Test Drives

[Route 66]

I was in the market for a 2010 Dodge Ram Crew Cab loaded at this particular dealership. I was concerned about the overall dimensions of this truck fitting in my garage so I tape-measured the dimensions in my garage based on the data on the manufacture's website. It looked like it would fit except the length was sort of questionable. I stopped by the dealership before attempting to buy and said that I needed to see if it would fit in my garage. I told them I didn't need to take the actual truck but any Ram 1500 09-10 to make sure. The salesman said to take the new one. I offered my insurance and they copied that and then the sales guy gets in the passenger seat!

I start driving and I'm thinking "Hmm, the sales guy is coming to my house with me, going to stand in my garage and help me back it in?" At this point I tell him that I am already irked. I said I only live 3 miles away and would only be seeing if it would fit inside the garage and then coming right back. I then turned around and went back to the dealership and said I'm not taking some salesman to my house and then inside my garage. I was nice about it and not visibly angry. But they knew I was not happy. Then, they said there was a communication error and that they had to have someone go with me because someone had looked at the truck and was approaching a deal on it. I'm thinking, well why on earth would you not just get another truck then and do it that way or grab a used one for sale off your lot?

I told them that never mind, Ill take my keys back for my trade-in but since I'm already down here, to please tell me what they would offer for my trade-in out of curiousity. It turns out that I sat there for another hour or so talking numbers and this mystery buyer never showed up. Also, when I told them I'd be there at a certain time after work, they came up to me and said that they just had the truck cleaned for me (like I was certain to buy it). If that's the case, then how did this guy who showed up 5-10 minutes before me even see it if it was being detailed in the service dept across the street.

I have sometimes had salespeople ride along with me on a test drive due to the dealership having their own set of restrictions and I have also had dealerships welcome me to take the car for a few hours and just give them my license and insurance info. Just a year and a half ago I had a dealership try and get me to take one of their cars home to show the wife in the hopes she would be interested. They didn't seem concerned when I would bring it back. This situation just seemed odd.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I don't know where you live, but if there is another Dodge dealership in the area I'd shop there. Experiences like you had sour me on any business not just car dealerships. I don't offer any explaination I just move on.

Another thing, if that dealership calls (and they will if they have your number) just tell them you already bought a different truck so you are out of the market now then hang up.

 

[Tusan_Homichi]

The second buyer thing happens way too often not to be a trick to pressure you into making a quick decision.

 

[Faerluna]

When we were buying our CR-V last year we had looked at the RAV-4s at the Toyota dealership next door to the Honda one.

The sales guy was obviously new and not very knowledgeable. The manager came over and tried to shovel the crap on so high that it was a complete turn off.

Our daughter was getting fussy, the Sales Manager was too pushy and I had zero interest in buying there after all of that.

Finding a dealer you like can make all the difference.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Sounds like this music dealer near my house. I was in there looking at an Ibanez guitar. They are made in two places. Japan and Mexico. The ones in Mexico are well known for being much lesser quality compared to the Japanese models. (The Japanese across all brands / models are general very good quality)

Every single Ibanez in the store was from Mexico and this guy goes on to say, "The Mexican Ibanez are my favorite. They just have a better sound and are made better." (obviously trying to sell me one) I responded to him, "How does it feel to be on an island by yourself?" He looked at me not knowing what I meant, then all the sudden it clicked and he got very silent. :laugh2: