Dealer attitudes
Discussion
Had an interesting experience today.
Went to look at a few BMW 5 series, one at a main dealer, one at a large independant.
Main dealer was, to be honest, downright rude. I explained immediately, that i had never driven a new model 5 series, and i have never driven a diesel beemer. So i wanted a test drive to see if a 525 would do or if i had to have the extra performance of the 530d. He flatly refused to give me a test drive without discussing a deal first. I had told him that i would be buying outright so finance was not in question. So , feeling quite angry, left to see the nearby BMW indie.
This was worse! I at least got to SIT in the car this time, but yet again, the attitude was, that "sir, we sell upwards of 30 diesels a week, our customers do not need to test drive the car". What complete bollox. Listen to the customer!
This has only reinforced the usual stereotype that "some" BMW drivers have is alive and well at dealers too. I even feel incensed enough to write to BMW HQ. I will never buy a BMW.
So , feeling more wounded, i went back to my local saab dealer. Was handed the keys to several cars, took one out for an hour or so, came back and drove another one for 30 mins. No hassle, no questions, and upon my return he gave me a valuation for my car and the difference to change up to the one that i liked. What a difference. Even enjoyed the coffee. My pal that came with me was also offered a drive despite him saying that he wasnt buying a car.
Guess where my money is going ?
Went to look at a few BMW 5 series, one at a main dealer, one at a large independant.
Main dealer was, to be honest, downright rude. I explained immediately, that i had never driven a new model 5 series, and i have never driven a diesel beemer. So i wanted a test drive to see if a 525 would do or if i had to have the extra performance of the 530d. He flatly refused to give me a test drive without discussing a deal first. I had told him that i would be buying outright so finance was not in question. So , feeling quite angry, left to see the nearby BMW indie.
This was worse! I at least got to SIT in the car this time, but yet again, the attitude was, that "sir, we sell upwards of 30 diesels a week, our customers do not need to test drive the car". What complete bollox. Listen to the customer!
This has only reinforced the usual stereotype that "some" BMW drivers have is alive and well at dealers too. I even feel incensed enough to write to BMW HQ. I will never buy a BMW.
So , feeling more wounded, i went back to my local saab dealer. Was handed the keys to several cars, took one out for an hour or so, came back and drove another one for 30 mins. No hassle, no questions, and upon my return he gave me a valuation for my car and the difference to change up to the one that i liked. What a difference. Even enjoyed the coffee. My pal that came with me was also offered a drive despite him saying that he wasnt buying a car.
Guess where my money is going ?
Edited by Saabyfox on Saturday 19th August 20:29
Saabyfox said:
Had an interesting experience today.
Went to look at a few BMW 5 series, one at a main dealer, one at a large independant.
Main dealer was, to be honest, downright rude. I explained immediately, that i had never driven a new model 5 series, and i have never driven a diesel beemer. So i wanted a test drive to see if a 525 would do or if i had to have the extra performance of the 530d. He flatly refused to give me a test drive without discussing a deal first. I had told him that i would be buying outright so finance was not in question. So , feeling quite angry, left to see the nearby BMW indie.
This was worse! I at least got to SIT in the car this time, but yet again, the attitude was, that "sir, we sell upwards of 30 diesels a week, our customers do not need to test drive the car". What complete bollox. Listen to the customer!
This has only reinforced the usual stereotype that "some" BMW drivers have is alive and well at dealers too. I even feel incensed enough to write to BMW HQ. I will never buy a BMW.
So , feeling more wounded, i went back to my local saab dealer. Was handed the keys to several cars, took one out for an hour or so, came back and drove another one for 30 mins. No hassle, no questions, and upon my return he gave me a valuation for my car and the difference to change up to the one that i liked. What a difference. Even enjoyed the coffee. My pal that came with me was also offered a drive despite him saying that he wasnt buying a car.
Guess where my money is going ?
Went to look at a few BMW 5 series, one at a main dealer, one at a large independant.
