Why are Fiat Dealers So Shonkey?

[TheDetailDoctor]

I been in contact with two dealers regarding trading in my 2008 Fiat 500 for a Panda 100hp.

The first simpoly has not replied, despite leaving three messages.

The second said they would call me back with a rough price to change "withing 10 mins"....that was 3 hours ago now.

I'm in two minds to tell them to shove it if they actually call back.

[xyyman]

Sadly, its not just Alfa dealers. Seems indicative of most marques, business must be easy despite the recession.

[ritmo]

xyyman said:

Sadly, its not just Alfa dealers. Seems indicative of most marques, business must be easy despite the recession.

I was recently looking for a Brera so i wrote to AR UK for a brochure and prices (having failed to get one from the dealer). Apparently they didn't have any ! how interested are they in selling cars ?

[swannynhb]

ive had a similar experience from several fiat dealers when we bought the mrs her 500. the local dealer didnt seem interested, nor did the next one i called, maybe they were so busy they didnt need my business. anyway long story short we ended up driving 250miles to warrington to buy the car she wanted. i find it strange as i work for a main dealer and will bend over backwards for someone who wants to buy a car.

[wrighty78]

I bought my Fiat 500 from Bishops in Guildford (picked it up three weeks ago, brand new). I was very impressed by their customer service and general attitude. Might be worth a try... Ask for Tork.

Wrighty.

[14-7]

wrighty78 said:

I bought my Fiat 500 from Bishops in Guildford (picked it up three weeks ago, brand new).

I think that's the difference though. If you are looking at a new car the dealers are all over you.

I was at a large Alfa dealership the other day looking at second hand 159's and Brera's and the salesman couldn't have cared less about what I wanted to look at and was more interested in getting me to come back and drive a new car. When he realised I wasn't budging to look at a new car (because I didn't want the one he wanted me to look at!) he very quickly said, "We're too busy today to take you for a test drive", and promptly buggered off.

I certainly won't be going back to them.

Pretty shoddy customer service, but when has Alfa had a good rep? (and I say that from the position of an Alfa owner)

[wrighty78]

14-7 said:

wrighty78 said:

I bought my Fiat 500 from Bishops in Guildford (picked it up three weeks ago, brand new).

I think that's the difference though. If you are looking at a new car the dealers are all over you.

You might be right.

But what I didn't say in my earlier e-mail was that I tried a couple of other Fiat dealers closer to home before ending up at Bishops. Even though I made it clear I wanted to buy a brand new car, calls went un-returned, requests for test-drives went unanswered etc etc.

By contrast, I got the impression that the chap at Bishops was a genuinely decent chap and that he really was keen to try to offer good customer service.

Edited by wrighty78 on Monday 26th July 18:25