Bad dealership experiences

[SteveSRT8]

I have purchased a lot of cars across over 40 years. Bought my first brand new car very young.

IMO most stealerships have earned their title. But a few of them are outstanding.

My wife's RAM dealer brought new trucks to our house and left them for 48 hours so we could load them up and let her take them to work. We went through three models to figure out what we wanted. Very pleasant purchasing experience, and terrific service to match.

In contrast my GM stealer is atrocious to purchase from and equally bad at servicing...

 

[DoubleWasp]

I'm starting to think GM dealers specifically hate fleet purchasers, because it seems like everyone who buys multiple GM vehicles needs to remember to bring toilet paper when dealing with them.

Bringing up the fact that you have purchased multiple units only seems to galvanize their indignation and stupidity.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: DoubleWasp
I'm starting to think GM dealers specifically hate fleet purchasers, because it seems like everyone who buys multiple GM vehicles needs to remember to bring toilet paper when dealing with them.

Bringing up the fact that you have purchased multiple units only seems to galvanize their indignation and stupidity.


It's exactly that way. I find it best to try and sneak in just like a regular client...

 

[JustinH]

I have learned to negotiate trade in's, and price of car via email.

I deal with Internet Sales department only, and there is no negotiation to be done when I arrive, and I get the deal I want or I look elsewhere.

 

[Nickdfresh]

That works for many cars. I once inquired about a new Jeep Rubicon though, and the idiot internet "sales" guy just sent the very same price listed on the web page for the dealership. I mean even a small break might have gotten me in at least, but all it did was poison everything as it seemed almost sarcastic, or he was being a "hard [censored], or thought I was very stupid. In any case I told him to pound salt and my girlfriend ended up with a Toyota instead...

 

[wtd]

If I can't test drive the vehicle I'm interested in, I don't buy. Case in point. Back in 2013 I was set on buying a performance car. I was looking at the Camaro, Mustang, and the Challenger. After some research and test driving the Camaro and Mustang, I decided I wanted the Challenger even though I had never driven one.

I went to the dealer and drove the car that I planned on buying. After the test drive I decided to not get a Challenger because the switching between eco mode and regular mode of the cylinder deactivation system made the car feel like it was missing and hesitating. The service department told me that it was normal and that some people were sensitive to it. I drove my friend's same year Challenger right after that, and his did the same thing. The new test drive car also had a front end shake that was caused by who knows what. At the time I was set on one particular color and that car was the only one in that color within about a four hour drive so I ended up buying my Mustang.

If I had not been able to test drive this car, I would have been stuck with something that I found out that I did not like about the car and one that was going to have to have some type of front end issue resolved right off the bat.

 

[Uregina09]

How many vehicles do you have in your work fleet, Steve?

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Originally Posted By: DoubleWasp
I'm starting to think GM dealers specifically hate fleet purchasers, because it seems like everyone who buys multiple GM vehicles needs to remember to bring toilet paper when dealing with them.

Bringing up the fact that you have purchased multiple units only seems to galvanize their indignation and stupidity.


It's exactly that way. I find it best to try and sneak in just like a regular client...

 

[veryHeavy]

Honda's VCM also has that stutter between I3 and V6 mode, but they mask it with sound cancelation. I've never noticed a problem in either Honda or Dodge VCM
Quote:
It was always pretty standard to resurface rotors in the old days. Back then they were pretty heavy and had lots of metal on them.

That reminds me..... I went to a dealer called Freeway Honda in Santa Ana for EGR replacement, and the mechanic decided to "inspect" my car: "You need new brake rotors. I'm not letting you drive away in that condition." So what do they measure?

- "I don't know. (measures) Okay 10 millimeters. That's definitely too thin."
What does the Honda specification say?

- "I don't know. I didn't look it up."
Please do.

- "3 millimeters minimum."
So they exceed the spec. Please return my car, so I can go home.

- "No. I'm not letting you drive on these rotors. They are too thin."
(mouth drops open). Fine let's get the manager in the garage.

BOSS: "So you say it measures 10 and the spec is 3?"
MECHANIC: "yes"
BOSS: "Are you okay with that?"
ME: Yes.
BOSS: "Then I don't see the problem. Let the customer have his car back."

He then explained to me the mechanics work on commission, so the more things they fix (and time they work), the more money they make. I really don't think that justifies the mechanic holding my car hostage, and ignoring my request to drive home. It is STILL my property, and holding the car is theft of same.

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: veryHeavy
He then explained to me the mechanics work on commission, so the more things they fix (and time they work), the more money they make. I really don't think that justifies the mechanic holding my car hostage, and ignoring my request to drive home. It is STILL my property, and holding the car is theft of same.


