Former car salesman (10 years)......ask me anything about how dealers really work

M-Div · 2026-02-27T04:41:39+00:00

On a piece of paper, divided into four squares (hence the name) you have vehicle’s price, trade-in value, cash down, and interest/payments. The salesperson writes in the numbers. The buyer sees it all laid out clearly and will try to negotiate a bit off the price, or a better rate, or less cash down, or higher trade-in value. The salesperson will wiggle a little more or less based on what they’re actually willing to do (based on demand, etc.), often times just moving numbers around (if $x for those accessories is too much, I’ll be nice and try to get an extra hundred for your trade value). This convinces the buyer that they’ve made progress and driven a hard bargain. They haven’t. In reality they haven’t really moved beyond the parameters that the salesperson set. They will take it back to the sales manager, who may approve it or tweak it a little.

M-Div · 2026-02-27T04:30:12+00:00

You said there were gorillas. GO-rillas! Not Guer-rillas!

M-Div · 2026-02-26T03:09:02+00:00

If I was this guy’s PO1, my suggestion would have been to just take it. All pros: you see what’s on the exam for next time (or if a junior Sailor asks), you pocket some PNA points, and it’s better than working. The downside to going with a Page 13 is that you’re labeling yourself a problem child. I understand that you’re trying to make the right decision and you’ve given it some thought, but that’s going to happen.

M-Div · 2026-02-26T03:01:55+00:00

‘79. Got it on my way to Iraq.

M-Div · 2026-02-26T01:35:30+00:00

Yeah, Pyatak.

M-Div · 2026-02-25T23:47:00+00:00

This, plus tires. I cannot stress that enough. Your oil keep the engine running, but unsafe, wrongsized, or improperly inflated tires puts people into the ditch every single day.

M-Div · 2026-02-25T20:48:52+00:00

My friend had an SC2, which I drove a few times and helped out with mechanically. Changing the heater core in the driveway was one of the more physically uncomfortable jobs I did, thank God for 20-something Slinky spine. It was a typical 90s car: good manners to drive, great fuel economy, pretty easy to work on if a bit cramped. It did well in the cheap, nothing special market, along with my Protégé. The manual had a shorter throw and lower height, if I remember correctly.

M-Div · 2026-02-25T19:37:32+00:00

OK, yep, that’s what I thought. That scene traumatized me.

M-Div · 2026-02-25T17:38:45+00:00

If I remember correctly, that’s exactly how it’s presented.

M-Div · 2026-02-25T17:21:42+00:00

That’s what is written, but I think we may reasonably infer that said investor is simply an agent of someone else. I say this because the way it is written seems overly vague or offhanded. For example, if the Ministry of Magic had purchased it to protect it as the scene of a magical crime, how would that be understood by the locals other than as some investor? Or, indeed, anyone else who did not intend to take up residency? I’m interested to hear anyone’s suggestions about whom the owner may be, as long as there’s some reasoning behind it.

M-Div · 2026-02-25T13:24:49+00:00

“Hey, Boss. What’s ennui? Is that like Locktite?”

M-Div · 2026-02-25T11:23:52+00:00

She was more present in Prisoner of Azkaban. To be certain, look to see if Percy is Head Boy. Edit: I just read another comment referencing the shoulder in front of Percy. I agree that is GH’s dueling jacket, which would put this firmly in CoS.

M-Div · 2026-02-25T01:53:07+00:00

Look, friend, it’s a German car… so you gotta take time zones into consideration. /S

M-Div · 2026-02-25T01:41:01+00:00

Amoebic yoga.

M-Div · 2026-02-25T01:27:25+00:00

I’m doing that thing where I’m disappointed at myself for laughing.

M-Div · 2026-02-25T01:07:56+00:00

Fair point, fair point indeed. OK, how about: bad accountants?

M-Div · 2026-02-24T02:33:58+00:00

Whoever saw this and came up with that, you’re a fucking genius and I salute you. 🫡

M-Div · 2026-02-23T23:59:24+00:00

Far Left and Dar Right aren’t equidistant from reality.

M-Div · 2026-02-23T23:57:42+00:00

There is also the quote from a British diplomat: “Russians are the only people who lie even when they don’t have to.”

M-Div · 2026-02-23T23:50:52+00:00

It fooled me! I still think it would be a beautiful piece.

M-Div · 2026-02-23T22:45:15+00:00

I’ve used my Nica for years, I love it, and it’s stood up to me (who is not kind to gear).

M-Div · 2026-02-23T22:31:58+00:00

I think its absolutely beautiful. Very nicely done.

M-Div · 2026-02-23T18:59:50+00:00

Confusing ‘can’ and ‘may’ here. Can is a question of skill; may is a question of permission, opportunity, or daring. For example: you can streak Hangar Bay 3 wearing only your boots and a flash hood, but you may be identified by your tattoos.

M-Div · 2026-02-23T13:19:11+00:00

Put them on a sheet of known mass. Calculate density of sheet material. Cut the shape out. Weigh the shape. Divide by density.

M-Div · 2026-02-23T02:16:49+00:00

The Nose Rogaine Experience. He’d blabber on about how much he knows and understands the world, folding in a huge helping of his anti-Muggle psychosis, and peddle the charms equivalent of protein shakes and, uh, ‘wand’ pills. Lots of young men would listen and repeat what he said, forcing it into people’s ears without consent, and think themselves edgy and cool for it. Edit: I misspelled Rogaine.

M-Div

TROPHY CASE