May 13, 2010

Continental Audi, Naperville IL - May 13

Rating - 8.94

Awesome service by Keith Lindgren who is one of the service advisors.  I called ahead of time and when I arrived he was professional, friendly, and went out of his way to really take care of me.

Decent waiting area, with free water coffee/tea and wifi, but it is small (2 tables).....told me it would take about 1 1/2 hours and about and hour in Kevin came out and let me know they had to take it outside to test and paint the antenna.  about 45 minutes later someone else came out to let me know they had to order parts, but they did two other things that had to be done (under warranty).  She said Kevin would call when it arrived in a few days.

I really didn't care it took so long because I was working....but they missed the time estimate by a little bit.  All in all a good experience and they did something REALLY COOL when I got the car....there was a note hanging from the mirror that had a picture of Adam Kurcab - 9 years experience - and a statement that his "signature is a personal endorsement of the quality of work I have performed" - AWESOME PERSONAL SERVICE!!!!

I also saw Bill Manrot and he really is a good guy, said hello and was very friendly (even if I didn't buy a car from him).

May 12, 2010

United Airlines Red Carpet (room, center??), Minneapolis Airport - May 12

Rating - 7.2

I needed a spot to hang out and work since my flight was delayed for 2 hours.....the "E" wing at MSP is similar to the License Bureau (lots of people crowded into a small space)....and I needed Wifi so I payed the fee (I don't know how much it was - billed directly to credit card) and headed in.

Its small, and the Wifi is NOT FREE....its T Mobile and costs around $10 a day.....that pissed me off because its FREE at the ADMIRALS CLUB - but AA doesn't have a club (or many flights) here anymore.

I sat in the bar to watch the Sox/Twinkies game.....bartender was GREAT... and I had a small table to work on.

They have good snacks here, and AA should take notice, cheese and crackers, granola, and a tasty trail mix.  It is right next to UAs gate, and AA is next one over.  They must allow Continental members to be in there because they were announcing their flights......

Its nice and modern, but small....could never have the kids here.

Wuollet Bakery‎, Wayzata MN - May 12

Rating - 10.00

What a special place, a real traditional bakery, it is AWESOME!!!!!

Loved it from the second we walked in, great selection, very friendly staff.....I axed for a chocolate cake donut and they were out....so someone in the back made one for me....it was the BEST I have ever had.....

Andrew had a muffin that I tried to take away.....nice place to sit and have a chat while enjoying a treat...we had 20 minutes to kill before a meeting and I wanted to stay for lunch!!

LOVE IT.

Sunsets on Wayzata Bay, Wayzata MN - May 12

Rating - 8.992

Great location right on the lake (is it the site of the Vikings "booze cruze"?) in a lovely little downtown.  Would have loved to sit outside, but it is only May 12 and it was 45 and raining......

We took a customer here for lunch and arrived around 11:30, promptly were seated in the (dated) dining room and Cindy S came right over to welcome us and take our drink orders.  I cant say enough about her service, she was EXCELLENT....always refilling drinks, making great recommendations for soup/entrees, and brightening a gray day with he upbeat/friendly personality.  She alone is worth a visit to this place.....

I started with the cream of chicken soup (it was acceptable) while the boys had the Famous French Onion - they both loved it and couldn't finish it all. 

I then had the cheese burger - it was just ok, in fact I didn't really even like it that much, it was bland.....fries were pretty good.  Customer had Sherrie's salad - it was HUGE and he loved it - took 1/2 of it home, while Andrew had the Walleye Sand - which again was HUGE and he ate every bite!  Maybe i was just sad because the burger was SMALL compared to the other two........

I would only return in the summer to sit outside...or have Cindy serve me.....upside is its not expensive......

