Well, now that Pontiacman has become DCXMan...

Well, the title says it all...I accepted the Sales Manager spot at a local Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep store, so I'll be giving my 2 week notice at the bank and the Pontiac dealer ASAP. It will be sad to no longer sell cars for the company I love, but it isn't like I'm selling Hondas :rolleyes: I told the owner today if this was a Honda/Toyota/insert foreign car here store, I wouldn't have even wasted my time interviewing :D

Anyway, I have to say it'll be interesting scrutinizing the crap out of a new company for a change. I figured this was the most appropriate place to ask, what do we know about the LX replacements at this point? What do we know about the Sebring and Stratus replacements? They looked downright dull in the spy photos, considering how awesome the LX cars are. Just kind of curious what I'll have to look forward to, coming down the pike. It should be of concern to everyone here, because DCX is the most profitable US make right now, but it also has the most to lose!

BTW, the Caliber is a great little car. I drove one down the street and back...it makes a Vibe look like the complete POS I always knew it was...

BTW, flame away if you will and call me a trader, but we all know what sits in my garage right now, and what will join it in 2 years...NO not a Charger!!! I will miss my GP a lot...I'll be selling it once I get settled in, as I'll be taking something like an '04-'05 Stratus RT or Sebring LXi coupe for a demo...maybe an SRT-4 if I can find one :D

You have to do what you have to do to pay the bills and feed your family, so I won't bash ya, too bad.

Loyalists are loyalists, though. I'll never push anything other than GM, being on the sales side for the countries most recognized Pontiac dealership (Jim Causley) and growing up in a second generation UAW family has helped plant that seed deep within that nothing except GM will do.

It's not being blind, because believe me. My '99 Grand Am has many a short falls and my Solstice has a few. Doesnt mean I plan to push anything other than what I truly support.

That's pretty exciting. So now you're the guy who sits at the desk behind the showroom and pretends not to notice the customer :D. There's no doubt that it's an exciting time to be a Dodge salesman, so good luck.

Do you really need to get rid of the GP though? If I can afford it, I think I'll hold on to my GTP until the wheels fall off - too much seat time and scraped knuckles at this point to let someone else drive it.

The biggest thing for me Josh is that there aren't any other dealerships I can think of that would give me this opportunity. I'm only 25. I have NO management experience at all. I have gone to auctions, appraised trade ins, ordered new units, sold plenty of cars, but I've never had that experience of managing for my resume. I had an in with the owner of this dealership, and she knew that between having an MBA, a fetish for cars, and being able to complete a sentence, I'd make a great manager. It pays somewhat more than my 2 jobs combined, gives me a free car, and its still domestic. I'd prefer it to be a GM store, but I can admit freely that I can proudly stand behind what I sell with Chrysler, and that's very important to me. The product they currently have is pretty good, and only getting better.

My driveway will remain GM, though :)

Sweet! I hope I can look forward to some SRT-8 drag tests.

That's pretty exciting. So now you're the guy who sits at the desk behind the showroom and pretends not to notice the customer :D. There's no doubt that it's an exciting time to be a Dodge salesman, so good luck.

Do you really need to get rid of the GP though? If I can afford it, I think I'll hold on to my GTP until the wheels fall off - too much seat time and scraped knuckles at this point to let someone else drive it.

No, I'll be the guy beating the crap out of the salesperson if he pulls something sleazy or doesn't have proper product knowledge. Indeed, it is a good time to go Dodge...thanks.

The GP, between insurance and car payment, runs me almost $6,000 a year. For a car I won't even use? It seems awful steep. If it was paid for, I'd keep it...but I still owe 2 full years on it :( Don't get me wrong, I'd love to keep it...I bought gorgeous 17" chrome American Racing wheels for it that were only used 1 year. I spent forever last fall installing a remote start and alarm system from hell in it after it was broken into. The car is completely perfect, and I love it to death and hate to part with it...but I can't see spending the $$ to keep it when that could go towards a bigger house, or an IROC :D You can see where this is going, can't ya??? ;) By the time I sell it later this Spring, I'll have about $3,500 in equity in it. That and an $8,000, 3 year home equity loan buys me one sweet 350 IROC :D

Hey Jason, I must have missed it, are you still going to be in MA? You might be getting a call from me if I have a hard time finding a Challenger in '09.

