Your experience of car salesmen?
Discussion
I'm intrigued really, I sit the other side of the desk daily and experience some interesting things regularly.
I'd like to know how people on here who bought from a dealer got on, what they bought and from what type of dealership, Indy or main dealer.
What was the service like, did you enjoy the whole affair?
Like I said, just curious really.
I'd like to know how people on here who bought from a dealer got on, what they bought and from what type of dealership, Indy or main dealer.
What was the service like, did you enjoy the whole affair?
Like I said, just curious really.
The experience of buying two new Jags was way way better than the experience in an Audi or BMW showroom. Audi felt more like a checkout of a supermarket, as they didn't expect you to go elsewhere, both BMW dealers I dealt with were a tad cheesy. All the Jag dealerships seem a cut above.
Generally they lie about the condition of the vehicle and seem to think you will still buy it, or even pay extra to get the bits they told you weren't in sh**e condition put into reasonable condition.
However, today I spoke to one who said he has the exact same problems with dealers when he tries to buy within the trade and can often turn up with his trailer only to find the cars are not as described.
However, today I spoke to one who said he has the exact same problems with dealers when he tries to buy within the trade and can often turn up with his trailer only to find the cars are not as described.
fatboy b said:
The experience of buying two new Jags was way way better than the experience in an Audi or BMW showroom. Audi felt more like a checkout of a supermarket, as they didn't expect you to go elsewhere, both BMW dealers I dealt with were a tad cheesy. All the Jag dealerships seem a cut above.
Are you 2 jags Prescott?Bought two new cars from Main Dealers. Positive experience both times - first time was Fiat - had booked a test drive with the Mrs and we went out with the salesman. Both had a drive - he said there's a tenner in the car - go wherever you like (that goes a fair way in a Fiat 500). Went on a variety of roads, got back to dealership he found a car available within the group in the colour/spec we wanted and did a bit of a deal that we were all happy with. He offered us a showroom car a bit cheaper but was not in Mrs choice of colour so that was that! Went through GAP etc but didn't pressurise. Fair PX value - showed us printout of values etc.
Second time Citroen - walked in - details taken given keys for used example of what we wanted and told to bring it back in an hour or so. Again - fair part ex, decent deal. More pushy than Fiat Salesman but still the right side of the line. When we turned up to collect it he'd put a set of manufacturers mats in car too, which had not been negotiated so was a nice surprise!
Oh, to give some balance, same time as shopping for the Citroen, went into Alfa Romeo first. Salesman was clueless - knew nothing about car - I find that pretty surprising considering they only sell two models (not including 4c). Knew the names of the different equipment levels but not what they came with. Never offered a test drive (I don't expect to be given one as a walk in but thought they might try and arrange one for another day) - only wanted to look at numbers straight away - gave a derisory p/x value. No problem - no moaning - they just didn't get my business.
I feel the rest of this thread will require a bag of popcorn though.
Second time Citroen - walked in - details taken given keys for used example of what we wanted and told to bring it back in an hour or so. Again - fair part ex, decent deal. More pushy than Fiat Salesman but still the right side of the line. When we turned up to collect it he'd put a set of manufacturers mats in car too, which had not been negotiated so was a nice surprise!
Oh, to give some balance, same time as shopping for the Citroen, went into Alfa Romeo first. Salesman was clueless - knew nothing about car - I find that pretty surprising considering they only sell two models (not including 4c). Knew the names of the different equipment levels but not what they came with. Never offered a test drive (I don't expect to be given one as a walk in but thought they might try and arrange one for another day) - only wanted to look at numbers straight away - gave a derisory p/x value. No problem - no moaning - they just didn't get my business.
I feel the rest of this thread will require a bag of popcorn though.
Jaguar - good, friendly, low pressure, polite followup, any test drive, any time
Audi - ok, but a bit high pressure (and I'm in sales) but efficient and business like
Merc - ok, better this last time than 5 years ago
Mazda - excellent
The best in my experience?
