Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Copy..this is an Acura RL

    ...which has been a sales flop in the North American luxury market.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    go to our Wal-Mart store is 7 AM or 11 PM---plenty of empty spaces. We try to avoid going to one at all---need a shower as soon as I get home

    What is the problem with WalMart...how come you need a shower when you get home?
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    . We have found that the best time to go to our Wal-Mart store is 7 AM or 11 PM---plenty of empty spaces

    And, another thing, don't park too close to this guy!
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    Just be very careful. We just finished up a trial here in Memphis over a parking dispute. NEITHER one came out ahead in this one. One dead and buried, the other convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to up to 25 years.

    http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jul/16/coleman-guilty-Cordova-parking-- lot-shooting/

    It does not happen very often, but when it does the outcome is not good for anyone.

    Bill
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    We just finished up a trial here in Memphis over a parking dispute. NEITHER one came out ahead in this one. One dead and buried, the other convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to up to 25 years.

    Schwerin was angry that Coleman's Hummer H1 was parked too close to his GMC Yukon Denali, witnesses said, and Coleman joined in an argument that began between Schwerin and Katheryn Coleman, the defendant's wife.

    Geez, these days it is better to let stuff go. There are too many maniacs out there.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288

    * Try not to park to vans....usually lots of kids and they don't care
    * Avoid Wal Mart or other really cheap stores...the shoppers have no pride in what they own.


    I don't mind parking next to minivans if I have to as long as they have sliding doors (correct name?). The doors don't open outward, and usually there's no passenger riding up front.

    As for your second statement, I find that pretty rude. Generalizations are never accurate. I expected more from you. :sick:
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,346
    edited August 2010
    As for your second statement, I find that pretty rude. Generalizations are never accurate

    Its not the people at discount stores such as Walmart. Its the sheer volume of people in and out of there. There is no way to control the amount of loose shopping carts,etc. Its not only dents I worry about there, its being slammed into by someone cutting across the lot.

    What I find funny is, the last dent I received on my previous car I know for a fact was done by a brand new S class at a fairly nice restaurant. I thought I was safe next to that.
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,558
    Just be very careful. We just finished up a trial here in Memphis over a parking dispute. NEITHER one came out ahead in this one. One dead and buried, the other convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to up to 25 years.

    Don't worry; I learned long ago that revenge is a gift best served cold... :D

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    * Try not to park to vans....usually lots of kids and they don't care

    I know a couple of single guys with no kids that own vans. One has his own carpet cleaning business and uses a caravan for that business and the other is 6 foot6 tall and just doesn't fit well into many sedans.

    *Avoid Wal Mart or other really cheap stores...the shoppers have no pride in what they own.

    Kind of a generalization there isn't it? I have seen junk like that (and worse) next to some pretty high end places. Also the other "people of wal mart" pictures, I bet... No, I know that spending an hour or so on the mag mile (high end shopping district in Chicago) I can get similar pictures.

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

  • 604doc604doc Member Posts: 182
    That is one sweet spoiler. I think I'll take the factory spoiler off my R32, and put that bad boy on! :sick:
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    edited August 2010
    I don't mind parking next to minivans if I have to as long as they have sliding doors
    I don't like to park near vans for several reasons. I have seen mothers getting young kids out of their car seats while kids are playing next to the van - which could be dangerous, I would rather avoid those possible problems. I also, can't see over the van too well when I am trying to back out. I find the sightlines aren't great for the drivers of vans, and they often don't know where the edges of their cars are. I have also seen people just swing the front door open full without looking, I think that it is because the driver and passenger are higher and are further forward, so don't see the car that is parked below them.

    Avoid Wal Mart or other really cheap stores...the shoppers have no pride in what they own.
    Generalizations are never accurate.

