[SIZE=16px][B][COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)]Dmarque[/COLOR][/B][/SIZE]/ New member:
Hello All~!
I’ve been driving German marques since 1983, predominantly BMW but also hold Porsche and Audi in the stable. I needed a larger cargo vehicle that would carry the camera gear for 2 photographers since both my wife and I are wildlife photographers. While the Audi Q7 and the BMW X7 are both accommodating I thought that they were too high profile for off road and leaving unattended for 4 to 6 hours. I seriously considered the Yukon Denali but the ride was so harsh that it left me cold after years of driving serious German sleds like BMW. My sister Joan introduced me to the Telluride and I was extremely cynical about the prospect of that as my next tour vehicle. Following her suggestion, I read many reviews on the Telluride that were amazingly supportive. So I reluctantly went to my local dealer for a test drive. What really swung me was the fact that former designers from BMW, Audi and Lamborghini had all been involved in the creation of this new vehicle. It was apparent as I got into the car and recognized some of the appointments that were reminiscent of my Porsche. What really started to turn me into a buyer was driving the vehicle and experiencing the significant difference between how it handled versus the GMC Yukon. In comparison the Yukon felt like a covered wagon where the Telluride felt and handled more like an Audi. I was impressed enough right away that I offered to buy one immediately but the dealer explained there would be a minimum six month wait and an added premium of $7,500. I explained to the dealer that the practice of charging a premium on a car that is temporarily in short supply and in high demand is akin to selling high priced bottled water after a New Orleans flood. I suggested that this was not just a single transaction but potentially the building of a long-term relationship if all things played out properly and his dealership provided good support over the next 5 years of ownership. I further explained that I have been buying BMWs for 40 years and that I have never paid a markup over MSRP. I saw no reason to pay a premium for a car when I was not “buying off the lot” but willing to wait for it to be built. Time was on my side since I had no need for the car until the quarantine was behind us and photo tours became possible again since presently the country is in pandemic mode. He said well OK if you want to wait for six months we’ll get you the exact car that you want at the price that you want. The estimated six month wait turned into just three months and the car actually arrived on my birthday. I purchased the SX model Premium package in Moss green with All-wheel drive and Napa leather interior. I ordered both the carpet mats as well as the all weather mats because there are times in Michigan when after a photography event I’m covered in snow or wet from standing in a stream. Prior to the Telluride’s arrival I ordered the original OEM badging to replace All the Kia badging. I’m scheduled for the 28th to have that done by a local Autobody shop that does extraordinary work. I’m anxious to see how the all weather tires perform in the snow as I typically buy two sets of wheels for each car. I maintain one set for summer and a second set for the winter snow here in Michigan. As soon as the quarantine lifts we are scheduled for a trip to Florida in the early spring followed by a second trip to Utah In late May. Excited for the opportunity to put this girl to work. Thanks sister Joanie for discovering the Telluride. It’s gonna be a great ride for what we need I’m sure!! Thanks for providing the forum Sal-!
Happy Trails~!
DMARQUE
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hello All~!
I’ve been driving German marques since 1983, predominantly BMW but also hold Porsche and Audi in the stable. I needed a larger cargo vehicle that would carry the camera gear for 2 photographers since both my wife and I are wildlife photographers. While the Audi Q7 and the BMW X7 are both accommodating I thought that they were too high profile for off road and leaving unattended for 4 to 6 hours. I seriously considered the Yukon Denali but the ride was so harsh that it left me cold after years of driving serious German sleds like BMW. My sister Joan introduced me to the Telluride and I was extremely cynical about the prospect of that as my next tour vehicle. Following her suggestion, I read many reviews on the Telluride that were amazingly supportive. So I reluctantly went to my local dealer for a test drive. What really swung me was the fact that former designers from BMW, Audi and Lamborghini had all been involved in the creation of this new vehicle. It was apparent as I got into the car and recognized some of the appointments that were reminiscent of my Porsche. What really started to turn me into a buyer was driving the vehicle and experiencing the significant difference between how it handled versus the GMC Yukon. In comparison the Yukon felt like a covered wagon where the Telluride felt and handled more like an Audi. I was impressed enough right away that I offered to buy one immediately but the dealer explained there would be a minimum six month wait and an added premium of $7,500. I explained to the dealer that the practice of charging a premium on a car that is temporarily in short supply and in high demand is akin to selling high priced bottled water after a New Orleans flood. I suggested that this was not just a single transaction but potentially the building of a long-term relationship if all things played out properly and his dealership provided good support over the next 5 years of ownership. I further explained that I have been buying BMWs for 40 years and that I have never paid a markup over MSRP. I saw no reason to pay a premium for a car when I was not “buying off the lot” but willing to wait for it to be built. Time was on my side since I had no need for the car until the quarantine was behind us and photo tours became possible again since presently the country is in pandemic mode. He said well OK if you want to wait for six months we’ll get you the exact car that you want at the price that you want. The estimated six month wait turned into just three months and the car actually arrived on my birthday. I purchased the SX model Premium package in Moss green with All-wheel drive and Napa leather interior. I ordered both the carpet mats as well as the all weather mats because there are times in Michigan when after a photography event I’m covered in snow or wet from standing in a stream. Prior to the Telluride’s arrival I ordered the original OEM badging to replace All the Kia badging. I’m scheduled for the 28th to have that done by a local Autobody shop that does extraordinary work. I’m anxious to see how the all weather tires perform in the snow as I typically buy two sets of wheels for each car. I maintain one set for summer and a second set for the winter snow here in Michigan. As soon as the quarantine lifts we are scheduled for a trip to Florida in the early spring followed by a second trip to Utah In late May. Excited for the opportunity to put this girl to work. Thanks sister Joanie for discovering the Telluride. It’s gonna be a great ride for what we need I’m sure!! Thanks for providing the forum Sal-!
Happy Trails~!
DMARQUE
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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