[turtle777]

Sitting here and waiting for my car service.


They got two computers with free internet access, to shorten the waiting time. I think that's pretty nice.
You also get free coffee and soft drinks.

What perks do you get at your dealership ?

-t

[Goldfinger]

What car make ?

My dealership justs makes me wait.

[effgee]

seems to be quite the wait, though ...

• 

[i_rooster]

i go to theis dealerdhip that has this hownt womand at the desk she is tdo hot that i am compellled to think of chekcing it out the delarship if there is even there at every small problam with the car.

[brapper]

Originally posted by i_rooster:
i go to theis dealerdhip that has this hownt womand at the desk she is tdo hot that i am compellled to think of chekcing it out the delarship if there is even there at every small problam with the car.

.....

[G4ME]

i got it.

[wdlove]

My wife has a Volvo. At the dealership they have a nice lounge with color TV. Free internet access, so she was able to surf with her PowerBook. They offer free coffee and fruit.

[Kilbey]

Every time I have walked in our dealer I get offered a drink. Like a can of soda or a coffee. And a snack of some kind, like chips or a candy bar. No matter what I am going in there for. Once I went in to drop off some keys to a car I had traded in and he gave me a small clock because he didn't need it.

They have a nice TV in the waiting room with cable hooked up to it, but I have never seen anyone in the waiting room before.

This best part about my dealer is there is VERY little wait. Even the final paperwork guy is super fast and efficient.

[ASIMO]

Originally posted by wdlove:
My wife has a Volvo. At the dealership they have a nice lounge with color TV. Free internet access, so she was able to surf with her PowerBook. They offer free coffee and fruit.

What kind of fruit?

[Mithras]

The better the freebies at your dealership, the more you overpaid for your car.

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by Mithras:
The better the freebies at your dealership, the more you overpaid for your car.

Not necessarily. Another dealership in our area has no waiting room perks and has never even offered me a cup of water. Their prices are exactly the same. they are simply making more money per car. Are their revenues higher? Probably not, because more people are going to the dealership with freebies and a nice waiting room. It's all about volume. Just ask Mr. Walton.

Now doesn't your little pompous attitude look silly?

[dreilly1]

Originally posted by ASIMO:
What kind of fruit?

Hopefully not lemons.

[the_glassman]

I don't go to the dealership. EVER! I cringe at the thought of someone else touching my car. That, and I would never purchase a new car makes the dealership experience a pleasant one for me.

[G4ME]

don't say that to kilbey, this thread will be 4 pages before you know it

[i_rooster]

Originally posted by G4ME:
don't say that to kilbey, this thread will be 4 pages before you know it

ugheretpgahahahahgwava

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by G4ME:
don't say that to kilbey, this thread will be 4 pages before you know it

I don't understand this.

I am a do-it-yourselfer myself. I perform most routine maintenance on my cars. The only time I don't is if I have a coupon or I simply don't have the time. They guy that goes to the dealer to have his wipers changed or his coolant changed is a fool.

If I didn't have a 140 mile round trip commute I would own a used car too.

But since I drive so many miles I don't want to rely on someone else not screwing up my car. I'll do that myself.

Do you see how your pompous all-know attitude pisses people off?

[i_rooster]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
I don't understand this.

I don't want to rely on someone else not screwing up my car. I'll do that myself.

I dont either.

[t6hawk]

Me and my neighbors all go to a mechanic. A very honest one that charges very little compared to dealerships for repairs. Surprisingly when he fixes something he doesn't find another 4 problems like the dealerships pretend to find.

[macroy]

The Honda dealer has a large waiting room with a plasma TV (usually CNN). They also have two computers - I've never used it as the mouse and keyboard looks pretty... used. No free food or drink (other than coffee and water) but there is a deli in the waiting room with fair prices. And the oil changes are free for the first two years.

On the other end of the scale - The BMW dealership has absolutely nothing. Long lines, and crappy service. Looking to go else where next time.

[Gankdawg]

Originally posted by i_rooster:
i go to theis dealerdhip that has this hownt womand at the desk she is tdo hot that i am compellled to think of chekcing it out the delarship if there is even there at every small problam with the car.

Dude. Stop posting. Seriously.

[qualey2]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
I don't understand this.

I am a do-it-yourselfer myself. I perform most routine maintenance on my cars. The only time I don't is if I have a coupon or I simply don't have the time. They guy that goes to the dealer to have his wipers changed or his coolant changed is a fool.

Yes he is a fool if he goes there for his wipers, I agree. If he has Dex-cool ( that orange-ey crap found in GM's ) I hope he goes there because most of that crap does'nt last the 5 years 50 K that they say it does with out looking like a VERY thick nasty proteen shake

Originally posted by Kilbey:
If I didn't have a 140 mile round trip commute I would own a used car too.