Yup, it called flat rate. Techs will get paid a set amount to do a job and if they can beat it, they can flag more hours in a day/pay period. That being said if a tech is dishonest then there is a huge issue that needs to be dealt with on management's end. I always laugh at the newer kids that just measure pads and only measure rotors when they are on the lathe. We have a 30+ year Ford Master Chassis Tech, he and I love mocking the new kids who think they are too good to measure rotors. I was his apprentice for a while when I was turning wrenches and he always pushed me to follow the manual and be honest above all else.

In California a shop can keep a car that is unsafe. We have to call the CHP and show the office why it isn't safe. They will pull the license plates until the vehicle owner can show it is safe. I did it once on a Jeep Wrangler that had the pistons hanging out of the calipers. The customer wanted to drive it away, no idea how it made it to the shop. This was when I worked at Sears. The CHP officer was blown away at the condition of the vehicle.

 

[oilpsi2high]

I bought a car brand new from a dealer's showroom floor in 2007. In early 2009, I dropped the car off to have a seatbelt spring replaced under warranty and the dealership's tech crashed it into a pole during a snowstorm. I guess they figured that the Pirelli Pzero Rosso's would have more wintertime traction.

The dealer replaced the dented panel but didn't replace the wheel or suspension that was damaged during the impact. I am still daily driving the car to this day, and am happy to share my experience with others.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: veryHeavy
Honda's VCM also has that stutter between I3 and V6 mode, but they mask it with sound cancelation. I've never noticed a problem in either Honda or Dodge VCM
Quote:
It was always pretty standard to resurface rotors in the old days. Back then they were pretty heavy and had lots of metal on them.

That reminds me..... I went to a dealer called Freeway Honda in Santa Ana for EGR replacement, and the mechanic decided to "inspect" my car: "You need new brake rotors. I'm not letting you drive away in that condition." So what do they measure?

- "I don't know. (measures) Okay 10 millimeters. That's definitely too thin."
What does the Honda specification say?

- "I don't know. I didn't look it up."
Please do.

- "3 millimeters minimum."
So they exceed the spec. Please return my car, so I can go home.

- "No. I'm not letting you drive on these rotors. They are too thin."
(mouth drops open). Fine let's get the manager in the garage.

BOSS: "So you say it measures 10 and the spec is 3?"
MECHANIC: "yes"
BOSS: "Are you okay with that?"
ME: Yes.
BOSS: "Then I don't see the problem. Let the customer have his car back."

He then explained to me the mechanics work on commission, so the more things they fix (and time they work), the more money they make. I really don't think that justifies the mechanic holding my car hostage, and ignoring my request to drive home. It is STILL my property, and holding the car is theft of same.


Looks to me like blackmail.

 

[kschachn]

Was that the same dealership that told you the CNG vehicles require special oil because "normal oil doesn't work"? Or was that a different dealer? Or did you just make it up?

Where did you lease that H2 powered vehicle again?

When are you going to post a pic of you and that Challenger?

Originally Posted By: veryHeavy
That reminds me..... I went to a dealer called Freeway Honda in Santa Ana for EGR replacement, and the mechanic decided to "inspect" my car: "You need new brake rotors. I'm not letting you drive away in that condition." So what do they measure?

- "I don't know. (measures) Okay 10 millimeters. That's definitely too thin."
What does the Honda specification say?

- "I don't know. I didn't look it up."
Please do.

- "3 millimeters minimum."
So they exceed the spec. Please return my car, so I can go home.

- "No. I'm not letting you drive on these rotors. They are too thin."
(mouth drops open). Fine let's get the manager in the garage.

BOSS: "So you say it measures 10 and the spec is 3?"
MECHANIC: "yes"
BOSS: "Are you okay with that?"
ME: Yes.
BOSS: "Then I don't see the problem. Let the customer have his car back."

He then explained to me the mechanics work on commission, so the more things they fix (and time they work), the more money they make. I really don't think that justifies the mechanic holding my car hostage, and ignoring my request to drive home. It is STILL my property, and holding the car is theft of same.

 

[bunnspecial]

With regard to the whole subject-

For a little while I was looking for a Chevrolet SS. This was several months back when Chevy was blowing 2016s out at crazy low prices. I was after a very specific configuration(not that there are many options on that car) but the make/break item for me was that I wanted a manual transmission. I found that I had to be very careful about reading dealers websites, as many would list the car with a "6 speed" regardless of auto or manual(the auto is 6 speed). When I would call, some would be evasive about it.

I made two trips for test drives on what I was assured were manuals over the phone. In both cases, I had no trouble getting the keys provided a salesman rode with me, but I opened the door to both cars, took one look inside, and then shut it and handed the keys back. On both occasions, the car was an automatic. One salesman even said that if I wanted a manual, he had a really nice Chevy Aveo on the other end of the lot...as if a guy who came out looking for a 400HP sedan with a manual would be interested in one.

