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Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Let's see you type that real fast 10 times in a row.

    Ok

    That that that that that that that that that that

    Satisfied?

    There was a song with the lyrics

    I'm not a pheasant plucker
    I'm a pheasant pluckers son
    and I'm sitting plucking pheasants
    till the pheasant plucker comes.


    Now try saying that.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • canadiantoyotacanadiantoyota Member Posts: 148
    I was behind a lady at one of our local car washes and she didn't wait for the roller to mover her forward. When the large door went up she drove through the wash. It was amazing to watch. She came out the exit with trim missing (some of the equipment was not tripped in proper order and tore some of the trim off) and a great deal of the dirt was still on the car. Needless to say, being next in line, I wouldn't proceed until the wash manager ran his own car through the wash. Upon inspection, it seemed OK, so I went ahead and everything came out in the wash as it were.....

    But, what a wild experience. Just goes to prove, takes all kinds.

    In another episode, another wash, I was behind a lady who did exactly the same thing as you experienced. She stepped on the brakes to avoid the dryer at the end of the wash. I guess she didn't believe that it would swing up and out of the way. I was behind her and I stepped on my brakes. The person behind kept bumping into my car. The major problem was my passenger (my boss and the car owner) was claustrophobic. It really made for an interesting 10 minutes or so. He's yelling at me to get him out, water is still spraying the car, so he can't open the door, we are feeling the bumps as the rollers go under the tires, and the car behind us keeps hitting us. Not pleasant at the time, but quite amusing now.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    [Edit] Darn, I see that snakeweasel beat me to it. The old jokes really are the old jokes

    Sorry, but now I wonder if anyone caught my 3rd baseman reference.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Chicken catcher may make for a good episode on the "Dirtiest Jobs" show... another good episode for that show may be Edmunds host.

    Dirty Jobs is a very entertaining and eye opening program. I wouldn't even think about doing half the stuff that Mike Rowe does. He also does some commercials for Ford so I guess that makes selling cars a dirty job too?

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Why are insurance rates so much higher for teenage and young 20's drivers... because generally they are more wreckless and inexperienced.

    That is because there is data available that can be used to qualify actuarial. What data is available to say that someone in the paper industry will treat a car better than someone in the advertising, legal, data processing, sewer construction, civil engineering or distribution? Big difference.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    What data is available to say that someone in the paper industry will treat a car better than someone in the advertising, legal, data processing, sewer construction, civil engineering or distribution?

    Worst drivers by occupation.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Good question!

    By the way, if one is indeed more wreckless then their insurance premiums should be lower due to fewer wrecks! Of course, Jips meant reckless! :shades:

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Yikes! Chicken and pheasant pluckers didn't even make it to the top 10!

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    I paid roughly $23K seven years ago, and now it is worth roughly $5K (some sources say up to $7K). For illustration purposes, we'll say it is worth $5K.seven years of ownership. $18K divided by 7 is $2,571.43 per year.

    I don't like to give advice, just throw thins in to think about.

    On the one hand you paid $23k 7 years ago, and are moving up to a much better vehicle for $4k more than you paid for your first Explorer- which is pretty good.

    On the other hand, if you pay about $6k more, you get a brand new car with 4 wheel drive and the way you want it...and it will last you an extra year, and you know it has been driven well.
    If you buy this vehicle: Cost $27000 less $5000 trade in, less $5000 value at the end of 6 years makes the cost of driving $2833 a year.
    Buy new (4 wheel drive) Cost 33,000 less $5000-might get more on a trade for a new car) less $6000 value at end of 7 years makes the cost of driving $3142 a year.

    If true, and i think it is all reasonable, driving the brand new car, will cost you $300 a year more.

    I am not advising, just something to consider. And I calculate lots of things that way, and can justify buying lots of nice thing that way to my wife. Like a 52 inch TV over a 40", for just $50 a year based on 10 years.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    Interestingly, the least dangerous drivers by profession were athletes (with 17 percent)

    Guess they didn't interview Tiger.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Good story, I am just thankful that my wife wasn't with me !! She would have gone whacko because she never has "trusted" those "darn things". Too dangerous !

