RE: Why dealers get a bad rap.

["Geoff Jenkins" <jenkinsg@pilot.msu.edu>]

> For the most part, I don't think Audi dealers get a bad
> rap.  I think they earn the reputation they have.

And to be honest, I don't think Audi dealer's reps are much worse than Lexus
or BMW or whoever else. Our local dealer is the
BMW/Audi/VW/Subi/Isuzu/MBz/Porsche house, and the sales department are
equally difficult to deal with no matter what you're buying. The same's true
of the local Volvo, Saab and Lexus dealers.

> Both of our "local" dealers are terrible, especially with
> parts.  Out of probably 10 trips to them for parts, they
> have only gotten the part number right 1 time.

Oddly, our one has a very good VW/Porsche/Audi/Isuzu parts setup, and less
good for the other brands. The mechanics on "my" side of the shop are also
vastly better (they've even succeeded in diagnosing problems on my wife's
Merc that the MB people couldn't find). They're as helpful as I could ask,
and (vitally) don't mind at all if you watch or inspect the work while the
car's on a lift. They've fitted non-Audi performance parts for me without
question, never given anyone I know any hassle over chips and warranties,
and they've helped me when I've been working on something on my own. What
more could I ask for?

> Really, it is probably unfair blaming our dealers.  I
> view the dealer somewhat like a child, they usually
> act as their parents allow them to act.  When AoA
> demands more from the dealers here, the dealers
> will change.  I don't hold my breath though.

Indeed. In terms of buying and selling cars, if a private seller treated me
the way the sales dept. of the dealership (after 4 cars) does, I would walk
away. That's why the S4 was bought elsewhere.

Geoff