So I'm back estimating and selling home improvement projects after being medically retired from police work. I enjoy it, it's easy and lucrative, and zero stress comparatively.
I've been driving my wife's 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee because it was giving her problems. It continued with the problems and now Chrysler has agreed to buy it back. I'm trying to decide what to replace it with. I don't need a truck as I don't carry much and the mileage sucks so the mid size SUV has been perfect. Easy to get in and out of, a small cargo area that doubles as a shaded area (with the hatch open) while I write up quotes, and decent mileage. The Jeep was an underpowered V6 which sucked. I was considering the v8 version but decided against another potential problem.
So I am considering an Audi SQ5 (354 hp v6), a BMW X3 (300 hp twin turbo), or ??? These are the only two I found with decent motors in the price range I am comfortable with. I like the BMW motor (we have a 5 series with the same motor/transmission) and the X3 is very comfortable. The BMW is also less expensive. I do worry though that driving a BMW to appointments to sell people stuff might put out the wrong vibe. I think Audi has less of a stigma even though the SQ5 is probably 5-8K more expensive. Opinions?
Since you asked...
IMO both of your choices give the wrong vibe.
Yeah, I agree with DP.
I think you need something a little more 'everyman' so potential customers feel like they can relate to you better.
Keep in mind, turbos are great but can get expensive if repairs are necessary.
Vibe-wise, I usually hire the guy in the banged up pickup for most of my work as long as the quote looks good and he knows what he's talking about. Granted, I grew up where most of the people we knew drove banged up pickups.
JM
mini cooper s
you get the BMW quality, without the BMW price association.
After reading the first two paragraphs; I was going to suggest the Mazda CX-5.
After the last, nadda.
Neither the Audi nor BMW will return any better gas mileage than the Jeep did.
Quote from: ducpainter on August 15, 2014, 04:57:24 AM
Since you asked...
IMO both of your choices give the wrong vibe.
Yeah, I considered that but Audi doesn't have the same rep around here.
Quote from: Speedbag on August 15, 2014, 05:47:22 AM
Yeah, I agree with DP.
I think you need something a little more 'everyman' so potential customers feel like they can relate to you better.
And what is that but still fills the power requirement?
Quote from: hbliam on August 15, 2014, 06:54:14 AM
Yeah, I considered that but Audi doesn't have the same rep around here.
I guess it depends on your customer base.
If your customers drive Chevy's and Fords the Europeans wouldn't work IMO.
You live in a different world than I do though, so the opinion might be regional.
Quote from: hbliam on August 15, 2014, 06:55:10 AM
And what is that but still fills the power requirement?
If you're only carting your own ass around how much power do you really need?
Quote from: ducpainter on August 15, 2014, 06:58:52 AM
If you're only carting your own ass around how much power do you really need?
The Jeep V6 is a dog, always hunting for a gear to pass, working hard on hills. I like wife's Beemer, cruising at 60 and barely feels like it working. And around here if you are going 75 in fast lane you are being passed.
Quote from: the_Journeyman on August 15, 2014, 05:49:23 AM
Keep in mind, turbos are great but can get expensive if repairs are necessary.
Vibe-wise, I usually hire the guy in the banged up pickup for most of my work as long as the quote looks good and he knows what he's talking about. Granted, I grew up where most of the people we knew drove banged up pickups.
JM
I always have a warranty so repair cost not an issue.
The installers have the banged up truck, I'm a salesman. And I've looked at Chevy/GMC yuk ons and such but not only are they a bit big, they are as expensive. Stupid really, 60K for a Yukon?
Jeep Diesel.
Toureg. [thumbsup]
I think being passed at 75 in the fast lane is universal in America.
Sounds like you've made up your mind regardless what we think...
and that's fine.
I guess you'll find out by sales per quote numbers. ;D
Quote from: red baron on August 15, 2014, 07:09:28 AM
Jeep Diesel.
Toureg. [thumbsup]
Drove the Jeep Diesel. Dog. Also, like the food poisoning thread, don't think I'll try jeep again for a while.
Toureg is worth a look, though I'm not a VW fan.
Quote from: ducpainter on August 15, 2014, 07:11:10 AM
Sounds like you've made up your mind regardless what we think...
and that's fine.
I guess you'll find out by sales per quote numbers. ;D
Mostly, wanted to hear opinions though.
Quote from: hbliam on August 15, 2014, 07:12:15 AM
Toureg is worth a look, though I'm not a VW fan.
Just think of it as a dressed down, Porsche Cayenne.
Quote from: hbliam on August 15, 2014, 07:12:15 AM
Drove the Jeep Diesel. Dog. Also, like the food poisoning thread, don't think I'll try jeep again for a while.
Toureg is worth a look, though I'm not a VW fan.
I'm also in sales. I've had my Passat for 4 months and now have 30k on it, the service from my local dealer has been stellar. I've had zero issues and beat the snot out of it. Likely I'll buy this car from the company when I'm done with it as a work vehicle. It's solidly built and reminds me of the A4 we had a while back. I've been trying to get wifey to leave her Pathfinder for years and get a Toureg, so far falling on deaf ears (she loves that Nissan LOL).
