Talk to the Press

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  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    Did you ever think a feature in your car (door locks, etc) was malfunctioning when in fact it was working the way it was designed? If so, a reporter wants to hear the story. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com with some details of the situation, your name and daytime phone number by Thursday July 8, 2004.
    Thanks for your consideration!
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A reporter is working on a story about current model year cars and summer sellathons and would like to interview someone who thinks they've figured out when is the best time to buy a current model-year car - late summer? Early fall? She's looking for someone who's shopping for a good deal right now but recent shoppers may also respond.
    Please write to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Monday, July 12, 2004 with your daytime contact info and thoughts on the subject.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A newspaper reporter is looking for someone who bought a luxury car with lots of high-end gadgets and ended up either not programming most of it or having lots of problems getting it to work. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by Thursday, July 8, 2004 by 5 p.m. Eastern and be sure to include your daytime phone number and a few words about your vehicle and gadgets.
    Thanks!
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A newspaper reporter is hoping to talk with people today, July 7, 2004, who waited to buy a vehicle in hopes generous incentives would come back...and is now reaping the benefits. Please respond asap, no later than Tuesday, July 7, 2004 to jfallon@edmunds.com with your daytime phone number and a line or two about your automotive experience and plans.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A newspaper reporter is wondering if people are satisfied or dissatisfied with their vehicle navigation systems. Please send your brief comments and daytime contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, July 14, 2004.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A magazine reporter is looking for comments about the modern state of car design and automotive gadgets. Have you been surprised by how much attention the automakers are giving these areas, or do you think it's the right way for them to go?
    Please send your brief comments and daytime contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Thursday, July 15, 2004.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A newspaper reporter is hoping to interview a recent buyer who looked at a Honda but then opted for another make. Please send your brief comments about your decision along with your daytime contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Friday, July 16, 2004.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    Hi,
    A newspaper reporter wants to hear from folks who were surprised by how expensive a recent automotive repair cost. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Thursday, July 15, 2004 with your daytime phone number and a few words about your experience.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A reporter is looking to talk with owners of:
     
     Honda Odyssey
     Subaru Outback wagon
     Honda Pilot
     Lexus RX330
     Acura RL
     BMW 530i
     BMW 325i
     Acura TSX
     VW Passat sedan
     Hyundai Santa Fe
     
    She's particularly interested in hearing from anyone who really exhaustively debated between this car and a competitor, weighed all the pros and cons, etc. Please respond to sbreckenridge@hearst.com or jfallon@edmunds.com with a few details and your contact information no later than Wednesday,
    July 21, 2004.
    Thanks for your consideration.
    Best,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • 0patience0patience Member Posts: 1,712
    Hi prlady,
    I have a question about the reporter that is looking for folks who were surprised about how expensive repairs were.
    As a person on the other end of that line, I am a little concerned about how this article is going to come off.
    Are they putting blame on someone?
    I sure wouldn't mind seeing this article when it is done, then if it reads they way I am concerned about, then maybe they would like to hear the other side of the story?
    Thanks
  • driftracerdriftracer Member Posts: 2,448
    it's always "I went in for the $69.95 brake special and those guys charged me $400!".

    The rest of the story is that the person wouldn't do what the shop owner/mechanic recommended last time (change pads BEFORE they trash the rotors) to prevent having to replace the brake rotors...
  • 0patience0patience Member Posts: 1,712
    driftracer,
    Yes, that is a concern.
    When ever I see an article like that, I cringe.
    I can just see the writing saying how crooked mechanics are and that they over charge and all that, when no one stops and sees that some problems were self created by the customers and the costs of specialized tools and information is expensive, so the costs, unfortunately are passed on to the customer.

    I just read an article tonight, that went on to state that the trouble codes aren't avaialable and how scanners aren't available for the consumer/DIYer, when I test these very same scantools and programs. How they quoted some guy as saying he thought they should be able to plug into the vehicle with a laptop. Yep, got one of those programs that we tested, too.

    There is alot of misinformation being presented in articles about car repairs, yet I rarely see any articles discussing it with the mechanics in the trenches who deal with it everyday.
    It is always the one sided arguement.

    I had to edit my post, because there is ONE place that did do an article that was for the consumer that DID discuss it with mechanics. Oddly enough, that place was Edmunds.com
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    Sadly, most of the reporters who cover automobile stories know less about cars than my dog. And only a bit more than my cat... Our local daily has a so-called auto reporter and he gets something wrong in almost every story. Couple that with a "poor, poor, abused consumer" mindset and the result is exactly the type of article you referenced.
  • 0patience0patience Member Posts: 1,712
    I guess it is that old adage, it isn't what you wrote, but how well you wrote it.

