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DrMeg
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Member since 5/08 1858 total posts
Name:
Meg
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Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
So I’m in the market for a new car and have basically decided on the BMW 128i convertible. Since 2003 I have been driving MINI Coopers; I am on my 3rd one. I have bought all 3 of them from the same dealership. Because MINI is owned by BMW, there is a BMW dealership associated with (same owner/autogroup) and next door to the MINI dealer. This is where I wanted to buy my 1 series from. I liked how I had been treated there, and figured since I was a 4th time buyer with them, I would get the best deal.
Before going to this dealer, DH and I went by another BMW dealership to price out the car. This way I would know if I was getting a deal or not when we went to purchase.
Aside from them giving me a horrible quote for my trade, the numbers I got price-wise were no better then the ones I got at the dealership I had no history with. I was told I was getting close to $2000 off the car, but because the prices were the same at both places, it’s obvious every BMW dealership is reducing the 1 series price by this amount.
So I explained the situation to my salesgirl; that I liked dealing with them and the service I’d received in the past and wanted to spend my money there again. However, as a 4 time returning customer, I felt like they could do better on the price. If they could only offer me the same “deal” as everyone else, why should I spend my money with them. I wasn’t rude about it, I just explained how I felt.
I was basically told that the price she gave me is the best she could do. And that the fact that I was happy with their service should be incentive enough for me to want to buy from them again. Additionally, the car was “only a 1 series” and had I been buying a more expensive car, she could give me more money off. I hadn’t realized $35k was chump change.
Does customer loyalty and the fact that I have spent $75k+ in their business mean nothing? Every time I have purchased from them, the car I purchased is more expensive then the previous one. This should say something about my future buying potential. I’m sorry I can’t afford a $100k car but you’d think in this economy they’d do everything they could to make a sale.
After the conversation with the saleswoman last night, DH is adamant that we will not be doing business with them. The only thing making me not think the same way is that when I bring my car in for service I get a loaner car from them. Most of the other dealerships in the area don’t offer that service. But should I not return to them as a customer?
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Posted 6/10/10 9:39 AM  |
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Cheeks24
Living a dream
Member since 1/08 8589 total posts
Name:
Cheeks
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
Have you always dealt with this person? I would talk to someone else in the place. What about waiting until the end of the month to go back? The sales people have monthly quotas they need to reach and would probably negotiate more if they haven't reached their goal. Can you also maybe wait until July/August when the 2011 cars will start rolling in and they need to make room for the 2010 cars?
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| Posted 6/10/10 9:46 AM |
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DrMeg
Back home!
Member since 5/08 1858 total posts
Name:
Meg
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
Posted by Mici C
Have you always dealt with this person? I would talk to someone else in the place. What about waiting until the end of the month to go back? The sales people have monthly quotas they need to reach and would probably negotiate more if they haven't reached their goal. Can you also maybe wait until July/August when the 2011 cars will start rolling in and they need to make room for the 2010 cars?
She used to work at MINI and sold me my first car there, this is why I went back to her. The 2011's are already out, this is what I would be getting. They have no 2010s left.
I thought about calling and speaking to the sales manager, but I don't know if it would make a difference.
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| Posted 6/10/10 9:54 AM |
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Pray4Baby2010
<3 Cutest Giants Fan
Member since 10/09 5796 total posts
Name:
MB
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
Definitely call the manager and tell him your story- I cant imagine that they cant do something for you!
I bought my BMW at Rallye in Westbury and they were great- I got it through the AAA program- they negotiate the prices for you and it was the best price that I got and I surveyed a couple dealers here and in NJ.
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| Posted 6/10/10 10:08 AM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
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They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
Did you only deal with the salesperson or did you talk to a manager?
The salespeople are only allowed to give you X percentage or X dollar value off the car. They aren't authorized to give you any more and they are trained to tell you that is the best they can do. The manager, however, can usually do better. I would say you want to talk to the sales manager to find out if that is really the best they can do.
The salesperson is just doing her job. It's her job to sell the car and to sell it for as much as the dealership can get. The manager, if you remain nice and police (and 100% willing to walk away if you don't get the price you want) will have the authority to give you an even lower price and/or more money for your trade-in.
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| Posted 6/10/10 10:16 AM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
get another quote from another dealer and bring it to them.
