Dealers just don't care?

orangecones3 · 10-09-2008, 10:36 PM

I am really really confused. My local smart dealer (Lincolnwood, IL) is giving me missed feelings.

My first encounter with them was over email as I requested a test drive. The email replies were prompt and helpful. I even got a follow-up email asking me how the test drive went and asking to let them know if i decide to do the $99 reservation.

While at the dealer, I got a mixed bag. The receptionist and the guy who brought out the car I drove (Silver/Blue/Leather Passion) were very friendly and helpful, everyone else seemed to be too busy minding their own business to answer a simple question. Also, the car I drove had an aftermarket kenwood nav/dvd system, I wanted to know how much it cost. I asked 2 people and both of them didn't know.

Back to the email.... I replied ot the followup email saying that essentially I am very interested in the car, but I want to wait until the LA Auto Show (Nissan to announce Cube) before I fork over the $99. I also asked the questions about if it is possible to control the delivery date (aiming late summer/early fall 2009) and the cost of that kenwood nav. So far all the communication is between me and "Ivette". The reply I get is from another person....he (i think) answers my questions, but the tone seemed a bit rude and unprofessional...as to imply "I have 100 more people lined up to order the smart, so if you actually want a Nissan Cube, stop waisting my time"...that sounded pretty bad.

Anyway... I am not really turned off by this, and if i do get a smart it will be through Smart Center Lincolnwood (only because my 2nd choice is about 2x as far from my house)... but it did leave a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.

I think some dealers are taking "the smart way to buy a car" and mixing it with "i am selling a product with higher demand than supply so i can do whatever i want compared to the poor guy selling fords down the street who can't move them for the life of it"

How have your experiences been with your dealers?
(if possible, keep comments limited to your experience during the testing/ordering process, not ownership and maintanance)

NCC1701 · 10-09-2008, 10:42 PM

The dealership where I took a test drive two months before I took delivery sounds pretty much like your experience. A different dealership, where I actually took delivery, was very satisfactory.

nonuro · 10-09-2008, 11:03 PM

I bought mine from Lincolnwood. Billy was my salesperson and he was and is very kind and helpful for me. I went for a test drive back in April with him had a nice time and went home to put down my $99.00. I went back 2 weeks later and he remembered me and my name. I was shocked thbered my name and everything we had talked about 2 weeks earlier.I asked about the orphans listhe told me all about it and helped me get on the list.I have found that the team isn't up with all of the accessories out the smart;I think we "commen" folk know more and I come with all the info when I go in.If it wasn't Billy you have dealt with I would recommend that you request him if you go back in.Also, Saturdays are VERY busy and are not a good day to go in if you are serious about a smart.
P.S.- after owning a Sentra Ill NEVER EVER own a Nissan product again it was a true POS !!!!!!! And that NAV system is most likely $2000.00 of dealer mark up.

NCC1701 · 10-09-2008, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nonuro

P.S.- after owning a Sentra Ill NEVER EVER own a Nissan product again it was a true POS

I have zero complaints about my 2006 Nissan Sentra. I drove it for a half year without a single problem. And 26 mpg in the city isn't too shabby. But, I don't need two cars, two car payments, and to insure two cars. I'm only one.

Orphan-Beggar · 10-09-2008, 11:54 PM

It is essentially impossible to control delivery dates. You may already be too late for fall 2009 at Lincolnwood.

jediknight36 · 10-10-2008, 05:02 AM

I had a similar experence with the finance department ar park place in Dallas. The sales dept was great, but the financiers acted like we were common trash an they didn't have to really work for my business. Best of luck!

smartHHO · 10-10-2008, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangecones3

I am really really confused. My local smart dealer (Lincolnwood, IL) is giving me missed feelings.

My first encounter with them was over email as I requested a test drive. The email replies were prompt and helpful. I even got a follow-up email asking me how the test drive went and asking to let them know if i decide to do the $99 reservation.

While at the dealer, I got a mixed bag. The receptionist and the guy who brought out the car I drove (Silver/Blue/Leather Passion) were very friendly and helpful, everyone else seemed to be too busy minding their own business to answer a simple question. Also, the car I drove had an aftermarket kenwood nav/dvd system, I wanted to know how much it cost. I asked 2 people and both of them didn't know.

Back to the email.... I replied ot the followup email saying that essentially I am very interested in the car, but I want to wait until the LA Auto Show (Nissan to announce Cube) before I fork over the $99. I also asked the questions about if it is possible to control the delivery date (aiming late summer/early fall 2009) and the cost of that kenwood nav. So far all the communication is between me and "Ivette". The reply I get is from another person....he (i think) answers my questions, but the tone seemed a bit rude and unprofessional...as to imply "I have 100 more people lined up to order the smart, so if you actually want a Nissan Cube, stop waisting my time"...that sounded pretty bad.

Anyway... I am not really turned off by this, and if i do get a smart it will be through Smart Center Lincolnwood (only because my 2nd choice is about 2x as far from my house)... but it did leave a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.

I think some dealers are taking "the smart way to buy a car" and mixing it with "i am selling a product with higher demand than supply so i can do whatever i want compared to the poor guy selling fords down the street who can't move them for the life of it"

How have your experiences been with your dealers?
(if possible, keep comments limited to your experience during the testing/ordering process, not ownership and maintanance)

Boy, that dealership sounds like A holes. My dealer here in Round Rock Texas are very freindly helpful staff. They go out of their way to get any information you are asking for. Not sure if it because they are TEXAN, and Texans seem to be very nice people. I have not had any bad vibes from Texans since I left California. That was over 10 years living here now.

As for you wanting your car late summer and early fall. You might as well forget it. Especially being up in IL and the fact that China comes on board next year for the car also. I ordered Feb of this year and My DDE after I configured is now Dec 6 - Mar 6. So, that being said and nowing how much slower the other states have been. I am guessing that if you ordered today, you might get your car next Dec at the earliest. Remember, from time frames, some dealers get in cars in 13 months, some 10, and some all the way up to 2 years. There are people out there that ordered in 07 and still have not gotten to configure. So, either you want the car, or you don't. If you need the car right away, then this car is not for you. Good luck on your decision.

**SmartCard** · 10-10-2008, 05:52 AM

I think there may be indifference with some smart salespersons, as after all, w/o stock on hand, there really is no reason to lay on the typcial "sales experience".

smartHHO · 10-10-2008, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartCard

I think there may be indifference with some smart salespersons, as after all, w/o stock on hand, there really is no reason to lay on the typcial "sales experience".

Yes, I agree there on the normal car sales person. But, since that does not happen here in Round Rock, I beg to differ. The sales ppl know that the only sales they might get is if they have an orphan on hand to push to a new customer real quick. But, I never have an issue with the dealer. When I go in, I have nothing but helpful ppl there. I think it is all the state/city that you are in. I have met ppl from all over the states, and there are just some citys that I won't bother going to due to Rude ppl are mostly in there. You get away from the big citys, and you get better results.

**SmartCard** · 10-10-2008, 06:18 AM

I should point out that my statement was mostly conjecture as the only smart salespeople I've come across here in town have been attentive to questions and concerns.