10-01-2013, 12:11 PM | #1 |
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I Guess They Didn't Want My Business
So, I took my Mercedes C Class to Mercedes of Alexandria today to get yet another problem looked at (thumping sound at slow speeds; probably a bad tire). Since I hate Mercedes, I decided to walk up the street to BMW of Alexandria with every intention of buying a new 3 Series sedan. I walked in and there were 4 or 5 salesmen (I assume) at desks typing away. Nobody looked up; nobody even said hello. I spent 11 minutes looking around the showroom and sitting in a couple of cars and nobody approached me. So, I went outside, walked around the lot to check out the cars. A guy came out, nodded to me, and continued to walk past me. I went back in and continued browsing for a few minutes...nothing...no hello...no how can I help you...nothing. Oh well. Their loss. I'll stick with my Benz through the winter and try another dealer next Spring. Just venting.
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10-01-2013, 02:08 PM | #3 |
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Go to Passport. I've given up on Alexandria - I've had the same experience as you, and they never seem interested in negotiating. JC Thomas at Passport is the man - we've bought our last 3 cars from him. Plus Passport service will pick up your car and drop off a loaner at your house.
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10-01-2013, 03:04 PM | #5 |
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For what its worth -
I have had the same experience 4 times in about 10 years - at West German BMW in the Philadelphia suburbs. I have gone in there, hung around some of the cars, and no one came up to me. I even stole eye contact with one or two salespeople, but nothing happened.
I have always felt welcome and appreciated at Thompson BMW in Doylestown - a little further, by maybe 5 more minutes - MUCH better. Ordered my 5th car from them (3 BMWs, a Toyota Sienna, and a Nissan Quest) and always loved their service and personality. Free loaners, dropoff/pickup service, and lots of other extras - that I actually look forward to going to the dealership. Thompson should be a model for all other dealerships nationwide. Go Thompson! C- |
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10-01-2013, 03:28 PM | #7 | |
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So I bought it from another dealership that was willing to give me a competitive price upfront without the bs. |
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10-03-2013, 10:17 AM | #8 |
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I don't let things like that bother me. If I want to look at a car, I just go up to the receptionist and tell them I need to drive a car, gimme a salesperson. Then to the salesperson, I just give the license and tell him what I want. There are different approaches in life. You can wait for things to happen or you can make things happen. Me being a foreigner, I had to learn that not everyone is going to treat you same. But what I do know is I won't let anyone mistreat me.
What happened to you, should have not happened. The dealers should be courteous and offer help and service. It's a shame people do not understand customer service any longer. Everything is negotiable, if dealer A is not doing it then go to dealer B. Bryan you did the right thing. You work hard for your money and you deserver the best deal.
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10-06-2013, 04:59 PM | #9 |
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I wasn't too impressed with BMW of Alexandria either, but for different reasons. I shopped elsewhere, and found a salesman that was honest, upfront, no bs. For what it's worth, I recommend Jim Sabo at Fairfax.
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10-07-2013, 06:14 AM | #10 |
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I had a good sales guy at Alexandria but they weren't willing to negotiate at all on price. Their "best" price was enough that I actually started laughing in the showroom and walked out. BMW Fairfax on the other hand, exact same experience as the OP. Took my E92 to Passport for an oil change and they were really nice up there! Even let me take out a X6M for a test drive while waiting for my car!!
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10-17-2013, 11:21 AM | #12 |
Well officer, what had happened was...
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Just chiming in here, I'm from the VA Beach area but happened to visit the BMW of Fairfax last weekend. AMAZING place. The sales people were very nice and the service department is spectacular and friendly. Highly recommend!
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11-06-2013, 08:47 AM | #14 |
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That same thing happen to me at Porsche of Tysons. I meant to send an email to their sales manager, but I forgot. I was looking to lease a Cayman '14 and looked around for about 20 minutes. I know their sales ppl saw me looking around, but no one ever said hi. I drove to BMW of Fairfax and bought a car the same day.
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11-06-2013, 10:27 AM | #15 |
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The funny thing is, I actually went back a few weeks later and bought a 328i from them. Luckily I got a CA that was eager to help me (Hugo Coz) and I closed the deal in about 3 hours after checking out a few models. I swore I would not go back, but it is literally a couple of blocks from my house.
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11-12-2013, 05:39 AM | #16 | |
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When you say impact instead of affect/effect, you are communicating that you don't understand the difference between the two words, and are too lazy to learn.
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12-12-2013, 01:34 AM | #17 |
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Having a business take a lot of effort. Some people may want it and some may hate it. Anxiety and doubt needn't be deal-breakers when you are in the act of getting a small company going. Tame that animal and take control with a few time-tested recommendations that can lead not only to small business success, but personal growth.
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01-20-2014, 12:17 PM | #19 | |
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I'm in the market for a 2014 335i and I've been working with a great CA over at BMW of Silver Spring (a friend of mine highly recommended them). I've heard horror stories about BMW of Alexandria so I avoided that place entirely. I have an appointment with BMW of Silver Spring on Feb 14th to go on one last test drive then after that, negotiate a deal (I made a thread explaining the whole story here, http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=936952). Should I not get the deal I'm looking for, perhaps I'll try Passport BMW and get in touch with this JC Thomas individual. |
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01-22-2014, 12:53 PM | #20 | |
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01-22-2014, 01:58 PM | #21 | |
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He agreed so on Saturday I just go fill out the paperwork, I'll be sure to double check everything to make sure they didn't add anything behind my back. |
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01-22-2014, 02:05 PM | #22 |
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E92Monstah - I hear your pain and understand your frustration with not being helped.
However, I can honestly say I'm the complete opposite. When I walk into that dealer, I almost try to hide from the sales people. I hate it when they follow me around the dealership asking what I drive, and what I do for a living. I just want to look at car in peace and without pressure... I'll come find you when I'm ready to negotiate a deal.
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