No Lloydering 48,662 14
08/13/2005 07:55 PM

Sales people in general are vultures. Not just in the car business.

Trae - Please return me to my upright position 156,790 17
08/13/2005 07:55 PM

I get out and I'm greeted by 'Purvis' (yes he was black.. helloooooo I live in Atlanta!) anyway, he offers me his out stretched hand and our conversation went like this:



Purvis: Hi, I'm not a sales man. My job is to assure that you have great customer service.



Me: That would be letting me just walk your lot and see the selection...... in peace.





Purvis: I'll just come along, how does that sound.



Me: Not doing so great on the customer service today, Purvis.



Purvis: How about I just walk with you and not say a word.



Me: Perfect.



Thing is, Purvis didn't keep his word and I quickly realized how much I'm going to hate shopping for a car.

No Lloydering 48,662 14
08/13/2005 07:56 PM

Hey! I'm a sales person! Disregard that last post.

I've got a RedstaR in my pants 1,068 8
08/13/2005 08:00 PM

I'm in sales too. Tell him to wait over there and you'll wave to him when you want help. As long as we know your ours we can wait for the kill.



<trytobe.helpful/>

Chit Eating Grin 178,776 15
08/13/2005 08:04 PM

Get an idea of what you want, and buy from a private party. You will get at least a 40% better price, and won't be buying from someone that hides mechanical problems for a living.



Shop your local classified section and call them up and just ask if the car was well maintained, if they have records, how many owners etc... You will find a sincere seller.

Trae - Please return me to my upright position 156,790 17
08/13/2005 08:07 PM

I wish I had that luxury but I will need to finance it.... and for other reasons a private purchase isn't an option.



Thanks though.

Declan ('Aaron Altman') McManus. 131,877 36
08/13/2005 08:09 PM

<action> Pages newwave

Tingles 2,134 8
08/13/2005 08:14 PM

So, I went to get an oil change for my car today and walked out needing a new car



What happened to your broom?

Lamb Salad Sandwich 33,017 9
08/13/2005 08:25 PM

I hate those sleazy salespeople! I've been dealing with them more than usual this week too because I'm shopping for bedroom furniture for my new apartment.



I think I have the secret to getting them to ignore you. Just dress really sloppy...old faded tee-shirt, torn jeans, ect. And, time your entrance with someone else who is dressed nicely. They'll all break their necks running towards the other person while you stealthily make your way in unnoticed!

Roofie Raccoon 56,688 10
08/13/2005 08:29 PM

Trae I'd give you a car for free if you felt like fixing it up but I doubt the car I'm giving away is worth saving. Sorry hon. Good luck.

Fratberry 282,940 53
08/13/2005 08:30 PM

Also, leave your boobs at home.

Millie 116,988 28
08/13/2005 10:10 PM

Bring a guy with you who can ask the salesperson a bunch of inane questions while you quietly check out the cars. If you have an annoying enough guy friend, maybe he'll scare the salesperson away.



I don't think a woman friend would be as effective. Car salespeople seem to focus on the men when a couple comes into the lot.



I had a very irritating time buying a new car a couple years ago. I had my ex-husband with me. We finally found a place where the people weren't pushy and actually listened to what I wanted, and got the car for me (no one else had it). Every other place tried to foist cars from the used area on me.



My ex-husband is very good at exasperating salespeople. He used to make me laugh my ass off.

Trae - Please return me to my upright position 156,790 17
08/13/2005 10:30 PM

Today I realized I can make these people my bitches because they want me to buy a car.



I should wait until my PMS is full force, then start shopping!

Kittuns: The Moosinator™ 44,835 9
08/13/2005 10:45 PM

<action>craps on Trae's lawn</action>

What?

Frogpop 173,153 25
08/14/2005 01:00 AM

I think I have the secret to getting them to ignore you. Just dress really sloppy...old faded tee-shirt, torn jeans, ect.



Hm.. this may explain why my furniture shopping was so peaceful..

Polo Chukker 4,634 12
08/14/2005 01:02 AM

this may explain why my furniture shopping was so peaceful



Yeah, and he told me to dress up!