Main dealer was, to be honest, downright rude. I explained immediately, that i had never driven a new model 5 series, and i have never driven a diesel beemer. So i wanted a test drive to see if a 525 would do or if i had to have the extra performance of the 530d. He flatly refused to give me a test drive without discussing a deal first. I had told him that i would be buying outright so finance was not in question. So , feeling quite angry, left to see the nearby BMW indie.
This was worse! I at least got to SIT in the car this time, but yet again, the attitude was, that "sir, we sell upwards of 30 diesels a week, our customers do not need to test drive the car". What complete bollox. Listen to the customer!
This has only reinforced the usual stereotype that "some" BMW drivers have is alive and well at dealers too. I even feel incensed enough to write to BMW HQ. I will never buy a BMW.
So , feeling more wounded, i went back to my local saab dealer. Was handed the keys to several cars, took one out for an hour or so, came back and drove another one for 30 mins. No hassle, no questions, and upon my return he gave me a valuation for my car and the difference to change up to the one that i liked. What a difference. Even enjoyed the coffee. My pal that came with me was also offered a drive despite him saying that he wasnt buying a car.
Guess where my money is going ?
Edited by Saabyfox on Saturday 19th August 20:29
It is a shame Mark, of you are able to make the trip and havent made your final decision I would suggest popping up to Dick Lovett at Hungerford or Swindon (Hampshire's not a million miles). I would guarantee you wouldnt be treated badly. Having said that if you have set your heart on a Saab, I can say I was very impressed with the diesel Saab I drove last year.
Edited by CatherineJ on Saturday 19th August 20:52
beyond rational said:
No excuse, but probably didn't help that it was two blokes, probably thought you'd take it out for a laugh
Well i did think of that, but, to be honest, my mate was still sitting in my car whilst i was in the first dealership as he was making a phonecall, so obviously it was just me that offended the dealer
Personally, I'd drive in to BOTH dealerships, in the new Saab, and ask politely to speak with the Dealer Principle or Sales Manager.
Take them outside, and show them your new car, letting them know their wonderful sale persons were SO helpful, they made your mind up to never buy a BMW.
I'd even go so far as to point them out (even if you can remember their names) inside, making sure they catch your eye when doing so - smile and wave remember - and then leave after shaking the SM or DP's hand, thanking them.
If nothing else, you'll have them reprimanded (or sacked if it's not the first complaint) and future women buyers to be taken more seriously.
Take them outside, and show them your new car, letting them know their wonderful sale persons were SO helpful, they made your mind up to never buy a BMW.
I'd even go so far as to point them out (even if you can remember their names) inside, making sure they catch your eye when doing so - smile and wave remember - and then leave after shaking the SM or DP's hand, thanking them.
If nothing else, you'll have them reprimanded (or sacked if it's not the first complaint) and future women buyers to be taken more seriously.
Saabyfox said:
I even feel incensed enough to write to BMW HQ. I will never buy a BMW.
Don't bother, the best course of action is write directly to the Dealer Principle of the dealership, remember these are independent dealers and things tend to get diluted on the way down and certainly on the way up. Make you sure you get the guys name also, saves an awful lot of time. This approach will go straight to the root of the problem and be alot quicker, it will see if the dealership is worth its salt as to the response you get. In most cases you will (should) get the full red carpet treatment when you're invited back to the dealership, if you choose to go again that is, its up to you. When i worked in a main dealership, the Sales Manager used to ask me to sort these problems out as we had to get the CSI score back up to as close as 100% as possible, nothing was too much trouble as far as i was concerned.
Good luck with your purchase.
pjskel said:
Personally, I'd drive in to BOTH dealerships, in the new Saab, and ask politely to speak with the Dealer Principle or Sales Manager.
Take them outside, and show them your new car, letting them know their wonderful sale persons were SO helpful, they made your mind up to never buy a BMW.
I'd even go so far as to point them out (even if you can remember their names) inside, making sure they catch your eye when doing so - smile and wave remember - and then leave after shaking the SM or DP's hand, thanking them.