    Don't get me wrong, there are alot of great articles and writers, but too often, they have a mindset that they follow and their articles reflect it. So, if they think that mechanics take advantage of folks, guess which direction their articles go?
    We've spent countless thousands of dollars and thousands of hours trying to educate folks and a few reporters can destroy all that work with a few keyboard strokes (I remember when it was a few strokes of the pen, LOL!).

    Ok, I better stop. Gotta stay on topic. LOL!
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    A reporter is looking to talk with someone who purchased a hybrid (or is looking to purchase) because of green AND ethical reasons - e.g. you are a vegan or vegetarian and the Toyota Prius doesn't have leather seats = no harm to animals.

    Does this profile fit you? If so, the reporter would love to talk with you.

    If interested, please email pkrebs@edmunds.com no later than Friday, July 23 with your name and daytime contact information.
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    Hi,
    If you are under 34 years old, are using Edmunds.com to shop for your first car (new or used) and you have lived in Arizona, a reporter would like to hear from you.
    Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com with your age and your contact information no later than Friday, July 30, 2004.
    Thanks for your consideration.
    Best,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    I was on vacation when you had your discussion of writing and repairs. It may be interesting for you to see the article that was written:

    The Disposable Car: More Cars End Up Totaled
    High-Tech Safety Features Mean Many Vehicles Cost
    Too Much to Fix After Crash
    By MICHELLE HIGGINS
    Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
    July 22, 2004; Page D1

    Best wishes!
  • driftracerdriftracer Member Posts: 2,448
    Can you drop a link to that article? WSJ isn't one of my daily reads...
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I think this is it:

    St. Louis Today

    The WSJ version may have had some sidebars with TH member quotes, but it's subscriber only.

    Steve, Host
  • driftracerdriftracer Member Posts: 2,448
    but has nothing to do with repair shops as we originally thought...
  • 0patience0patience Member Posts: 1,712
    As driftracer commented, it was far from what I was anticipating seeing. Which is good and bad.
    Good, because at least it didn't hammer mechanics.
    Since the article seemed to focus on insurance/accident costs of repairs, it was different than I figured it to be.

    BTW prlady, did you have a good vacation? ; )

    And Steve, thanks for the link. I appreciate it. : )
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A reporter is hoping to talk with a recent BMW buyer who traded in a VW, Toyota, Honda, Ford or Chevy when buying the BMW.
    Please respond with your daytime contact info and a few words about your experience to jfallon@edmunds.com asap no later than Tuesday, August 3, 2004.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    Yes, I had a great vacation. We spent part of it at Mt. St. Helen's which I highly recommend. The scenery and visitors' centers were among the most fascinating I've ever experienced. It's worth a trip to spend a full day there and a few days and evenings at nearby Silver Lake for some R&R. Fly into Portland rather than Seattle - it's closer and there's plenty else to do in the area.
    And that's my vacation summary/advice for the day!
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    If you are under the age of 36, live in or near Portland, OR and drive a 2000 or newer Camry, we want to hear from you. Please contact jfallon@edmunds.com no later than September 1, 2004 with your daytime contact information.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    If you bought a vehicle in June, or if you considered it but decided to wait and see if incentives get more generous, a reporter wants to talk with you. Please contact jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, August 4, 2004 with your daytime contact information and a sentence or two about your decision.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A reporter hopes to interview individuals who had superfluous insurance policies and cancelled them because they felt they didn't really need them. Please send your daytime contact info and a few lines about your experience to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Thursday, August 5, 2004.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A reporter wants to talk with Saturn Vue owners about any suspension problems they have experienced. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com asap no later than Thursday, August 5, 2004 with your daytime contact info.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,241
    A reporter is looking for consumers who are trading from SUVs into smaller vehicles. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by Friday, August 15, 2004.
    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

  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A reporter is hoping to interview Buick Century owners between 16 and 60 who love their Century and would like to be interviewed for a magazine article. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by Friday, August 13, 2004.
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    "A reporter is hoping to interview Buick Century owners between 16 and 60 who love their Century and would like to be interviewed for a magazine article."

    Wouldn't it be easier to just call the three people in the country who fit that description? :-)
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    LOL!!! Are there actually any Century owners UNDER 60???
  • 0patience0patience Member Posts: 1,712
    lancefixer,
    you would be surprised at how many young kids are buying cars like older century cars.
    They are usually in their price range and insurance is pretty reasonable. LOL!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The median age is something like 70 plus for most Buicks, I think that's what he was referring to.

    There are, of course, a few exceptions. Plus, median is not the same as mean (average), I'm sure the average age is much lower due to those curve-busting young folks you're talking about.

    -juice
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,185
    kids buy the older ones once the original owners die off (er, I mean get a new one.)

