Car test drive disappointment

MMRoberts11

I just got back from test driving the Ford Fiesta and I was not impressed.  After spending most of the day at work reading all about it and being able to recite much of the details to my coworkers and really getting the full details on all the features I thought I would love the car.  I went to the dealership where my grandpa knows the general manager, and wow... what an idiot!  My FI went with me to sit in it and tell me his opinion (he didn't like it at all) and the general manager was just talking to my FI!  My FI even said, "she's buying the car so if she wants to get it it's her choice" and the guy still was focused on him (and trying to get my FI to buy a focus).  Even worse, all the discounts Ford offers right now didn't really total to much ($1000) and the X plan I got from my uncle was only for $50 off the sticker price.

Back to looking for another car....

zulamay

Unfortunately this "talk to the guy" thing is a really common occurrence.  I've secret shopped at two different brands of the Big 3 and never once have been taken seriously.  Sorry you had a bad experience, I really don't know why it's 2010 and this still happens.

zulamay

2011!

kristiemk

I had the same experience when I went in to get my last 2 lease cars! I work in an industry that gives me a lot of experience and knowledge about different cars, and it was infuriating to me that the guy assumed that I wasn't capable of making informed choices. It sucks that the Fiesta didn't work out for you, but if you are looking for something small and sporty, take a look at the Mazda 3. They are awesome cars, you can still get the Ford discount on them, and they have an excellent resale value

Milsey32

The perks of being a woman... ]:

Sorry for your disappointment. Better luck finding a car!

ms nobody

not gonna lie, sales chauvinism a BIG reason I don't buy from Big 3 dealerships (I also don't think the quality matches the $$ for what we need/want). Our recent lease- the salesman actually talked to BOTH of us, but knew i was financing it and tended to focus more on me. good boy.

good luck finding a car! 

lisa89760

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_car-test-drive-disappointment?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:88Discussion:b4830f26-a507-45fd-a328-9fc45344b82dPost:f9bbca20-5352-4049-a6b2-6236d6b72d5f">Re: Car test drive disappointment</a>:
[QUOTE]not gonna lie, sales chauvinism a BIG reason I don't buy from Big 3 dealerships (I also don't think the quality matches the $$ for what we need/want). Our recent lease- the salesman actually talked to BOTH of us, but knew i was financing it and tended to focus more on me. good boy. good luck finding a car! 
Posted by ms nobody[/QUOTE]

I don't think it's fair to generalize the entire big 3 dealerships because some of them do this.  The dealership I work, every salesperson I worked with talked to me directly, and I buy Ford's.  It's not because I work there either, because the first Ford dealership I went to flat our lied to my face after knowing I worked there so I think it's more where you buy from than the actual brand because the car companies don't own the dealerships.

OP...I'm sorry you didn't like the fiesta.  I also test drove it and wasn't impressed.  It's too small for me!  I would check out the 2012 focus...It's awesome!

BridetobeJenG

I'm sorry you had a horrible experience. Unfortunately, all car dealership's (domestic and foreign) have sales people who are completely unaware that times have changed and men are not the only car buyers in the market place. I agree with pp above the 2012 Focus is a great vehicle. Most likely there won't be many rebates on it since it's hot off the presses, but there are definitely some good deals on the 2011s.

On a side note-- if you're willing to provide the information, I'd love to know the name of the Dealership you were at yesterday. There are a few new initatives we're taking with the Dealerships and I've love to do some background checking on this Dealership-- jnicolereed@gmail.com.

Hope your next experience is much better!