    I'll agree with that. We stopped at the WalMart near Ellicotville this weekend (it is the only department store in the area....and it is the first time in over a year-since last years trip, I have been to a Walmart) and I automatically looked around and decided to park way over away from all the other cars. It probably isn't fair to blame it on Walmart people ( I am one once a year) but generally, when I see the way people park, when I see cars with dents or parts falling off, or with fenders all rusted out, or with mismatched paint, or that drive across the lot at all different angles and assume they have the right of way, then I would just rather stay clear. I notice a lot of people ar too d--- lazy to even take their cart back....but that happens at grocery stores too. My statement probably wasn't completely fair, but, I think there is a general idea to it......mainly be careful where you park and drive on any large parking lot....you have to drive and PARK defensively! :blush:
    I probably am aware of all this at Walmart because the lots are big and there is more traffic than most stores.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    Where is the spoiler on an R32? That spoiler on the Celebrity can't be missed.
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    ny rule of thumb is if it is dirty, filthy and bang up (especially on the edge of doors) park a long way away from it. Does not matter if it is a $200 car or $200,000 car.

    Always kills me to see $50k plus car/SUV where the front wheels are BLACK from brake dust - and I mean caked on there. Never seem to see that on Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade, but have seen way too many X5s Q7s and GL450s in that condition...at least around here!

    :shades:
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I have never had slow operating windows on any of our 3 bmws.

    Isn’t this what I said? :P

    I doubt if BMW has to buy power windows from GM.

    With the way parts manufactures are structured, it’s so convoluted today that I don’t think the buyers of parts even begin to have a good idea of who the parent company is anymore. If it walks and talks like a duck it must be a duck...or the equivalent. :confuse:

    jmonroe

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    Always kills me to see $50k plus car/SUV where the front wheels are BLACK from brake dust - and I mean caked on there. Never seem to see that on Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade, but have seen way too many X5s Q7s and GL450s in that condition...at least around here!

    Murphydog, are you implying that BMW, Audi and MB drivers are lazy...because they don't clean their wheels as often as GM drivers :confuse:

    Don't worry, before y'all start pouncing, that was tongue in cheek.

    However, the brakes in the BMW, Audie MB are probably made of better materials for stopping, but they do create more brake dust. Also, the wheels are more open for cooling, so it leaves a place for the dust to gather. Stick with me Bud, I'll answer all your questions!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    I have never had slow operating windows on any of our 3 bmws.
    Isn’t this what I said?


    I think it was a trick question. Whatever I answered it would be wrong. Now, your going to tell us the parts in your Gennie are probably BMW parts, and the two cars are really the same. :P

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    That was a tragic situation. If only the wife had returned to the restaurant, and she and her husband had called the police, the result might have been much different. The wife played a major role in this event. The husband paid the major price. Contrary to most of the 400 posts, I don't find the deceased to be blameless. Even his children admitted that their father's behavior wasn't what it should have been. In these situations, it is best to walk away or seek assistance from law enforcement.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "...revenge is a gift better served cold."

    Yes, after you have had time to come up with a good way to get them back. ;)

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Thank goodness some automakers have improved on the brake dust problem. My '06 Sebring convertible would show brake dust two days after i cleaned the wheels. It was the worst car for brake dust that I have ever owned. I ran into two other Sebring owners with the same problem. When we purchased the '08 convertible, that was a question that I put to our salesman. He said that Chrysler had fixed the problem. They must have because I haven't seen any during our year and a half of ownership. My '03 Explorer has never had that problem either.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    Thanks. Point well taken and understood.

    Richard
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    However, the brakes in the BMW, Audie MB are probably made of better materials for stopping, but they do create more brake dust. Also, the wheels are more open for cooling, so it leaves a place for the dust to gather. Stick with me Bud, I'll answer all your questions!

    Here's a much better answer: replace the OEM brake pads with Axxis Deluxe pads. (Use Google to find online retailers or ask your mechanic to order them.) Brake dust used to drive me to the brink of madness, but since I switched to Axxis 3 years ago, I never see it on my wheels. Braking performance is at least as good as it is with the OEM pads. This switch is an absolute necessity for German cars.

    Shipo, a long-time Edmunds member who used to post frequently on the BMW threads, turned me on to Axxis & saved my sanity. (If you're reading this, Shipo, thanks again!)
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Now, your going to tell us the parts in your Gennie are probably BMW parts, and the two cars are really the same.

    Nah…the Genny is better. :)

    jmonroe

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Here's a much better answer: replace the OEM brake pads with Axxis Deluxe pads.