Rep. Jep Rep. 007 58,758 13
08/14/2005 01:04 AM

I think I have the secret to getting them to ignore you. Just dress really sloppy...old faded tee-shirt, torn jeans, ect.



Actually tried that once at a Lexus dealership (contrary to what my wife thought at the time, I am NOT that rich). I walked in looking like a coal miner and was still treated like visiting royalty. I'm no longer wondering why the Japanese are sucking the economic life out of the city of Detroit.

Uncle Pie 26,981 11
08/14/2005 01:17 AM

Just use the word 'penis' when you converse with a sales manperson. Act like a total butch dyke. You will scare,mystify,and intrigue him, and he will back off. (the word 'penis' does it every time)



Talk like an auto mechanic.





May the Force be with you.

Livewire the Kelly Girl 78,229 13
08/14/2005 01:18 AM

Maybe you misunderstood him, Trae. Maybe you had a pervert following you around.

Frogpop 173,153 25
08/14/2005 01:21 AM

Actually tried that once at a Lexus dealership



Yeah, this trick only works on the low end of the salesperson food chain. High end retail knows very well that this is America and that the wealthy can be just as slobby as the rest of us. Silly New Money..

Uncle Pie 26,981 11
08/14/2005 01:25 AM

Sorry, Sweet Pea, but you haven't needed a new car until you've been raped and stabbed needing a new car in New York.

Rep. Jep Rep. 007 58,758 13
08/14/2005 01:27 AM

Frog, I think you're right except for Mercedes dealerships. I get ignored in there when I am in casual business attire and actually intending to buy something from them (parts, not cars in case anyone thinks that I actually have gotten that much more wealthy since my last post in this thread).

OldIron 230 8
08/14/2005 07:12 AM

So What exactly happened to your other car? My truck draws a crowd of salesmen wherever I go and I usually end up test driving 4 or 5 different vehicles then just leaving. I love car shopping.

Release the One Legged Space Chickens 286,527 61
08/14/2005 07:27 AM

We're all salesmen.



Sales is the world's oldest profession. That other one is just a subset.



Here, take my card.

WickedWedgieWoman 15,741 12
08/14/2005 07:36 AM

My job doesn't involve sales.



Chickens, I am just curious, how do you fit "Importer/Exporter of Fire Starting, Kitten Killing Foster Children for Child Brides to Mountain People" on a card?

Fluffy now serving beer 977 9
08/14/2005 07:46 AM

Just do a little research before you go there, know more about the car than he does, and sell him the car!

try it, works everytime..

Trae - Please return me to my upright position 156,790 17
08/14/2005 09:33 AM

Well the list of things wrong with my car is long. Here are the highlights: A new catalytic converter, shocks/struts both axles, transmission, battery, broken bottom motor mount, CV joints/links.... and it has 116,000 miles on it. So it's debatable on whther to fix it or not. An estimate for minimum work was $600 and that would only give me a little more time.



Full repairs = $1600.00

No Lloydering 48,662 14
08/14/2005 10:39 AM

Holt Renfrew is a clothing store here in Canadia where the sales people are trained to do a quick visual check: purse, jewelery, shoes, before they determine if they will ask you for help. If this check doesn't look like you are wealthy, you will have to search far and wide to find someone who will help you. Friggen snobs.

Cruising for a Boozing 9,993 12
08/14/2005 10:54 AM

Quick visual check: purse, jewelery, shoes, before they determine if they will ask you for help



We have EXCATLY the same problem in every liquor store in Glasgow, the shop staff are trained to look for shoes, pants, shirt, tie, hair, sobriety and the lack thereof before deciding whether or not to hand you the bottle of booze asked for. Fricken snobs.

REAPERR-FU 12,363 11
08/14/2005 12:22 PM

Trae, as a ex-certified wrench turner,Auto repair shop service writer and then tool salesmen, please IM me. The things you list are the #1 rip off parts to up the bill. The car may have that many miles but todays cars are made to have twice that many. The last truck I had there was 270k on the odometer when I sold and I sold it for what I payed for it and is still running at 300k plus. There are ways to check the things you list so please IM and I will go into more detail if you wish or at least tell you how to check these things yourself.

</serious>



Besides it sounds like all you really need is a new rubber band.

