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Small town vs. Big town dealerships

26 messages,  Last post on Nov 16, 2012 at 2:08 PM

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Messages Page 2 of 3

#7 of 26 Sure, been by there - by driftracer

Mar 04, 2005 (5:14 pm)

smaller than the Thomason and Hannah stores in Portland, but not like there's 3 salesmen who double as service advisors and the customer shuttle is a horse and buggy...
 
I'm sure you'll have a much better experience with McMinnville - I had major issues (actuall, theft of a downpayment) with one of those previously mentioned groups - I don't like the way they do business at all..too many stories from too many reliable people.

#8 of 26 ... Smallville ...? by rroyce10

Mar 04, 2005 (6:23 pm)

  ....... Can't speak for Buford OR, but it's always good to shop around a little for anything .. but size sometimes doesn't make a difference or lack of population ..
 
                Some dealer friends I know have a 115/125% market penetration and their stores are in smaller rural area's .. sometimes the cost of the "big" city store can cause the majority of the vehicles to be sold at a little higher price .. you never know until you take a look see ..
 
             As a matter of fact, the "Mega Store" craze was invented by a Ford dealer up north in 94/95(?) .. he bought 20 acres of a cow field in the middle of nowhere, about 2 seconds off the turnpike and 30 miles from downtown and sold 6,000+ Fords every year ... Smallville, yes .. small store, no ...
 
               AutoNations bought him out about 6 years ago, and it's "still" a record as far as purchase price goes after 300+ stores .... you gotta love them cows ..............
 
                                    
 
                                       Terry.
 

#9 of 26 Re: Mom and pop [lookn4now] by kirstie_h HOST

Mar 05, 2005 (9:36 am)

Replying to: lookn4now (Mar 04, 2005 2:03 pm)
IMO, the best thing to do is to stop by that dealership and a couple more just for a "look see." Then start negotiations at the shop that makes you feel the most comfortable. If you like the feel of a smaller shop where you'll get more personal attention and they're more likely to remember you when you come back for service or for another purchase, then that seems like the best route.

#10 of 26 Re: Mom and pop [kirstie_h] by danf1

Mar 05, 2005 (9:46 am)

Replying to: kirstie_h (Mar 05, 2005 9:36 am)
The problem here is that the average consumer is so dead-set on getting the "best deal" that they will shop your number all over town to save $50. Far too few people consider service after the sale when purchasing new.

#11 of 26 Re: Mom and pop [danf1] by kirstie_h HOST

Mar 05, 2005 (4:22 pm)

Replying to: danf1 (Mar 05, 2005 9:46 am)
True, but if you live in a small town, finding a place with good service after the sale is a big plus - not as many places to choose from.

#12 of 26 Re: Mom and pop .... Kirstie ... by rroyce10

Mar 06, 2005 (3:24 am)

Replying to: kirstie_h (Mar 05, 2005 4:22 pm)
....... 2 really good points here ... most buyers are more concerned about the $50/$150 bucks instead of the service department, mostly because they figure they have to give them service no matter what .. the funny part is, dealers can give or refuse service at any time or put them at the bottom of the list if they're busy ..
 
              I have a friend in Ga with a excellent service reputation and he has a sign in his service lanes that read: Customers - Lane #1, other service needs - lane #2 .... when the salesman have gotten to their lowest figure and they hear - "well, I can go to XYZ and get the same vehicle for $150 less", the SM then walks them out to the service area in a very professional manner and asks them which is more important too them .. of course some folks will he-haw around and say "I don't mind driving an extra 20 minutes for service" .... yeah right ..l.o.l....
 
                                     
 
                                      Terry.
 

#13 of 26 Re: ... Smallville ...? [rroyce10] by mirth

Mar 07, 2005 (12:59 pm)

Replying to: rroyce10 (Mar 04, 2005 6:23 pm)
Terry - you talking about Ricart? Bought my first car there...

#14 of 26 Re: Sure, been by there - [driftracer] by lookn4now

Mar 09, 2005 (2:30 pm)

Replying to: driftracer (Mar 04, 2005 5:14 pm)
I actually ended up getting a pretty good deal at Beaverton Toyota (Russ Auto). Have you heard anything on their reputation? My buying experience was very positive.

#15 of 26 I lived right down the road by driftracer

Mar 09, 2005 (2:45 pm)

in Aloha, just outside Beaverton - I ran a towing company that towed into there - service and sales were very professional, although my information is dated (1994-1997).

#16 of 26 Re: ... Smallville ...? ..Mirth .. by rroyce10

Mar 09, 2005 (7:05 pm)

Replying to: mirth (Mar 07, 2005 12:59 pm)
  .... Ricart? .. they're a Ohio dealer, pretty Big Midwest dealer .. rumor has it they sold one of John Travolta planes to him ...
 
                            Terry.

Messages Page 2 of 3

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