Other than the fear and dread I experience when thinking about the dentist prying around in my sensitive mouth with a small pitchfork, the only other comparable pain I try and avoid is buying a car. Our lease is up on the Highlander and so we’re shopping around to see what deals are out there post the Obama takeover of the auto industry. Aside from the unions breaking their backs, no wonder the car dealers are in trouble. They create selling prices from a caldron of black magic that no one can understand. I visited a Ford dealer here in West Chester and I was dismayed to find the lack of professionalism and just good common sense when it comes to the fundamentals of selling cars and trucks. I was following up on a newspaper ad I had seen announcing a “Memorial Day” sale on the Ford F-150’s. The one cab was listed in the ad for just over $15,000 or $ 327 lease with nothing down. The 2 cab was listed for just over $23,000 or $368 per month lease with nothing down. These prices included rebates from the dealer and manufacturer. Ok, I bit. Went to the lot to inspect these trucks to see if I would be interested. Usually trucks and truck ads on TV send my testosterone levels through the roof. What If I could actually drive one? You know, for “haulin stuff”. The salesman was totally unprepared to assist me. He hadn’t even seen the ads and was unfamiliar with the deals. The trucks were parked in a row lined up under trees. The trucks were filthy dirty with leaf stains on the paint and truck bed covered with leaves and pollen buds which had fallen from the trees. This hadn’t just occurred. These stains had been there for a long time. And a first for me, the salesman actually pointed out the “fine print” in the ad early on. Part of the dealer rebate was based on previous points which had to be earned by past purchases at this particular dealer. There’s $2000 right there I wouldn’t qualify for. So not only did I feel cheated already by the false advertising, the salesman was a dunce. Did they actually expect me to buy a brand new 2009 car or truck stained with dirt and grime? This is just the basics when trying to sell anything. If this is how the American car companies manage their business, it’s plain to see that many of their problems are self inflicted. Compare this experience to visiting the BMW dealer. I’m met by a friendly salesperson offering me a bottle of water. When I take my car in for maintenance, it’s brought around to the door after being washed and cleaned. I’m also offered a free “loaner” car if mine needs to stay overnight. Now remind me once again why I’m looking at a Ford? Oh yea, it’s the testosterone spike. Maybe I can get that just as well by visiting my local Home Depot on Saturday morning.
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