Fishlegs 1,612 9
08/14/2005 12:34 PM

I walked in looking like a coal miner...



Are you calling me fat?

Chit Eating Grin 178,776 15
08/14/2005 12:54 PM

I have been approached by the salesperson at our local BMW dealership before and asked, "Are you looking for the parts department ?"



Frost-ing pissed me off ! I told that Froster, "No, I am not looking for the parts desk, I know exactly where it is thank you," and went and bought my parts and got the hell out of there.



Emersons !

Just RedstaR today 1,068 8
08/14/2005 01:07 PM

and it has 116,000 miles on it.

What kinda and where on earth did you buy this car?



It's a kia isn't it? Is it? I bet its a kia.

johnnykielbasa2000 15,703 0
08/14/2005 01:22 PM

I have a '67 Vette under $16,000. Oops, you said $1600.

Big Irish Guy 203,956 21
08/14/2005 03:33 PM

Well, look at the bright side, you can keep your favorite backseat.





Always a silver lining.

Rep. Jep Rep. 007 58,758 13
08/14/2005 03:59 PM

I sure wish wish I had kept the back seat of the car I drove in high school. My parents sold the bitch without telling me and I was out two bags of weed that was stuffed between the cushions.

Rep. Jep Rep. 007 58,758 13
08/14/2005 04:00 PM

I hope the Frosters that bought it had a close encounter with a police dog crossing the border into Canada.

Frogpop - Wicked Smaht 173,153 25
08/14/2005 04:43 PM

Trae's back seat has a silver lining?

Big Irish Guy 203,956 21
08/14/2005 04:45 PM

Actually it was more of on off-white, I am not sure exactly where she got that colo...OH MY GOD SHE DECORATES WITH MAN CHOWDER.

Trae - Please return me to my upright position 156,790 17
08/14/2005 05:16 PM

Yeah, instead of that new car smell, I prefer that just Frosted smell.



You know BIG, like when you yawn the morning after any average day an all night bender.

Chit Eating Grin 178,776 15
08/14/2005 05:23 PM

Instead of the little green tree hanging from the rear view, there is a little cardboard nut sac on a string.



I've seen those in the liquor store before but never knew those were just Frosted scented.

Big Irish Guy 203,956 21
08/14/2005 05:25 PM

I prefer that just Frosted smell.



Well, that explains everything.

Chi Chi Felipe, aka The Rugged Child 161,353 14
08/14/2005 05:38 PM

<action>puts on checkered plaid suit coat, slicks back hair with spit.</action>Ma'am, I want to put you in a new car today. I really do. There are lots of ways to do it. How often do you eat out? You know, if you stopped eating out you could save more than enough money for this car. In fact, stop eating all together. You need to ask yourself, do I need to eat? I read a study that says crocodiles only need to eat once a month. They've been around for 225 million years! They must be doing something right. And they don't have the added incentive of a 3 year, 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and the prestige of owning a 2002 Chevy Cavalier. It's like a sports car, really it is. Let me go and talk to my finance department, I think we could get you down to $505 a month. I know that's more than you say you can afford, but ask yourself, don't I deserve it? *takes nip of Scotch from flask*

Cruising for a Boozing 9,993 12
08/14/2005 05:56 PM

Once when I was really young my Dad was driving me home after a day out with him and my sister, as we pulled on to a high speed strectch of dual carriageway he reached round to wear I was sitting, pulled off one of my shoes and threw it out the window.



I went crazy and just wouldnt stop crying, he only meant it as a joke but I seriously believed that i'd never see my left Reebok again. He turned the car round at the first opportunity and went and got my shoe of the motorway.



Nowadays, many years on, I occasionally have to travel past that place to get to work, and everytime I pass it, without fail, I look for little sneakers on the central resrvation, just in case someone elses Dad had just done the same thing to them.

newwave 45,912 10
08/15/2005 03:35 PM

I'd sell you one of mine but I doubt you'd want any of them, honestly...

Freeze Dried Instant Coffee 10,327 12
08/15/2005 05:36 PM

Trae:

I'd sell you mine, but the money you'd spend for gas would cost you more than you'd pay for the car.