Sounds like an exciting move, Jason. Good luck!

Good luck Jason

mastrdriver,

Yes, I'll be in MA still. Come see me...I'll take you for a ride in my demo...the more I think about it, I'm just going to have to get an SRT-4 as a demo. Awesome gas mileage, you know??? ;)

Charlie,
Do you have any info on the LY's or the upcoming Stratus/Sebring? I've been told they're keeping the Sebring name, but probably not the Stratus. Any info is appreciated...or, if you can give me any hints as to the best places on the net to find that stuff...DCX lurking is something I've never done :D

Congratulations, Jason. :thumb:

Congrats Jason.

... "and a free car" is more I could have resisted too. :D

BTW, the Caliber is a great little car. I drove one down the street and back...it makes a Vibe look like the complete POS I always knew it was...

Maybe you'd care to fill in the blanks on how the Vibe is "a complete POS." Something more substantial than, "I used to sell those, but now I sell these, so those are POS." And surely it's more than its association with Toyota. :rolleyes:

Best of luck, Jason.

A good site for Mopar info would be AllPar.com.

Just don't become a GM basher now that you're selling DCX's, we have more than enough ammo to come back.... ;)

Congrats on the new job, Jason.

Gotta disagree about the Vibe being a POS, though. In any case, I'd hope the Caliber is better, considering that the Vibe will be 6 years old when the '07s come out in full. :)

Congrats! Now just hold those salespeople accountable for knowing their cars and keep us in the loop about all the funny stuff that you get to fix.

Charlie,
Do you have any info on the LY's or the upcoming Stratus/Sebring? I've been told they're keeping the Sebring name, but probably not the Stratus. Any info is appreciated...or, if you can give me any hints as to the best places on the net to find that stuff...DCX lurking is something I've never done :D

There are rumors that perhaps the Avenger name may replace Stratus. As far as LY, it sounds like more hype rather than new platform. It'll probably be a mildly revised LX.

Check out Allpar. Lot's of info there.

Do you have any info on the LY's or the upcoming Stratus/Sebring? I've been told they're keeping the Sebring name, but probably not the Stratus. Any info is appreciated...or, if you can give me any hints as to the best places on the net to find that stuff...DCX lurking is something I've never done :D

Rumor has it that the Avenger name is coming back. Expect a few interesting powertrain options for that platform.

I told the owner today if this was a Honda/Toyota/insert foreign car here store

So a half-foreign 'store' is OK? Say hey to mother Deutschland for me.:p

PS - I know y'all can't sell Crossfire SRT6s for crap - the 45k dollar cars are selling for at or even under 30k. Let me know if you can cut me a deal on an CF SRT6 lease.:)

So a half-foreign 'store' is OK? Say hey to mother Deutschland for me.:p

PS - I know y'all can't sell Crossfire SRT6s for crap - the 45k dollar cars are selling for at or even under 30k. Let me know if you can cut me a deal on an CF SRT6 lease.:)
Yeah, it is time for you get a new car. You've had the A4 for what, 5 months? :)

Yeah, it is time for you get a new car. You've had the A4 for what, 5 months? :)

I'm wishy washy. The A4 is only a 24 month lease anyway, plus my wife refuses to drive it because it's a stick which makes it hard for me to drive the 4Runner without leaving her 'stranded'.:(

BTW, flame away if you will and call me a trader
How about I call you a traitor instead? ;)

But the real question is, can you sell me a Viper for $20? :D

Jason,

Congratulations on the new job! Nothing wrong with DCX, in fact I just picked up a low mileage used Durango Limited this weekend, it's a damn nice vehicle. I admit to having a predisposition to Dodge as an alternative to GM, (when one is needed), now just let us know when we can put down our deposits for the Challenger. I'll gladly fly into Boston for a Challenger at a good deal.

James

PS-For the record, I think that Sirius is a far better satellite radio service than XM. ESPECIALLY if you like rock/metal.

PS-For the record, I think that Sirius is a far better satellite radio service than XM. ESPECIALLY if you like rock/metal.

