Stories from the Sales Frontlines

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Comments

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    We drove an E Class and a 535i.

    I have never heard of comparison drives being offered in Canada. I would love to do that. As you all know, I more or less like BMWs, but I would easily change if I liked driving another car more. I wonder if the dealer ever loses a buyer to a competitor?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I more or less like BMWs, but I would easily change if I liked driving another car more.

    In a way I believe you might but we'd never learn about it here.

    I wonder if the dealer ever loses a buyer to a competitor?

    No...that never happens. In fact, it's illegal especially if you plan to dump a BMW for anything else. :sick:

    jmonroe

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

  • canadiantoyotacanadiantoyota Member Posts: 148
    Our gas prices shot up by 40 cents PER GALLON overnight. Price in my area is now $1.299 per litre (about $5.19 per US gallon). Very painful. :sick:
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Ouch! And that with your dollar pretty much equal to ours.

    I lost a good source of cheap vacation once you folks stopped having a 66 cent dollar...
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    "Why would anyone other than the USPS and very limited other occupations be allowed to have RHD in the USA."

    I wondered the same thing. Maybe a few UK or British Empire expats living in the US need that feeling of being back on the Isle? But they'd still be in the wrong (right) lane.

    My brother owns a 70s RHD Ford Falcon Interceptor (Think Mad Max/Road Warrior) that he bought from someone who had it imported from Australia. At one point my brother tried to sell it. Lots of tire kickers, but no serious follow through. Talk about your limited interest vehicle.

    Hey isell--anyone ever try to trade in a RHD car on a new Honda? Unless it was James Bond's Aston Martin I would think it would be, by definition, unsellable, but maybe I'm missing something.

    Gogiboy
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I more or less like BMWs, but I would easily change if I liked driving another car more.
    In a way I believe you might but we'd never learn about it here.


    You're right....I would do it and you guys would never here about it. It's too bad, it would make for a really good sales story.

    I am off Sat until the following Tuesday to London UK on business and a side trip to Dublin for a few days of our own vacation time. I had a Kilkenny for lunch today just to get in the mood.

    I will have the Netbook, but can't write too much, but I will try to come back with a European report.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,846
    edited April 2011
    We don't know what condition it is in, or if he was asking a realistic price for it.
    I saw one on a local New England classic car program.
    Is it legal to drive over here?
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    Cheerio, Steve. And don't ask for Tea and Crumpet. Waitresses are not amused.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    And don't ask for Tea and Crumpet. Waitresses are not amused.

    Thanks, I'll try to remember that. And, speaking about right hand drive cars, I have to remember to look to the right before stepping off the sidewalk.

    If you ever go to London, our favorite thing to do is get a bus pass so you can go any where. Then get on the top of a double decker bus and try to get the front seats. We go all over London this way and see areas you wouldn't normally see, and it is all fascinating.

    You usually reach the end of the line, but you just use your pass and get on another bus. Once when we were getting off we told the driver what we like to do, and he looked at us and rolled up his eyes and said "Well, whatever turns you on".

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,148
    No rhyme nor reason for gas prices on the south side of the border, either. Just had this conversation last night with a couple of golf buddies, while plotting out the links we want to hit this year.

    Bottom line, demand is down, way down, Not even China and India's demand can offset the drop in demand in the West. Add to that, it will be at least a decade until Japan's demand returns to normal, if it ever does.

    Tracing oil prices, they went up 3 years ago because speculators pulled money out of the risky mortgage industry and drove up prices in oil to compensate. We all saw where that "bubble" got them. The bubble burst and there was fear that oil would drop well below $50/bbl. Nothing's really changed. This bubble will burst, too.

    This level has no reasonable economic, or geo-political explanation (although, as always, that's their "excuse). This won't last. I give it, maybe a few more months. Then the fall and whining will start via the oil companies.

    Election focus will come into play and our gov't will finally put restrictions in place to curb speculation so they can get re-elected.

    It's the same story with oil....has been for 40 years.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    As long as the United Nations and the United States work together to continue to loan billions to our enemies, and others who regularly vote against us in the UN, nothing will ever be done about oil prices. We may fight three wars and have poor relations with countries like Pakistan and Syria, but the loans continue to flow. We have to be the laughing stock behind many closed doors. If we would ever learn that the money bags are our form of leverage, we might have a say as to oil prices. Until then, they ride; we pay.

    Richard
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    speculators pulled money out of the risky mortgage industry and drove up prices in oil to compensate.

    Excellent analysis GG.

    Once we get our villa in Florida I'd like to get those speculators to buy up property in Florida.

    Any ideas on how I can arrange that?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    the United States work together to continue to loan billions to our enemies,

    Sad but true. I am not sure why your great country is off in Lybia. Just my opinion, but most people who embrace freedom have to fight for it themselves, or it probably won't happen....at least not the way you want it to be.

    Nice of you to show up....where have you been all week? I thought maybe you were unloading another truck full of household furniture.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Of course the guy leading the NATO forces in Lybia is a Canadian....