Add Fr Onion (2 @ 3)   6.00
Sherrie's Salad    12.95
Add Soup 2 lun     2.00
Cheese Burger   10.50
Walleye Sand

Total - $48.49

Huberts Sports Bar and Grille, Minneapolis MN - May 11

Rating - 8.1

Stopped in before the Twinkies game on a rainy/cold Tuesday at 5:30 pm and it was PACKED.....could not believe all the fans out before the game -- good for you for supporting the new stadium and the first place team!

It is located in the target center about 100 yards from the park....and its HUGE...can fit a lot of people....we just bought beers from the cute girl working the big tub of beer (no Miller Lt - only Bud Lt).......she was great!

It was fun, but we headed over to Kierans - http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/05/kierans-minneapolis-mn-may-11.html - and had an even better time!

Total - for once I didn't have to pay!!!

May 11, 2010

Kieran's, Minneapolis MN - May 11

Rating - 9.99

Places around the Twins new stadium are in short order and real crowded before a Twinkies game......this spot is clearly the best. 

Stopped in on a rainy Tuesday at 6 pm, and someone greeted us at the door and said "thanks for coming in" -- what a pleasant surprise - and it was PACKED (Sox were in town) but we found a spot by the bar and the service was EXCELLENT.

We came back after the game.....and it was just as crowded....but you can still get around....and they put the Black Hawks game on tv for us....totally cool.

Great Place!!!

Before the game:
9 Miller Lt    43.74
3 Coors Light Btl   10.59
3 Summit EPA   15.90

Total - $79.55

After the game:

7 Miller Lite    34.02
1 Coors Lt Btl   3.53
1 Summit EPA  5.30
8 So. Comfort 2 oz   52.96  (who does shots after the game?)

Total - $ 108.53**

**Whats up with the drink prices, all end in pennies????

Target Field - Baseball, Minneapolis MN - May 11

Rating - 11.00

Its GREAT.  Soo much fun!!!  Bought tickets in the 1st inning during Twins/Sox game on a rainy Tuesday night in May and it was GREAT.  So much FUN.

Bought 5 seats outside Kierans for $50......$24 face......Section 5, Row 12, seat 10..........never made it to the seats....

But there is a lot of room to stand and watch the game....we started in right field and moved closer to first base....where it is GREAT and they have heaters for standing room only fans...........

Excellent!!!

Brit's Pub & Eating Establishment, Minneapolis MN - May 11

Rating - 10.0

GREAT Irish bar located close to the Hyatt....EXCEPTIONAL Food and Service....and I just sat at the bar.  Arrived around 12:30 pm cranky and hungry.  Bartender was friendly and made a GREAT recommendation on a cold and rainy day, the grilled cheese and tomato soup (it has a different "English" name)......it was PERFECT.

Sandwich was toasted, had excellent cheese, and was not soggy at all, soup was a real small cup of perfect/creamy tomato soup.  Fast, efficient, GREAT.

Need to have a few beers there tonight.......

PS.  I LOVE the name of the joint!

1 Arnold Palmer    2.48
1 Sir Winston    8.95

Total - $12.66

MSP to Downtown, Minneapolis MN - May 11

Rating - 3.2

It is a pain in the a** to get to the taxi stand from the one gate AA flies into.....and a winding down/up path....don't try and carry luggage to the spot......

Cabbie was nice and put on NPR instead of talking to me, but it costs as much to get downtown here as it does in Manhattan or Chicago and it cant be as far.

Total - $38.43

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, Minneapolis MN - May 11

Rating - 9.99989

What an INCREDIBLE check-in experience (the low life's in Portland - http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/04/hyatt-place-portland-or-april-21.html -should take a class here).  I arrived around 12:30 and there was no one in line waiting, but both of the front desk personnel were on the phone (and they kept ringing), but Trent Chesley waved me down and made me feel right at HOME. 

He looked me in the eye when we spoke, was engaged in our conversation, and was incredibly friendly and helpful (I axed best way to get tickets to Twins new park).  He then took it a step further and handed me his business card and let me know he would be of assistance in way possible...and I believe him.  What a GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!