    I would have never heard the end of the "I told you so's". :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    $400 for EOM and less for after market
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,722
    I don't know much about the school, other than our guidance counselor recommended it. We also had a one on one meeting with the regional school rep, but they did not make a good impression. Won't hold that against the school, though.
    I could spend a lot of money in Nashville, between tuition and Joel trying to sell me a new car. :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    "I beg to differ. Every fact about that car regarding a possible purchase is relevant to me."

    Richard--

    A couple of weeks ago I know that I mentioned we seriously considered a certified 08 Rav4 at a Toyota dealership in OKC. My wife and I were both disappointed in what we perceived to be the excessive wear on the interior, particularly the back seats. It was used, so a stain or two wouldn't have been a deal-breaker, but there was pilling of the cloth fabric, several discernible thin spots--just plain rough usage. Curiously, it had been a fleet car driven by a Toyota employee, which doesn't speak well for Toyota's own staff. I have an 18 year-old Toyota with a much better looking interior.

    My feeling is that no matter who drove it prior to you nothing beats looking for yourself and running your hands over every surface, but if that's impractical you should ask and do whatever is necessary to make the most informed decision.

    Gogiboy

    ps. Last weekend I traveled with a colleague to MI and picked up my "miracle" dog from my folk's house. 2000 miles in two days and worth every minute and dollar. He's by my feet as I type this. Despite the traumatic ending of his previous trip with me he plopped right down and slept most of the 16 hour drive back to OK.

    Gogiboy
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Your advice is very good; you made good points. BTW, the car is listed at $28,733, not $27k.

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    edited February 2010
    I didn't get to be independently wealthy by paying attention to retail prices.

    Interesting sentence. I agree completely though, retail price is just one component of the total picture. Value at the end of use is important, and enjoyment while using are other components. Real estate salespeople say the most important feature of a house is location, location location. I say it is "do you like the way it feels", resale value isn't as important as how much you enjoy the house.

    And people giving up a house on HGTV because they won't come down $5000 on a $300,000 house. What does that work out to over 25 years?

    I am always interested in how people become wealthy or successful (not always the same). I have read several books on how people created successful companies. It could be considered personal and private, and if you don't care to explain that is fine....but would you care to tell me (us) how you became "independently wealthy"?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    edited February 2010
    Despite the traumatic ending of his previous trip with me he plopped right down and slept most of the 16 hour drive back to OK.

    Dogs never hold it against you. They know you are trying your best. Another nice thing about dogs is you can drive a new Jaguar, or an old jalopy (I mean hooptie, my new word I learned from oldfarmer), and they love you just the same - as long as they can go with (I can't say the same for some old girlfriends).

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    So it's a third baseman who often mucks up the work during negotiation, huh?

    What does that make the wife (or husband) in negotiations--the second baseman?
    And isn't it second and third base or, better yet, home plate that we are all trying to get to metaphorically speaking as well as in financial negotiations? So, in the grander scheme of life we need a second and third baseman to actually reach home. I also agree that the salesman (pitcher) often has a third baseman backing him/her up in the form of a sales manager and if I can continue along the baseball path (analogy), the F & I guy is either "cleanup" for the home team (dealership) or the opposing manager if you are the visitor (potential buyer). :P

    I think the above paragraph has something to do with car sales, but I'm not sure.

    Gogiboy
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I'm so glad that you now have your doggie back. You're right. The trip was worth every penny and every minute. After all, we're talking about a family member. I hope that you and your pup have many more years of happiness together.

    You made a very good point about the car purchase. I have never purchased a car that I haven't first seen on site. In this particular case, I trust Joel completely. If the seats had stains or the exterior had little dents, he would tell me. I've been reading his posts for two and a half years now. He is the consummate professional.

    Thanks for the input.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Joel, I'll post the information on my Explorer as soon as I can. We've got company coming over for dinner. I've got to shower and dress.

    Richard
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Glad you got your dog back !!

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Driver -- ford has 3k cash on 2010 explorers. Invoice should be attainable minus 3k minus the trade.
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    would you care to explain how you became "independently wealthy"?

    Wealth is relative. I'm not quite 7 figures yet, but I can live my remaining years in comfort with or without any further income. Thus the term independent.

    I sold real estate in Phoenix in 1975-76 during the interest bump from 6% to 12%.
    I learned a lot during that time. Especially how to make a home sell at peak value. I made a lot after that selling and buying houses at just the right time and place.

