daily usability will find the Mitsubishi Outlander a solid contender.

    2008 Outlander
    And look at the smart rear hatch that opens wide.......

    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fushigifushigi Member Posts: 1,459
    And the 2010 is improved over the 2008. Autoblog Link with pics; just paint it red and that's my new toy. More powerful engine that is very smooth and quiet. Upgraded interior materials. The dash is partly leather lined. The switchgear seems perfectly solid to me; I haven't noticed any glaring cheapness. Supposedly Mitsu is trying to take it a little upscale to make room for the RVR, which will be a new-to-the-US compact CUV in 2011 or 2012. And hey, since a fully loaded GT is over $35K it certainly isn't budget transportation.

    Notice on that hatch the way the bottom folds out to create a perfectly flat loading deck. Now, if you had some long lumber you could place it flat in the cargo area and let it stick out while still being able to close the top of the hatch to keep the bulk of the wind & weather from intruding. No one else offers that.

    Yeah, I'm luvin my new ride. I work from home 4 of 5 days so I'm trying to find excuses to drive. :shades:
    2017 Infiniti QX60 (me), 2012 Hyundai Elantra (wife)
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Looks almost like a minivan interior. Most SUVs' cargo floor sits above the height of the rear bumper. Didn't know the Outlander is packaged like this. Pretty smart.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    "...We had a very romantic evening..."

    A woman who gets aroused by cars? Please, please, does she have a sister? :surprise:

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

  • michaellnomichaellno Member Posts: 4,120
    Please, please, does she have a sister?

    Hey, hey, don't you have a wife? :mad:
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    "...Don't get out much do you?..."

    I'll admit I'm not a real car pro but even I can tell when a motor sounds right. Some would agree with me...like Edmunds who called the Mitsu 3.0L and 3.8L V-6s "buttery smooth" or like BMW which purchased Mitsu's "silent shaft" technology for their own engines.

    I've also driven Mitsu's 2.4L I-4 and found it to be a nice running motor.

    So I'm not sure where you're coming from. Did you have a bad experience with that brand?

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

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,217
    "...Hey, hey, don't you have a wife?..."

    Details, minor details.

    Oh hi honey, is that a new frying pan? KLANG! :sick:

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

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    Some would agree with me...like BMW which purchased Mitsu's "silent shaft" technology for their own engines.

    Ohhh snap! :P
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    And the 2010 is improved over the 2008. Autoblog Link with pics;

    I checked the article and I agree with most of what they said. The 2010 model looks really nice too, they smoothed out all the lines. Another thing I really like about the Outlander are the big windows, low dash, and you can actually see the hood. Minor preferences, but I like those qualities.

    My only hesitation would be the lack of dealers, in case you run into a problem. But even that wouldn't stop me from seriously considering an Outlander. I think this would be a great time for Mitsu to sign up some ex GM or Chrysler dealers.

    The article said; Bottom line: those looking to get into vehicles like the Toyota Highlander or Ford Edge would be doing themselves a favor by checking out the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT.
    I would agree completely and probably a lot of other cars too,

    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    A woman who gets aroused by cars? Please, please, does she have a sister?

    My wife also loves a manual (6 speed) transmission. She has 2 sisters, but we don't want to create a Tiger situation here. ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    it would have been for 4 cyl engines, so don't do the happy dance. :P
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Not a bad SUV...but those rear quarter panel windows sure remind me of our old 56 Hudson Rambler that we had back in the day. Two tone pink and gray. What a beauty. :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    but those rear quarter panel windows sure remind me of our old 56 Hudson Rambler

    Hmmmmmm, now that you mention it........

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    rear quarter panel windows sure remind me of our old 56 Hudson Rambler

    Come to think of it....I thought I would check out my memory (which gets fuzzy as was pointed out here - thanks Explorer), so I double checked, and it is true!

    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Thanks for sending that link to the black GM. My idea of getting a beater has been shot down. The wife gave the following reasons:

    1. Two people with three cars is totally unnecessary.
    2. Two cars in the garage means that the third car must stay parked on the parking pad where we turn around coming out of the garage.
    3. The added maintenance expense of a third car.
    4. Who wants an old car sitting around?