Unless you were just kidding around I don't think anyone here was talking about satellite radio - the name is kinda broke down to "DCX Man", not DCXMan.:D

And FWIW I find both services to be pretty comparable. Somewhat different, but I don't think one is better than the other - and I have both services. XM in my car, Sirius at home.

Unless you were just kidding around I don't think anyone here was talking about satellite radio - the name is kinda broke down to "DCX Man", not DCXMan.:D

And FWIW I find both services to be pretty comparable. Somewhat different, but I don't think one is better than the other - and I have both services. XM in my car, Sirius at home.:think: I think he knew that (he said there is nothing wrong with DCX, and he likes Dodge as an alternative to GM). He brought up Sirius vs. XM because DCX uses Sirius as their satellite radio provider, while GM uses XM. So basically Jason will be selling cars with Sirius now instead of XM.

:)

I'm wishy washy. The A4 is only a 24 month lease anyway, plus my wife refuses to drive it because it's a stick which makes it hard for me to drive the 4Runner without leaving her 'stranded'.:(
You would think someone would think of that BEFORE they bought the vehicle.

Jason- Congrats! and my apologies for the hijacking...

Hey Jason,

How about getting a Charger R/T Daytona for a demo and doing a nice real-world, real-person write up on it as far as living with it long-term? :D

Well, the title says it all...I accepted the Sales Manager spot at a local Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep store, so I'll be giving my 2 week notice at the bank and the Pontiac dealer ASAP. It will be sad to no longer sell cars for the company I love, but it isn't like I'm selling Hondas :rolleyes: I told the owner today if this was a Honda/Toyota/insert foreign car here store, I wouldn't have even wasted my time interviewing :D

Anyway, I have to say it'll be interesting scrutinizing the crap out of a new company for a change. I figured this was the most appropriate place to ask, what do we know about the LX replacements at this point? What do we know about the Sebring and Stratus replacements? They looked downright dull in the spy photos, considering how awesome the LX cars are. Just kind of curious what I'll have to look forward to, coming down the pike. It should be of concern to everyone here, because DCX is the most profitable US make right now, but it also has the most to lose!

BTW, the Caliber is a great little car. I drove one down the street and back...it makes a Vibe look like the complete POS I always knew it was...

BTW, flame away if you will and call me a trader, but we all know what sits in my garage right now, and what will join it in 2 years...NO not a Charger!!! I will miss my GP a lot...I'll be selling it once I get settled in, as I'll be taking something like an '04-'05 Stratus RT or Sebring LXi coupe for a demo...maybe an SRT-4 if I can find one :D

Congrat on the new job. :thumb:
(...and I'm not just saying that as a DCX stockholder either. ;) )

It will be great hearing your comments on DCX vehicle after having been GM for so long, and the inevitable comparisons between the 2 company's offerings.


Up next after the Caliber, you can look forward to Sebring's replacement (Dodge's version will be the Avenger)... Sedan & convertible only... Based on the Mitsu Galant. Following Sebring, then Challenger and some type of new Chrysler "image" car. Next, a FWD coupe. Afterwards, you're probally looking at the LX redesign. You're going to have a pretty steady drumbeat of products the next 4 years. That's not including the very likely probability that DCX will market the Dodge Hornet here once they make up their minds once and for all on the Smart.

Compared to what Pontiac has in the pipeline the same period, you're going to be doing far more product familiarization over at DCX. :lol:

You would think someone would think of that BEFORE they bought the vehicle.

She told me she'd learn - even sounded excited about it. But after spending a couple hours with her (and she DID learn how to drive pretty well) she informed me she'd just be too nervous driving it in traffic, especially if she ever got on a hill.

Why am I justifying my decision making process to you, again?:p

but it isn't like I'm selling Hondas :rolleyes:

You just keep telling yourself that... TRAITOR!


BTW, the Caliber is a great little car. I drove one down the street and back...it makes a Vibe look like the complete POS I always knew it was...


You see the product of your infidelity?

flame away if you will and call me a trader

TraItOR


Just kidding of course, happy to hear things have worked out for you. Best wishes in your new position.