I am on the Regency level in room 2216 and it is nice, but has an older tube tv.  Regency Club is very nice, but small, and has EXCELLENT cookies and brownies (need to check out the fitness center) in the afternoon.

Fitness is old but TOP NOTCH.....tons of cardio machines and good free weight area.....also have a basketball court...and they do massages (although they were booked up).....it was free for me as a Diamond Member.....or its $11 a day...but well worth it.

They also have a pool on 6th level (same as fitness center) and its kind of like the old "Holidome" - with rooms that have sliding glass doors or balconies that open on to the pool....my kids would LOVE it.

Regency club closes kind of early in the morning (9:30 am) so get in before it does.

Bed was awesome, its very quiet in the room and they have a nice turn-down service that empties trash, changes the towels and leaves chocolates......AWESOME........

Only downside was the old style tv........flat screen please.

Well run operation, great rooms and friendly staff = WINNER.  Stay here......

Total - $159.20 + 21.33 tx = $180.53

May 9, 2010

Nick's Pizza Pub, Elgin IL - May 9

Rating - 9.84

If you don't have a GREAT time here something is wrong......peanuts in the shell that you can drop on the floor, EXCELLENT SERVICE (thanks Ally).....an excellent "kid friendly" environment and awesome pizza and apps!!

The atmosphere is GREAT, its built like a giant lodge with a large fireplace in the middle. Large waiting area, long bar with a some tables through some double doors, and a HUGE seating area on the main floor (tables up stars and outside). The place is HUGE.

We arrived around 4:30 on Mothers Day (Sunday) and had a quick drink in the bar while they got our table for 10 ready......it took only a few minutes. Were seated in the back at a long table and got excellent/friendly service from Ally. Apps were up quickly - kids loved the mozz sticks, I ordered the beer nuggets (new to the menu) and they were not very good - just chunks for pizza dough that can be dipped in cheese (small cup of cheese - not enough).

We ordered 2 large and 1 medium for the 7 adults and 3 kids and had just enough.....few extra slices of the veggie. It didn't take long to arrive (maybe 20 minutes) and is very good. I am stuffed!

Check arrived right after we axed for it, and you cant beat the price!

Great family place, can't wait to go back.

Lemonade 2.25
Aple Juice 1.50
Mozzarella Sticks 5.95
Beer Nuggets 4.50 (don't get these, not very good)
Onion Rings 3.50
Rocca Pinot Grigio (2 @ 6.5) 13.00
Fox Brook Chardonnay (3 @ 5.50) 16.50
Miller Lite 23 oz (2 @ 4.75) 9.50
14" Sausage 16.00
14" Cheese 14.25
12" Cheese 11.25
Mushrooms 1.50
Spinach 1.50
Gr Olives 1.50
Blk Olives 1.50
Pomelo Sauv Blanc 7.00
Hacker Pshorr 23 oz 6.00
Chicken Fingers 6.45

Total - 133.23
Gratuity 18% 23.98

Total - 157.21

Clara's, Woodridge IL - May 8

Rating - 9.94

OUTSTANDING food, great service, Awesome VALUE, have a RESERVATION on Saturday night! Eight people, tons of drinks, apps, entrees, desserts for $340!!

We LOVED it. Don't let the place "throw" you...its located in a strip mall right by the 7 Bridges Ice rink....and as you walk up it is less than impressive.......but once you get in it just 'feels RIGHT".

We had a party of 8 with a 7 pm reservation on Saturday night and arrived around 6:45 pm - place was MOBBED. Hard to even get in the door, but we know that is a VERY good sign....so we snuggled in and I fought my way up to the bar.....3 glasses of wine and a beer for $27. We waited just a few minutes and were seated right at 7 pm.

Dinning room on the right is just a large space and we sat right in the middle. It was busy and crowded, but easy to talk an hear those at the table. Lisa was our server and took GREAT care of us....we took our time and enjoyed several rounds of cocktails and were some of the last to leave just after 10 pm....but we were never rushed and I had to ax for the check....excellent pace to the evening.