That aside, I've been in the market for a 1980 Limited Edition MGB, and have looked at several. I've also test driven several MGs locally for other people. I always deal with private parties on this(for obvious reasons), and I make it a point to drive my MG when I'm going for a test drive. No one ever bats an eye over handing me the keys and just telling me to take off with it. I always hand them the keys to my car in return, but when I drive up in a similar car they know I'm probably legitimately interested. I'm also always upfront if I'm driving for someone else, and no one ever minds this. I have a my own "inspection sheet", and if the seller doesn't know MGs I'm always happy to give them a copy for any other potential buyers also. I guess there's something to be said for exhibiting both knowledge and enthusiasm about the car you're driving-it tends to make the seller very comfortable about turning the keys over.

 

[DoubleWasp]

That was a common trick when I sold cars. Certain salespeople would just lie about the car being a manual, and then then just push them toward an automatic.

 

[turtlevette]

I'm stalling to get my airbag recall done. I wonder if they'll give me the part.

I want to stay away from there at all costs.

 

[CKN]

Originally Posted By: turtlevette
I'm stalling to get my airbag recall done. I wonder if they'll give me the part.

I want to stay away from there at all costs.





They will not give you the part-not an airbag part especially. Think about it.......

 

[bdcardinal]

Originally Posted By: CKN
Originally Posted By: turtlevette
I'm stalling to get my airbag recall done. I wonder if they'll give me the part.

I want to stay away from there at all costs.





They will not give you the part-not an airbag part especially. Think about it.......


No way will we hand over a recall part for a customer to install on their own. We have to keep track of and send the old parts back to Ford. I got the pleasure of prepping way too many HAZMAT boxes for FedEx Ground this year. Fortunately Ford changed the program so we return them with most other parts they call back.

 

[thescreensavers]

I've been to a few dealerships some better than others but the worst one was a Jeep/Dodge/Ram Dealer.

I had just test drove a 2016 4runner to which I was in and out in 20 min no pressure.

So I start walking around the jeep show room and there was an SRT8 Grand Cherokee so I just went to go look at it and the salesman pops out and starts talking to me about it, told him I wasn't looking for an SRT8 but a grand Cherokee. He says ok lets go to jeep Camp, we walk outside there are 30 grand Cherokees we look at a few of them unlocked and asked to test drive one which was comparable to the 4runner I just test drove... here is where it gets interesting.

He tries to gauge how much I can afford asking general questions and I tell him I'm looking to buy a car very soon and just tested a 4runner, he literally said oh so your not buying a car today? come back for a test drive when you are ready and begins to try to walk away but I was adamant that In order for me to buy a jeep I need to test drive it. I wanted to drive the car I was sitting in and after some fuss he agrees trying to be my friend citing the dealerships practices make it hard for test drives and went to get the keys.

He got the keys but it was for the cheapest model they had on the lot which I did not care for but test drove it anyways didn't really like it and he was spitting [censored] the whole time, for example I wanted 4x4 he said I didn't need it(they only had one or two 4x4s on the lot). While we are pulling back into the dealership he offered me a great deal they had a display model of what I was driving loaded with 8000 miles for a discount when he told me the price I almost laughed. Told him I was looking for a Trailhawk not a base model and he wouldn't stop talking to me I just wanted to leave haha.



Funniest dealer was a Ford dealer which could not find the keys to a car I wanted to test drive, they kept brining keys for the wrong cars, I waited a total of hour and eventually left as the sales guy was in the managers officer and they were frantically trying to figure out where the key was.

 

[bunnspecial]

Originally Posted By: DoubleWasp
That was a common trick when I sold cars. Certain salespeople would just lie about the car being a manual, and then then just push them toward an automatic.


I can see how that might even be successful on volume models, especially things in the family sedan or commuter car category.

At the same time, though, you have to size up the potential buyer.

The SS isn't a volume model, and in fact it's a car that a lot of folks don't know exist. In all honesty, it doesn't look a lot different from an Impala on the outside at least on casual observation. Someone who calls/walks in looking for an SS is looking for one because of what it is-a(relatively) high powered V8 rear wheel drive sports sedan. If that buyer says they want a manual, by gosh they want a manual.

Still, though, I know that it comes back to "sell what you have" and in the cut throat car sales world you only succeed by selling cars. At the same time, if a car isn't what I want, I'm trying to do the salesman a favor by telling them not to waste their time with me-they're not going to sell the car to me(I'll keep hunting until I find what I want) and they can move on to the next potential sale. Lying to me over the phone wastes my time by going there, wastes their time even if it's only the 5-10 minutes to tell them I'm not interested, and leaves a sour taste in my mouth about the dealer.

 

[PR1955]

They are not allowed to give you the part. Recalls are required to be performed at the dealership.