Really disappointed in american car dealers

Countach · 07-02-2009, 01:03 AM

Today my brother and I went around our area to most of the car dealers to check out some of the new cars that I am looking at. I was excited when the first chevy dealer I passes had 5 camaros parked fight out front. So My brother and I checked them out and went inside to find a salesmen so I could get a look inside and check out the interior. But the salesmen thought I was not a potential buyer or have no money and he would not even let me sit in the car if I was not a serious buyer. I was so taken back by this comment that I told him off and left disused, but I hope they are glad that they have lost a customer forever.

So next my journey took me to Ford to look at the mustang and some of the new 2010 models like the fusion. But it took 15 min to get a salesmen to talk to me and another 15 mins to fill out paper work for some sort of survey. So it took me 30 min just to get to sit in a new mustang, and the salesmen was hounding me the whole way. And I left ford with a bad taste in my mouth, but not nearly as bad as the chevy dealer.

Eventually i visited an acura, VW, and a Audi dealerships down the road and it was like night and day. At VW it was a hybrid dealership that sold VW and Hyndais. I was greeted at the door and the two cars i was looking at (genies coupe and the CC) were both unlocked in a matter of moments and i was allowed to examine both cars with my brother while the salesman gave us some space. And the same courtesy was extended at both acura and audi. I hope both american dealers learn fast that one hot car will not make you money, treating your costumers right does.

pruettfan · 07-02-2009, 01:20 AM

I think your experience is pretty typical and probably why the American companies simply are not competitive. GM has been building some really good products but their dealers really suck as a whole. They make the experience of buying miserable. A total contrast to a dealership experience like Acura, Honda, Lexus or Toyota. The sad thing is it does not cost a penny to treat someone with respect but a little respect goes a long way.

*Mr. Wyndham* · 07-02-2009, 01:24 AM

Interesting. Statistically, customer satisfaction is quite the opposite. Domestic brands, specifically GM brands score very high on customer satisfaction re: dealers.

Parker · 07-02-2009, 01:25 AM

I haven't heard anything bad about my dealer, but there BMW neighbor had a picketer waving a banner in front of my car saying they sold junk last week. So all BMW dealers must be crooks and sell steaming piles poo.

Sterling · 07-02-2009, 01:28 AM

You'll probably see those crappy salesmen working at a honda dealer next month. Don't base your view of a brand on one salesman. Your next stop at the very same dealership could go very differently.

stovt001 · 07-02-2009, 01:36 AM

Complete opposite experience at my dealership. The let me sit in it as much as I wanted, poke around, everything but drive it (which would have required taking it off the showroom floor, which is a bit much to ask if you're not seriously going to buy it soon) and I made it clear up front that I wasn't buying yet. They said that's ok, we've sold all our orders for months anyway, but don't worry, we'll sell for no more than MSRP. Those guys were pros. Love it. No pressure or anything.

songsj · 07-02-2009, 01:41 AM

Mine let me look at it as much as I wanted, let me drive it, and even hammer it a couple of times. Did everything but meet my price. I did not buy that car but I still go there first when I'm looking to buy.

DarrenJ · 07-02-2009, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Countach

Today my brother and I went around our area to most of the car dealers to check out some of the new cars that I am looking at. I was excited when the first chevy dealer I passes had 5 camaros parked fight out front. So My brother and I checked them out and went inside to find a salesmen so I could get a look inside and check out the interior. But the salesmen thought I was not a potential buyer or have no money and he would not even let me sit in the car if I was not a serious buyer. I was so taken back by this comment that I told him off and left disused, but I hope they are glad that they have lost a customer forever.

So next my journey took me to Ford to look at the mustang and some of the new 2010 models like the fusion. But it took 15 min to get a salesmen to talk to me and another 15 mins to fill out paper work for some sort of survey. So it took me 30 min just to get to sit in a new mustang, and the salesmen was hounding me the whole way. And I left ford with a bad taste in my mouth, but not nearly as bad as the chevy dealer.

Eventually i visited an acura, VW, and a Audi dealerships down the road and it was like night and day. At VW it was a hybrid dealership that sold VW and Hyndais. I was greeted at the door and the two cars i was looking at (genies coupe and the CC) were both unlocked in a matter of moments and i was allowed to examine both cars with my brother while the salesman gave us some space. And the same courtesy was extended at both acura and audi. I hope both american dealers learn fast that one hot car will not make you money, treating your costumers right does.

hummm....driving a Toyota....trashing "American-branded" car dealers....I smell a rat...