Suzuki. Friendly, low pressure, no big fancy corporate garages, small family owned networks. Reasonable negotiation over a cup of tea and a chat. No BS, just direct and clear "what would you like to do a deal today, if you want to". Sale done and polite follow up a few weeks on to check all was ok.
Oh, and Audi corporate. Who got the dates wrong on a loan Audi S4 and left it for 12 days instead of 2.
Went into a Fiat/Alfa dealership with my OH, she wanted to have a look at a MiTo. While she was having an explore, I had a little glance over a Giulietta. Despite saying repeatedly that it was my OH that we were car shopping for, they were desperate for me to place an order for a Giulietta. Towards the end of the "experience", someone with shinier shoes came out and had a crack at the "hard push" for a sale. Ended up walking out, they simply weren't interested in the sole reason we went to the dealership in the first place.
A few months later I'm passing a Citroen dealership, pull in to have a quick glance at a DS5. Friendly sales team, friendly salesman, shows me around a DS5 they have out the back, doesn't push push push, no pressure. Would go again no problem.
Fast forward a year or so, my OH (still without replacement car due to non-car related reasons) finds a car on Autotrader she likes the look of. So on a Saturday afternoon we visit the dealership and very friendly salesman, gives us the keys and lets us explore the car. After 10/15 minutes he comes back out, asks us if we would like him to move the car blocking it in so we can go for an unaccompanied test drive. My OH loves the car, goes home happy. We have a look over the numbers over the following week and decide upon an offer for the car. Ring back the dealership however the car was sold in the meanwhile.
So a bit of a mixed bag really.
A few months later I'm passing a Citroen dealership, pull in to have a quick glance at a DS5. Friendly sales team, friendly salesman, shows me around a DS5 they have out the back, doesn't push push push, no pressure. Would go again no problem.
Fast forward a year or so, my OH (still without replacement car due to non-car related reasons) finds a car on Autotrader she likes the look of. So on a Saturday afternoon we visit the dealership and very friendly salesman, gives us the keys and lets us explore the car. After 10/15 minutes he comes back out, asks us if we would like him to move the car blocking it in so we can go for an unaccompanied test drive. My OH loves the car, goes home happy. We have a look over the numbers over the following week and decide upon an offer for the car. Ring back the dealership however the car was sold in the meanwhile.
So a bit of a mixed bag really.
Muddle238 said:
Fast forward a year or so, my OH (still without replacement car due to non-car related reasons) finds a car on Autotrader she likes the look of. So on a Saturday afternoon we visit the dealership and very friendly salesman, gives us the keys and lets us explore the car. After 10/15 minutes he comes back out, asks us if we would like him to move the car blocking it in so we can go for an unaccompanied test drive. My OH loves the car, goes home happy. We have a look over the numbers over the following week and decide upon an offer for the car. Ring back the dealership however the car was sold in the meanwhile.
I'm struggling to see how this is related to the car salesman?Quite a variety of experiences.
1: When I bought my Volvo from Parks Ayr was very poor.
Test drive was arranged a week in advance, I phoned the day before to re confirm. On arrival at arranged time he dug a tatty old V50 off the forecourt. Drove 2 miles up the road and I drove back.
Foolishly I ordered from him, I thought I would support the Scottish dealer.
Once ordered salesman communication was non existant. Didn't quote for towbar despite 2 emails. Car arrived early and he wanted me to collect within the week, I was in Europe and made him aware of this at point of order the dates I was not available.
When home I arranged to go pick up the car. I live 50 miles away said I would be there about 11am to collect. He tells me to come at 9 we have customers in later!! WTF. I should have walked there and then. Anyway he finally agreed 11.
We arrived at 11, car not ready took him 1 1/2 hours to sort tax. PDI not in service book. Infact book still in sealed wrapper. Have to go back when service desk open to get it stamped.
Neither me nor Volvo CS could get a copy of the check sheet from them.