The FOOD is EXCELLENT. Started with the calamari (breaded) and it was as good as any I have ever had, also had the "soakers" which is just like like cheese bread - the women wouldn't eat it, but the hungry men did.....and its too bad because their house bread is sourdough and is served with an excellent olive oil (skip the soakers).

Each entree gets a soup or salad, and then come the HUGE ENTREES.....and they were EXCELLENT. Everyone LOVED what they ordered.....I had the lasagna and ate every last bite (even after clobbering the soakers, calamari and some of the soup). It was almost embarrassing except that mike ate all of his shrimp and Tom ate almost all of his veal. Lisa made GREAT recommendations - lasagna over the chicken parm for me, lighter veal sauce for Tom...and she was always there to bring fresh drinks.

It reminds me of Mamma and Papa's original Capri.....so good and all about the food and outstanding service.

You won't be disappointed.......

Calamari (2 @ 9.99) 19.98
Soakers Cheese (2 @ 2.99) 5.98
Miller Lite (9 @ 3.50) 31.50
Amstel Light (2 @ 4.50) 9.00
Belvedere and Seven (3 @ 7) 21.00
Grayson Cabernet (2 @ 28) 56.00
Lasagna 12.25
Veal Limone 18.99
Seafood Alla Clara 17.99
Rotini, Vodka Cream, Shrimp 16.99
Pasta Al Fresco, Shrimp 17.50
Cheese Tortellini, Alfredo, Primavera 14.74
Fettuccini, Alfredo, Shrimp, Broccoli 20.49
Shrimp Pesto 19.99
Tiramisu 5.99
Cannoli 3.99
Choc Mousse (2 @ 8) 16.00
Grayson Cabernet (glass) 7.50

Total - 340.36

Top Quality, Aurora IL - May 8

Rating - 8.6

I have been taking my lawn mower, weed whacker, and snow blower to Bill (630-820-8505) for many years.

He is always fair, can fix anything I bring in, and delivers when he says he will. Does a great job with regular (blade sharpening, tune up) or more complicated issues (won't start, broken wheel, etc).

Great service from a nice guy!

DG Hardware ("Do it Best" - Formally ACE), Aurora IL - May 8

Rating - 7.7

Used to be Ace, now its a "Do it Best"....really good service, great place to go if you really need some help with something......

However, they do NOT carry inventory like Home Depot and prices are higher.....but again its well worth it when you need the help.

They have a decent rental center, good place to refill a propane tank, and I have my lawn mower and snow blower taken care of at Top Quality that is attached.

Solid!

May 7, 2010

Whirlyball, Chicago IL - May 6

Rating - 8.2

Took the Team over for a 2 - 4 pm session.....place looks GREAT.....3 courts to play on...with private rooms that look over the courts with a window that slides open so you can yell at the players..full sports bar with tons of flat screen tvs.....and a great bar tender.

We had a BLAST - I had not played in at least 5 years and forgot how much fun it was......

I had worked with Natalie Schab - 773.486.7777 ext. 103, natalie.schab@whirlyball.com - to book the event and she was GREAT, very accommodating when I changed the time/package (lunch, then no lunch).....

HOWEVER I also dealt with Erin Sweeney who gave me the WORST SERVICE I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED. She called my cell at 9:41 pm and informed me that if I did not immediately make a deposit after she hung up my event would be cancelled....when I explained I had been traveling all week she told me that was NO EXCUSE and if I didn't comply my time would be cancelled.....I was so surprised I actually thought a buddy had set me up with a prank call and I axed her that....she assured me she was serious. Such a NASTY person and a horrible experience I actually told here "you suck" and hung up the phone.....and I am 44 years old!

I left Natalie a message, she called me at 9 am in the morning and apologized and I decided to have the event. I just cant believe in today's economy that anyone would think that kind of behavior is acceptable....and there were 2 other courts open when we arrived. That night of the call I actually had decided I would not go the next day if they paid ME....but didn't want to penalize everyone else.