I hope they pay you REALLY WELL to drive 70 miles one way to work. Less than two miles one way here, not even enough time for the heat to get warm.

Originally posted by Kilbey:
But since I drive so many miles I don't want to rely on someone else not screwing up my car. I'll do that myself.

That why I have a job NOT pointing fingers at you Kilbey but people who think thay can when they can't and really F something up

Originally posted by Kilbey:
Do you see how your pompous all-know attitude pisses people off?

NOT trying to piss any one off here just stateing fact.

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by qualey2:
Yes he is a fool if he goes there for his wipers, I agree. If he has Dex-cool ( that orange-ey crap found in GM's ) I hope he goes there because most of that crap does'nt last the 5 years 50 K that they say it does with out looking like a VERY thick nasty proteen shake

A radiator flush is easy. Messy, but easy. About the only work I don't do my self is transmission work. I am simply ignorant about automatic transmissions.

Originally posted by qualey2:
I hope they pay you REALLY WELL to drive 70 miles one way to work. Less than two miles one way here, not even enough time for the heat to get warm.

Very well actually. 6 figures well. Plus my wife only has a 1/2 mile walk to work so it all balances out.

Originally posted by qualey2:
That why I have a job NOT pointing fingers at you Kilbey but people who think thay can when they can't and really F something up

Just to let you know, I worked as an Experimental Engineering Test Technician for GM at a engineering and research facility. But, I do know my limits.

Originally posted by qualey2:
NOT trying to piss any one off here just stateing fact.

Huh?

[V12]

Mercedes dealership in NJ has about 10 computers with internet access, 3 9-foot pool tables, three fancy refriderators with soda, sandwiches, salads, and desserts, as well as a indoor golf simulator with clubs for lefties and righties.

[turtle777]

Originally posted by effgee:
seems to be quite the wait, though ...

• 

-t

[Rev-O]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
Not necessarily. Another dealership in our area has no waiting room perks and has never even offered me a cup of water. Their prices are exactly the same. they are simply making more money per car. Are their revenues higher? Probably not, because more people are going to the dealership with freebies and a nice waiting room. It's all about volume. Just ask Mr. Walton.

Now doesn't your little pompous attitude look silly?

It's still a dealership. One dealership f***s you up the a** with a sandy d***, while the other one just f***s you up the a** and offers you a soda. Sweet deal! Hope you liked the soda!

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by Rev-O:
It's still a dealership. One dealership f***s you up the a** with a sandy d***, while the other one just f***s you up the a** and offers you a soda. Sweet deal! Hope you liked the soda!

I am so glad I don't have your attitude on life. So bitter and cynical. Full of rage.

Think happy thoughts young grasshopper.

Dealerships are a necessary evil. If I can find one with pleasant people who go the extra mile to serve me well... they are getting my money. I have no problem paying for good service.

Are you one of those people who doesn't believe in tipping at a restaurant?

[Rev-O]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
I am so glad I don't have your attitude on life. So bitter and cynical. Full of rage.

Think happy thoughts young grasshopper.

Dealerships are a necessary evil. If I can find one with pleasant people who go the extra mile to serve me well... they are getting my money. I have no problem paying for good service.

Are you one of those people who doesn't believe in tipping at a restaurant?

Cynical, yes. Full of rage, no. Dealerships a necessary evil, occasionally. Do dealerships screw you? For the most part. Are some of 'em nice whilst screwing you? Yup.

I have no problem paying for good service. I have a big problem overpaying for service. And I tip accordingly. Actually, I tend to tip very well. S'pose it's because I have many friends in the waitress/waiter/cook/bartender areas. Car dealerships are guilty by association with car salespeople (who are delightful to torment), and there is a special place in hell for them... along with bus drivers, cabbies, and HVAC monkeys.

[Gankdawg]

Dealerships are for only one thing: recalls. And in my experience, they suck at those too.

[Rev-O]

Originally posted by Gankdawg:
Dealerships are for only one thing: recalls. And in my experience, they suck at those too.

You're my kind of people!

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by Rev-O:
Cynical, yes. Full of rage, no. Dealerships a necessary evil, occasionally. Do dealerships screw you? For the most part. Are some of 'em nice whilst screwing you? Yup.

I have no problem paying for good service. I have a big problem overpaying for service. And I tip accordingly. Actually, I tend to tip very well. S'pose it's because I have many friends in the waitress/waiter/cook/bartender areas. Car dealerships are guilty by association with car salespeople (who are delightful to torment), and there is a special place in hell for them... along with bus drivers, cabbies, and HVAC monkeys.