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| Posted 6/10/10 10:38 AM |
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luvsun27
Check out my cool glasses
Member since 5/05 8135 total posts
Name:
Kim
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
The service department is totally different than the sales department. I would get the best deal you can at the other dealer...and if the service is what you like, then continue to use them for the service and convenience.
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| Posted 6/10/10 10:55 AM |
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DrMeg
Back home!
Member since 5/08 1858 total posts
Name:
Meg
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
Posted by luvsun27
The service department is totally different than the sales department. I would get the best deal you can at the other dealer...and if the service is what you like, then continue to use them for the service and convenience.
I understand this. But if you don't purchase the vehicle at that dealership, they won't give you a loaner car when you service with them.
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| Posted 6/10/10 10:58 AM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19461 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
Try getting some internet quotes. I find that they are much lower than the rates quoted when you walk in looking for a car. Also, check out the costco car buying program. They have deals with some vendors.
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| Posted 6/10/10 12:37 PM |
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MommyTeffi
Yummy!!!
Member since 2/06 1827 total posts
Name:
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
My DH works for BMW (corporate) and would cringe if he saw your post. I can probably guess which dealer. I'm assuming there are no programs for the 1 series hence the price. Convertibles are in demand at this time as well. Profits are up for BMW so that can also reflect the price.
Your saleswoman sounds like a dope. I would call and ask to speak with the sales manager. Did you try calling BMW customer relations dept?
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| Posted 6/10/10 12:57 PM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
I would def talk to a manager.
I am actually driving a MINI now too and was going to switch to a BWM soon and was hoping they would help me out a bit but from your story I guess I won't get my hopes up.
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| Posted 6/10/10 1:47 PM |
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Otherme
Square head cutie pants
Member since 3/06 6899 total posts
Name:
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
definitely talk to a manager
if they can't get you a better price, then make it clear you're walking away
i bet their tune will change pretty quick
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| Posted 6/10/10 4:05 PM |
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pnm1654
Mommy to 2 boys!
Member since 5/05 4565 total posts
Name:
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
We ended up going out of state (NJ) to get our BMW. Better service and deal. We went to Morristown BMW and dealt with Gary I believe. If you end up going there, fm me and I will confirm with DH that Gary is the name of the guy we dealt with.
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| Posted 6/10/10 4:53 PM |
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maybemommy10
Big Brothers to Be !
Member since 2/10 3868 total posts
Name:
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
I would:
Tell her manager
Then go buy the car somewhere else and drive by while honking at her.
What a (&43@#$566^7&*&!!!!!
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| Posted 6/10/10 4:57 PM |
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maybeamommy
Blessed beyond belief
Member since 10/07 17048 total posts
Name:
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
Posted by DrMeg
Posted by luvsun27
The service department is totally different than the sales department. I would get the best deal you can at the other dealer...and if the service is what you like, then continue to use them for the service and convenience.
I understand this. But if you don't purchase the vehicle at that dealership, they won't give you a loaner car when you service with them.
Why not?
We bought my BMW in New York and now live in CA. We get a loaner every time we bring the car in for service! I'm pretty sure it's standard at BMW dealerships to give a loaner when they have your car.
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| Posted 6/10/10 5:00 PM |
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CunningOne
***
Member since 5/05 26975 total posts
Name:
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
Ask to speak to the sales manager. Ask your sales lady how much is she willing to give up on the dealer hold back... I've never in my life have heard DH not giving his best deal to a repeat customer. They are their lifeline. It's obvious she doesn't know this 
And any good service dealer will give you a loaner, no matter where you bought your car! 
Message edited 6/10/2010 5:25:17 PM.
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| Posted 6/10/10 5:24 PM |
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pnm1654
Mommy to 2 boys!
Member since 5/05 4565 total posts
Name:
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Re: Customer Loyalty Question re: car purchase
Posted by maybeamommy
Posted by DrMeg
Posted by luvsun27
The service department is totally different than the sales department. I would get the best deal you can at the other dealer...and if the service is what you like, then continue to use them for the service and convenience.
I understand this. But if you don't purchase the vehicle at that dealership, they won't give you a loaner car when you service with them.
Why not?
We bought my BMW in New York and now live in CA. We get a loaner every time we bring the car in for service! I'm pretty sure it's standard at BMW dealerships to give a loaner when they have your car.
We bought our car at the Morristown BMW but live in NY and get it serviced at Hassel BMW (in Freeport) and they do give you a loaner if it's available.
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| Posted 6/11/10 7:15 PM |
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