The story of the 'hobo' going into the dealership to buy....

[monthefish]

There are a few of these stories, you know the ones, the chap in the tatty clothes walks into a prestige dealership and asks to try one of the premium motors, no-one takes him seriously, and then he reveals himself to be a man of substantial means.
I think there was one of these stories once where it culminated with the chap agreeing place a very substantial order on the condition that the salesman who initially treated him with contempt, is fired on the spot.

I think there was also a story - perhaps more likely to be true - that I think I read in a magazine interview with the MD of one of the British Prestige car companies, Bristol perhaps?

Anyway, does anyone have any links to any of these stories?

[monthefish]

CMYKguru said:

Kinky said:

Posted on another thread, but kind of relevant here

A work colleague of mine is 30, but looks about 16 - always has done!

Anyway, he was out looking for a new car, either a Beemer or an Audi. Budget of c. £30k available.

Goes to local BMW main dealer in Basingstoke and basically given the cold shoulder and told to come back in the week when it's quieter as they were busy with customers.

Goes to local Audi main dealer in Basingstoke and given the cold shoulder and totally ignored. When explained what he was after, model, spec, colour, etc, etc; the salemsan tried to fob him off with cars of which none met any of his criteria. Also told that a test drive was out of the question.

He then passed the local Jaguar main dealer in Basingstoke and wandered in, just to have a nose about. He was treated like royalty (his words, not mine), told to have a nose around all the cars and of anything took his fancy, then he could have the keys to take it out. He then found something that he quite fancied; was given the keys and told to bring it back 'within 4 hours'.

4 hours later and 1 car sold

Now owns a XFR-Sport

I've found most Jag dealers are always like that. Even breakers that specialise in Jags answer the phone like your booking afternoon tea The Ritz.

On the other side of the coin, a friends father was a serial XJ buyer and, whenever the new model came out, he would visit the dealership for a test drive but it was almost a formality, the sale was a given.

However, on one occasion when the new model came out (X350 perhaps?), he went into the dealership and was given short shrift by the (I think new) salesman. No test drive allowed there and then, and it was made out to be a very difficult thing to try and arrange.
P'd off, he went across the road to the BMW dealership and tried the 7 series. Liked it. Bought it on the spot. He never went back to Jaguar and I think he's on his third 7 series now....