If nothing else, you'll have them reprimanded (or sacked if it's not the first complaint) and future women buyers to be taken more seriously.
Take them outside, and show them your new car, letting them know their wonderful sale persons were SO helpful, they made your mind up to never buy a BMW.
I'd even go so far as to point them out (even if you can remember their names) inside, making sure they catch your eye when doing so - smile and wave remember - and then leave after shaking the SM or DP's hand, thanking them.
If nothing else, you'll have them reprimanded (or sacked if it's not the first complaint) and future women buyers to be taken more seriously.
Future women buyers ? Dont remember having the Op ?
Seriously, i might complain to the dealership. I wouldnt expect that attitude if i was buying something from a teenager in Dixons let alone a multi million pound BMW dealership.
And Oh yes i remember their names.
I've been in to my local BMW dealer several times in the last few years, but have never actually managed to speak to a salesperson.
To be fair, they're all sitting at desks with customers and seem to be busy writing up orders. I can only assume that they can so easily sell so many cars that they really don't have to bother with test drives and other such trivial matters.
To be fair, they're all sitting at desks with customers and seem to be busy writing up orders. I can only assume that they can so easily sell so many cars that they really don't have to bother with test drives and other such trivial matters.
Worst treatment I've ever received : a Porsche dealer in Guildford. The guy was so unbelievably rude he actually made me flush with humiliation. At the time I was on my third (used) Porsche and if he'd been doing his job properly he should have identified me as a serious prospect. What an absolute to55er.
Next worst: a Lotus dealer. Was ignored for about 15 minutes in the showroom when I had money burning a hole in my pocket. The day after I took delivery of the car, one of the headlamps broke and wouldn't pop up which was nasty since it happened at night. When I telephoned to arrange for them to fix it the salesman tried to laugh it off. Seemed to think it was very amusing.
Best treatment ever received: Mercedes dealer once where the saleswoman sussed us out almost instantly, gave us the keys to her car and let us take it out unsupervised. As a result we ordered a new one from her.
Also was very well treated by a Renault dealer
With the exception of that one woman in a Mercedes dealer I've always been unimpressed by the inability of sales people to identify me as a genuine prospect. Surely that's their job???
Next worst: a Lotus dealer. Was ignored for about 15 minutes in the showroom when I had money burning a hole in my pocket. The day after I took delivery of the car, one of the headlamps broke and wouldn't pop up which was nasty since it happened at night. When I telephoned to arrange for them to fix it the salesman tried to laugh it off. Seemed to think it was very amusing.
Best treatment ever received: Mercedes dealer once where the saleswoman sussed us out almost instantly, gave us the keys to her car and let us take it out unsupervised. As a result we ordered a new one from her.
Also was very well treated by a Renault dealer
With the exception of that one woman in a Mercedes dealer I've always been unimpressed by the inability of sales people to identify me as a genuine prospect. Surely that's their job???
Worst recent experience was local VW dealer. They were showcasing the new Eos to the dressed-up wine and canapes brigade. I eventually managed to intercept a sales person and asked simply for a Passat brochure. Was invited to go away and return some other time as they were rather busy right now. Second request got a similar but ruder response. Goodbye VW.
Best two responses were :
Skoda dealer in N Yorks. Went in to look at a Fabia vRS and was hooning around the moors, without any salesperson, 15 mins later. Bought the car same day.
Local Honda dealer. Took wife in to look at Jazz for her. 30 mins later, after chat, coffee, model & options run-through, we're driving out in a demo having been told "take as long as you like". Bought the Jazz same day as well.
Next car ? Either Skoda or Honda.
Best two responses were :
Skoda dealer in N Yorks. Went in to look at a Fabia vRS and was hooning around the moors, without any salesperson, 15 mins later. Bought the car same day.
Local Honda dealer. Took wife in to look at Jazz for her. 30 mins later, after chat, coffee, model & options run-through, we're driving out in a demo having been told "take as long as you like". Bought the Jazz same day as well.