:D

Thanks for all the kind words...after the day I've had at the bank here, I can't wait to get the HELL out of here. I will address the other stuff later this evening, but I did want to mention things regarding the Vibe...

It is not because of the Caliber I hate the Vibe. I have hated the Vibe since the first one I drove in 2002 as an '03 model. Why do I hate the Vibe?

1) 118hp in AWD models, 123hp in FWD models...WTF????
2) The GT makes about 158hp, and requires PREMIUM??? It revs like a mo fo, and does not wake up at all until 7k. 7k in a station wagon...YEAH, right.
3) The interior is ugly.
4) The materials are even worse. Look at the headliner. Look at how the front door panels have cloth on them, but the BACK ones don't?!??!?! Every time I back a new one up and put my foot on the dead pedal, if I put any pressure on it, it makes a snapping noise like bubble wrap.
5) I love the fact Toyota gives GM the crappiest, loudest engine they make. A Vibe makes an Ecotec sound like silk.
6) This is one auto mag rant I have ALWAYS agreed with...the driving position is totally screwed up. They raised the driving position of it over its Corolla roots, but then didn't raise the floor to compensate...it just feels WEIRD.

It is the one Pontiac I have NEVER been able to stand behind. I ignore them, and therefore I personally sell very few. I believe a salesperson has to have faith in what they sell. What can I say...I think the Vibe is a cheap, crappy car that gets decent MPG and is fairly reliable...but a better equipped Caliber is less $$. And while its plasticky inside, at least it has a decent shape to it.

No worries...as cool as a Charger R/T is (and believe me, I will drive one every chance I get), I highly doubt it will ever win me over like my beloved GXP...

Okay, time for important questions. Where are pictures of the American Racing Wheels on your GP and how much will you be looking for them (don't get too excited - I have a college student's funds).

dav,

I have some saved on my computer. Go to www.americanracing.com and look up the AR Fusions after inputing your Grand Prix. They're sweet wheels. My GT is a redfire metallic coupe, and they complement the car so nicely. What is cool is even though they are supposedly OEM offsets, the wheels stick out a little more than the stock 16s, so the car has a winder stance, looks meaner, and the tires look wider than they are.

The total package cost me right around $1,500...I have the receipt somewhere. The tires are 60,000 mile 225/55/17 Continental ContiTouringContact V rated tires with 9k miles on them (you can see them on Tire Rack), just from last year's use. They were taken off for the winter. The tires include lifetime free replacement road hazard and tire balancing through Town Fair Tire locations. What can I say...make me an offer on an 9,000 mile complete set off tires and wheels! BTW, no curb rash and no stains on the wheels either...they are perfect.

I also have stock 225/60/16 Winterforce (Bridgestone) snow tires that have been used for 2 seasons, with about 8,000 miles on those too if you're interested. If I can't sell this stuff, I'll just mark the car higher and sell it as a complete package. Its a great car, and leaving the wheels on it will garner it way more attention on the used car lot, and more $$$ anyway.

PM me if you (or anyone) has any interest.

Charlie, I'll be sure to check out AllPar later. BTW, it will have to be awhile later, because I have a second date this evening with a wonderful new female...thought you'd be interested to know that ;)

Guy,
I tried calling you the other night twice, and couldn't get through???? No voice mail or anything...

Congrats...with that compensation you would have been stupid not to take the job.

As for the Vibe...I had one as a loaner...and it was literally like driving a beer can on wheels. Nasties new car I have ever driven.


:D

Thanks for all the kind words...after the day I've had at the bank here, I can't wait to get the HELL out of here. I will address the other stuff later this evening, but I did want to mention things regarding the Vibe...

It is not because of the Caliber I hate the Vibe. I have hated the Vibe since the first one I drove in 2002 as an '03 model. Why do I hate the Vibe?