Dealers aren't out to screw you. Why do people get this attitude? I understand there are a lot of emotions when handling such a large purchase. People tend to get insecure when the spend a lot of money on something.

They sell you cars and they also provide a service department to fix said cars if the fail during the warranty period. Anything else is a plus.

So, how do dealers screw you? (I seriously want an answer to this question.)

[Truepop]

I do most my maintenance myself but a friend of mine has a chevy still in warranty and sometimes I follow him to the dealership so he doesn't have to wait too long, we normally get lunch or something.

once though they said it would only take about 5 to 10 minutes so we stayed. no tv, no free coffee, just a vending machine of coke cans for 65 cents each. pretty crappy service too that 5 to 10 minutes turned in to about 40 minutes.

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by Truepop:
pretty crappy service too that 5 to 10 minutes turned in to about 40 minutes.

that would suck.

[Gankdawg]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
So, how do dealers screw you? (I seriously want an answer to this question.)

Their mantra seems to be "over promise, under deliver" instead of the other way around. Dealers just never seem to care. Consumer Reports' yearly survey confirms this every time. Independent mechanics always rate the highest in satisfaction and dealers rate last.

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by Gankdawg:
Their mantra seems to be "over promise, under deliver" instead of the other way around. Dealers just never seem to care. Consumer Reports' yearly survey confirms this every time. Independent mechanics always rate the highest in satisfaction and dealers rate last.

Link?

[Rev-O]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
Dealers aren't out to screw you. Why do people get this attitude? I understand there are a lot of emotions when handling such a large purchase. People tend to get insecure when the spend a lot of money on something.

They sell you cars and they also provide a service department to fix said cars if the fail during the warranty period. Anything else is a plus.

So, how do dealers screw you? (I seriously want an answer to this question.)

They charge a higher rate for repairs and have a higher mark up on parts because they have a 'name' recognition. Many people, when faced with getting a front axel half replaced, will go to Bob Bestbuddy Ford instead of Akbar and Jeff's Axel-O-Rama, because the association with the manufacturer implies (rightly or wrongly) quality and dependability. Accordingly, they can charge more for their service, because of the percieved quality and dependability. Tell you what... go price tires at a dealership, and then go to Sam's or Costco, or even Discount Tire or where ever. Who's more pricey? That also applies to oil filters, brake jobs, coolant flushes, etc. You are paying for #1: the convienience of one stop shopping, and #2: the percieved quality and dependability that is associated with the marque.

Now I'll concede one thing: it is easier to get some degree of recompense from a dealership than from Akbar & Jeff's Axel-O-Rama. You stand in the middle of a dealership yelling at someone on a busy saturday about the sh!tty service they provided, you'll get action or they lose customers. At Akbar & Jeff's, they don't care.

[G4ME]

I honestly hate all the freaking advertising that they do, every other commercial on TV is a car commercial.

also gotta love that instant hit when you drive it off the lot.

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by G4ME:
I honestly hate all the freaking advertising that they do, every other commercial on TV is a car commercial.

also gotta love that instant hit when you drive it off the lot.

Car dealers are the absolute worst when it comes to advertising. One of the reasons I got my XM in the first place.

The hit doesn't bother me. The hit I don't want is driving the used car away from the seller's house and throwing a rod or having the trans go out on me. "It ran fine up until right before I sold it to ya... well, it's yours now.".

[Rev-O]

Originally posted by G4ME:
I honestly hate all the freaking advertising that they do, every other commercial on TV is a car commercial.

also gotta love that instant hit when you drive it off the lot.

But you make up for the instant hit by being absolutely mean to the salesperson. Just absolutely, uncalled for, mean. They need you to buy a car. But you can buy it anywhere! Tell 'em that! "I'm gonna buy a car like this, guaranteed. But there are other dealerships around, so I may not buy it from you." I absolutely love new car shopping. It's the best! I'm not going to be an idiot who says "I always get the best deal", but I enjoy berating some poor simp who has either got to shut up and swallow his pride like the whore he is or lose a sale. It's great! It is the position of absolute power! At worse, you go to a different dealership and pick on a different salesperson. Heh heh heh. Fresh meat.

[Mastrap]

Originally posted by G4ME:


also gotta love that instant hit when you drive it off the lot.

Exactly. The second you're taking it off the court the car loses 20% of it's value.

[Gankdawg]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
Link?

consumerreports.com (subscription required)

or go to your local library and find the issue there.

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by G4ME:
I honestly hate all the freaking advertising that they do, every other commercial on TV is a car commercial.

also gotta love that instant hit when you drive it off the lot.

Car dealers are the absolute worst when it comes to advertising. One of the reasons I got my XM in the first place.