Never set foot back in the door since.
To be fair to Volvo CS they gave me 2 services and £400 in vouchers which I used for further services.
Have always used LLoyd Volvo in Carlisle Since who have been good. Give a loan car of choice if available.
Stan Palmer Subaru Carlisle: twice have called unannounced and I am unknown to them have just given me the keys and sent me out. Likewise Border Skoda in Dumfries and Ingram in Ayr.
Carlise Audi a wee bit aloof, it's only a bloody Audi nothing really special. Only a short test drive, used prices high
Lloyd BMW Carlisle, I had imagined I would be treated like dirt. I was not. Young asian salesman looked after me very well, product knowledge a wee bit lacking but I think he was fairly new. Got a good test drive in a 120 xdrive.
One of the most bizarre ones was Brown Brothers Mazda in Peebles. Phoned in advance and arranged a test in a 2.0 MX5. Good start, we were given the keys told to take as long as we wanted which was nice, was a good day and nice area.
Car was 1yr old low miles Option Pack. We decided we would buy it, no trade in a cash sale. Salesman started on about lifeshine, with the demo on a wee bit of material and water etc. this was a demo soI asked why if lifeshine is so good is it not applied to demos to keep them looking good. The car was stormy blue and did look good. I cant remember the exact figures but I think they were asking £14.5 which was on a par with similarly aged, higher spec Sport models. I offered 13.8k which was a fair price. He went mental, kicked the filing cabinet, put the paperwork back in and wished us goodbye!. From there we went to Murray Mazda in edinburgh and bought a 2,0 Sport there and then.
2 days later Peebles salesman phoned when swmbo told him we'd bought one he hung up. The whole thing was quite odd.
1: When I bought my Volvo from Parks Ayr was very poor.
Test drive was arranged a week in advance, I phoned the day before to re confirm. On arrival at arranged time he dug a tatty old V50 off the forecourt. Drove 2 miles up the road and I drove back.
Foolishly I ordered from him, I thought I would support the Scottish dealer.
Once ordered salesman communication was non existant. Didn't quote for towbar despite 2 emails. Car arrived early and he wanted me to collect within the week, I was in Europe and made him aware of this at point of order the dates I was not available.
When home I arranged to go pick up the car. I live 50 miles away said I would be there about 11am to collect. He tells me to come at 9 we have customers in later!! WTF. I should have walked there and then. Anyway he finally agreed 11.
We arrived at 11, car not ready took him 1 1/2 hours to sort tax. PDI not in service book. Infact book still in sealed wrapper. Have to go back when service desk open to get it stamped.
Neither me nor Volvo CS could get a copy of the check sheet from them.
Never set foot back in the door since.
To be fair to Volvo CS they gave me 2 services and £400 in vouchers which I used for further services.
Have always used LLoyd Volvo in Carlisle Since who have been good. Give a loan car of choice if available.
Stan Palmer Subaru Carlisle: twice have called unannounced and I am unknown to them have just given me the keys and sent me out. Likewise Border Skoda in Dumfries and Ingram in Ayr.
Carlise Audi a wee bit aloof, it's only a bloody Audi nothing really special. Only a short test drive, used prices high
Lloyd BMW Carlisle, I had imagined I would be treated like dirt. I was not. Young asian salesman looked after me very well, product knowledge a wee bit lacking but I think he was fairly new. Got a good test drive in a 120 xdrive.
One of the most bizarre ones was Brown Brothers Mazda in Peebles. Phoned in advance and arranged a test in a 2.0 MX5. Good start, we were given the keys told to take as long as we wanted which was nice, was a good day and nice area.
Car was 1yr old low miles Option Pack. We decided we would buy it, no trade in a cash sale. Salesman started on about lifeshine, with the demo on a wee bit of material and water etc. this was a demo soI asked why if lifeshine is so good is it not applied to demos to keep them looking good. The car was stormy blue and did look good. I cant remember the exact figures but I think they were asking £14.5 which was on a par with similarly aged, higher spec Sport models. I offered 13.8k which was a fair price. He went mental, kicked the filing cabinet, put the paperwork back in and wished us goodbye!. From there we went to Murray Mazda in edinburgh and bought a 2,0 Sport there and then.