    Better pads are always the answer.

    Son #1 has an ’08 Town and Country as the family machine. According to him it is notorious for going through front brakes. The original front pads were gone in 9K miles and he let his indie mechanic replace them at that time when the car wouldn’t pass PA state inspection. I’m not sure how long those pads lasted (maybe 26K miles) but since he knows how to do that job he replaced them himself when they wore out. He went to the local store of a very large national auto parts chain and bought their brand of brakes. Now 6K miles latter he needs brakes again. I asked him why he bought those brakes in the first place because he should have known better. His answer was they are guaranteed not to wear out and if they do he’d get 1 free replacement. He’s not even going to bother collecting on the guarantee. He’s going to buy a name brand quality pad and be done with it

    There are a lot of owners who like the free replacement idea but you always pay the garage for the labor to install them. Doing it every 6K miles will keep you in the poor house if you farm out this work.

    Like I said my son knows very well how to do a brake job and it doesn’t take very long but he doesn’t want to be in his garage every 6K miles doing it so he’s going for a much better pad from now on.

    jmonroe

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

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    Murphydog, are you implying that BMW, Audi and MB drivers are lazy...because they don't clean their wheels as often as GM drivers

    Ohh, so now you are against generalizations? :P
  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    Jimbres (and Shipo!) I will have to give the Axxis pads a try, My current (MB C350)and previous (Mazda 3S) rides all gathered lots of brake dust, especially on the rear wheels - always bums me out how quickly the rear wheels get dusty.
  • murphydogmurphydog Member Posts: 735
    Hmmm...have not seen a trend on the filthy BMW, Audi and MB drivers that I see. My only assumption is they have sooo much $$ and things going on in their lives that they treat their cars as a low priorty tool?

    Not to stir the generalization pot here... :shades:
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    A brake job every 6K miles? Is it possible that another member of the family is riding the brakes too much? I know that your son would know better than to do that.

    Richard
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,278
    And Zaino the alloy wheels!

    '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...)

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    Ohh, so now you are against generalizations?

    lol - Yes, I only use generalizations and statistics when they suit my needs. Otherwise I leave them out of the equation, or I try to switch the topic. ;)

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    edited August 2010
    A brake job every 6K miles? Is it possible that another member of the family is riding the brakes too much? I know that your son would know better than to do that.

    Like I said the ’08 Town and Country is the family machine and his wife uses it quite a bit. You know, Soccer Mom and all but the pads that were put on by the garage when the car failed the PA state inspection lasted waaay more than 6K miles so the pads he put on are pretty bad if they wear out that soon.

    Now you get me started by the “other driver” in the house. It got my son started too. You see, the “other driver “, just last week, put a pretty good gouge in the left rear corner of the bumper when she back into a car in a parking lot. Fortunately, the other car was pretty old and the guy didn’t care about a little dent in his plastic bumper but my son very much cared about the gouge in his/HER car. Believe it or not that car has rear warning sensors and a BACK UP CAMERA. He said the next time he buys a car he’s going to get the pillow padded bumpers option too. :mad: :mad:

    jmonroe

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

  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    LOL Good one.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,617
    but they do create more brake dust.

    If they create more brake dust that means more of the pad wears down that means that brakes wear out faster. Is that what you're saying?

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

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 21,021
    Over the weekend, I saw a Subaru wagon that had some kind of what looked like a heavy removable rubber bumper cover hanging out the back.
    It had some kind of catchy name on it, bit I don't recall what it was.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    To the hosts: this thread appear to have gone so far afield that a new name for it might be appropriate.

    Not being critical of the discussion - just don't see a connection with the topic title.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    If they create more brake dust that means more of the pad wears down that means that brakes wear out faster. Is that what you're saying?

    It is possible, but the brakes are made to perform better. It is difficult to get a material that will hold up for a long time, and one that will make you stop in the fastest time. You can't have yhour cake and eat it too. It's like plush ride or better handling? Which do you prefer? I will guess you will prefer longer lasting brakes compared to faster stopping.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    That is one sweet spoiler. I think I'll take the factory spoiler off my R32, and put that bad boy on!