1) 118hp in AWD models, 123hp in FWD models...WTF????
2) The GT makes about 158hp, and requires PREMIUM??? It revs like a mo fo, and does not wake up at all until 7k. 7k in a station wagon...YEAH, right.
3) The interior is ugly.
4) The materials are even worse. Look at the headliner. Look at how the front door panels have cloth on them, but the BACK ones don't?!??!?! Every time I back a new one up and put my foot on the dead pedal, if I put any pressure on it, it makes a snapping noise like bubble wrap.
5) I love the fact Toyota gives GM the crappiest, loudest engine they make. A Vibe makes an Ecotec sound like silk.
6) This is one auto mag rant I have ALWAYS agreed with...the driving position is totally screwed up. They raised the driving position of it over its Corolla roots, but then didn't raise the floor to compensate...it just feels WEIRD.

It is the one Pontiac I have NEVER been able to stand behind. I ignore them, and therefore I personally sell very few. I believe a salesperson has to have faith in what they sell. What can I say...I think the Vibe is a cheap, crappy car that gets decent MPG and is fairly reliable...but a better equipped Caliber is less $$. And while its plasticky inside, at least it has a decent shape to it.

No worries...as cool as a Charger R/T is (and believe me, I will drive one every chance I get), I highly doubt it will ever win me over like my beloved GXP...

Unless you were just kidding around I don't think anyone here was talking about satellite radio - the name is kinda broke down to "DCX Man", not DCXMan.:D

And FWIW I find both services to be pretty comparable. Somewhat different, but I don't think one is better than the other - and I have both services. XM in my car, Sirius at home.


No joke intended Threxx. More of a slightly related, stream of thought type comment. The Durango has Sirius, the GP (whose lease is up-hence the new car) has XM. Just thought I would take the opportunity to voice my opinion, FWIW.

Hey , best of luck to you Jason . Sounds like one hell of a opportunity for ya man , congrats :)

When you find a perfect Quazar Blue 350 Iroc to buy , the GP will probably be the furthest thing from your mind walking out to that on a clear sunny day :cool:

....Guy,
I tried calling you the other night twice, and couldn't get through???? No voice mail or anything...

Left the phone at work one day, and messages clogged up the voicemail. Cleared since yesterday. :)

Charlie, I'll be sure to check out AllPar later. BTW, it will have to be awhile later, because I have a second date this evening with a wonderful new female...thought you'd be interested to know that ;)

...

You're on a roll, dude. :cool:

Congrats Jason,
What dealership are you gonna be at. It's gonna be sad to lose another pasionate Poncho salesman in MA. As I know from my old man, being the sales manager is a wonderful position but it's frustration going from the floor to the desk at times watching guys blow deals you know you would have done in two minutes. Keep em motivated and remember "volume solves everything"

Left the phone at work one day, and messages clogged up the voicemail. Cleared since yesterday. :)


Yes....you are a celluar slacker;). If ya get a chance...catch me this weekend.

:D

Thanks for all the kind words...after the day I've had at the bank here, I can't wait to get the HELL out of here. I will address the other stuff later this evening, but I did want to mention things regarding the Vibe...

It is not because of the Caliber I hate the Vibe. I have hated the Vibe since the first one I drove in 2002 as an '03 model. Why do I hate the Vibe?

1) 118hp in AWD models, 123hp in FWD models...WTF????
2) The GT makes about 158hp, and requires PREMIUM??? It revs like a mo fo, and does not wake up at all until 7k. 7k in a station wagon...YEAH, right.
3) The interior is ugly.
4) The materials are even worse. Look at the headliner. Look at how the front door panels have cloth on them, but the BACK ones don't?!??!?! Every time I back a new one up and put my foot on the dead pedal, if I put any pressure on it, it makes a snapping noise like bubble wrap.
5) I love the fact Toyota gives GM the crappiest, loudest engine they make. A Vibe makes an Ecotec sound like silk.
6) This is one auto mag rant I have ALWAYS agreed with...the driving position is totally screwed up. They raised the driving position of it over its Corolla roots, but then didn't raise the floor to compensate...it just feels WEIRD.


I won't address every remark here because you can have your opinion like everyone else.