La Petite Mort de TableTopJane 173,958 15
08/15/2005 07:19 PM

So, I went to get an oil change for my car today and walked out needing a new car.





You don't really need a new one if the engine on your old one blows, Trae. Most motor homes are still livable without an engine.

Trae - Please return me to my upright position 156,790 17
08/15/2005 09:02 PM

Ok, so I decided to start my car search electronically. I just hit "Submit" on an inquiry for a car, and less then 4 minutes later, my cell phone rings (like I'm going to give them my home number) and of course I didn't answer.



Figures, the message didn't answer any of my questions regarding the car. Even on the phone they're sneaky bastahds.

Zaphod Beeblebrox 31,599 13
08/16/2005 05:10 AM

Only a woman can start out getting a $20 oil change, and leave with an estimate for $1600.

Frogpop 173,153 25
08/17/2005 01:57 AM

Trae, you're bad luck. My "car" is tubgirling big clouds of smoke. Burning oil is either busted rings or the head gasket, right?



grr..

Bothered 167 8
08/17/2005 02:26 AM

What's your budget, Trae?

I might be able to hook you up.

No strings.



Unless you are only joking. If that's the case, I have a wonderful time share that you might be interested in purchasing.

Frogpop 173,153 25
08/17/2005 09:12 AM

So now I'm waiting for the tow truck. Entertain me.





ME!!1

REAPERR-FU 12,363 11
08/17/2005 09:30 AM

Hope you're wearing socks.

Trae - Please return me to my upright position 156,790 17
08/17/2005 11:11 AM

$10,000 or less is my budget......

Chit Eating Grin 178,776 15
08/17/2005 01:53 PM

Froggy, White or blue/black smoke ?

Trae - Please return me to my upright position 156,790 17
08/17/2005 03:34 PM

Trae, I'm sure you realize you can purchase a brand new Kia or Hyundai for under $10,000. You can also easily get a 3 or 4 year old Toyota or Honda that's just off lease, with a warranty and all.



You might also want to get a second opinion on whats wrong with the car you have, because I call shenanigans on your mechanic.





Actually, I've been going to the same mechanics for 15yrs so no, I trust him. In fact, he gave me a second opinion on what the first guy said. Thanks though.



I wouldn't drive a Kia ever. Hyundai's new are NOT under 10,000 (at least where I live). A brand spanking new one can't be found for under $12,500.



Right now, I'm looking at used Toyota Corollas, Honda Civics or Accords.

johnnykielbasa2000 15,703 0
08/17/2005 05:34 PM

I'd give Trae a brand new spanking for free....... or did I read last post wrong?

Frogpop - Wicked Smaht 173,153 25
08/17/2005 08:22 PM

Chit, it was at night, so hard to tell. In the cruel light of day it is now revealed to be white. Sooooo white. (just like me!) Anywho, so that's coolant, right? Can anyone come up with a way for coolant to get into my engine without it being a cracked block?

REAPERR-FU 12,363 11
08/17/2005 08:26 PM

Blown head gasket.

Frogpop - Wicked Smaht 173,153 25
08/17/2005 08:30 PM

So what the hell kind of sweedish trash blows a head at only five years old?

Frogpop - Wicked Smaht 173,153 25
08/17/2005 08:30 PM

<action>looks innocent</action>What?

ttot2000 8 7
08/17/2005 08:38 PM

Buy American.

REAPERR-FU 12,363 11
08/17/2005 08:44 PM

What kind of car?



Aluminum head steel block?



Have you had the cooling flushed and replaced within 5 years?



Reg. oil changes?



Main thing would be if you have over heated it recently?

REAPERR-FU 12,363 11
08/17/2005 08:48 PM

If it is a Volvo I hope it is not the V6.

RedstaR in HD 1,068 8
08/17/2005 09:55 PM

buy an import

Frogpop 173,153 25
08/18/2005 12:09 AM

2000 SnAAB 93



I'm guessing aluminum. Olny a gues though.



Yes Dear.



Yes Dear.



No Dear.



Inline four, like all good sweedish cars (and both of my old volvo 240s) should be.