    I gave up much of my wealth buying and selling automobiles. They hold no value over time. I was a sucker for the new car smell. I guess I still am.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    I was a sucker for the new car smell. I guess I still am.

    I think most of us posting here would fall into that category !! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    That new car smell is the smell of money lost. You can also detect it at any casino crap table.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,722
    I should have said that I am not a fan of that one finger steering GM was famous for.
    unfortunately, to me, light steering effort is becoming the norm.
    A few weeks ago, i drove my mom's '03 malibu about 400 miles back from PA.
    Last fall, she got new tires, and what a difference from the other times i had driven it any distance.
    I found it very satisfying to drive and got 29 mpg to boot.
    The steering in our '09 escape is light as i recall, but my wife has only let me drive it a few miles, even though we have had it for about 10 months.
    I think she likes it. :shades:
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    The wife/husband are the buyers they each have a vested interest in the purchase and will share in the payment of the car. Billy Bob from work that says he can work them sales people real good and comes down and shows his [non-permissible content removed] is the typical 3rd baseman.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Joel, here is the information on my '03 Explorer:

    2003 Ford Explorer XLT SUV
    4.0 Liter 6 Cy. Soch Sequential-port F.I.
    Transmission: Automatic with OD
    Color: Gray Pewter

    Comfort Equipment and Accessories:

    Power Steering
    Power Door Locks
    Power Driver's Seat
    Cassette Player
    Gauge Cluster
    Tachometer
    Tilt Steering Wheel
    Tinted glass
    Passenger Side Air Bag
    Reclining Seats
    Compact Disc Player
    Power Brakes
    Power Windows
    AM/FM Stereo Radio
    Radial Tires (New)
    Trip Odometer
    Air Conditioning
    Rear Air Conditioning
    Cruise Control
    Driver Side Air Bag
    Front Bucket Seats
    Leather Upholstery
    Anti-Lock Braking system
    Third Row Seat (Never Used)
    Alloy Wheels
    Interval Wipers
    Rear Window Wiper
    Carpeting
    Day/Night Lever
    Driver Side Remote Mirror
    Body side Moldings
    Center Arm Rest
    Inside Hood Release
    Maintenance Free Battery (one year old)
    Clock
    Rear Defroster
    Console
    Satellite Radio (My Purchase)
    Vanity Mirror (Driver & Passenger)
    Duel Sport Mirrors
    Luggage Rack
    Keyless Entry
    Map Lights
    Fold Down Rear Seat
    Child-Proof Locks

    If you need the VIN number, I can send it privately. The mileage is now at 104,649. There are five very small scratches on the driver's side and one pinhead sized dent, probably from a rock. I didn't see any other defects. This vehicle is a smoker's car. The interior could use a new set of floormats. My wife's heels have finally put a hole in the driver's mat. The only repair is a front passenger power window. I forced the old one down during an ice storm. I think that I have revealed all that I know.

    Richard
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,617
    They had a poultry store in the town where I grew up and they were simply the most wonderful people around being generous, caring, kind, gentle, upstanding, honest and just plain nice.

    I'm not a bit surprised. The "Dirty Jobs" show illustrates this fairly well.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    edited February 2010
    -- ford has 3k cash on 2010 explorers. Invoice should be attainable minus 3k minus the trade.

    That brings to mind another thought. In 6 months the 2011 Explorers will be out and there will be big reductions on 2010s...brand new ones. My guess, is if he waits, he will get a new one for less than the slightly used one.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    Especially how to make a home sell at peak value. I made a lot after that selling and buying houses at just the right time and place.

    Nicely done. Risk and reward fascinate me. Buying real estate at the right time can be rewarding, buying at the wrong time can be a disaster. If you came through it and can retire nicely that is great.

    It's unfortunate that you like to have a new car so frequently, however you could have had worse vices, like losing it at the crap table. As long as you enjoy your new cars, seems you did fine. Thanks for sharing. :D

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,722
    you didn't list 2WD or 4WD, and don't you have new tires? I am not a stalker. ;)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    The wife/husband are the buyers they each have a vested interest in the purchase and will share in the payment of the car.

