As a GM emplyoee (advanced Powertrain engineer), I am really surprised at the antics pulled this past summer when looking at a purchasing a Z06.
This past summer I was in the market for a C5 Z06. I had looked at many over the prior year and it came down to three. One in Ohio. One in Chicago. One at Les Stanford.
I went to look at the one at Les Stanford. I figured they would be the place to go given they move a lot of corvettes and are local to me. Things started out well. I talked to the salesman for a better part of an hour. Nearing the end of the conversation, I was offered the oppertunity to drive the car in question. It was nice, low miles and had the options I wanted with the exception of one, that I didn't want or want to pay for (dealer addition to intice selling). Upon finishing the drive, the salesman and I talked some more and I said I'd sit on it overnight. Several times throughout the discussions, I expressed my high interest in it, but that I didn't care for the particular 'add-on' they threw on and that they'd have to work with me on the price, because it was high (3K over book). Next day, I got a call about coming in and making the deal. At that point, I wasn't going to be available, so I said the following night I would. Ok, up till now, things were smooth and respectable.
Next evening rolls around, and I make the trip over there. Without any discussion on price, they write it up for what they had it listed for, I was like, "woah, I think we need to discuss the price here. I'm not willing to pay, what you are asking because it's high, really high."
Discussion proceeded, they were willing to knock the price down for X amount after they removed the add-on they put on to help sell the car. (Take note the car was on the lot for around 2 months. They also at the time had at least 6 other C5 Z06's and many other C5's and C6's setting there. Cars weren't exaclty flying off the lot. ) The car was priced 3K over book, prior to removeing the add-on.
I given a price that was still 2K over book after removing the add-on. I made the offer of book price and that I would not pay the $175 processing fee. Meanwhile, I apparently ruffled some feathers or they felt 'insulted' because I wouldn't buy it for 3K over book and because I said I wouldn't pay the processing fee. The entire tone and additude of the sales staff went totally south. Instead of a well, let's see what we can do for you or work with you on it, I got this: "take it or leave it". I was given this by the sales manager there, who had been called in because of my offer.
To top it off, in the course of conversations, another department head walked by and I was introduced because of a few questions I had pertaining to his department. Come to find out, this person had taken the car I was looking to purchase, home the prior evening (This person outright said they took it home). I had noticed when I came in that evening to make the deal the car was dirty and had a nick on the rocker. This employee racked up another 100+ miles on what could have been my car, knowing that I was intending to come in and purchase it. I'm sorry, but if you have a high potential sale, why on Gods green earth, would you let your employees take the car home at all. Especially, a Z06. I somehow might fathom a normal vehicle there, but why does an employee need to drive the high end vehicle??
To me, this is very, very sad. One, they were in need of sales, because the market was sh**y. I was local and had not established any ties to a Chevrolet dealer yet and I was a newer GM employee. You'd think, given those criteria, I'd have been treated better and they'd have sold it for blue book to get a new customer, make a sale and get some future buisness for their dealership. NOPE.
Bottom line, I bought my 2004 Z06 from Ogden Chevrolet in Chicago for $2000 under book, exact car as LS had and it had less miles on it. Go figure. I'll drive to Ogden Chevrolet before I ever spend a $1 at Les Stanford. Sorry guys, but your "Corvette King" attitude lost you a lifetime customer and a GM employee sale.
Sorry to hear of your situation at Les Stanford. They do have a large volume of Vettes and I have heard mostly good about people dealing with them...but also some bad such as your situation.
On a side note, since you live in Michigan and went to Chicago to get your car I just thought I would let you know that Al Serra in Grand Blanc (although not a large allocation) has dealt with me in the past very professionally and also stated to me that they are offering the new Z06 at MSRP because they want to please local customers and have them return for future business. I think they said they only got 3 or 4 '06 Zs, but its still awesome of them considering all the dealers charging over MSRP. Only caveat of their dealing is that they only want it to go to locals (in state) and won't deal them to others out of state (another reason I am letting you know). Before travelling all the way to Chicago next time I would at least suggest contacting them to see if they have what you want. Based on their past dealings with me and their stated MSRP (as of a week ago) on Z06s I plan to offer my business to them in the future assuming they have or can get what I want.
Upon returning to the dealer to find out an employee took the car home, I would have told the manager, I'll take your advice and leave it.
But, congrats on the new ride.
Sorry For your bad experience,It certainly was not mine.
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Congratulations on your new Z...Tell us a little about it
Sometimes timing is everything and it's a darned strange tale for sure...With all that Iron...Um Fiberglass & Aluminum on the lot....why do they behave like they don't give a rip ! The days of sales staff driving demo/loaners are long over but "SPECIAL" privileged people get to do certain things...Could have been owners son or someone else high on the food chain
You can bet your bippy that your letter will find it's way to the top....I know I would morn the loss of such a customer as youself and I have never been in the car business
N Wrries....Enjoy your Z
__________________ Montana: So Many Z06 Roads...So Little Time Z06/Z16#1571
I would have done the same thing man! I would NOT have liked that someone decided to drive the car home the night before when there were however many others on the lot! Crazy...
Enjoy the car!
MikesZ06, what are your intentions with a post like that? "(Interesting first post here)". Sounds like you think he's here to raise hell... Lets be more open armed to our new people!
MikesZ06, what are your intentions with a post like that? "(Interesting first post here)". Sounds like you think he's here to raise hell... Lets be more open armed to our new people!
Marcus, I suggest you stay out of forum business!!
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rries....Enjoy your Z
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