Next car ? Either Skoda or Honda.
skodaku said:
Local Honda dealer. Took wife in to look at Jazz for her. 30 mins later, after chat, coffee, model & options run-through, we're driving out in a demo having been told "take as long as you like". Bought the Jazz same day as well.
I had exactly the same experience buying a Jazz for my mum..... very helpful , long test drive , ordered one the same afternoon
Not meaning to stir things up! but.....
I am a salesman at a VW dealership, I am not going to defend the treatment that has been lsited here as it is atrocious and I pride myself on customer care, but, can you imagine how many idiots we get in that are just out for a hoon in our cars?
I would wager that for every customer that is a serious prospect on something special like an EOS, Golf GTI or R32 there are 10 or 15 people who either have no intention of buying the car or can't afford it. It is not just demoralising from a 'why am I wasting my time' point of view but you also have to explain to the Sales Manger or Dealer Principal why their car has just been thrashed for no reason.
We get paid on results and not test drives, so while I am not excusing the bad service listed here, it is important to remember that we are paid to serve and not be subservient.
If I am asked for a demo then yes I will ask you a few questions, I want to know if the car is for you, if you are paying for it, if so have you got a part exchange etc... I will not try to arrange a deal before a demo, this is because a demo is an important part of you falling in love with a car, but if you say you are looking to pay £15k for a Golf GTI then I am sorry but you aren't driving my GTI, irrespective of who you will write to.
By the way, writing to the dealer principal may work but he may also look at it from a diifferent perspective, he wont be concerned about Customer satisfaction surveys as they are only for customers who have bought and not people who would have bought.
Like I said, I think the way you have been treated is terrible and not at all how I would have treated you but PLEASE remember, we are here to earn money and not conduct joy rides (not saying this was your intention before I get flamed)this is not our choicem it is our situation.
Bubba
I am a salesman at a VW dealership, I am not going to defend the treatment that has been lsited here as it is atrocious and I pride myself on customer care, but, can you imagine how many idiots we get in that are just out for a hoon in our cars?
I would wager that for every customer that is a serious prospect on something special like an EOS, Golf GTI or R32 there are 10 or 15 people who either have no intention of buying the car or can't afford it. It is not just demoralising from a 'why am I wasting my time' point of view but you also have to explain to the Sales Manger or Dealer Principal why their car has just been thrashed for no reason.
We get paid on results and not test drives, so while I am not excusing the bad service listed here, it is important to remember that we are paid to serve and not be subservient.
If I am asked for a demo then yes I will ask you a few questions, I want to know if the car is for you, if you are paying for it, if so have you got a part exchange etc... I will not try to arrange a deal before a demo, this is because a demo is an important part of you falling in love with a car, but if you say you are looking to pay £15k for a Golf GTI then I am sorry but you aren't driving my GTI, irrespective of who you will write to.
By the way, writing to the dealer principal may work but he may also look at it from a diifferent perspective, he wont be concerned about Customer satisfaction surveys as they are only for customers who have bought and not people who would have bought.
Like I said, I think the way you have been treated is terrible and not at all how I would have treated you but PLEASE remember, we are here to earn money and not conduct joy rides (not saying this was your intention before I get flamed)this is not our choicem it is our situation.
Bubba
Saabyfox said:
pjskel said:
Personally, I'd drive in to BOTH dealerships, in the new Saab, and ask politely to speak with the Dealer Principle or Sales Manager.
Take them outside, and show them your new car, letting them know their wonderful sale persons were SO helpful, they made your mind up to never buy a BMW.
I'd even go so far as to point them out (even if you can remember their names) inside, making sure they catch your eye when doing so - smile and wave remember - and then leave after shaking the SM or DP's hand, thanking them.
If nothing else, you'll have them reprimanded (or sacked if it's not the first complaint) and future women buyers to be taken more seriously.
Take them outside, and show them your new car, letting them know their wonderful sale persons were SO helpful, they made your mind up to never buy a BMW.