    Excellent point...I will always be present if my wife makes a major purchase, and she will be present if I make a major purchase.

    Once I was looking at cars and the salesman asked if I was ready to buy. I said, my wife has to come in and look at it. He said, "Can't you make decisions for yourself?". I didn't go back.

    Another story. I have a friend and his first wife's Dodge Shadow broke down. She went across the street to the car dealer and bought a new car....and took it home. That was the final straw and why she became the ex.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    Tinted glass
    Passenger Side Air Bag
    Reclining Seats
    Compact Disc Player
    Power Brakes
    Power Windows

    Compact disc Player should add a few hundred :P

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Hey Richard, is that the same vehicle that your wife drove off into the quicksand? :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,487
    I'm with a lot of the other guys here on the board - If you like the Explorer & you seem to keep cars for the long haul, go for a new one. You only live once & can't take youyr money with you :P

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

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,671
    >"Can't you make decisions for yourself?".

    That salesman must not have been married.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,671
    >your wife drove off into the quicksand?

    That was the new convertible if I remember the story right. :blush::(

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    I wrote the word "New" beside the radial tires. You must have missed it. Yes, it is a 2WD. Thanks.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    No, that was my new convertible! :sick:

    Richard
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,351
    Oh yeah, I stand corrected !! Just trying to help. :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You don't mind if I start referring to you as S.A. do you?

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Sorry. I've decided to take it with me---as far as I can go. I'll need money for the water cooler, crushed ice, and cold showers.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    With help like yours, I don't need more problems. :P

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,586
    edited February 2010
    A few more thoughts to throw in;
    I found this internet price for a new EB 2009 Explorer;
    2009 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer SUV
    Time to buy a new 2009 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer SUV? It is important to do your research and know facts like the internet pricing which is $30,512.00, cash rebates and MSRP price of $32,925.00 before going to the dealership in order to get a the best deal possible. Details like a basic warranty of 3 yr. / 36k mi, and a fuel economy rating of 20 hwy / 13 city MPG will help you compare the '09 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer SUV to other car models.
    new 2009 EB Explorer
    Not sure when this appeared. It might mean the brand new Ex might cost only $2000 more. Maybe even less if you found a 2009 still on a lot somewhere (might be lemon yellow though if still there).

    The other thing I forgot to calculate is for the extra amount, you will be covered by the warranty for at least one more year.

    Actually another thought, the 4WD will be worth more and will be easier to sell at trade in time.

    And, you did see the mileage; rating of 20 hwy / 13 city MPG . Gas is going up again.

    Sincerely,
    S.A.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,191
    Today in the Albany Times Union there was a local story on a couple who have owned Toyotas for many years. It detailed the wife's experience in her 2003 Avalon which took off out of control in a mall parking lot hit another car and landed in the bushes. They were so scared that they traded it in for a 2008 Camry. Sounds like mako's situation except that it happened in 2007 and Toyota blamed the driver or floor mats (basicly told them to go pound salt).

    The story also detailed another Toyota owner who's 2001 Avalon had a mysterious brake failure.

    This makes me wonder how long this stuff has been going on. Are the 2003s included in Toyota's recall? Certainly the 2001s are not. I also wonder if the brake and/or throttle systems from those previous years are similar to the current problem systems.

    I fear that Toyota's problems may be just beginning.

    Oh, an as an added insult CNN is misspelling Toyota as "Toyoda" in their scroll.

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

  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    edited February 2010
    told them to go pound salt

    Now there's a term we haven't seen around here for awhile. ;)

    CNN is misspelling Toyota as "Toyoda" in their scroll.

    They were probably referring to Toyota's president, who's name is Akio Toyoda.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,722
    edited February 2010
    Richard, Sorry I missed that about the tires. That list of features you posted boggled my poor little brain!
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • exb0exb0 Member Posts: 539
    Gentlemen, you are concentrating on the asking price too much. Yes, at that price Richard would be better of with new, however, the 09 Explorer could be a good buy if the price is right.
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Actually another thought, the 4WD will be worth more and will be easier to sell at trade in time.

    Not in the Sunbelt, where buyers are reluctant to pay for a feature that they rarely need. I haven't heard Richard say that he's sorry that he didn't get 4WD on his current truck or that he wants it on his next truck.
This discussion has been closed.