MMRoberts11

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_car-test-drive-disappointment?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:88Discussion:b4830f26-a507-45fd-a328-9fc45344b82dPost:0c55b247-b382-48e7-974b-e27050843843">Re: Car test drive disappointment</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm sorry you had a horrible experience. Unfortunately, all car dealership's (domestic and foreign) have sales people who are completely unaware that times have changed and men are not the only car buyers in the market place. I agree with pp above the 2012 Focus is a great vehicle. Most likely there won't be many rebates on it since it's hot off the presses, but there are definitely some good deals on the 2011s. <strong>On a side note-- if you're willing to provide the information, I'd love to know the name of the Dealership you were at yesterday.</strong> There are a few new initatives we're taking with the Dealerships and I've love to do some background checking on this Dealership-- jnicolereed@gmail.com. Hope your next experience is much better!
Posted by BridetobeJenG[/QUOTE]

I just sent you an email with the dealerships name, location, and the name of the guy (and phone number) that I spoke with yesterday.

ms nobody

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_car-test-drive-disappointment?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:b4830f26-a507-45fd-a328-9fc45344b82dPost:2663db9b-0526-40be-9847-5df4f048b597">Re: Car test drive disappointment</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Car test drive disappointment : I don't think it's fair to generalize the entire big 3 dealerships because some of them do this.  The dealership I work, every salesperson I worked with talked to me directly, and I buy Ford's.  It's not because I work there either, because the first Ford dealership I went to flat our lied to my face after knowing I worked there so I think it's more where you buy from than the actual brand because the car companies don't own the dealerships. OP...I'm sorry you didn't like the fiesta.  I also test drove it and wasn't impressed.  It's too small for me!  I would check out the 2012 focus...It's awesome!
Posted by lisa89760[/QUOTE]
Please rec your dealership- if they treat people with dignity, they deserve the business.  Unfortunately, I've never been to or heard of a dealership in my area where Dude Bros and the Good Ole Boy club wasn't the standard.  If I knew where one was in my area, I'd go there. But frankly, it's not worth my time trying to find one that has higher standards for customer service- and i'm not just talking ONE person on the floor who can be respectful, i'm talking every single salesman having a decent attitude. (FWIW, I work in customer service, if i EVER acted like some of those salesmen i'd've been fired in a heartbeat, and for good reason).

klreese0213

What a bummer that sucks

lisa89760

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_car-test-drive-disappointment?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:88Discussion:b4830f26-a507-45fd-a328-9fc45344b82dPost:363e1830-2611-405e-bbce-5a4dc2e42737">Re: Car test drive disappointment</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Car test drive disappointment : Please rec your dealership- if they treat people with dignity, they deserve the business.  Unfortunately, I've never been to or heard of a dealership in my area where Dude Bros and the Good Ole Boy club wasn't the standard.  If I knew where one was in my area, I'd go there. But frankly, it's not worth my time trying to find one that has higher standards for customer service- and i'm not just talking ONE person on the floor who can be respectful, i'm talking every single salesman having a decent attitude. (FWIW, I work in customer service, if i EVER acted like some of those salesmen i'd've been fired in a heartbeat, and for good reason).
Posted by ms nobody[/QUOTE]

I totally agree with the way a lot of car salespeople treat their customers.  I do encourage anyone that has a bad time with a dealership to report it to the car company because I know at Ford we are aware that's a huge issue and want it fixed. 

I work with Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor...Hank Stafford is his name, but I usually go through one of his kids since he is the owner.  I've also worked with the sales manager there and he was really helpful.  They let you take the car out on a test drive by yourself so you get a real feel for it.  I also told him exactly what I wanted and he had cars pulled for me.  They are REALLY good to my mom, she doesn't even go into the dealership, just calls and says I want this car and he has someone drive it out to her!  I've also had my car serviced at Varsity Lincoln in Novi and they have been great and really helpful!

MMRoberts11

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_car-test-drive-disappointment?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:b4830f26-a507-45fd-a328-9fc45344b82dPost:5a8e44c9-96a5-4292-9586-9ba1b766526c">Re: Car test drive disappointment</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Car test drive disappointment : I totally agree with the way a lot of car salespeople treat their customers.  I do encourage anyone that has a bad time with a dealership to report it to the car company because I know at Ford we are aware that's a huge issue and want it fixed.  I work with Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor...Hank Stafford is his name, but I usually go through one of his kids since he is the owner.  I've also worked with the sales manager there and he was really helpful.  They let you take the car out on a test drive by yourself so you get a real feel for it.  I also told him exactly what I wanted and he had cars pulled for me.  They are REALLY good to my mom, she doesn't even go into the dealership, just calls and says I want this car and he has someone drive it out to her!  I've also had my car serviced at Varsity Lincoln in Novi and they have been great and really helpful!
Posted by lisa89760[/QUOTE]

