Stories from the Sales Frontlines

1…350351353355356…2003

Comments

  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,496
    "...None of those problems are going to leave you stranded..."

    LOL I love that! That's the reason I've been partial to Chrysler products. They kind of fall apart around the edges but always start and always get you home.

    I feel much better now knowing I saved about 50K by buying a Chrysler. ;)

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    LOL Saw a Land Rover like that a few years ago. It stayed there until a John Deere dragged it out, afterwards it took a tow truck to move it.

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

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    But it was where a Hyundai would never venture
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    No I don't think that Hyundai drivers are that stupid.

    It was actually funny with that guy. We told him not to do it but he said that Land Rovers could do it. As soon as the water got within a few inches of the hood the thing stopped. My buddy went and got his dads tractor and towed him out.

    The sad thing is the friend of mine that lives nearby always crosses it with his Willies Jeep (a WWII era one with a snorkel).

    Now I know someone in Alaska that has a Santa Fe that rarely sees pavement. He has had it for about 5 years with no problems.

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

  • grj0034grj0034 Member Posts: 19
    I worked as an civil engineer/land planner in the land development/homebuilding industry. Funny how I survived the layoff of about half the company's work force over the past year and a half, now my card came up. I knew this was coming at some point in a way.

    As for the new car, I went to the dealer, said a few words about what happened and they promptly returned my contract and let me out of it, no questions asked. They'll get my business when I'm ready to buy again.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Good. I'm glad things worked out for you at the dealer. I hope you will find a job soon. Shouldn't be a problem with your skills and experience. God bless.
    :)
    Mackabee
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Had an exciting day at work! :shades: I almost got in a brawl with a co-worker. It was one big mis-understanding and that's how people get hurt. I'll relate.

    Around 2pm I was walking from the service department to the showroom. I had just had some small talk with a lady about her 2003 Sequoia. Seems she was getting divorced and part of the agreement was that her ex keep the Sequoia. She told me she would be driving a 94 Plymouth Sundance :mad: but that she would be looking to get a small SUV, maybe a Highlander or RAV4. I gave her my card and got her name and number :blush:
    I went in the showroom through the side double door and straight ahead sitting at a table was one of our old customers. He bought a lot of cars from our store from a certain salesperson that moved on and is now a manager at another dealership *(not Toyota) I walked over to sah hi to him since we were like one big happy family when we were in the smaller building and we knew each other's customers by name. As I got closer he stood up and said: "Mack! I didn't know if you were still here or not. I know Tom is over at XSIZY Hyundai and Vince is F&i at the other Toyota store." right then a sales person comes over and sits at the chair behind the computer and starts asking Dan for information. I tap the salesperson on the shoulder and tell him: "Hey take good care of him. He's like family around here." Just then another salesperson comes around the table and asks Jim what's he doing with his customer. "Your customer? I found him wandering the showroom so he asked me to help him." I start walking away and say to the second salesperson jokingly "He's my customer. I've known him longer than you two." :blush: The second salesperson gets mad and starts walking away. "How did he get involved?" I ask Jim. "I don't know." the second salesperson stops and says "He was asking for Fred the sales manager." and they both start arguing. Dan looks at both of them and says "Look, I don't want either of you to help me. I've known Mack for 15 years and I want him to help me. How's that?" he asks. The second salesperson walks away mad into the sales office and Jim looks at me confused. "Go ahead and help him Jim." I remark. "No, I want you to help me" Dan demands. Jim walks away so I sit down.
    ..........................To be Continued...... :confuse:
  • cotmccotmc Member Posts: 1,081
    Wow! It's usually the opposite when I walk into a showroom, especially if they already know me. I usually hear the salesmen saying stuff to each other like, "Oh, you probably saw him first. He's your customer." or "No, he's your customer!" :blush:
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I know he buys over a dozen cars a year and he typically gets three or four rovers from me a year.

    I'm not envious of this guy because it's his money and he should spend it the way he wants but I can't help but think the state must love this guy with all the taxes he's paying.

    It sounds like he pays more in car taxes in one year than most people spend on a car. I know he's spending more than my throw-aways cost.

    jmonroe

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

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    They area all leases run through a business. Tax write off baby.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    Tax write off for a leased Rover (or any high priced car)isn't that great (there are limits on what you can deduct). It usually doesn't make financial sense to do a business lease strictly for tax purposes.

    Just out of curiosity (so I could see the tax implications) what would be a typical lease payment and the MSRP on the vehicle being leased?

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

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    MSRP is around 96,100 and typical lease payment is going to be between 1,600 and 2,000 dollars a month depending on term and miles per year.