I'd even go so far as to point them out (even if you can remember their names) inside, making sure they catch your eye when doing so - smile and wave remember - and then leave after shaking the SM or DP's hand, thanking them.
If nothing else, you'll have them reprimanded (or sacked if it's not the first complaint) and future women buyers to be taken more seriously.
Future women buyers ? Dont remember having the Op ?
Seriously, i might complain to the dealership. I wouldnt expect that attitude if i was buying something from a teenager in Dixons let alone a multi million pound BMW dealership.
And Oh yes i remember their names.
Oh
! Sorry Mark - don't know why I was convinced you were one of the female PH contingent.
:sorelydeeplyembarressedsmilie:
Quick plug here for Carol Gill at John Gill (Morgan dealers) at Bedale North Yorkshire...:-)
Early last year, purely by chance, Mrs WR and I were driving past said garage, situated in the picturesque town of Bedale...
As we were driving along, my attention was drawn to the Morgan sign, outside the garage, and as I had owned a Plus 8 nearly thirty years ago, I decided to stop and have a look at the cars for old times sake....
I explained to Carol that I had absolutely no intention of buying anything, and purchasing a new car was the furthest thing from my mind, but just fancied a look around as I had owned one previously..... she replied "Take the keys to the demonstrator there, and take as long as you like"....
To cut a long story short, after a half hour drive through the idyllic Yorkshire countryside, happy memories floodied back, so after not much deliberation I decided to place my order...
Carol met up with us at Morgan works in Malvern Link, (a drive for her of nearly 200 miles)
to explain all the options when we specced the car, and stayed there, the best part of the day, after buying us a slap up lunch in a nice local pub, service above and beyond.........
Then,later on, she kindly drove to the nearest railway station to pick us up, on the day we took delivery of the car...
So please don't tar all dealers with the same brush.........
Early last year, purely by chance, Mrs WR and I were driving past said garage, situated in the picturesque town of Bedale...
As we were driving along, my attention was drawn to the Morgan sign, outside the garage, and as I had owned a Plus 8 nearly thirty years ago, I decided to stop and have a look at the cars for old times sake....
I explained to Carol that I had absolutely no intention of buying anything, and purchasing a new car was the furthest thing from my mind, but just fancied a look around as I had owned one previously..... she replied "Take the keys to the demonstrator there, and take as long as you like"....
To cut a long story short, after a half hour drive through the idyllic Yorkshire countryside, happy memories floodied back, so after not much deliberation I decided to place my order...
Carol met up with us at Morgan works in Malvern Link, (a drive for her of nearly 200 miles)
to explain all the options when we specced the car, and stayed there, the best part of the day, after buying us a slap up lunch in a nice local pub, service above and beyond......... Then,later on, she kindly drove to the nearest railway station to pick us up, on the day we took delivery of the car...
So please don't tar all dealers with the same brush.........
bigbubba said:
Not meaning to stir things up! but.....
I am a salesman at a VW dealership, I am not going to defend the treatment that has been lsited here as it is atrocious and I pride myself on customer care, but, can you imagine how many idiots we get in that are just out for a hoon in our cars?
I would wager that for every customer that is a serious prospect on something special like an EOS, Golf GTI or R32 there are 10 or 15 people who either have no intention of buying the car or can't afford it. It is not just demoralising from a 'why am I wasting my time' point of view but you also have to explain to the Sales Manger or Dealer Principal why their car has just been thrashed for no reason.
We get paid on results and not test drives, so while I am not excusing the bad service listed here, it is important to remember that we are paid to serve and not be subservient.
If I am asked for a demo then yes I will ask you a few questions, I want to know if the car is for you, if you are paying for it, if so have you got a part exchange etc... I will not try to arrange a deal before a demo, this is because a demo is an important part of you falling in love with a car, but if you say you are looking to pay £15k for a Golf GTI then I am sorry but you aren't driving my GTI, irrespective of who you will write to.
By the way, writing to the dealer principal may work but he may also look at it from a diifferent perspective, he wont be concerned about Customer satisfaction surveys as they are only for customers who have bought and not people who would have bought.