Quote from: DesmoDiva on August 15, 2014, 07:16:46 AM
Just think of it as a dressed down, Porsche Cayenne.
With less issues. ;D
Quote from: red baron on August 15, 2014, 07:18:03 AM
With less issues. ;D
and still a technician's nightmare.
What about a Holden (Chevy) SS ute? Talking point ;D
I think those are neat. We don't get anything like them since GM dropped the El Camino in the 80s.
JM
Some advice from a former sales powerhouse. I have set up marketing operations for a few different industries. During that time I learned some important lessons. One of which came from a older guy that did exactly what you are doing for a living. He and his former partner held the oldest roofing contractors license in L.A. county. They were doing gang buster business when they had a falling out and split up into two different competing companies.
The first guy kept the original and visibly older company fleet vehicles, including the ones his sales guys took out to do estimates. The other went out and bought all new equipment including shiny upper end lifted trucks with pretty graphics for his sales guys.
Guess which one failed?
Seems that showing up in expensive high end vehicles worked against the owner of the second company. The first company with the older vehicles often got the job on the first bid or two. The second company seldom got the jobs.....
Show up in something too nice and there is a chance the client will figure they will get a better deal with someone else...... Take it for what you will but showy high end vehicles are not good for the type of industry you are working in.
Quote from: ducpainter on August 15, 2014, 06:58:52 AM
I guess it depends on your customer base.
You live in a different world than I do though, so the opinion might be regional.
Yes^
Ford Explorer Sport with the 3.5l EcoBoost V6.
Personally, I am a BMW guy but the Explorer offers a good compromise of performance coupled with the "working man's" image that Ford exudes.
Quote from: ZILBERT on August 15, 2014, 09:46:49 AM
Ford Explorer Sport with the 3.5l EcoBoost V6.
Personally, I am a BMW guy but the Explorer offers a good compromise of performance coupled with the "working man's" image that Ford exudes.
Yeah, semi considered that. I guess I'll go drive one.
Quote from: Skybarney on August 15, 2014, 09:34:07 AM
Some advice from a former sales powerhouse. I have set up marketing operations for a few different industries. During that time I learned some important lessons. One of which came from a older guy that did exactly what you are doing for a living. He and his former partner held the oldest roofing contractors license in L.A. county. They were doing gang buster business when they had a falling out and split up into two different competing companies.
The first guy kept the original and visibly older company fleet vehicles, including the ones his sales guys took out to do estimates. The other went out and bought all new equipment including shiny upper end lifted trucks with pretty graphics for his sales guys.
Guess which one failed?
Seems that showing up in expensive high end vehicles worked against the owner of the second company. The first company with the older vehicles often got the job on the first bid or two. The second company seldom got the jobs.....
Show up in something too nice and there is a chance the client will figure they will get a better deal with someone else...... Take it for what you will but showy high end vehicles are not good for the type of industry you are working in.
Yeah, that's kind of my point in gauging the feel of you guys. But....I went to bid the other day in Newport Coast. You know the one parking spot they build for the guard to park his car? It held a 60K Mercedes. :)
Macan? [evil]
Quote from: hbliam on August 16, 2014, 11:06:50 PM
Macan? [evil]
Pm Lethe, he drove one. His wife also rolls in a q5 so he can tell you all about that
I am from a different world than you are . . . When I have had needed work done in the house or when choosing the guys to work in the remodeling of the shop, I've had guys show up in European and American and also Japanese/Asian vehicles . . . usually the best compromise in time/price came from the guy who's vehicle reflected his pricing . . . not necessarily the most expensive or least expensive . . . Having ALL those vehicles here also, looking from about 5k miles away, I would recommend, if you want European, try out the Touareg and Tiguan, both available in gasoline and diesel . .. A few here love diesels, specially these; Bimmer's diesel are also very good but not sure if available in the US . . . As for American brands, Ford right now is showing to be the one with the least recalls . . . Although I am a GM guy and Japanese brands, I am a Nissan guy; in general, if I had the money, I'd go European+Diesel . . . Sadly, can't even go Chinese at the moment . . .
I'd say, go for the one that appeals to you and doesn't make you a "show off" . . .
A Simple Ford F150 would look the part and give that working man look.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/04-07_Ford_F150.jpg)
When I was selling Lindal Cedar Homes, the more successful you appeared, the better your sales did. But Selling Custom Homes is slightly different.
Thanks for the suggestions. Not going the truck route. I'm not going for the "installer" look. I'm not an installer. I'm probably just going to get what ever I feel like and if they ask tell them the truth. I have more discretionary income then they do. :P
What about a ride like this then?
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tES3mcwS8EQ/hqdefault.jpg)
Quote from: Mendo Dave 3.0 on August 17, 2014, 09:17:37 AM
What about a ride like this then?