Good to know about these dealerships.  If I find a Ford I love I will plan on driving out to them.

mybestfriendsfuturemrs

I don't know how big of a car you are looking for, I've been eye candying cars for about a year now. I would love a Fusion and FI wants an Edge. Ive always had Tauruses and Explorers before I bought my POS GM product that I'm still paying for now. I say to my FI just about every day on how I want a new car, I would really like to lease, especially with the lease payments I keep hearing about. I feel like I'm pouring money down the drain on my car, or maybe I just feel that way because I hate it so much?

ms nobody

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_car-test-drive-disappointment?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:88Discussion:b4830f26-a507-45fd-a328-9fc45344b82dPost:5a8e44c9-96a5-4292-9586-9ba1b766526c">Re: Car test drive disappointment</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Car test drive disappointment : I totally agree with the way a lot of car salespeople treat their customers.  I do encourage anyone that has a bad time with a dealership to report it to the car company because I know at Ford we are aware that's a huge issue and want it fixed.  I work with Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor...Hank Stafford is his name, but I usually go through one of his kids since he is the owner.  I've also worked with the sales manager there and he was really helpful.  They let you take the car out on a test drive by yourself so you get a real feel for it.  I also told him exactly what I wanted and he had cars pulled for me.  They are REALLY good to my mom, she doesn't even go into the dealership, just calls and says I want this car and he has someone drive it out to her!  I've also had my car serviced at Varsity Lincoln in Novi and they have been great and really helpful!
Posted by lisa89760[/QUOTE] unfortunately, you're the only one i know that has had a good experience at that dealership. i've lived in a2 my entire life and i've never heard that from anyone. my mother has purchased multiple cars from that dealership, too, and has always had problems (she stays because she likes the garage. they've always done top notch work for her).<div>
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amberladerach

I'm sorry to hear of your bad car buying experience I went through it last year. I went to dealer after dealer and then I stumbled across Mark Chevrolet in Wayne Mi I was driving a beat down car and it was barely running these guys didn't know me very well but were willing to go above and beyond to help me get financing and into a car. I have poor credit and while I was waiting for financing they put me in a loaner car so i would have reliable transportation back and forth to work. Even now its been over a year since I bought my car and I took my mom there to get her car as well and she loved it too. Two weeks ago I took my car to get an oil change and they didn't put oil in it and blew out my engine I had my car towed to Mark Chevrolet and they put me in one of their rentals for free. So I hope this helped. If you want to call them the number is 7347229100 and I bought my car used and if you ask for Adam or Mike Cabana I can garuntee you will get the best service. They are always happy yo hear from me and are extremely friendly whenever I bring my car in for anything. Again good luck in your car shopping. Also if you tell them Amber sent you they will take extra special care of you

MMRoberts11

Omg, Amber.  If someone changed my oil and didn't put any new oil in it I woud flip!  How long did your car last like that?

My car is in a similar situation right now (back end ready to fall off from an accident I was in back in December and the trans is starting to go).  I'll look at their inventory and if I see anything I'll head over there and let them know you sent me.

amberladerach

The light came on for oil pressure like three days later. It was my first day back to work in almost a year. I had a blood clot go to my lung last year and nearly died so I was excited for my first day and on the way back to the office to give them my tb test results the engine went. I called roadside assistance for a tow and then called Mike at Mark Chevrolet and told him what happened and by the time I got there they had a free rental waiting for me and had me out of there and on to work on time. I was super stressed out and if it weren't for Mike and Adam I would not have been able to go to work on my first day. They have handled the insurance adjuster for the oil place and I am getting a new engine and starter along with the recall work and some small things needed ficing like power locks and the only thing I am paying for out of pocket is maintenance that was due for my mileage like coolant flushes and such. I should get my car back Monday I HOPE!!!!!