My sales experience couldn't have been better, once I skipped the dealer close to me and went to the larger one across town. Salesperson (who's on the boards, also) said 2-5 weeks, delivered it in 3, and didn't mind my endless phonecalls checking for updates. Didn't try to add anything I didn't want...even was in and out of finance in about 20 minutes with my preapproved financing through USAA. The only thing I didn't like was signing initial paperwork with the salesperson, I was told I would not be charged for Theft Avert (VIN etched on the windows, etc.) but bam, there it was on the first bill of sale the finance manager gave me, $340. However, when I told him to took it off he did, no questions asked

 

well i talked to the sales manager today, he said its hard to find a car with side airbags thats why it took so long... I never asked or said one word about airbags... so i said listen. get me a manula. black sand pearl ... please. he told me to expect another week or two
all this dealership has done is rape me for my money.
DCH FREEHOLD TOYOTA/SCION. i didnt want to give out their name and give them a bad rep but this is rediculous. they best be giving me lots of delicious accesories for this pain and suffering. i understand that the cars have limited availabillity, and i would have been fine if he just had kept saying another week, another week. but instead he lied to me and my dad.

 

People really need to shop around for a good dealership, unfortunately they are not all the same. I sell Scions and I make it a point to know as much as possible concerniing the scions. I am a big fan of the product though and alot of sales people are in it just for the money, which just about every one you sell is a minimum deal. ( which is as little as you can get paid for selling anything). So for most salespeople who sell 1 scion a month there is no incentive to even know the car, alot of the time you are better off selling people something else. It is like toyota wants to sell alot of Scions but doesn't make it so sales people can make anything doing it. Toyota has a number of bonuses and other ways to compensate salespeople for all the minideals but scion does nothing.

 

I guess i'm in the lucky crowd here. Bought my box from Josh at Sparks Scion (www.trdsparks.com) and had absolutely no problem. Josh knew his product and put up with all my questions. Now 2 more of my friends have bought their xBs from Sparks and still not a single complaint from any of us.

 

Like dougalast I also have had nothing but excellent experience with my dealership, Elway Toyota/Scion.
My xB is our second purchase with them in a year--our Prius purchase took longer (4 months for a Salsa Red in Summer 2004) but it was worth the wait.

I have already got a referral to them from a friend who's looking to buy either a Prius or Scion. She drives 100 miles a day for her job as a sale rep. Her Miata blows on gas mileage of course compared to a Scion or hybrid

Make sure you get exactly what you want. You're paying good money for your car and should get what you order.

 

you know what they say about salesman... you know a salesman is lying the moment he opens his mouth. Not all but the ones who try to take advantage of you.

 

I can understand the compensation issues, but why do some dealers rub it in your face. The sales person I had reminded me a couple of times how little he makes on a Scion. Not my problem.

What many dealers don't value is the likelyhood that I'll return for another car someday IF I have had a good experience. I bought/leased 5 Mercury's from the same dealer because after the 1st one they understood me and never gave me a hard time. Repeat sales is where the money is, not one-off, never see you again sales. If Toyota/Scion is truly looking to the younger demographic of 1st time buyers they should realize that they will need another car someday. (Hard to think of having to bury my xA someday). This same principle was used by Apple by offering very attractive pricing to schools in the late 80's-mid 90's. The thought was get them to start using the brand when they are young. When they get their first jobs they will recommend Apple wherever they work.

Maybe all auto dealers should make The Purple Cow by Seth Godin required reading. You will understand that being "remarkable" drives initial business and repeat business by delivering an excellent customer experience.

Andy

 

I have a suggestion. If you don't like dealing with idiot dealers, stop giving them your business! Take your money to a store that treats you in the manner you want to be treated. By complaining, but still buying from them, you make yourself part of the problem.

I've been in the car business for nearly 12 years and I read things like this constantly. Its an old refrain, but for some reason, people keep doing business with morons. You're just encouraging them to continue with the same practices.

Those of you in rural markets have an excuse. There may not be another dealership within 50 miles. Those of you in metro areas should stop tolerating this and shop for a responsible dealer who knows his ___ from a hole in the ground.

/rant

 

i kinda had the same type thing happen to me when i was looking for my xA. i called many dealers trying to find a white one. i called one dealership(wont mention any names STEVENSTON) but i talked to the scion sales manager and asked him if they have any white ones in stock and he swore by it that they dont make a white xA, and i said yes they do its called polar white and then again he said no they dont and hung up on me!!!! long story short never got the white and didnt buy from stevenson!!!!!

 

If anyone has bad dealership experiences contact me at supersportstar4@msn.com so that I can post your story on my website. The 05 is different from th 06 and its good that you didnt give in. My website is http://www.aneglfire.com/nj4/botlman and if you have any stories like thse then email me so that I can start to add stories to my webste to alert the scion customer base. Thanks and good luck JOE