Interesting difference between Ford and BMW

[FlashHarry]

I went car shopping yesterday. I visited a Ford dealer to look at the new SVT Focus (which looks pretty damn cool, by the way--especially with the 'European Appearance Package.') and I went to a BMW dealership to look at a couple of 'certified pre-owned' late-model 3-series coupes. Both dealers gave me their business cards. This is how their positions were described on the cards:

Ford: Sales Associate

BMW: Client Advisor

By the way, I thought the Bimmer guys would be total snobs, especially since I was driving up in an '88 Sentra, but they were really, really cool. On the other hand, the Ford guy didn't know a thing about the SVT. He was completely useless and seemed annoyed that I was keeping him from joining his buddies, who were standing around a big-screen TV, watching the Nebraska game. Not a positive experience.

[LibDemAlways]

1. After a succession of Hondas

I bought a BMW 325 three years ago. Couldn't afford any of the "loaded with extras" models on the lot, so I had the dealer order me a basic no-frills car from Germany.

Can't say enough good things about the dealer. He was well-informed, friendly, and helpful throughout.

When the 15,000 mile service rolled around, I was given a loaner car nicer than my own for the day at no charge.

BMW seems to understand that if you treat customers well, they'll keep coming back.

[Deja Q]

2. Not interesting, sad.

Besides, Ford has a has a reputation: "Fix Or Repair Daily".

It's sad that American companies behave like this and create shoddy products; that only fuels the outsourcing and buy-foreign-only debate even more.

[FlashHarry]

5. Are they still 'shoddy,' though?

The SVT Focus has been getting great reviews. But, I confess, I do remember the 'fix or repair daily' and 'found on road dead' days. I hate to say it, but a 3-year-old Bimmer might be a better move. Their pre-ownded waranty beats Ford's new-car waranty, too.

[Deja Q]

10. Oh, I wouldn't dare dis your ultimate decision!

I'd be a hypocrite otherwise!

I had a 1991 Ford Probe. Piece of !^@%#$&. Traded it in for a 1995 Toyota Corolla in 1997 as I started having some serious problems with it.

I'm just sad over the lack of quality in American automobiles. I hope Ford improves.

[chaumont58]

7. In the seventies, Ford stood for found on the road dead.

*

[Punkingal]

3. I have a BMW.....

and they treat you like kings. And the car is just the best. I feel guilty on occasion about not buying American, but I totally love my Beamer.

[madrchsod]

4. the bmw dealer

has a rep. to uphold.this probably comes from the home office,hiring quality "advisors", and the "class" of people who buy bmw. the amount of money one pays for a bmw,you should expect quality service. yet even if you buy used ,their outlook is that you may come back and upgrade or at least buy another newer used car. it doesn`t matter what the product is ,you always buy the salesperson....

[chaumont58]

6. I have had similar experiences with Ford Dealers

I drive an older Ford Ranger pickup('94). I have kept it maintained fairly well, and it runs ok. But, in keeping it maintained, I have had to cross paths with Ford service reps getting maintenance. It has been an experience I would not recommend to anyone, except maybe the Smirking Chimp. I won't go to them anymore. Its crazy. One would think that they can see that the is little brand loyality to American made products. Ford service reps can't keep shitting on customers and expect them to be repeat customers. Once, while waiting for my truck to be service, I walked into the new car area. The sales reps looked like they wanted to be anyplace but where they were. I think this bullshit organization starts right at the top, the old business saying that no outfit is any better or any worse than the man at the top. There is not a new Ford in my future, not in this lifetime.

[FlashHarry]

8. My 'sales associate' was an old guy who didn't give a sh*t

He seemed as if he expected me to buy a car, simply because it was there. He didn't offer any reasons why I should buy it. I knew way more about it than he did. It was really sad. If I do end up buying a Focus, it won't be from that dealer. The sad thing is, not all Ford dealers are qualified to sell SVT cars & trucks--it's supposed to be a high-end brand, with special mechanics and salespeople, etc. It left a really bad taste in my mouth.

[BlueJazz]

9. A common complaint from folks who move to the....

....United States from European countries is that the salesmen here
seem to be more interested in getting their commission check for the sale than the sale itself.

[FlashHarry]

11. My dad lives in Europe

and has bought cars from the same guy (a BMW dealer) for 20 years. He's a friend of the family, now. It used to be that way here in the US, but no longer. Why?

You'd think, with our much-vaunted free-market society that competition would breed better service. It makes me wonder, do these guys want to sell cars or not?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

12. I have a Ford and a BMW

I am happy with my GT but it is only a year old. My shopping experience for it was not the greatest experience. They would not give me a base price and kept talking about how much of a monthly payment I would like to make until I finally said, "I guess I don't need a car" and proceeded to leave. Then I got the deal I wanted. They have been late for everything.

The car is solid but it remains to be seen how long it will be so

My BMW, I made two phone calls, got the car below invoice price. I have over 400,000 miles on it ( an 89 525I) When my A/C broke ( a couple thousand miles after the extended warrranty had expired) I called BMW in New Jersey after fighting with the warranty underwriter. They called me back in a matter of hours and said they would replace the a/c (1,700.00 worth) absolutely free with a free loaner car.

[Bombero1956]

13. oh well, I guess I'm the exception to the rule

I own a 1999 Mustang GT that I bought with 70 miles on it, at 38,885 miles the rear end started making noises, so I brought it to the dealer where I bought it. The service writer asked me how many miles on the car, I told him 38,885 miles, he said you mean 35,885 miles right? No 38,885, he said you're not hearing me it's 35,885 miles(wink). He had the entire rear end assembly replaced at Ford's cost, didn't cost me a penny. Would I buy a car from that dealer again, you bet I would. I have my eye on the 2005 Mustang GT.