Don't have that where I buy my cars, they treat me like a family member and I've driven everything on their lot from junk to vettes.

I can tell you I stopped at a toyota dealership and they treated me like you said you were treated at the domestic brands (and I would be telling the truth) but I will not, I just refuse to buy their product and I can see the tide turning on feelings and respect for domestics and how buying foreign is heading toward not being PC.

I will not buy foreign cars because the profit goes to the foreign country, you don't buy American, what's the real reason? (no disrespect!)

pruettfan · 07-02-2009, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

Interesting. Statistically, customer satisfaction is quite the opposite. Domestic brands, specifically GM brands score very high on customer satisfaction re: dealers.

I haven't seen that anywhere. I generally read pretty much everything on the industry. If you have a reference I would like to look at the data. If I am wrong I will certainly retract my statements.

duder4thgen · 07-02-2009, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pruettfan

I haven't seen that anywhere. I generally read pretty much everything on the industry. If you have a reference I would like to look at the data. If I am wrong I will certainly retract my statements.

2008 J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index. Not a domestic shutout by any means, but I'm seeing GM and Ford doing much better than Toyota and Honda

http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/new...spx?ID=2008250

2008 J.D. Power Customer Service Index

http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/new...spx?ID=2008091

2009 J.D. Power Customer Service Index

http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/new...spx?ID=2009030

DaddySS · 07-02-2009, 06:24 AM

IMHO that's a pretty lame generalization. I went to a Chevy dealer and had an experience like yours, went to the Chevy dealer 5 miles east and had a completely different and pleasant experience - so what's the conclusion - "really disappointed in Western dealers". Find a good Chevy dealer in your area and work with them.

FenwickHockey65 · 07-02-2009, 08:03 AM

Well in that case, import dealers must really suck, because the toyota dealer my mom dragged me to refused to even ask us if we needed anything, whereas my two GM dealers always greet us at the door.

And since it's already been proven that import dealers' CSI scores are generally lower than that of domestics, your point is moot.

cliffy · 07-02-2009, 08:18 AM

Back last summer with really high gas prices, Toyota dealers in my area were very aloof and pious. The product they had (Prius) sold itself.

Domestic dealers, esp. in the last year, have not been able to sell puzzy in a Lumberjack Camp it seems. I find them most accomodating as of late. The only bad part is the dealers with Camaros in stock in my area are trying to make up for lost time and sales. Most all are asking way over MSRP, which defeats their friendly tone when entering the dealership

diddiyo · 07-02-2009, 10:05 AM

See Mazda is all the way down on those lists. When I bought my 'speed3 I had absolutely no problems whatsoever. Great buying experience. The Dodge dealer i visited as well were a pain in the ass on the other hand.

I think you can't single out a whole brand here...

07-02-2009, 01:03 AM	#1
Countach Drives: Future 2010 Camaro 2LT/RS Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 418	Really disappointed in american car dealers Today my brother and I went around our area to most of the car dealers to check out some of the new cars that I am looking at. I was excited when the first chevy dealer I passes had 5 camaros parked fight out front. So My brother and I checked them out and went inside to find a salesmen so I could get a look inside and check out the interior. But the salesmen thought I was not a potential buyer or have no money and he would not even let me sit in the car if I was not a serious buyer. I was so taken back by this comment that I told him off and left disused, but I hope they are glad that they have lost a customer forever. So next my journey took me to Ford to look at the mustang and some of the new 2010 models like the fusion. But it took 15 min to get a salesmen to talk to me and another 15 mins to fill out paper work for some sort of survey. So it took me 30 min just to get to sit in a new mustang, and the salesmen was hounding me the whole way. And I left ford with a bad taste in my mouth, but not nearly as bad as the chevy dealer. Eventually i visited an acura, VW, and a Audi dealerships down the road and it was like night and day. At VW it was a hybrid dealership that sold VW and Hyndais. I was greeted at the door and the two cars i was looking at (genies coupe and the CC) were both unlocked in a matter of moments and i was allowed to examine both cars with my brother while the salesman gave us some space. And the same courtesy was extended at both acura and audi. I hope both american dealers learn fast that one hot car will not make you money, treating your costumers right does.