2 days later Peebles salesman phoned when swmbo told him we'd bought one he hung up. The whole thing was quite odd.
Myself and 2 friends recently went to look for new car, we visited BMW, Audi and Mercedes.
BMW- the service was great from the moment we stepped through the door. Everyone was very welcoming, knew the products well and weren't too pushy. The car my friend was looking at was a 235i, and was offered a test drive for the next weekend.
Audi- the service was good, but not great. They were a lot busier than the other two, so I can understand them not approaching us for about 5 minutes or so. I'm after a new S3, and they had one in the showroom, and one of the salesmen was good with all the questions I asked.
Mercedes- we were in the showroom for a good half hour, and not once were we approached. There were only two other couples in the showroom, however plenty of staff at hand, just none of them seemed interested.
BMW- the service was great from the moment we stepped through the door. Everyone was very welcoming, knew the products well and weren't too pushy. The car my friend was looking at was a 235i, and was offered a test drive for the next weekend.
Audi- the service was good, but not great. They were a lot busier than the other two, so I can understand them not approaching us for about 5 minutes or so. I'm after a new S3, and they had one in the showroom, and one of the salesmen was good with all the questions I asked.
Mercedes- we were in the showroom for a good half hour, and not once were we approached. There were only two other couples in the showroom, however plenty of staff at hand, just none of them seemed interested.
av185 said:
fatboy b said:
The experience of buying two new Jags was way way better than the experience in an Audi or BMW showroom. Audi felt more like a checkout of a supermarket, as they didn't expect you to go elsewhere, both BMW dealers I dealt with were a tad cheesy. All the Jag dealerships seem a cut above.
Are you 2 jags Prescott?
Sequential, not concurrent.
Audi dealer in Bedford, asked if someone would show me around a TT outside, 40 minutes later a saleswoman showed up and after a couple of minutes says "my customer has arrived" and walks off. So did I.
Made an appointment at a Audi dealer in Huntingdon to see a manual, quattro, petrol, TT or TTS. Got there and they didn't have one.
Friend of mine wanted to buy a nearly new Fiesta from a Ford dealer nr Huntingdon, cocky salesman wouldn't have it serviced despite it having covered under 1k miles and being due in less than a month. Same salesman wouldn't do a sensible deal on a new Fiesta ST last year, he lost 2 sales to competing dealers.
BMW bike dealer...
Sales people if you're going to fake sincerity keep it up after the sale, heard of repeat business ?
Strangely the parts guys in all these dealers seem spot on.
Made an appointment at a Audi dealer in Huntingdon to see a manual, quattro, petrol, TT or TTS. Got there and they didn't have one.
Friend of mine wanted to buy a nearly new Fiesta from a Ford dealer nr Huntingdon, cocky salesman wouldn't have it serviced despite it having covered under 1k miles and being due in less than a month. Same salesman wouldn't do a sensible deal on a new Fiesta ST last year, he lost 2 sales to competing dealers.
BMW bike dealer...
Sales people if you're going to fake sincerity keep it up after the sale, heard of repeat business ?
Strangely the parts guys in all these dealers seem spot on.
Edited by blade7 on Saturday 10th January 22:05
Second car I ever bought was a mk1 2000 Audi TT. Those that know the cars know about the dreaded dashpod problem. Some of the instruments on the dash stop functioning properly and the only solution at the time was to get a new pod and pay for an Audi dealer to code it in.
Anyway, I bought this car from an independent garage. Had a decent test drive and arranged a deal whereby I would get a full tank of fuel. On collection the fuel gauge read full however within a week the fuel warning light came up even though the gauge registered half a tank. It seemed that my car had the start of the dreaded dashpod problem which manifested itself in a fuel gauge which over read. The supplying garage knew this as they only filled it until the needle went to full and not over which it would do as it was faulty.