    Or, how about this spoiler?
    image

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 21,021
    you can always find another topic to follow. There is no obligation to read this one. ;)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    Not being critical of the discussion - just don't see a connection with the topic title
    . you can always find another topic to follow. There is no obligation to read this one.


    And may I had, we are having a good time, either you are with us, and you can always add a story of your own, or you are against us, then you can take Explorers suggestion, and you can always go somewhere else. I hope you do stick around and actually get some enjoyment from the discussion. :D

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    OMG! Warning sensors AND a back up camera? That is really bad. Your DIL must be kin to my wife. :P

    Richard
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 21,021
    edited August 2010
    nice job driver, i should have been more inclusive. thanks for making a better suggestion.
    we are a little messed up here in central ct today.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    edited August 2010
    It is possible, but the brakes are made to perform better. It is difficult to get a material that will hold up for a long time, and one that will make you stop in the fastest time. You can't have yhour[sic] cake and eat it too.

    I used to believe that until I switched to the Axxis pads. Believe me when I say that making this switch will cost you nothing but your brake dust. When it comes to stopping distances & durability, these pads are at least as good as the factory pads.

    A set of 4 pads cost me less than $100 including UPS shipping to a NY address. Unless you're planning to get rid of your BMW soon, you'd be crazy not to swap out your factory pads for these.

    I used to say that brake dust was the price that a BMW driver had to pay for excellent brakes. Now I say that BMW could eliminate unsightly brake dust tomorrow by switching suppliers. There's simply no excuse for this.
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    You're telling us something that we have known for years. We're like the old movie cliff hangers. You have to keep coming back because a sales story will pop up at any time. Feel free to join us. We're a lively and happy bunch.

    Richard
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Car sales are up nationally so we're fully expecting frontlines stories to follow suit. Back me up on this, gang! :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    What? I'm supposed to go out and buy a car just to make you look good? :P
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    edited August 2010
    Am I right about this or does this forum make you think you know something about the car biz?

    On the way to work this morning, going East on the PA Turnpike, I saw a Lexus ES350 on a flat bed with no license plate and the Monroney sticker still on it. So I had a quick thought that it was being taken to a dealer for a dealer trade.

    On the way home I saw a flat bed that looked familiar (I know, they all look pretty much the same from the rear) with a Lexus RX350 on it, again with no plate and a Monroney sticker. As I passed the truck in the morning I saw the name of the tow truck company and a 3 digit truck number on the truck door. When I passed the truck on the way home I saw the same tow truck company name and the same truck number. :surprise:

    The time difference was almost 8 hours. So, that truck could have gone almost to Philadelphia and back in that time period to make the swap.

    Am I paranoid about this stuff?

    Note: The thread name has now changed and for a real car sale for someone. I’m convinced of that. You're welcome 'tidester' :)

    jmonroe

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

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I'm supposed to go out and buy a car just to make you look good?

    Short of that, you could visit a showroom and just give a salesperson a hard time then report back to us! :shades:

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Thanks, JM! :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    . Now I say that BMW could eliminate unsightly brake dust tomorrow by switching suppliers.

    I could be wrong, I would have to do some research again, but I believe those after market brakes contain dreaded asbestos. I am not sure of this, and I don't have time to look into it this morning, but I believe the car manufacturers cooperate by using brake pads that do not contain asbestos....but I think the after market is unregulated. Unfortunately, asbestos brakes are really bad healthwise, especially for a car mechanic who has to work with them all day....there is an accumualtive affect.

    Maybe someone can verify this, or just let us know I made it all up! Maybe I dreamed it.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Axxis products have been asbestos-free since the mid-90s.

    I can't verify this, but I think that the sale of asbestos brake pads in the U.S. is illegal.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,661
    Car sales are up nationally so we're fully expecting frontlines stories to follow suit. Back me up on this, gang!

    I am not sure it works that way. It's like thinking you are doubling your chances to win a lottery by buying two tickets instead of one. Increased car sales don't necessarily translate into more stories, if the people here aren't the ones buying a car.

    However, we will try. I am getting tired of my 2008 James Bond Blue car....I saw one in white with a mostly red and black trim interior that I would like to trade for. Maybe, then I can get a genuine sales story.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

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