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Mason, WV Car Consumer Discussions

Re: Question [oldfarmer50]

by ponderpoint on Sat Nov 15 07:35:22 PST 2008

"Why do so many drivers in Florida tailgate?" I think it's getting worse everywhere... I admit I drive like a geezer and tend to be a slower than the "pack" but for the first time ever, on the interstate (I-83 north of Baltimore), I had somebody do that "autobahn high beam flicker" because I was apparently not driving a speed to their liking. So what's the problem? I was in the RIGHT lane! I guess we turned into Britain overnight and I was not told. Even more pathetic was the traffic was relatively light and the driver that was confused as to what country he was in simply couldn't wait for the car that was passing me (making progress, not "camping out") to complete the pass. When the "autobahn head lamp flicker" didn't work with the car passing me, he simply tried me. Tailgaters are trying to control your vehicle plain and simple. It is belligerent and menacing activity and speaking of the autobahn, it is NOT tolerated in Germany - it's a serious offense with steep fines and penalties - any international drivers chime in here.... I wish America had the same viewpoint on it.

Re: I've driven them all (almost)... [no_one]

by joe97 on Fri Nov 14 18:11:09 PST 2008

Nissan seems to be the only one bucking the trend, with the new sub $10k Versa. Put in a smaller engine, decontent up to wazoo, there you go. But wait, it is almost impossible to find a $9,995 barebone Versa sedan, and it is really barebone in that sense. By the time you load a few things up, bam, you're at 12-13K, which you'd then have a lot of other options to choose from, and probably better options. Here is Autoblog's take: Cheap, efficient transportation is highly desirable right now, and Nissan has stepped and delivered a super base Versa that will run you under 10 large. But what do you get for that rock-bottom MSRP? Well, you still get four wheels, four doors and six airbags, but things get thin from there. Nissan started with a one-two punch of crank windows and no air conditioning, making the economical sedan a bad choice south of the Mason Dixon line. A five-speed manual is standard fare, with automated cogs available for $1,000. Our friends over at Kicking Tires note that you also have to add A/C to the option box to get that slush box, and that'll run you a second $1,000. Nissan also saves coin by using cheap black plastic for the side mirrors and door handles, and the wheels have shrunk to 14 inches. Wait, where's the radio? Oh, there isn't one, at least not as standard equipment. Nissan provides the speakers and the wiring, but an aftermarket setup is required to hear anything other than road noise. Out the door pricing for a Versa with A/C and an automatic transmission will cost you at least $12,935 with destination. So much for being the cheapest car in the U.S.

Re: Oh No... Not This Guy Again.... [taxesquire]

by ponderpoint on Thu Nov 13 13:25:10 PST 2008

"I think the biggest improvement is that you can enter street names verbally." Wow. That is a nice feature. Looks like it's a wrap however, I did not realize the new 09' TL is no longer available in a manual transmission so... I'm no longer interested in the car. Enjoy the navi.....

Re: Victoria BC, Vancouver BC NO WAY [gagrice]

by ponderpoint on Mon Nov 10 10:30:05 PST 2008

"I don't know what city you live in...." I don't. That was years ago but I still saved a ton of money not having a car. I live rural now with agricultural zoning and am currently debating putting in orchards (apple) on one section of the land. I look over at a ridge that since I've lived here has been decimated with McMansions that destroyed orchards and farmland. The closest small cities close by (two) have urban cores that are rotting away which is a shame because some of it is architecturally important. If I still worked 9 to 5 I would not live where I do now nor a McMansion, It wouldn't make any sense. I now feel a custodial responsibility in my years left to do something good with the land..... Pretty boring I guess. Starbucks? I don't "get it" either.... seems like an incredible waste of money and a gigantic bad financial habit to get into if you're a 9 to 5'er.... I was trying to be humorous, unused urban car racking up fees without even touching the gas pump, and then go console yourself with high priced coffee.... Apparently my humor didn't take.

Re: LOL [seloo]

by aviboy97 on Mon Nov 10 08:38:54 PST 2008

I am not sure about the 'a lot of time' issue (please explain), emails are generally faster than other follow-up techniques (phone calls, personal visit, letter, etc...) On average, a dealer will receive about 80-100 Internet leads per month. Sometimes more, sometimes less. The proper way is to follow up a lead is an initial email followed up with a phone call. If no response is received, a phone call and email are sent every other day for about a week. Then every three days from weeks 2-3. Then if there is still no response, or little interaction, a follow up once a week for 90 days when the lead legally expires after last contact with customer. That's a lot of time. Trust me. I make a purchase decision based on price/value. 99% of the time, the car salesperson has no influence after the sale and in most cases add little value to the deal A lot of people are that way, however, from the sales aspect, if you want to see repeat business or receive referrals, a personal relationship is needed to earn a living. In any business where there are salesmen, a personal / business relationship is needed. Whether it be a paper supply company like W.B Mason or a pharmacuticale company like Pfizer. Or how about small business like the dry cleaners. There are still a lot of people that buy based on customer service. That is why it is very important to establish a personal relationship. That is the only way not only survive in sales, but you can flourish. ***The real issue is profitability.*** Customer service and personal relationships are all about building sales and increasing profit. An added bonus is knowing you have a satisfied customer. It is really a good feeling when someone leaves in a new car and they are extremely happy, because you know you did your job the right way and they are going to send you people. Lets face it. We all go to work for one reason. To make money. Whatever company you work for sells something to someone, or provides some sort of service for a profit. The only way your company stays in business is to keep their customers satisfied.

Re: Victoria BC, Vancouver BC NO WAY [duke23]

by ponderpoint on Mon Nov 10 07:57:41 PST 2008

I'm getting the feeling that some people posting here have never lived without a car since birth, or a vehicle has always been required in their social/demographic setting. I have lived two times in my life where I did not have a car. One of those times was NOT in an urban setting and it STILL worked out. I was deemed eccentric and the whole girlfriend thing was a bit awkward (It's hard to meet up with the significant other for a date without the betsy) but the savings.... Wow! The savings benefits were nothing less than spectacular and quite noticeable even with more expensive urban living..... It works out. Gather your payments/maintenance/insurance/registration costs together (don't leave out emissions and inspection fees) and now divide it by 365 and leave the car parked. "Wow", is usually the remark heard. People that don't say wow are glossing over various fees, really gather up the receipts and do it.... Now add in the monthly parking fees from that place over by W. 57th, the big garage on 12th on the west side.... Are you completely depressed now? Go treat yourself to a Starbuck's there bucko! That'll cheer you up....