Outside of that horrible experience we had a BLAST!

Total - $360.00 for 2 hours of court time - $50 coupon = $310.00

Rosebud Prime, Chicago IL - May 7

Rating - 8.00

I was doing an interview and took him over for lunch....had a reservation at 11:30 but didn't arrive until around 11:50....no problem.....

Seated at a table upstairs, good spot to have a conversation......EXCELLENT SERVICE. Right there to take a drink order, bring some bread (get the pretzel role) and offer suggestions about the menu.

We both had the cheeseburger and I got mine Medium....it was WAY TOO COOKED for me....Med Rare next time.....the burger is HUGE (its embarrassing to finish) and fries are thin and GREAT!!!

Love lunch here.

1 Arnold Palmer 4.95
1 Lunch Chz Burger bacon 14.95 (mine)
1 Lunch Chz Burger 12.95

Total - $36.63

Bakey's Restaurant - May 5

Rating - 10.00

Brought 3 customers with me to have lunch.....a BEAUTIFUL Wednesday afternoon....we met at 11:45 and were promptly seated at a table.

Great service, EXCEPTIONAL food and a good time had by all.

3 Diet Coke 8.85
1 Arnold Palmer 2.95
1 Combo #7 14.25
1 Chicken salad sandwich 10.50
1 Fresh Turkey Spcl 14.50
1 Roast beef sandwich 12.50
1 ice tea 2.95

Total - $71.16

Hilton Financial District - May 4

Rating - 9.59

Stayed here during "Marine Week" in Boston......place was sold out but my friend Sean Smith (GM) hooked me up with a room.

The staff is SO FRIENDLY starting with Chris -the BEST DOOR MAN in the City.....

I hit the fitness center around 4 pm and had it all to my self....decent (not great) equipment...but its clean with plenty of towls and water.

GREAT room, bed is excellent and its QUIET.

Total - 199 (room rate) = $250.21

Lo Conte's, Boston MA - May 4

Rating - 10.00

THE BEST DINNER in the North End. Brought 3 co-workers here at 7:30 on a Tuesday after the water main break in Boston......only two tables occupied in the restaurant.

Excellent service as always from Mario and EXCEPTIONAL FOOD. In fact, I sent two others there this afternoon and they LOVED it.

2 Chicken Parm 37.90
1 Eggplant Parm 17.95
1 Pasta Primavera 16.50
5 Peroni 28.75
2 Cabernet Nappa 96

Total - $252.00

Bakey's Restaurant, Boston MA - May 4

Rating - 10.00

Went over for a quick lunch at 12:30 and found a seat at the bar....some of my colleagues were in from Chicago at a table....but I stayed at the bar to visit with Gina.

She had just gotten married that weekend!! Congratulations Gina.

She is the BEST, and here service is top notch. Food is exceptional, and if you eat a bowl of chowdahr and a sandwich you will be full long past dinner.....

1 clam chowder cup 5.95
1 Arnold Palmer 2.95
1 Turkey Breast Sandwich 10.50

Total - $20.76

AA 876 - ORD to BOS, May 4

Rating 7.0

Jesse Jackson was on the flight, and I really liked that he did NOT have an entourage with him....he was alone and smiled at me as I looked at him when he went down the aisle.....he was sitting in First Class in 6b.....

Service was marginal, flight attendant in first was horrible.

Hampton Inn, Fremont IN - April 29

Rating - 7.2

Its a Hampton Inn....don't expect anything else.....BRING SOME EAR PLUGS if you want to sleep (you can hear the interstate).

I made a reservation as I was driving across the state, and used 15,000 Hilton points so it was "free"....arrived around 1 am and got a room on the top floor. It is also the smoking floor and you can smell it when you get off the elevator.....but my room was non-smoking.

Bathroom was not that clean (hair on the floor) and room was pretty sparse......but the BED IS AWESOME....best thing about the Hampton's. Again, you can hear the interstate so have some plugs with you.....

