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I wanted a second car for trips to work, shopping, etc. I have a sports car already, but it's not at all practical. I had decided on a Polo, but until I drove both, I didn't know if I wanted a brand new DSG GTI or a 1.8T GTI. I had planned to test drive both: brand new and a 2008. I had contact from the dealer with the new car (Wangara Volkswagen) and found a nice 2008 GTI with 25k on the clock on the CarSales website.
I went to look at the 2nd hand car (it was at the local Kia dealer) and I explained that I wanted to try both new and old models to see which I liked more. The sales guy first quoted me a price $2000 more than the internet price, and basically said that if I went for a test drive I was expected to make an offer on the car. I was open and honest with the guy, and said that I wanted a drive but could not commit until I had tried both versions. He said that I should try the new car then come back. Basically refused to take me for a spin. The car itself was perfect - just like a brand new car.
I am 48 years old, I have turned up in a nearly-new Forester Turbo, and explained that my other car was a Lotus Elise (we were next to the Lotus dealer).
So, I went off, rather confused, to Wangara VW, where the sales girl was waiting for me, and took me for a drive in her new GTI DSG. I must admit that the car didn't click for me. Quality was top rate, but it wasn't getting me excited.
Then she mentioned that a Polo GTI had just been traded that day and was I interested in driving it, even though it had yet to be detailed. I said yes, and with another salesman, went for a spin. The car was 2005 with 84k on the clock - nowhere near the condition of the previous GTI. Paint was scratched, swirly and the wheels were scuffed. Still, it drove well and felt "fun". It was a few thousand dollars cheaper. I made an offer and bought it.
All the time I was at the VW dealer I was made to feel welcome, even though I only spent half the price of the new car. It was such a different experience from the Kia guy.
I sent emails to both the VW dealer and the Kia dealer; one to thank them for their excellent customer service and one to explain why I didn't buy the nice 2008 GTI. When I picked up my car on Christmas Eve, the salesman thanked me for my email.
Here is the reply I got from the Kia dealer:
If he had taken me for a drive, I would have bought his car - it really was a lovely car, better than the one I bought, but he lost the sale because of his attitude. I am now never going to recommend this dealer or Kia, but I will recommend VW and Wangara VW.
This experience has highlighted how important good service is to the buying experience.
I am still very happy with my slightly scruffy Polo! I will get the scratches buffed out professionally, and not need to worry so much where I park!
I went to look at the 2nd hand car (it was at the local Kia dealer) and I explained that I wanted to try both new and old models to see which I liked more. The sales guy first quoted me a price $2000 more than the internet price, and basically said that if I went for a test drive I was expected to make an offer on the car. I was open and honest with the guy, and said that I wanted a drive but could not commit until I had tried both versions. He said that I should try the new car then come back. Basically refused to take me for a spin. The car itself was perfect - just like a brand new car.
I am 48 years old, I have turned up in a nearly-new Forester Turbo, and explained that my other car was a Lotus Elise (we were next to the Lotus dealer).
So, I went off, rather confused, to Wangara VW, where the sales girl was waiting for me, and took me for a drive in her new GTI DSG. I must admit that the car didn't click for me. Quality was top rate, but it wasn't getting me excited.
Then she mentioned that a Polo GTI had just been traded that day and was I interested in driving it, even though it had yet to be detailed. I said yes, and with another salesman, went for a spin. The car was 2005 with 84k on the clock - nowhere near the condition of the previous GTI. Paint was scratched, swirly and the wheels were scuffed. Still, it drove well and felt "fun". It was a few thousand dollars cheaper. I made an offer and bought it.
All the time I was at the VW dealer I was made to feel welcome, even though I only spent half the price of the new car. It was such a different experience from the Kia guy.
I sent emails to both the VW dealer and the Kia dealer; one to thank them for their excellent customer service and one to explain why I didn't buy the nice 2008 GTI. When I picked up my car on Christmas Eve, the salesman thanked me for my email.
Here is the reply I got from the Kia dealer:
Removed quote due to possibility of legal action
This experience has highlighted how important good service is to the buying experience.
I am still very happy with my slightly scruffy Polo! I will get the scratches buffed out professionally, and not need to worry so much where I park!
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