    In defense, I mentioned that she could drive the beater since she keeps messing up the other two vehicles. Though I laughed when I said it, she didn't think that I was one bit funny! I gave up the cause.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Hey, Fuzzy! :P I'm getting worried about you. You replied to yourself. ;)

    Richard
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,123
    Thanks for sending that link to the black GM. My idea of getting a beater has been shot down. The wife gave the following reasons:

    1. Two people with three cars is totally unnecessary.
    2. Two cars in the garage means that the third car must stay parked on the parking pad where we turn around coming out of the garage.
    3. The added maintenance expense of a third car.
    4. Who wants an old car sitting around?

    In defense, I mentioned that she could drive the beater since she keeps messing up the other two vehicles. Though I laughed when I said it, she didn't think that I was one bit funny! I gave up the cause.

    Richard


    Richard, my response to all of her objections would be....

    PSHAW

    Then again, I don't have to live with her.

    Truth told, I can give you some ammunition......

    1. "Says who?"
    2. "So what?"
    3. "3 cars with only 2 drivers means less wear and tear on each car individually."
    4. "The same person who would want an old wife sitting around.

    (duck and cover)
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I don't suppose you referred to the potential beater as a "mud car" since you're still alive....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Good grief, that is the exact same car, color and all. Yes, and I even recognize our old country estate there in the background... but I don't see our old chauffeur around any where. I wonder if he ever got that Grey Poupon stain off the seat ! :)

    Seriously, that is IT. The resemblance would be more pronounced looking from a rear profile perspective. Thanks for finding that pic, it sure brings back a lot of memories. I really thought that car was beautiful back then and was very proud of it !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Thank goodness you have come to your senses. For a while there I thought you were in competition for my Mallard Green Contour Sedan Brougham.

    The little old lady tells me she has sent off for a duplicate title and should have it shortly. Once she actually has a title in hand she will probably try to get me up to $1250. but I will stand firm at $1200. or jip would disown me.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I told my wife about the SAAB you found, and fond memories brought tears to her eyes, because she loved that car so much. We had a very romantic evening....

    Darn, car talk can do that in your house? :confuse: That would NEVER work in our house. Furniture talk might do it but all things considered it probably ain’t worth it getting into that discussion. :surprise:

    jmonroe

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

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,727
    i think that's the perfect 3 car setup; suv, sedan, convertible.
    not sure if it was due to starting my driving around the first gas shortage, but i like having multiple vehicles. never liked that gas rationing.
    missed paying peak gas prices last year, because i was able to switch between cars and not fill up for over a month.
    of course insurance cost more than i saved in gas money. :surprise:
    btw, my friend up the street stopped by and made me drive his porsche, to check out the latest upgrades, racing seat and short throw shift.
    i was glad i didn't stall it or scrape the front on something, and of course for exercising enough restraint not get a speeding ticket.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • delthekingdeltheking Member Posts: 1,152
    Everybody must have read at one time or another that an owner takes his problematic vehicle to a shop and the mechanics try one thing after another to no avail. Meanwhile, the owner is billed time and again. :sick:

    This actually happened to me or rather is still happening to me with an 04 Nissan Quest that I took to the local Nissan dealership.The van has a steering wheel shake/vibration at all times. They replaced the brakes+rotors,did a tire rotation and road force balancing,did a wheel alignment,changed the front driver tire- the problem still exists and is frustrating. And I was billed for each of these services which never cured the problem. Instead they were assuming a problem and trying to fix it and billed me for their ignorance. These guys are getting paid for their ignorance and incompetence. :lemon:

    Now, I demand either you can correct the problem or you don't get paid. I do not pay for someone else's education. If you cannot fix the problem, that is okay. I don`t want to just wind up emptying my wallet for the tech`s guessing. If you fix- I pay. If not,good day and no pay. What do you folks think? I know it`s not going to happen but these dealer techs are really getting very very dumb ,ignorant and stupid. I don`t want to pay for his educational research on my vehicle. :sick:
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Richard, my response to all of her objections would be...PSHAW"

    That's why I'm still married and you aren't. :P Thanks for the suggested ammunition, with the exception of #4. You really want me to get hurt, don't you? ;)

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    NOT !!!

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I had forgotten about your potential purchase. Post us a picture.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "I think that's the perfect 3 car setup; suv, sedan, convertible."

    I like the way that you think! :)

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Fuzzy! I'm getting worried about you. You replied to yourself

    At least I wasn't arguing with myself. I was in perfect agreement, so that isn't as bad. :sick:

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

This discussion has been closed.