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A magazine reporter wants to talk with someone who owns both a hybrid vehicle and a traditional SUV. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by Thursday, August 19, 2004 with your daytime contact information.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A newspaper reporter wonders: For those who decided to dump your paid-for older vehicle and buy a new (or newer) one, why'd you do it? Were the repairs costing more than a monthly payment? Were you afraid of being stranded by another breakdown? Did you fear for your life because the vehicle was unsafe?
    After biting the bullet and buying a new/newer vehicle, was it worth the cost, considering what you paid up front, your monthly payments and depreciation?
    Bottom line question, was peace of mind more important than budgetary considerations?
    Please send your brief thoughts and daytime contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com by August 30, 2004.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,241
    For a story about plus-sized wheels, a reporter is looking to talk to drivers with plus-size wheels about how, if at all, the wheels have changed your driving experience, etc. If you would be willing to speak with this reporter, please contact Pam Krebs, Edmunds.com PR, at pkrebs@edmunds.com with your contact information. She will pass that along to the reporter who will contact you directly. Please respond by end-of-day Thursday, August 26. Thank you.

    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

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,241
    A reporter is interested in speaking with consumers who intend to purchase the Lexus RX 400h, Ford Escape or Honda Accord. If you would like to speak with this reporter about why you’re interested in purchasing one of these vehicles, please contact Jeannine Fallon, Edmunds.com PR Director, at jfallon@edmunds.com. The reporter needs any responses by end-of-day Monday, August 30. Thank you.

    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

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,241
    A reporter is interested in speaking with former BMW owners or enthusiasts who have found an alternative to BMW. If you would be interested in speaking with this reporter about why you now prefer a different vehicle, please forward your contact information to Pam Krebs, Edmunds.com PR, at pkrebs@edmunds.com. Please respond by end-of-day Friday, August 27. Thank you.

    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

  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A reporter is hoping to hear about interesting car interior decorations you've seen recently. What hangs from rear view mirrors these days? What accompanies or replaces hula girls on dashboards and stuffed animals on rear package shelves? Please send your observations to jfallon@edmunds.com by Monday, September 6, 2004.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A newspaper reporter wonders: For those who decided to dump your paid-for older vehicle and buy a new (or newer) one, why'd you do it? Were the repairs costing more than a monthly payment? Were you afraid of being stranded by another breakdown? Did you fear for your life because the vehicle was unsafe?
    After biting the bullet and buying a new/newer vehicle, was it worth the cost, considering what you paid up front, your monthly payments and depreciation?
    Bottom line question, was peace of mind more important than budgetary considerations?
    Please send your brief thoughts and daytime contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com by September 20, 2004.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A reporter is hoping to talk with consumers who are trading from SUVs into smaller vehicles. Please send your story to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Tuesday, September 7, 2004.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A reporter is hoping to interview a consumer who has concerns about quality at Mercedes. If you have bought a car and had a few problems already, or if you have held off buying a Mercedes and/or chosen instead to buy another brand because of quality concerns, we want to hear from you.
    Please send your thoughts to pkrebs@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, September 8, 2004.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A reporter is hoping to interview a consumer who has loaded up a luxury car with expensive options. Why'd you do it? Please send your thoughts to pkrebs@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, September 8, 2004.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,241
    A reporter is interested in speaking with anyone interested in buying the Lexus 400h. If you are planning on buying this vehicle or are seriously considering buying it and would like to speak with the reporter, please contact Pam Krebs, Edmunds.com PR, at pkrebs@edmunds.com by Tuesday, September 21. Please include your daytime phone number.

    Thank you.

    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

  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    TWO REQUESTS....

    FIRST
    A reporter is interested in speaking with someone from the Southern California area who has had a problem with a Honda CR-V fire. If you would be interested in sharing your experience with this reporter, please contact Pam Krebs, Edmunds.com PR, at pkrebs@edmunds.com with your daytime phone number. Thank you.

    SECOND
    A reporter is interested in speaking with a mechanic who has experience with Honda CR-Vs and the fire issue. If you are from the Southern California area and would be interested in speaking with a reporter about this, please contact Pam Krebs, Edmunds.com PR, at pkrebs@edmunds.com with your daytime phone number. Thank you.
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A midwestern newspaper is hoping to interview anyone who has a classic Dodge Charger or who plans to buy a new one. Please send your Charger info and your daytime contact information to jfallon@edmunds.com by September 30, 2004.
    Thanks,
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Two people on Edmunds had fires on their CR-Vs, one settled with Honda and I doubt they're allowed to discuss it. The other is on the CR-V thread, if you'd like to advertise it there.

    -juice
  • prlady1prlady1 Member Posts: 573
    A reporter is hoping to talk with folks who have ordered the new Honda Odyssey or have already taken delivery. Please send your relevant comments to jfallon@edmunds.com by Friday, October 1, 2004.
    Thanks!
    Jeannine Fallon
    PR Director
    Edmunds.com
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,241
    A magazine reporter would like to interview anyone intending to buy a hybrid
    Ford Escape or Honda Accord. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by
    Friday, 10/01/04 with your daytime contact info and a word about your
    motivation.

    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

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