From what I read above, was my experience unique?
I went to my local dealer knowing what I wanted because I'd done my research. I was seen by a salesman straight away and even before my coffee arrived I'd told him the exact model I wanted and which options. I also told him that I would only pay cash and that I'd had quotes from a couple of online dealers of £..... . I was totally straight with him and didn't give him the impression that I was a time-waster or just there for the best deal.
He gave me a price without any attempts to persuade me to have anything I didn't want. I wasn't happy with his price and told him that he had to get nearer to the online quotes I had. I told him that I preferred to deal directly with him, but not at a high cost. He asked me to leave it with him and I walked out.
Later that day he phoned with a better offer, one that was close to what I was hoping for. I went back to see him the next morning and, after briefly trying for something better, signed the forms. I got the car for £4215 off list - not as big a discount as I may have got elsewhere, but I was delighted with the service and felt good.
A couple of weeks ago I popped into the dealership about something totally different. It was nearly three years since I'd taken delivery of my car and I hadn't seen that salesman since. He spotted me and came up to find out how I was and if everything was OK with the car (which it was). He knew which car I had. Once again I left the dealership feeling good, just as I had on previous visits for servicing. I'll be back there for my next car (if I ever stop loving this one).
They're not all bad. Perhaps it's the bad experiences that get most column inches. But sadly that applies to everything doesn't it?