Breakfast was very good, and at 9 am I was the only one down there, cereal, bagels, juice and friendly staff.

It would be worth $90 - 100 a night, but I would NEVER bring my FAMILY to one.

Fireside Grille, Sugar Grove IL - May 1

Rating - 6.8

The parking lot of this place is always PACKED and after trying to have dinner at Capri (its CLOSED) we drove back and stopped in for a drink on Saturday night. It was crowded, but there a few seats at the end of the bar.

The bartender was fantastic!!! She was quick with drinks and made good suggestions about the food. We had the Steak Bites as an app and there were FANTASTIC - tasty, cooked perfectly and just the right amount. After that we decided to stay for dinner and eat at the bar....

Hot Mamma had the Seafood Pasta House salad and thought it was just ok, nothing special....I had the full rack of ribs and was VERY DISAPPOINTED. The ribs just were not that good, too many small ones, and as soon I would have a bite I would have to remove some little bone pieces, not nearly enough meat (Mamma thought so too) also there was Way too much sauce for me (they were over smothered). Entrees are on the higher end of the price spectrum......

Hot Mamma did sample the Chocolate Martini...and it did the trick!!

They had two older style tvs behind the bar for the Hawks playoff game (and one did not work). The bar is nice but not great. Same for the restaurant, it is a family type joint that has not been updated in about 20 years.

Fast and friendly service, good spot for a beer and some chow!

2 gls cycles PN 13.50
3 Lite Beer Tap 9.00
1 Stk Bite App 9.99
1 Seafood Pasta, house salad 17.99
1 BBQ Full Rack, house salad 21.99
1 Choc Martini 8.00

Total - $86.91

Capri Restaurant, Yorkville - May 1

Its DEAD and GONE.....headed out there for dinner and it was CLOSED with no note on the door....too bad!

Subway, Danville PA - April 29

Rating - 5.0

Yes its a subway in a gas station located off the interstate....it also smells like and is as clean as a gas station. Service was slow and not real friendly.

There is not much of an alternative....

Turkey foot long with double meat - $8.50

Total - $9.01

Drive from NJ to Chicago - April 29

Rating - .0000001

It is BRUTAL........did it after buying my new car....NJ is not so bad but PA IS HORRIBLE.....55 MPH on two lane roads that change elevation and are choked by trucks.....spent 2 1/2 hour in a traffic jam just West of Penn State.......and to get gas/food you have physically exit the highway.

It is SO MUCH BETTER when you get in OH and on the turn-pike. I drove all the way to Ft Wayne, IN (about 10 hours) and spend the night in the Hampton Inn.

A nice 3 hour drive home from there!

Paul Miller Audi, Parsippany, NJ - April 29

Rating - 9.0

I submitted a request via Audi.com and was contacted by Mark Burnett - mburnett@paulmiller.com. Excellent service from Mark, knew the industry and was strait with me on any/all questions I had... and was prompt returning any calls I made to him.

They just didn’t have the color I wanted or I would have bought from him for sure.

Legend Audi, Amityville NY - April 29

Rating - 8.5

I submitted a request via Audi.com and was contacted by Michael Bianco - 631-691-7700 Ext. 319 - m.bianco@legendautogroup.com. He was a Great guy, always prompt in returning my calls and really helpful.

I was all set to buy a car from them, but it was sold the night before I headed to NYC.

Pricing that is right on the mark!

Valenti Audi, Watertown CT - April 29

Rating - 8.0

I sent in a request via Audi.com and was contacted by Keir Hansen - (860) 309-9532 - khansen@valentiauto.com. He is very friendly and helpful, took the time to answer all my questions.

Great follow-up from him also.

I would have bought from them but they are too far from Manhattan.

Manhattan Audi, New York NY - April 29

Rating - 7.0

I sent a request in via Audi.com and was contact by Jay Rosner - 212-515-8200. We set up a time for me to visit the showroom and I arrived around 5 pm.