I'm a new owner of an '03 Vibe GT (which actually makes 180 hp) with a 6-speed, sunroof, and optional 17" wheels. While it's not a torque-monster, it does have crisp, responsive steering and is certainly sporty for what it is (a crossover/wagon/hatchback, pick one). The seating position is higher (but isn't the Caliber's?) and how is that a detriment? That seems to be the trend for this type of vehicle. Mine has a bit of a harsh ride, but that's about the only thing I can complain about. It gets 25-30+ mpg easy and does have 91-octane recommended (I think mixing in 89 every-so-often isn't going to be a problem). The fold-down seats and hatch make it practical, which is what I needed: something practical, sporty, and economical. I'll even go as far to say the styling is good (I prefer this grill style to the new flush one), especially in black as mine is with the body-color bumpers. The service departments I talked to said they were virtually trouble free, especially compared with the expensive GMC's and other SUVs they see in all the time.

I'm not sure what you're comparing the car to, but I think it's been a stronger point in Pontiac's lineup the last few years. And that same Toyota engine you dislike was good enough for Lotus.

Sounds like a great move Jason! Good luck!

I won't address every remark here because you can have your opinion like everyone else.

I'm a new owner of an '03 Vibe GT (which actually makes 180 hp) with a 6-speed, sunroof, and optional 17" wheels. While it's not a torque-monster, it does have crisp, responsive steering and is certainly sporty for what it is (a crossover/wagon/hatchback, pick one). The seating position is higher (but isn't the Caliber's?) and how is that a detriment? That seems to be the trend for this type of vehicle. Mine has a bit of a harsh ride, but that's about the only thing I can complain about. It gets 25-30+ mpg easy and does have 91-octane recommended (I think mixing in 89 every-so-often isn't going to be a problem). The fold-down seats and hatch make it practical, which is what I needed: something practical, sporty, and economical. I'll even go as far to say the styling is good (I prefer this grill style to the new flush one), especially in black as mine is with the body-color bumpers. The service departments I talked to said they were virtually trouble free, especially compared with the expensive GMC's and other SUVs they see in all the time.

I'm not sure what you're comparing the car to, but I think it's been a stronger point in Pontiac's lineup the last few years. And that same Toyota engine you dislike was good enough for Lotus.

jrp,
I respect your opinion, and hope you enjoy your new car. FWIW, I know the '03s were rated at 180hp, but do they REALLY make 180hp? In 2004, the engine was downrated to approximately 171-173hp...now the '06s, with the revised SAE ratings that wrecked all Japanese ratings, rate at 157hp or so. The engine is cool for a Lotus because ITS A LOTUS :) Hi revving, makes more power than in the Toyota, makes cool sounds etc. The problem is, the Vibe is a family toting station wagon. Its a cool engine for a Celica, but a wagon? No torque, buzzy sound and premium fuel in a station wagon irks me...

I don't mind the high seating position...its the wheel to body to floor feeling that's just off to me...and the auto mags picked up on it too. Its almost like the floor needs to be raised a little bit...I can't explain it, but I've driven plenty of other tall vehicles that don't feel that way...namely the HHR and PT Cruiser.

I will say they do seem to be very reliable, even though the JD Power ratings are a little low in relation to some other GM products. I agree that the exterior styling is nice...the inside has just let me down, as have the buzzy, underpowered engines in the base and AWD models. If you went and drove an AWD model, you'd be amazed how painful they are. When a Vibe makes 118hp with AWD, and a Caliber will make 175hp with AWD, the bar has clearly been raised. Other than AWD, I don't know of any advantage a Vibe holds over the HHR, either...especially on the HP front. Remember, GTs make up a paltry 3-4% of total Vibe sales.

Just my .02...

To address some other comments from the thread...

90,
Indeed, a Quasar Blue IROC will be something I'll be hunting after the sale of the GP. I need to make sure I have a good place to put it first, because I only have a 1 car garage and the Z28 will not go outside obviously. Its cool because if all goes well, I'll sell the car in June and have the summer to IROC hunt. It depends on how my monthly bonuses go...I have a lot of turning around to do in that sales department. I need every dime I can get right now, so buying an IROC right off the bat may not be the brightest idea. I may end up buying a '91-'92 RS 305 stick to play with for awhile...something I won't be so anal over, and wouldn't mind leaving outside in the summer and storing in the winter. Plus, a nice one is only $6k...when I buy my IROC, I know I'll be spending somewhere from $12-15k. I do know one thing...with no car payment, I'll be hankering for a 3rd gen more than ever :D Its been almost 4 years since I owned one, and they are without question my favorite car ever put on the road. I am probably in the minority, but I STILL like a clean 3rd gen's look over a 5th...despite the fact I fell in love with the concept the second I saw Lutz drive it up on stage.