    I have no idea what we are doing there either. Classic case of if we going to do anything use the Powell doctrine - overwhelming force and be done.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    edited April 2011
    the guy leading the NATO forces in Lybia is a Canadian....

    Very good Fez, you keep good track of Canada and Canadians - maybe we will make you an honorary (or should that be honourary) citizen.

    It probably makes sense for a Canadian to lead as we are perceived to be a fairly neutral country.

    Classic case of if we going to do anything use the Powell doctrine - overwhelming force and be done.

    I would go along with that!

    Staying on topic, I wonder what kind of car is the big seller in Lybia?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,704
    >Staying on topic, I wonder what kind of car is the big seller in Lybia?

    Ones without bullet holes that haven't been hit with a shell? :blush:

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Staying on topic, I wonder what kind of car is the big seller in Lybia?

    From the TV pictures - the Toyota Hilux just like in every war torn middle eastern nation.
  • gogiboygogiboy Member Posts: 732
    "Sad but true. I am not sure why your great country is off in Lybia."

    Driver, don't you mean Libya? Of course, if you meant our country is "off" in labia that has a very different meaning. Now I know why some people think that U.S. means Uncle Sam and that he is a very dirty old man.

    Gogiboy
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    why your great country is off in Lybia."
    Driver, don't you mean Libya?


    I used the Canadian spelling.

    Anyway, Lybia or Libia, off in a country helping and in the end it won't be appreciated one bit.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Imid said "Ones without bullet holes that haven't been hit with a shell?"
    Rob2 said: the Toyota Hilux just like in every war torn middle eastern nation

    Those were cute remarks LOL. What gets me is these guys who hate western values are always driving around in new vehicles and are using computers and cell phones. Aren't they supposed to hate western inventions?

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "I thought maybe you were unloading another truck of household furniture."

    No, thank heavens. Most of it is at an antique auction house being cataloged for a June sale. When it's displayed on their web site, I'll send you a link to see it. They have clients in over 120 countries, so we're hopeful that it all sells. I definitely don't want their trucks bringing it back!

    "I am not sure why your great country is off in Lybia."

    Come to think of it, I guess we ARE fighting crabs. :P

    "...where have you been all week?"

    We took a little vacation to Charleston, SC for three days. It's really pretty this time of year. We're going to the beach on Monday for a few days. We want to enjoy it before the Easter crowd descends upon it.

    Hope you enjoy your trip. Give my best to the Irish and drink a mug for me.

    Richard
  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "Anyway, Lybia or Libia..."

    You are so funny. Just how many spellings of "Libya" do you know? :P

    Richard
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I'll bid $5. Let me know if I win. You can just ship the furniture here.

    BTW, do have $5 I can borrow? :P
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Anyway, Lybia or Libia, off in a country helping and in the end it won't be appreciated one bit.

    Truer words have never been spoken.

    I’ve said this before and I haven’t changed my mind:

    “If it weren’t for our space program that created the biggest spin off in technology known to man, none of us would have the benefits of that technology today. What we see the most is the communication thing like what we are doing here on this forum and the use of cell phones that keep our butts from being frozen in phone booths in the winter. But I think the biggest benefit is in the medical field”.

    If we could have kept that stuff for ourselves nobody would even think of messing with us today.

    And let’s not forget what it has done for the auto industry.

    jmonroe

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    And let’s not forget what it has done for the auto industry.

    Imagine if the money thrown at Iraq and Afghanistan and now Libia could have been spent on hospitals, schools, and improvements back home....we'd probably have lower gas prices and a better standard of living right here.

    With that I am off to debt loaded England and Ireland.

    Richard, please send fezo a stick of furniture or something, he's feeling left out.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    driver - you could sed me some Irish whiskey - or at least a potato....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    driver - you could sed me some Irish whiskey - or at least a potato....

    A potato! Things are rougher than I thought in Jersey.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • sterlingdogsterlingdog Member Posts: 6,984
    "If we could have kept that stuff for ourselves nobody would even think of messing with us today."

    AMEN!!!

    Richard
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    I have to remember to look to the right before stepping off the sidewalk.

    No sidewalks in London. ;)

    Just as elevators become lifts, sidewalks become pavements!
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    This is when driver would benefit from the owners manual from my old Volvo. Back in the 60s they only had one English language owner's manual and it was all British English.

    The chapter on changing a flat was outstanding - turn the lugs anticlockwise (of course using your spanner), get the spare tyre from the boot.....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    I forgot! You can't turn the lugs anticlockwise until you pryze off the hubcap....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,846
    in the near future.
    Decided to try out some new cleaning products for the Fusion.
    Bought some Meguiar's 'Ultimate Quick Detailer'.
    It supposedly repels water (Hydrophobic).
    In the small print on the back label, it says 'let it cure for 12 hours'.
    So much for quick. :surprise:
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,324
    "...get those speculators to buy up property in Florida..."

    It's my understanding that speculators from Europe are doing just that. Maybe when the hedge funds stop messing with oil they will turn to real estate again.