REAPERR-FU 12,363 11
08/18/2005 07:07 AM

Well since you own one of the most finiky cars out there and next to the merc-a-dese and exotics also one of the most expensive to fix. I'd say get it to the dealer. If you can change your own oil do that along with the oil filter and you should be able to drive it there. Take your childs college fund with as it is going to be costly. Make sure you get a loaner as if it is the head gasket you blew you are going to need a ride for a week or so.



Good luck. After they are done make sure you take it back to have the new gasket retourqed after 500 miles or so.

REAPERR-FU 12,363 11
08/18/2005 09:27 AM

Should maybe go back to a Volvo as well.

REAPERR-FU 12,363 11
08/18/2005 09:32 AM

just as i thought.

Frogpop - Wicked Smaht 173,153 25
08/18/2005 10:06 AM

I'd say get it to the dealer



Yeah, I already had it towed there from work yesterday morning. In fact, they just called me as I came in the door 10 minutes ago and they say it's an oil leak inside the turbo, $1200. Go figure. Thanks for the trouble shootin and let's not do this again for another 5 years!



So what the hell kind of sweedish trash blows a head at only five years old?



See, because Trae... oh forget it.

Trae - Please return me to my upright position 156,790 17
08/18/2005 10:11 AM

I respectfully tried to ignore that post, Froggie. Out of respect that the joke was way below your stature.



Oh, and sorry my bad car mojo hit you too.

REAPERR-FU 12,363 11
08/18/2005 10:26 AM

I didn't think of a turblo. Well after they are done unless you already use a syn oil you should try that new penzoil heat formula stuff they have. Helping a blower stay cool will triple the life of it. When they call for pick up ask if they have the adjustable suction adapter and if it can be run to the drivers seat.



Yeah they may look at you funny but oh what a laugh you will enjoy.

Frogpop - Wicked Smaht 173,153 25
08/18/2005 10:48 AM

Sorry Trae. I know it was a bad joke, I was just looking for some derisive groans or something.. anything!



Anyway, the whole experience gave me an even deeper empathy for what you're going through, and as much as I hate to spend a grand or two, I was almost tearing over the prospect of having to find a new car.

REAPERR-FU 12,363 11
08/18/2005 11:24 AM

So Trae?



Are you going through a dealer or looking online at all?



carmax.com is a decent place. Or is there a couple cute guys at the dealership you go to?



Just remember the nicer you are to sales guys the more they will Frost you.

Trae - Please return me to my upright position 156,790 17
08/18/2005 11:31 AM

I'm doing almost all of my searching online. I've been to local dealer sites as well as carmax.



In fact I have a carmax guy looking for a car for me as I type. Also, went to a lot at lunch yesterday and found a couple prospects. That guy is looking for me as well.



Also, a guy here at work knows both a finance manager and general manager at several local dealerships, both of which are checking into things for me.



When the repairs of the car cost more then it's worth, it's time to get a new one. I forgot to mention in all my repair lists... I need a new A/C compressor too. I've been with out A/C for 2yrs and well, it's HOT here!

REAPERR-FU 12,363 11
08/18/2005 11:39 AM

Just don't buy a SaaB Turbo.

Trae - Please return me to my upright position 156,790 17
08/18/2005 12:07 PM

Ha! Only fags buy Saab Tur--um, nevermind.

johnnykielbasa2000 15,703 0
08/18/2005 12:24 PM

I found 3 perfect vehicles for Trae.

Mr. Sir 66,722 9
08/18/2005 12:31 PM

Trae, I have solved your problems:



Cheap, low maintenance costs, awesome fuel economy, and the faster you drive the better the air works.





SFW.

johnnykielbasa2000 15,703 0
08/18/2005 12:35 PM

Good job MR. You forgot to mention it will put her back into an upright position also!!

Pubah, By the Grace of Gab 56,805 18
08/18/2005 12:37 PM

Just stay away from Car Max



They suck, don't stand behind their warranties and treat women like Shakespeare!

Trae - Please return me to my upright position 156,790 17
08/18/2005 12:39 PM

They suck, don't stand behind their warranties and treat women like Shakespeare!



Sort of like my ex husband eh?

johnnykielbasa2000 15,703 0
08/18/2005 04:24 PM

I will present Trae's three ideal cars tomorrow.......... suffer you peasant wheeless walkers