Threxx,
I expected crap from you on this one :D I typed that comment specifically to see what retort I'd get...understood :D But hey, the company is at least 49% American (IIRC), and the average domestic content is way higher than a Honda or Toyota. I'll say hi to Mother Deutschland when I have some free time...I'm going to be busting my a** up there for a long time to get it turned around. I'll sell you a Crossfire for invoice minus whatever incentives there are, but if I go lower I'll get clubbed. We won't be stocking hardly any, especially an SRT-6. My target market's income is definitely below the level of those cars, and they just don't seem to move at that location.

Thanks for all the kind words from everyone. I will release the name of the dealership to those who have asked AFTER I start. I don't need this guy finding out through a message board he got or is getting canned. I'll actually be going up tomorrow to meet my salesmen for the first time...I guess she's actually firing him sooner than my arrival.

And yes, I have put in a request for the auction buyer to scope out SRT-4s for me :D

when I buy my IROC, I know I'll be spending somewhere from $12-15k.

I hope to be doing the same thing a couple years from now , after I get my house , and a little before I get my 5th gen . Its surpringly fairly easy to still find them completely virgin and under 5-10K miles . Hemmings always seems to have something to drool over third gen wise :cool:

:D

Thanks for all the kind words...after the day I've had at the bank here, I can't wait to get the HELL out of here. I will address the other stuff later this evening, but I did want to mention things regarding the Vibe...

It is not because of the Caliber I hate the Vibe. I have hated the Vibe since the first one I drove in 2002 as an '03 model. Why do I hate the Vibe?

1) 118hp in AWD models, 123hp in FWD models...WTF????
2) The GT makes about 158hp, and requires PREMIUM??? It revs like a mo fo, and does not wake up at all until 7k. 7k in a station wagon...YEAH, right.
3) The interior is ugly.
4) The materials are even worse. Look at the headliner. Look at how the front door panels have cloth on them, but the BACK ones don't?!??!?! Every time I back a new one up and put my foot on the dead pedal, if I put any pressure on it, it makes a snapping noise like bubble wrap.
5) I love the fact Toyota gives GM the crappiest, loudest engine they make. A Vibe makes an Ecotec sound like silk.
6) This is one auto mag rant I have ALWAYS agreed with...the driving position is totally screwed up. They raised the driving position of it over its Corolla roots, but then didn't raise the floor to compensate...it just feels WEIRD.

It is the one Pontiac I have NEVER been able to stand behind. I ignore them, and therefore I personally sell very few. I believe a salesperson has to have faith in what they sell. What can I say...I think the Vibe is a cheap, crappy car that gets decent MPG and is fairly reliable...but a better equipped Caliber is less $$. And while its plasticky inside, at least it has a decent shape to it.

No worries...as cool as a Charger R/T is (and believe me, I will drive one every chance I get), I highly doubt it will ever win me over like my beloved GXP...

I concur on the Vibe assesment. I have a Matrix XRS, if you can get it up to 7000 rpm, it is a screamer. But that isn't a usable rpm. I like 32 mpg, I hate having to downshift to get torque. Build quality is not up to Toyota standards, and it cost 19K brand new when I got it in 2003. I tried buying a Vibe GT, but all the Poncho dealers wanted 21K. I previously had a GTP, so I was trying to stay loyal. When I totalled that car, and was forced to getting a compact, the Vibe seemed the perfect choice, again, no wiggle room, they told me that there was no way I could get a comparable Matrix. I went down to the Toy dealership, and within 10 MINUTES, I got the price I wanted and was driving off in a new car. I will never buy another Toy again, though. I currently have a Ram, and am awaiting my Magnum RT. It should land in Hawaii in 45-60 days based upon the order. I was a GM man, like you, am now a Mopar man. :eek:

Congrats on your new job- I hope you sell a ton!!!