07-02-2009, 01:24 AM	#3
Mr. Wyndham I used to be Dragoneye... Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 31,873 View My Garage	Interesting. Statistically, customer satisfaction is quite the opposite. Domestic brands, specifically GM brands score very high on customer satisfaction re: dealers. __________________ *"Keep the faith."* - Fbodfather

07-02-2009, 01:36 AM	#6
stovt001 Drives: 2006 Cobalt, 2004 Taurus wagon Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,810	Complete opposite experience at my dealership. The let me sit in it as much as I wanted, poke around, everything but drive it (which would have required taking it off the showroom floor, which is a bit much to ask if you're not seriously going to buy it soon) and I made it clear up front that I wasn't buying yet. They said that's ok, we've sold all our orders for months anyway, but don't worry, we'll sell for no more than MSRP. Those guys were pros. Love it. No pressure or anything. __________________ "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day There's a great big beautiful tomorrow Just a dream away

07-02-2009, 08:03 AM	#12
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	Well in that case, import dealers must really suck, because the toyota dealer my mom dragged me to refused to even ask us if we needed anything, whereas my two GM dealers always greet us at the door. And since it's already been proven that import dealers' CSI scores are generally lower than that of domestics, your point is moot. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
MATRIX – 24HR REVIEW CAMARO 2SS/RS - NO BS!!	Matrix	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	54	06-14-2009 02:37 PM
2010 Chevy Camaro SS Indy 500 Pace Car Drive	linkwpc	Camaro Photos \| Spyshots \| Video \| Media Gallery	0	05-23-2009 09:47 PM
What makes a car a "tuner" car?	Dentyneice	General Automotive + Other Cars Discussion	8	05-11-2009 10:19 PM
NEW!! Voice Your MARKETING Suggestions/Input for Focus Group on 2010 Camaro.	Mr. Wyndham	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	114	05-08-2008 09:24 PM

07-02-2009, 01:20 AM	#2
pruettfan Drives: 2010 Camaro SS / 2011 Z28 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 332	I think your experience is pretty typical and probably why the American companies simply are not competitive. GM has been building some really good products but their dealers really suck as a whole. They make the experience of buying miserable. A total contrast to a dealership experience like Acura, Honda, Lexus or Toyota. The sad thing is it does not cost a penny to treat someone with respect but a little respect goes a long way.

07-02-2009, 01:25 AM	#4
Parker Drives: 2010 Camaro SS/RS Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 246 View My Garage	I haven't heard anything bad about my dealer, but there BMW neighbor had a picketer waving a banner in front of my car saying they sold junk last week. So all BMW dealers must be crooks and sell steaming piles poo.

07-02-2009, 01:28 AM	#5
Sterling Drives: 2010 Camaro 1LT/RS M6 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fairhaven, MA Posts: 5,882 View My Garage	You'll probably see those crappy salesmen working at a honda dealer next month. Don't base your view of a brand on one salesman. Your next stop at the very same dealership could go very differently.

07-02-2009, 01:41 AM	#7
songsj Drives: 2015 2SS/RS Summit White Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: MPLS Posts: 798	Mine let me look at it as much as I wanted, let me drive it, and even hammer it a couple of times. Did everything but meet my price. I did not buy that car but I still go there first when I'm looking to buy.

07-02-2009, 06:24 AM	#11
DaddySS Kept The Faith Drives: 2011 Camaro SS Convertible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bergen County, New Jersey Posts: 418	IMHO that's a pretty lame generalization. I went to a Chevy dealer and had an experience like yours, went to the Chevy dealer 5 miles east and had a completely different and pleasant experience - so what's the conclusion - "really disappointed in Western dealers". Find a good Chevy dealer in your area and work with them.

07-02-2009, 08:18 AM	#13
cliffy Chevy Power Forever Drives: 1969 Dusk Blue Z/28, 2015 Red Z/28 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Flagstaff AZ Posts: 315	Back last summer with really high gas prices, Toyota dealers in my area were very aloof and pious. The product they had (Prius) sold itself. Domestic dealers, esp. in the last year, have not been able to sell puzzy in a Lumberjack Camp it seems. I find them most accomodating as of late. The only bad part is the dealers with Camaros in stock in my area are trying to make up for lost time and sales. Most all are asking way over MSRP, which defeats their friendly tone when entering the dealership

07-02-2009, 10:05 AM	#14
diddiyo Drives: . Join Date: May 2008 Location: . Posts: 3,048	See Mazda is all the way down on those lists. When I bought my 'speed3 I had absolutely no problems whatsoever. Great buying experience. The Dodge dealer i visited as well were a pain in the ass on the other hand. I think you can't single out a whole brand here...

User Name		Remember Me?
Password