    I realize they are limits to how much you can deduct and such but at this level of wealth it doesn't really matter. A hundred thousand dollar plus vehicle purchase is just like you or me picking up a 12 dollar pack of microbrew at the store.
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Wow, its like sales floor 101 to never argue in front of a customer as to who's deal it is. Hope you straightned those two chuckle heads out Mack.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    OK with $96,100 MSRP the deduction on the lease would be reduced by up to $1,254 depending on what year the lease is in.

    A hundred thousand dollar plus vehicle purchase is just like you or me picking up a 12 dollar pack of microbrew at the store.

    Well maybe to you. I am the type of person who figures what is the most financially prudent way to get things done as I want to quit the rat race when I am 50. :shades:

    Thats why I said it wasn't financially the best move.

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Better not leave us hanging a month on this one. Sounds like a doozy.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    OK saw this last night an older Civic EX with "VTEC" and "TypeR" badges on them. I wanted to tell the guy that if he was going to put badges on his car to make it look like its something its not at least put the badges on the right spots.

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

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    "Well maybe to you. I am the type of person who figures what is the most financially prudent way to get things done as I want to quit the rat race when I am 50."

    The people who british_rover is referring to have already won the rat race. They are sitting at the finish line sipping some nice frosty beverages and pondering what will be their next car purchase. :)
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    They are sitting at the finish line sipping some nice frosty beverages and pondering what will be their next car purchase.

    or yacht, private jet, private island, developing country.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    I have counseled enough people driving around in $90K cars to know that there is a sizable number of them who will be greeting people at Wally World when they are 80. A lot of these people are spending the money as fast as it comes in.

    I have seen business owners who suck every penny out of their business so that there is virtually no value left in their business. If you only knew how many small businesses are out there where the owner is living in a very large house, driving an M class BMW and spending $25K+ on the private country club who are barely making their companies payroll.

    I had one client many years ago that was in trouble with 20 some taxing agencies. He was spending $500 a month just for membership in a private country club plus anything he did there (he could spend two grand there a month easily golfing and such). I told him drop the country club scene and use the money to pay all those states their taxes due. He would have nothing of it. These days he is a night manager at a gas station.

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

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Many of our high end business customers purchase vice lease to take advantage of the accelerated depreciation.
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Most of our high end buyers are one pay leases, cash, or take advantage of a low interest rate if they can make more with their money with investments. The credit scores are very high and many are retired from active involvement in companies they built and just make money with their money.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    Oh don't get me wrong, I am not saying that all or even most are like that. Just that you would be surprised at how many people who live that lifestyle do so at a mighty high price.

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

  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Snake, you are reffering to the folks who have the $500K+ houses who cannot afford to furnish all the rooms.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,269
    Depends on what part of the country to which you refer. $500k around here gets you a nice fixer-upper! Yes, I exaggerate... but $500k is a 3-4 bed Colonial in a decent suburb... And we have an IKEA, so I've been able to furnish all my rooms... :blush:

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • stealthrtstealthrt Member Posts: 10
    It sounds like he pays more in car taxes in one year than most people spend on a car. I know he's spending more than my throw-aways cost.

    Here in SC the tax on any car is capped at $300.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Here in SC the tax on any car is capped at $300.

    Yes I know, I lived there from 1992-1997 and I took advantage of that low tax rate one time. But most states charge at least 6% (I live in PA now and it's 7%) on the entire purchase price difference and 'rover' is in CON. and I'm pretty sure it's like that there.

    The next time I'm ready to buy it would be very nice of you to adopt me, that $300 maximum tax is some good stuff. :D When I tell people how it is in SC they think I'm passing out some BS. :surprise: Ahhh, Chevy or Benz, $300, great stuff you have there.

    jmonroe

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

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    That's a mighty regressive tax.

    Good to have the Kia owners supporting the guy buying a Rolls.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    I just delivered number three and have an appointment for number four in 25 minutes! Great weekend.
    :)
    Mackabee :shades:
  • joel0622joel0622 Member Posts: 3,299
    Don't ya love it when a plan comes together
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    That's a mighty regressive tax.

    Good to have the Kia owners supporting the guy buying a Rolls.....

    I have a theory about that, lets call it the “jmonroe theory”, whaddya think of this:

    Years ago in SC a bunch of good old boy politicians decided they wanted to buy a car but they didn’t want to pay the same tax that the tax paying public paid. Sooo, one sunny afternoon they decided that was a good day to buy a car and before they cut-out early they changed the law. They proceeded to make their high end purchases (they also let all their friends and relatives know what they did so they could get in on the act) and when they went back to work sticking it to the tax payers, (about three weeks later after their joy rides) they decided to change the law back to the way it was.