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tES3mcwS8EQ/hqdefault.jpg)
Perfect. :)
When I was judging horse shows I rode my bike. They were shocked at first then got used to it. Then they expected it!
[thread jack]
Quote from: SpikeC on August 17, 2014, 08:38:10 PM
When I was judging horse shows I rode my bike. They were shocked at first then got used to it. Then they expected it!
What discipline did you judge?
Former hunter/jumper and dressage rider, here.
[/thread jack]
Quote from: hbliam on August 15, 2014, 01:26:56 PM
Yeah, that's kind of my point in gauging the feel of you guys. But....I went to bid the other day in Newport Coast. You know the one parking spot they build for the guard to park his car? It held a 60K Mercedes. :)
I was in the bay area and while it was the land of 'spensive automobiles it did always matter to me what my potential salesman/contractor was driving-someone is paying for that car, and that someone probably hopes it's me.
I did hire the guy in the very clean Ford Ranger over the guy with the mega cab diesel Dodge. There's like a 50k price difference there, and I'm not helping ya fund it.
Personally I think the Acura line currently shows that one is successful but does not overly advertise it.
Yeah, it's a conflicting topic.
The guy that sold me my plantation shutters drove a Cayenne. I picked his company because they had a good reputation.
Ford explorer sport. You can get a gently used one for much cheaper and it's a sleeper too. Warning: only get the V6 not the 4. We have been pleasantly surprised and it can lift its hatch for your afternoon shade ;)
Quote from: muskrat on August 19, 2014, 08:25:29 PM
Ford explorer sport. You can get a gently used one for much cheaper and it's a sleeper too. Warning: only get the V6 not the 4. We have been pleasantly surprised and it can lift its hatch for your afternoon shade ;)
The Sport only comes in a 6 .
Just drove it. Bleh...plus I barely need seating for 5 let alone 7.
then how bout a Volvo XC60 T R-Desing or a BMW 328d with M-Sport package?
I think he has Cheech's car all lined up.
His clients will love it!
Drove the Macan S. That was a mistake. :o
Also drove the Q5 TDI. Not bad. They didn't have an SQ5 to test but I'd like to drive it as well.
Quote from: hbliam on August 20, 2014, 08:29:13 PM
Drove the Macan S. That was a mistake. :o
http://mobile.businessweek.com/articles/2014-08-07/porsche-builds-macan-crossover-to-win-over-women (http://mobile.businessweek.com/articles/2014-08-07/porsche-builds-macan-crossover-to-win-over-women)
Quote from: hbliam on August 20, 2014, 11:15:25 AM
The Sport only comes in a 6 .
Just drove it. Bleh...plus I barely need seating for 5 let alone 7.
2013's do come in the 4, I was talking used after all. Oh and fold the rear seats and forget about them. Now you have seating for 4. [cheeky]
As far as I can see you've driven or researched them all. Good luck and don't drive the Macan again, Porsche is good at grabbing you for life.
Quote from: bobspapa on August 20, 2014, 09:18:08 PM
http://mobile.businessweek.com/articles/2014-08-07/porsche-builds-macan-crossover-to-win-over-women (http://mobile.businessweek.com/articles/2014-08-07/porsche-builds-macan-crossover-to-win-over-women)
Yeah saw that. :) My neighbor has a Mini. She loves it. [thumbsup]
Quote from: muskrat on August 20, 2014, 09:21:15 PM
2013's do come in the 4, I was talking used after all. Oh and fold the rear seats and forget about them. Now you have seating for 4. [cheeky]
As far as I can see you've driven or researched them all. Good luck and don't drive the Macan again, Porsche is good at grabbing you for life.
Oh, didn't know they made a sport in 4. Was only looking at the new 14 and 15's.
I can see that happening with Porsche. Kinda like how Ducati ruined most other motorcycle for me.
8)
technically the mini is michelles and the outback is mine
Quote from: bobspapa on August 20, 2014, 10:02:27 PM
8)
technically the mini is michelles and the outback is mine
Perfect.
Mini looks fun.
The girlfriend is in the market for a new smaller SUV. We were looking at the Ford Escape (which runs pretty well with the 2.0 turbo). We happened to stumble onto the new Lincoln MK-C. It is essentially a Ford Escape, but they offer a 2.3 Ecoboost 4 that makes ~300HP. It REALLY runs well. Very nice features in the car as well. I'd say it's worth a look if you don't need a ton of room
try an outback.
;)
then go test drive a cooper s
Audi SQ5 won. :)
Quote from: ducpainter on August 15, 2014, 07:11:10 AM
I guess you'll find out by sales per quote numbers. ;D
44% close ratio. Two others salesman, one (cheap American small SUV) with a 16% CR, and one (Jeep Grand Cherokee) with a 37% CR.
SQ5 turns out is a sleeper. On the street and at the curb. Customer wise, most have no idea what it is. Maybe 5 customers have commented on it and 3 owned Audi's. And I sold to all five that said anything.