Like I said, I think the way you have been treated is terrible and not at all how I would have treated you but PLEASE remember, we are here to earn money and not conduct joy rides (not saying this was your intention before I get flamed)this is not our choicem it is our situation.
Bubba
I am a salesman at a VW dealership, I am not going to defend the treatment that has been lsited here as it is atrocious and I pride myself on customer care, but, can you imagine how many idiots we get in that are just out for a hoon in our cars?
I would wager that for every customer that is a serious prospect on something special like an EOS, Golf GTI or R32 there are 10 or 15 people who either have no intention of buying the car or can't afford it. It is not just demoralising from a 'why am I wasting my time' point of view but you also have to explain to the Sales Manger or Dealer Principal why their car has just been thrashed for no reason.
We get paid on results and not test drives, so while I am not excusing the bad service listed here, it is important to remember that we are paid to serve and not be subservient.
If I am asked for a demo then yes I will ask you a few questions, I want to know if the car is for you, if you are paying for it, if so have you got a part exchange etc... I will not try to arrange a deal before a demo, this is because a demo is an important part of you falling in love with a car, but if you say you are looking to pay £15k for a Golf GTI then I am sorry but you aren't driving my GTI, irrespective of who you will write to.
By the way, writing to the dealer principal may work but he may also look at it from a diifferent perspective, he wont be concerned about Customer satisfaction surveys as they are only for customers who have bought and not people who would have bought.
Like I said, I think the way you have been treated is terrible and not at all how I would have treated you but PLEASE remember, we are here to earn money and not conduct joy rides (not saying this was your intention before I get flamed)this is not our choicem it is our situation.
Bubba
Bubba i had a golf mk4 , got treated like shit by the dealer , like most sheep thought german cars were the best , will never think that again thanks to VW and thier shite customer service and even craper cars
I hear what you are saying,
However,
You CAN NOT please everybody all of the time, this is not specific to my industry but any industry. It doesn't matter who you are, what you do, you can not be 100% to everybody all of the time. If you think you can then you are robotic.
With regard to the cars being shit, it is down to a few factors, personal opinion, friday cars (yes they do happen) and perceived expectations.
Don't forget that Mercedes are only just pulling out of a period of about 10 years of making cars that were on average less reliable and poorer built than Vauxhalls of the same time. Did people still buy them? - of course they did, they are Mercedes, the best in the world right?
I used to sell Renaults, I spent 8 years doing that, the are one of the best, if not the best of innovation. Unfortunately they can not back this up with quality and reliability. When I moved to VW, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Generally speaking the cars are built well and they are reliable. They do have their faults but I can tell you that this is deliberate. If VW's were built to the capabilities of the factory then they would infinge on Audis. This rings true as you go down through the VW range to Seat and Skoda. I ma sure I will get people saying that their Octavia is better built than their neighbours dogs aunties Passat, but generally this is the story.
I dont want to start an argument, I dont deal well with confrontation! I just wanted to put an 'industry' slant to the discussion.
I know that you say you will never deal with VW again just because of your bad experience but we aren't all that bad. I actually enjoy my job and I will drop everything if one of my customers needs my time.
Bubba
However,
You CAN NOT please everybody all of the time, this is not specific to my industry but any industry. It doesn't matter who you are, what you do, you can not be 100% to everybody all of the time. If you think you can then you are robotic.
With regard to the cars being shit, it is down to a few factors, personal opinion, friday cars (yes they do happen) and perceived expectations.
Don't forget that Mercedes are only just pulling out of a period of about 10 years of making cars that were on average less reliable and poorer built than Vauxhalls of the same time. Did people still buy them? - of course they did, they are Mercedes, the best in the world right?
I used to sell Renaults, I spent 8 years doing that, the are one of the best, if not the best of innovation. Unfortunately they can not back this up with quality and reliability. When I moved to VW, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Generally speaking the cars are built well and they are reliable. They do have their faults but I can tell you that this is deliberate. If VW's were built to the capabilities of the factory then they would infinge on Audis. This rings true as you go down through the VW range to Seat and Skoda. I ma sure I will get people saying that their Octavia is better built than their neighbours dogs aunties Passat, but generally this is the story.