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

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I forgot! You can't turn the lugs anticlockwise until you pryze off the hubcap....

    I'll keep that in mind if \i see a guy with a flat tyre. And Mac, I will say we should walk on the pavement instead of the sidewalk.

    It is supposed to be the worst economic times in 80 years here and \i have seen 4 Bentleys and 2 Rolls Royces just walking around today.

    Gotta go, 1 minute left at the internet cafe.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    It is supposed to be the worst economic times in 80 years here and \i have seen 4 Bentleys and 2 Rolls Royces just walking around today.

    I suspect that's because you're walking around in one of the more expensive areas. ;)

    Your mention of using an internet cafe made me realise that the last time I was in London the first one wouldn't open for another three years!

    I'm sure you'll be having fun, but you'll be seeing a very different London to the one I used to know.
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    The chapter on changing a flat was outstanding - turn the lugs anticlockwise (of course using your spanner), get the spare tyre from the boot.....

    Hmmm........I think the instructions were more likely to have been to employ the wheel brace to turn the wheel nuts anticlockwise. ;)
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    edited April 2011
    It is supposed to be the worst economic times in 80 years here and \i have seen 4 Bentleys and 2 Rolls Royces just walking around today.

    Six months ago you would have seen twice that many and a few Maybachs too. ;)

    Gotta go, 1 minute left at the internet cafe.

    Having cheap thoughts like that tells me you’re in the wrong neighborhood for the blood that flows there. :sick:

    jmonroe

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

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,148
    oldfarmer....what really irks me is the fact that oil price manipulation is little different than the mortgage manipulation, and with results that will be just as predictable.

    Maybe I'm the only one who cares, or feels this way given that I certainly don't hear any politicians talking about it. I know I still call or write my Congressman, and Senator every week about it. They log my call. I get a little note back saying "yes, it's a problem". but no commitment to even do a cursory investigation. Maybe they will, at some point.

    I'm getting the feeling we're in for another financial "crisis", this one caused by the oil manipulation, and we'll have to fight another war over it, because we won't use what we have, and those that have, will be under siege.

    All this because some oil traders/investors don't think a 50% ROI is enough.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Hmmm........I think the instructions were more likely to have been to employ the wheel brace to turn the wheel nuts anticlockwise.

    Darn it! I KNEW I should have kept the manual when I sold the car!
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    All this because some oil traders/investors don't think a 50% ROI is enough.

    You hit on exactly the problem. Those who operate in that stratosphere continue to want more and more and they have made it perfectly clear that they are not concerned with those of us lower in the food chain.
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    I suspect that's because you're walking around in one of the more expensive areas.

    Very true, you can't be too poor to live in London. Most items are about 50% more than they would be in the USA.

    Your mention of using an internet cafe

    Lots of internet cafes and a very reasonable $1.50 an hour. To get it in your hotel room is about $25 a day.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 32,594
    Six months ago you would have seen twice that many and a few Maybachs too

    That could be, but more likely the people who can afford to live in London can probably drive an expensive car. Renting a tiny apartment is at least $2000 a month...for 500 or 600 sq ft. Cars cost 50% more and cars do too.

    Gotta go, 1 minute left at the internet cafe.
    Having cheap thoughts like that tells me you’re in the wrong neighborhood


    I would love to have a codo here, but no way could I afford to unless we win 10 million in a lottery...which would be difficult because |i seldom play.

    I am still in the wrong neighborhood...running out of time and money again.
    Gotta go...............................

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,846
    Driver, with you popping up on occasion, sending out a quick message and disappearing. I feel like you are some kind of international mystery man.
    'My name is Driver, Driver 100, and I'll have that Earl Grey shaken not stirred'. :)
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    I believe that in England, Grey is spelled Gray.

    Not sure about the Canadian spelling.

    And yes, this does have an air of international intrigue to it.

    I'm wondering if MG is still in business. Wonderful little sports cars.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,846
    edited April 2011
    I did check it before posting, and MSN Bing has it as Earl Grey.
    Also checked the cabinet where we keep tea, but there wasn't any in there.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • sweendogysweendogy Member Posts: 1,310
    still dealing with this issue now 10 days old no real answer-- finance and corporate no real help here as they tell me its a dealer customer problem... my lawyer thinks I should just do nothing and let it play out a bit -- I on the other hand want closure. we will keep you up
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,846
    edited April 2011
    I should have been a lawyer, since they agree with my opinion. No, forget that.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • mako1amako1a Member Posts: 1,855
    MSN Bing has it as Earl Grey

    I've been confused about spelling that word ever since
    Zane Grey Theatre was on. Or was that Theater?

    Is there an official Grey/Gray spelling in the US?

    Between the British and the Canadians I'm confused.

    2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Is there an official Grey/Gray spelling in the US?

    If you are talking about the color it is spelled "gray" although both ways are accepted.

    Grey, as in Earl Grey tea, is more of a proper name.

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

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,148
    Fezo....I always thought you were a very smart guy. Now I know it as fact (since you agree with me). ;)
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
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