I was going to let this experience go. However, when I saw others had complaints somewhat similar to mine, I just couldn't.
I had been looking for a used car for some time. I was in no hurry to buy. I went to Scott Toyota and explained my criteria to the salesperson, one of which was a price range of $13,000 out the door. The man proceeded to steer me towards vehicles that were clearly more than the amount I was willing to spend for what I planned to use the car for. After reiterating my price range at least four times I left.
Of course, two days later a recieve a phone call and when I re-call the salesperson, I ask the salesman not to call me again as I felt he was a poor listener. Shortly after, I get a call from the sales manager (Greg if I remember correctly). He tells me to come see him personally.
Well the next weekend I am out looking again. I forget which dealership Greg is from. When you start looking as much as I was, they all start to blend in. I find a salesman and things are starting out well. I explain my price range and what I am looking for. I pick out three cars, a Toyota Camry, a Toyota Corolla, and a 2005 Scion TC THAT WAS ON THE USED LOT. I asked if the Scion was pre-owned which they told me it was. I told them that I knew it would be higher than what I stated mt price range was, but was curious what they were asking for it.
I wait a good 5 to 10 minutes while the Salesman goes to get the keys for the Camry first. As I am waiting, the sales manager (Greg) comes out to talk to me. I tell him which cars I am interested in and that I would like to know what they are asking for the Scion. He THEN tells me that the salesman is bringing around an Oldsmobile Alero that they "just got in." I politely tell him that I am not interested in the vehicle. He asks me to "just take a look." I tell him I appreciate it, but that I am really not interested in the car. He tells me that I haven't even seen the car yet. I tell him that I have been looking for a while, an Alero has been on every lot I have been on and there are usually two or three of them. They are a dime a dozen, I know the car, and really am not interested.
The salesman finally brings the Alero around and the manager says,
"Just go check it out."
So a little frustrated now, I walk over to the vehicle, sit in it and get back out just as fast. I begin to make my way towards the Camry, when the salesperson asks what I thought. I look at him and say "look, I am not interested in that car."
He responds, "You haven't even looked at it."
Now bordering on angry, in a somewhat raised voice, "I will say this for the 5th and final time. I am not interested."
The manager now asks me why I am being so difficult. This is about when I lose it. I reiterate the entire event. I also tell him that I asked for the price on the Scion and have yet to hear it. He says it is out of my price range. I remind him that I asked, and that I could be flexible on my price range. He yells, "$16,995."
The arguement continues for a bit longer before I decide it is over.By the way, I understand line pricing, but I have never seen a car, even only a week old, on a used lot, with an asking price of more than the new one I was standing next to at the time. I bet if I saw the invoice for the trade in on the Scion, it would be less than your "unmovable line pricing."
I never got to look at the other two vehicles. The point about the Scion, should the dealership read this, I AM THE CUSTOMER. The client. If I ask what a price is, it shouldn't be so hard to get it. But in the long run, it turns out that no one I have dealt with on that lot understands that you must listen to your customer and then actually acknowledge what they said.
In light, I have purchased a used vehicle. I am now also looking to buy a new car as well. I did not buy from Scott Toyota, nor will I, EVER.
But it amazes me in this day and age, with the technology of the internet and e-mail at most people's fingertips how any company can risk a bad word of mouth report. I mean, before e-mail, how many people could you tell, 5-10. Well, I have already emailed my story to over 200 people, with but a click of a button. I have asked them to forward it to those they know. I have already had the message returned to me 12 times.
Thank you Scott Toyota for the worst experience I have ever had on a car lot EVER.
Matt E.
Matt
Phoenix, Arizona
U.S.A.
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