Are all VW dealers the same?

[DanoGTI]

Hmm. As some of you know, I'm looking for a GTI. I've asked a few questions on here (thanks for the replies and advice) and I've come to the conclusion that I really want to go via a VW dealer due to my preference for a PCP (never had one before as I've always self-funded, and then modded )

Like most people, I've had a run of different cars and dealt with different dealers, and SO FAR the worst have been the VW lot..... why?

1. An unwillingness to even perform the basics such as communication regarding a sale.
The 1 dealership I've been waiting for a deal price for....ooo nearly 3.5 weeks No, I'm not going to call them - they STATED twice (I popped by on my way home from work) that they would call.

2. The other dealership, wouldn't even return my call!
3. There is one ray of light - I'm awaiting a dealership call (the conversation has been going (off and) on since last Saturday - Wrexham VW. They've got a VIP function which has everybody running around in circles. Although, by the time they do get back in touch, I fear we'll be into the next month - new targets etc.....

Now, perhaps it's me, but as the customer, I expect the dealer to pretty much do most of the work (after all, I'll be paying for it in the raised premium!!LOL!!) - that includes the communication and keeping me abrest of any news or details - LIKE EVERY OTHER DEALER I'VE DEALT WITH.

Granted, I haven't bought a car in 3 years, so have the rules regarding car purchase changed? Am I missing something? Should I be the one who crawls on hands and knees (in a Lee Evans style) begging, "Oh magestic lord, pleeeease may I beg a moment of your valuable time so I can enquire about spending my mere-mortal money on your product?".......


It's almost like they DON'T want to sell cars


Dan :smiley2:

[ub7rm]

Most but not all I'd say.  I bought my car from my local dealer.  One of the salesmen said he'd phone me with a trade in price for my old car but didn't (this was after taking the car I was interested in for a test drive).  Went back the next week and found another salesman who was marginally better but made the whole experience as satisfying and mundane as buying a tumble drier.

I did speak to a few dealers down south who were very helpfull over the phone and even offered to drive a car I was interested in 150 miles north to meet me if we did the paper work over the phone.  Eventually I did go for the local car but it shows that there are some good dealers out there.  I've heard a lot more bad reports than good though 

[DanoGTI]

See, the daft thing is that (and perhaps it's me) I feel like I shouldn't have to chase them up THEY are the ones who'll make commission off MY business. So, IMHO, they should f&^king work for their money!!!

Mind you, this is making it difficult to source my car I don't really want to source my own finance, but if I have to I will. I'll then look elsewhere. But I really want to investigate the PCP option, and the daft thing is they can't even be bothered to work the figures out for me.....

Dan

[2007GTI]

If your main problem is them not calling you back, then its not a problem is it.

Some receptionist might have never passed your message on, or the message got lost, or their tried to call you and your number was written down wrong, who knows?

JUST PHONE THEM!

[jv]

It's almost as if they are too busy to bother. Don't blame them really, must be such an easy time to sell cars

Personally I would put in some more effort if the specific dealer has a good price on a spec of VW that you are really after. If not, sod it, take your business elsewhere!

[DanoGTI]

Sorry - I should have made myself more succinct. I have actually spoken to the sales team (got past the receptionist)

The returning of phone calls is the most BASIC start to any sale. If they can't even do that, then it doesn't bode well for the rest of the transaction, does it?

You know the scene, "Yeh, I'll just look at the car details for you, and give you a shout back by the end of today"........
I'm getting bored of this treatment

But my main point is why should I have to chase the dealer up? Surely the emphasis is on them to call the customer  - after all, it's a little thing called "customer service".......

Or is the fact that I've got an (admittedly, LOW) expectation of the dealers involvement too much to ask for?

I would reluctantly call the dealers, but I don't think I should. I've never had to with any other dealer. What makes VW so special?

Dan

[jv]

Nothing... just terrible customer service from the dealers you have spoken to. This all the same dealer group/network or different ones?

[DanoGTI]

Different ones! 

BUT before this turns into a total b1tch at the VW dealers, or sales men in general
Any recommendations for good dealers?

I don't mind travelling too far to find the car I want.

dan

[Trickyboy]

Dano mate, i completely agree, they are a useless waste of space, we've been waiting nearly 2 weeks for our gti, dealer has lost the log book so further waiting involved grrrr.... cheeky bugger even asked if we would pay in full for it on Tuesday (end of slaes month and year) even though we haven't even got the car yet! Been waiting for days for calls of them. Does give us one hell of a bargaining chip though!

[icenutter]

Depends on the dealer.

Loughborough (Arthur Prince) Bad - uninterested, treated us like we were a hindrance.
Leicester (Reg Vardy) Better

So we bought fiancé's Polo in Leicester...