Tried to get the fault sorted under their warranty but kept getting fobbed off.
Finally got Audi UK to sort it free of charge as the car had a full audi service history and it was a known problem.
Anyway, I bought this car from an independent garage. Had a decent test drive and arranged a deal whereby I would get a full tank of fuel. On collection the fuel gauge read full however within a week the fuel warning light came up even though the gauge registered half a tank. It seemed that my car had the start of the dreaded dashpod problem which manifested itself in a fuel gauge which over read. The supplying garage knew this as they only filled it until the needle went to full and not over which it would do as it was faulty.
Tried to get the fault sorted under their warranty but kept getting fobbed off.
Finally got Audi UK to sort it free of charge as the car had a full audi service history and it was a known problem.
shake n bake said:
... did you enjoy the whole affair?
I haven't enjoyed the last couple of franchise dealer purchases - the dealership (not just the salesman, you get beaten up by a whole army of staff) have been almost totally focused on selling finance and other add-ons.After getting the WBAC price for our p/x on the last deal I've resolved I'll buy our next new car using DriveTheDeal or similar broker.
The brand they represent seems to have little impact on whether they are good or not. The franchisees have nothing to do with the manufacturers. You'll find good and bad BMW dealers, or good and bad Audi dealers.
But at the risk of upsetting people, I would say 95% of car dealers lie through their teeth because they can, most of the time. Far more dishonest that any other unregulated profession I know.
But at the risk of upsetting people, I would say 95% of car dealers lie through their teeth because they can, most of the time. Far more dishonest that any other unregulated profession I know.
I've bought quite a few cars from main dealers mainly BMW and they are fine, do they make mistakes? Yes, but so do I.
I've never had "amazing service" but I don't expect it just fair and honest + friendly will do me.
There are always so many people on PH with stories of "he didn't do that" "he didn't know this" "wouldn't let me do this" "I was ignored!" I do wonder about people sometimes....
I've never had "amazing service" but I don't expect it just fair and honest + friendly will do me.
There are always so many people on PH with stories of "he didn't do that" "he didn't know this" "wouldn't let me do this" "I was ignored!" I do wonder about people sometimes....
Mercedes - had a couple of awful experiences a few years ago where one of them shouted at me down the phone for "getting him a b
king" after I rated him low on the feedback form as he was so useles. The next guy put his sales figures for the month above customer service. Then we bought another and the dealer was excellent. Last Merc the dealer was useless so we went back to the one we liked and he got the car brought over - easiest sale for him. When will they realise if you give a good service people will come back?
VW - not bad, Bit like an M&S shopping trip
Porsche - a bit weird. Pleasant but robotic. I couldn't PX my 997.1 to him ( we don't take those sir - too old). A couple of years later they have a couple of 996's ... Then I aslk twice to sell the 997.2 back to them - no response
Aston Martin - totally incompetent. I was looking forward to the experience - the dealer has totally ruined it.
Maybe I am fussy but good service and honesty costs nothing.
king" after I rated him low on the feedback form as he was so useles. The next guy put his sales figures for the month above customer service. Then we bought another and the dealer was excellent. Last Merc the dealer was useless so we went back to the one we liked and he got the car brought over - easiest sale for him. When will they realise if you give a good service people will come back?VW - not bad, Bit like an M&S shopping trip
Porsche - a bit weird. Pleasant but robotic. I couldn't PX my 997.1 to him ( we don't take those sir - too old). A couple of years later they have a couple of 996's ... Then I aslk twice to sell the 997.2 back to them - no response
Aston Martin - totally incompetent. I was looking forward to the experience - the dealer has totally ruined it.
Maybe I am fussy but good service and honesty costs nothing.
Edited by sooty61 on Saturday 10th January 23:29
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