I dont want to start an argument, I dont deal well with confrontation! I just wanted to put an 'industry' slant to the discussion.
I know that you say you will never deal with VW again just because of your bad experience but we aren't all that bad. I actually enjoy my job and I will drop everything if one of my customers needs my time.
Bubba
I know what you mean bubba but Vw has left a bad taste in my mouth i will not want another vw product for a long time, i have had loads of fords over the last 6 years and apart from servicing they have never put a foot wrong , im now driving the dullest car on the planet .... a Vectra 150ps CDti stupidly it was my choice out of a vw ford or vauxhall. ok its not great at handling but everything else is passat like , fantastic build and rocketship performance from the diesel lump (once chipped) , in this class of car the mondeo is hard to bea , but ford ruined it with cost cutting measures which is a real shame.
Saabyfox said:
Had an interesting experience today.
Went to look at a few BMW 5 series, one at a main dealer, one at a large independant.
Main dealer was, to be honest, downright rude. I explained immediately, that i had never driven a new model 5 series, and i have never driven a diesel beemer. So i wanted a test drive to see if a 525 would do or if i had to have the extra performance of the 530d. He flatly refused to give me a test drive without discussing a deal first. I had told him that i would be buying outright so finance was not in question. So , feeling quite angry, left to see the nearby BMW indie.
This was worse! I at least got to SIT in the car this time, but yet again, the attitude was, that "sir, we sell upwards of 30 diesels a week, our customers do not need to test drive the car". What complete bollox. Listen to the customer!
This has only reinforced the usual stereotype that "some" BMW drivers have is alive and well at dealers too. I even feel incensed enough to write to BMW HQ. I will never buy a BMW.
So , feeling more wounded, i went back to my local saab dealer. Was handed the keys to several cars, took one out for an hour or so, came back and drove another one for 30 mins. No hassle, no questions, and upon my return he gave me a valuation for my car and the difference to change up to the one that i liked. What a difference. Even enjoyed the coffee. My pal that came with me was also offered a drive despite him saying that he wasnt buying a car.
Guess where my money is going ?
Went to look at a few BMW 5 series, one at a main dealer, one at a large independant.
Main dealer was, to be honest, downright rude. I explained immediately, that i had never driven a new model 5 series, and i have never driven a diesel beemer. So i wanted a test drive to see if a 525 would do or if i had to have the extra performance of the 530d. He flatly refused to give me a test drive without discussing a deal first. I had told him that i would be buying outright so finance was not in question. So , feeling quite angry, left to see the nearby BMW indie.
This was worse! I at least got to SIT in the car this time, but yet again, the attitude was, that "sir, we sell upwards of 30 diesels a week, our customers do not need to test drive the car". What complete bollox. Listen to the customer!
This has only reinforced the usual stereotype that "some" BMW drivers have is alive and well at dealers too. I even feel incensed enough to write to BMW HQ. I will never buy a BMW.
So , feeling more wounded, i went back to my local saab dealer. Was handed the keys to several cars, took one out for an hour or so, came back and drove another one for 30 mins. No hassle, no questions, and upon my return he gave me a valuation for my car and the difference to change up to the one that i liked. What a difference. Even enjoyed the coffee. My pal that came with me was also offered a drive despite him saying that he wasnt buying a car.
Guess where my money is going ?
Edited by Saabyfox on Saturday 19th August 20:29
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k them off and go to Lexus ..........better cars ,,,better dealerships ...better service...you wont look back... Edited by DBSV8 on Sunday 20th August 08:12
DBSV8 said:
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k them off and go to Lexus ..........better cars ,,,better dealerships ...better service...you wont look back... Funny you should say that, i tried to get book a test drive for one of the new IS220/250's and its almost a 2 week wait. Expect it's all the people flocking from BMW dealerships...
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