The hit doesn't bother me. The hit I don't want is driving the used car away from the seller's house and throwing a rod or having the trans go out on me. "It ran fine up until right before I sold it to ya... well, it's yours now.".

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by Gankdawg:
consumerreports.com (subscription required)

or go to your local library and find the issue there.

Thanks for supplying me with nothing. Nice little tactic you got there. I either have to pay to believe you or take sometime out of my day and visit a library in the hopes that they have the issue I am looking for after I do a search for the issue it might be in.

'till then, I'll consider that you are making up what you said earlier. Sounds fair.

Your debate skills suck.

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by Rev-O:
But you make up for the instant hit by being absolutely mean to the salesperson. Just absolutely, uncalled for, mean. They need you to buy a car. But you can buy it anywhere! Tell 'em that! "I'm gonna buy a car like this, guaranteed. But there are other dealerships around, so I may not buy it from you." I absolutely love new car shopping. It's the best! I'm not going to be an idiot who says "I always get the best deal", but I enjoy berating some poor simp who has either got to shut up and swallow his pride like the whore he is or lose a sale. It's great! It is the position of absolute power! At worse, you go to a different dealership and pick on a different salesperson. Heh heh heh. Fresh meat.

You find this behavior acceptable?!?

You are a sad excuse for a human person.

Psychologically abusing someone and make them submit to you? You sure are an ass.

All because this person took a job to feed themselves and supply for their family. Salesmen put in long hours. They have jerks for bosses just like every other working stiff has. So now they are not only getting crap from their boss, now they have to take it from their clients too.

You must have a really crappy job your self if you have to make others feel bad about their jobs. Or at least a little insecure about your position in life. Don't take out your anxieties on others simply to feel good. It's weak. Just weak.

[Gankdawg]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
You debate skills suck.

I think you meant "Your".

[Gankdawg]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
Thanks for supplying me with nothing. Nice little tactic you got there. I either have to pay to believe you or take sometime out of my day and visit a library in the hopes that they have the issue I am looking for after I do a search for the issue it might be in.

Just because the evidence isn't instant, doesn't mean it's not there. I gave you sources - it's up to you if you want to check them out or not.

I have 2 Five-star Dodge dealerships near me (one to the south about 8 miles and one to the north about 10 miles) and both have disappointed me. 5 star? More like 1 star. Dealer labor rates are exorbitant as are their markups for parts (as previously mentioned). But like anything else, my wallet does the talking. There are just so many other choices other than dealerships.

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by Gankdawg:
I think you meant "Your".

Yup.

[Rev-O]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
You find this behavior acceptable?!?
Psychologically abusing someone and make them submit to you? You sure are an ass.

Yup!

All because this person took a job to feed themselves and supply for their family.

Yup!

Salesmen put in long hours. They have jerks for bosses just like every other working stiff has. So now they are not only getting crap from their boss, now they have to take it from their clients too.

Yup!
I didn't force them to take that job. And if I was peaches and cream to them, they would try to get every last nickle off of me. Yes, they have to put food on the table. I have to keep food on mine. It is in my best interest to pay as little for a car as possible, as it is in theirs to make you pay as much as possible. That's the way it works. For every arse hole like me they suffer through, they get suckers like you. It comes out in the wash.

[TheJoshu]

Originally posted by G4ME:
don't say that to kilbey, this thread will be 4 pages before you know it

[Mastrap]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
Thanks for supplying me with nothing. Nice little tactic you got there. I either have to pay to believe you or take sometime out of my day and visit a library in the hopes that they have the issue I am looking for after I do a search for the issue it might be in.

'till then, I'll consider that you are making up what you said earlier. Sounds fair.

Your debate skills suck.

What are you on about? Just because you're unwilling to check the, perfectly respectable, sources supplied you're accusing other people of lying? And then you think that sounds fair? Interesting world you're living in.

[andi*pandi]

the saturn dealership has a nice tv, free coffee and beverages. Oh, and they wash the car for you too.

The subaru dealership has a water bubbler and not much else.

I go to the dealership for anything other than oil changes, because I have yet to find an independent mechanic down here who knows his way around a Subaru. Have had timing belt messed up by guys who said they know Subaru, turns out they didn't put in a new gasket at the same time, and didn't believe me when I said oil was leaking. Was a PITA to get them to fess up and fix it. So the dealer is more expensive, for very large jobs I go to my sister's guy in Maine. Worth the 180 mile drive to save on labor.

And IMHO it's not being an ass to tell a salesperson you could just go to another dealership to buy... all the car-buying tip books tell you to play them. Course you don't have to be an ass about it, but it is all about playing them, just as they're playing you.

CR is subscription only, but he could cut and snip the article in question.