Great guys, friendly and no pressure.

I told them how much I wanted to spend; they gave me their bottom line and showed me the inventory. Price was 1K more than anywhere else, but they do have good inventory, and are in Manhattan. It made sense when they told me that have space to store a lot of CPOs (they were located on the second floor).

Good experience even if they were priced a bit higher.

Laurel Audi, Westmont IL - April 29

Rating - 4.4

This was the first dealership I worked with and they had a great price on a base A6. When I arrived to test drive the first thing I noticed was the SMELL. Heavy cigarette smoker car.....I axed Brian if it was a smoker car and he admitted it was (never tried to mislead me).

It was listed around $24,500 and I offered $23,000 - had my checkbook out along with the title to my car. Brian had to go to Jason, so I opened my laptop and started working, and when he came back he tried to sell me on the "value".....it didn’t work.

I then met Ozzie the GM who told me to "buy the car", I let him know I thought the price was out of line, and he was pleasant but said it was the right price. Brian went back to Jason again and said there were a "couple of hundred dollars" they could discount, but that was it. I left and asked him to call if the price came down.

He politely kept in touch, and about 3 weeks later the car was priced under 24K, but when I got back to him the next day it was sold (and that was fine by me).

Decent guys, but I will not return for service (very small waiting area, and Continental Audi has a much nicer shop), and would not buy a car here either.

Brian Deepholz (sales) was very professional, Ozzie Haleem (GM of the store) was a good guy- 630-655-6700 - ozzi@autonation.com - I did not like Jason Bulthuis (the Internet manager) and would never work with him BulthuisJ@autonation.com.

Continential Audi, Naperville IL - August 29

Rating - 3.1

I worked with Bill Manrot - 630-388-1000 - who is a very nice guy (I was referred to by a friend). Easy to work with and friendly. However, he never did make any follow-up calls to me.

PRICES are WAY TOO HIGH, (like 6K too high). Bill tried to sell me on the value, but I don't buy it when the price is that much different. I also HATED the tactic of the sales manager who knew I had a time constraint, but insisted on having Bill tell him my entire story (so I could hear) and then gave me a low ball offer on my trade in.

I will come back for service, but that is it.

McGrath Audi, Chicago IL - April 29

Rating 0.00

When I was in the market for an Audi they never called me back from the response I put in on their web site.

Also, I have not heard many positive things about them.

May 4, 2010

Jack Daniels Motors, FairLawn NJ - April 29

Rating - 10.00

BUY A CAR HERE from SPIRO Milliaressis - 201-796-8500 X1107, the service is excellent and the employees are even better!!! I was searching for a CPO Audi and was in NYC, so I reached out to many of the local dealerships. I had to call John (the Internet manager) twice, and he then connected me with Spiro. The car I was looking at on the web was SOLD, but he found another that met my requirements while I was on the phone, and told me he wanted to sell it tonight.

I had heard that from many other dealerships and thought this was BS also, but it was not. We worked together to get to a fair price (Spiro started high and I started low) and let me know he had to get it approved. He did and called me right back, and made arrangements to pick me up at the subway stop by the George Washington Bridge.

He drove me to the dealership, and showed me the car (there were probably 5 guys working on detailing it). It was clean, in good condition, and looked great. I test drove it, he showed me how everything worked, completed the paperwork, and I drove it back to Chicago.

I really enjoyed spending time with Spiro, as I said he was fair and knowledgeable. He is also a funny person. Everyone I worked with at the dealership was GREAT, and I only wish I lived near by because I would definitely go here for service.

Well done!!!

Buying a Car - April 29

Rating - FUN FOR ME

I LOVE the experience....nothing better than walking into a dealership....letting them know you are a CASH buyer.....and seeing what happens.

It is FUN.....especially when they make it seem like you are asking for a price they would NEVER CONSIDER.....ha, ha, ha.....its even better to politely leave.