    A guy sweeping the floor over heard their plan and told them if they did that he was going to the newspapers and TV stations. Knowing that if that happened they weren’t going to be re-elected, so they left the new law stand. Now it’s cast in concrete and they know they better not change it if they know what’s good for them!

    I admit this is just a theory but you’d have a hard time proving me wrong. :P

    jmonroe

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

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Doesn't really work since most states have it set up where laws like that don't go into effect the moment they are signed. There is some arbitrary date, a lot of times in July but sometimes October, where all the laws from the previous session go into effect.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    You're a tough guy to debate. :P

    Of course they then went out and told their constituents that they'd save $300 tax on their Kia, conveniently leaving out that they themselves were saving $20K tax on the Rolls....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Oh, ya spoil sport! :P

    Meanwhile, Mack is getting ready to head to South Carolina to buy a car with the windfall he's making today....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Doesn't really work since most states have it set up where laws like that don't go into effect the moment they are signed. There is some arbitrary date, a lot of times in July but sometimes October, where all the laws from the previous session go into effect.

    You just ain't familiar with southern politics are ya? :)

    jmonroe

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

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    I grew up in the south.

    I went to school in Virginia with a Poli Sci/International Relations major. :P
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I grew up in the south.

    But not in the era when "good ole boy southern politics" was being practiced to the hilt. :P :P

    jmonroe

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

  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    That doesnt happen here in Nashville. ;)
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    But not in the era when "good ole boy southern politics" was being practiced to the hilt.

    Sometimes I wondered though.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,496
    "...Many of our high end business customers purchase VICE LEASE to take advantage of the accelerated depreciation..."

    What's a VICE LEASE? I have an idea it would be something I would like. :)

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

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    A vice lease helps one get a grip
  • jescuejescue Member Posts: 521
    most lease customers I see have a pretty firm grip on the car.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    ...I want to quit the rat race when I am 50.

    I hope you make it.

    I was lucky enough to do it at 55 but like I've mentioned before I've done some on/off consulting for the old employer.

    However, when I'm done with this hitch I'M DONE. :):D The last thing I want to do is drop dead at my desk. :(

    jmonroe

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    Them too but there are others.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    Not only that but it usually requires the Governor to sign (unless it was in response to a veto).

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    I hope you make it.

    Well 50 was my original goal, but every now and again circumstances require me to adjust it. Right now I am looking at 137. :shades:

    Actually it looks like 53 will be the magic number.

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

  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Was she good lookin'?
    :blush:
    \ Mack
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Yep and there was one for sale with a blown engine that I almost bought a couple years back for $800.

    Up till 84 or so it was the 518 90hp, Carb. From 85 it was the injected 518i.

    I would have bought the one down in FL for parts.. the Euro bumpers were worth $750, the Euro lights $300 and the crack-free (!) dash about $250.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    If I knew you had a thing for blown engines I;d have had just the car for you!

    Not one of your preferred badges, though....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Steve,

    When are you going to wise up and buy a Vauxhall already? C'mon, you know you want to!

    And yes, I am toying with the idea of buying an Astra for a commuter car... now the commute is from Englewood to just W of Newburgh, NY.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,549
    I would have bought the one down in FL for parts.. the Euro bumpers were worth $750, the Euro lights $300 and the crack-free (!) dash about $250.

    Reminds me of when I was restoring my 1973 Bavaria. One of my wife's co-workers had a 1972 that was severely rusted out. One day out of the blue the co-worker's husband calls me and asks if I'd be interested in buying it. I said yes. He sheepishly asked, "Is $250 too much?' Needless to say, I bought it. I spent a couple of days dirt-tracking it around the front field :P , and then I started to part it out. I sold the tranny, driveshaft, and pedal cluster for $450 to a guy who was converting a 3.0Si slushbox. I sold the exhaust manifolds for $90 to another guy who wanted to get rid of the thermal reactors on his E12 530i. It turns out that the struts/shocks were very dirty -but perfectly functional- Bilstein HDs, so they went for $100. Both front turn signals: $40. A mechanic friend took the engine for $500 worth of mechanical work on the '73. I think I let somebody have the final drive for $50. I kept the bumpers, tail light lenses, trunk panels, tool kit, rocker moldings, interior trim, wiper motor/linkage, and a two month old NAPA Exide battery- not to mention a whole bunch of bolts, brackets, and such that were either NLA or impossible to find in that two volume parts book(which I still have, BTW). The remaining hulk was hauled off by another friend in exchange for the scrap metal fee.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

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