I was in the market for a Certified Pre-owned Audi and Audi.com is EXCELLENT!!! You can enter all of your criteria and search inventory across the entire country. I began my search back in mid March, and got to know the market quite well (too well Hot Mamma would say since I spend hours researching).

All of the dealers in Chicago were OVERPRICED and basically pricks, most of the other dealerships were just overpriced. Chicago dealers would say "it can't be CPO at that price - they are lying"......and were WRONG. I did find a few that I would consider buying from again, but none were located in Chicago.

Quick recap:

The BEST:
Jack Daniels Motors, FairLawn, NJ - BUY A CAR HERE - http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/05/jack-daniels-motors-fairlawn-nj-april.html

Great:
Paul Miller Audi - Mark Burnett - mburnett@paulmiller.com - Excellent service, knew the industry and was strait with me on any/all questions I had. They just didn’t have the color I wanted or I would have bought from him for sure. http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/05/paul-miller-audi-parsippany-nj-april-29.html

Legend Audi (Amityville NY ) - Michael Bianco - 631-691-7700 Ext. 319 - m.bianco@legendautogroup.com - Great guy, always prompt in returning my calls and really helpful. I was all set to buy a car from them, but it was sold the night before I headed to NYC. Pricing that is right on the mark! http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/05/legend-audi-amityville-ny-april-29.html

Valenti Audi (Watertown, CT) - Keir Hansen - (860) 309-9532 - khansen@valentiauto.com - spoke to him several times on the phone and he was helpful and respectful. Great follow-up! I would have bought from them but they are too far from Manhattan. http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/05/valentine-audi-watertown-ct-april-29.html

Decent:
Manhattan Audi - Jay Rosner - 212-515-8200 - Called and then walked into the showroom around 5 pm. Great guys, friendly and no pressure. I told them how much I wanted to spend; they gave me their bottom line and showed me the inventory. Price was 1K more than anywhere else, but they do have good inventory, and are in Manhattan. http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/05/manhattan-audi-new-york-ny-april-29.html

Not Good:
Laurel Audi (Westmont, IL) - Brian Deepholz (sales) was very professional, Ozzie Haleem (GM of the store) - 630-655-6700 - ozzi@autonation.com - did not like Jason Bulthuis (the Internet manager) and would never work with him-mailto:him-BulthuisJ@autonation.com. This was the first dealership I worked with, they had a great price on a base A6 but when I arrived to test drive the first thing I noticed was the SMELL. Heavy cigarette smoker car.....I axed Brian if it was a smoker car and he admitted it was (never tried to mislead me).
I think it was listed around $24,500 and I offered $23,000, had my checkbook out along with title to my car. Brian had to go to Jason, so I opened my laptop and started working, and when he came back he tried to sell me on the "value".....and it didn’t work.
I met Ozzie the GM who told me to "buy the car", I let him know I thought the price was out of line, and he was pleasant and said it was right. Brian went back to Jason again and said there was a "couple of hundred dollars" they could discount, but that was it. I left and asked him to call if the price came down.
He politely kept in touch, and about 3 weeks later the car was priced under 24K, but when I got back to him the next day it was sold (and that was fine by me). Decent guys, but I will not return for service (very small waiting area, and Continental has a much nicer shop), and would not buy a car here either. http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/05/laurel-audi-westmont-il-april-29.html

Horrible:
Continental Audi (Naperville, IL) - Bill Manrot - 630-388-1000 - A very nice guy who I was referred to by a friend. Easy to work and he was fine. But PRICES that are WAY TOO HIGH, (like 6K too high) and no follow-up. In addition, I did not like the tactic of the sales manager who knew I had a time constraint, but insisted on having Bill tell him my story (so I could hear) and then gave me a low ball offer on my trade in. I will come here for service, but that is it. http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/05/continential-audi-naperville-il-august.html

Worst:
McGrath Audi (Chicago IL) - Never called me back from the response I put in on their web site - http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/05/mcgrath-audi-chicago-il-april-29.html