Hijacked at Jenkins, your experiences

[Toymeister]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

[Altavia]

Yes.

[BrianL99]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

The preferred floor plan arrangement of new Dealership facilities, is to have the "Service Customer Waiting Area", open to the showroom or in a location that requires customers to traverse the showroom to ge there.

It's no different than the way marketing people setup department stores and force you to walk past as much merchandise as possible, on your way to your destination.

After all, "service customers" are already customers of the business (in most cases), what better prospects to buy a new car than an existing customer?

It has little or nothing to do with Jenkins, it has to do with manufacturers' standards and good marketing. (Honda facility standards are a touch stricter than most others.)

[Stu from NYC]

Seems like there is a shortage of late model used cars so dealerships are trying to push people into selling them and presumably sell them new one at same time.

Courtesy Toyota whom I bought our newest car from two years ago sent me a wonderful offer to sell my car which I carefully files in my circular file

[mtdjed]

Seems like there is a shortage of late model used cars so dealerships are trying to push people into selling them and presumably sell them new one at same time.

Courtesy Toyota whom I bought our newest car from two years ago sent me a wonderful offer to sell my car which I carefully files in my circular file

Jenkins VW sent me a message where they would buy my VW Golf for several thousand over Market Value but, in fine print the set forth a schedule of reductions which would be applied to mileage and car condition. Got to love your local car salesman. Wonder how many get Christmas Cards from satisfied customers.

At least, they have figured how to make you pay them tips. Dealer markups.

[VApeople]

While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

No.

After we tell the service manager what we want done, we put on ear protectors so we cannot hear anything a salesman says to us.

[Laker14]

We own a 2017 Honda, and thanks to others' reports of Jenkins' tactics, we refuse to set foot in that place, and won't unless absolutely necessary.
When that day comes, thanks to you and others' reports, we will be well prepared for the hard sell.

Thank you for the warning.

[JoelJohnson]

If they want to buy my car the price is $1,000,000. Not a penny less!

[thelegges]

Maybe it’s just FL, had our oil changed at our dealership in MI. Sat down in the guest lounge next to the mini restaurant, nail salon, gift shop, and accessory department. The sales floor is 10 feet away.

2 different sales people, stopping asked how we were, and can I get you something, coffee, breakfast sandwich?

In 15 years, We have always approached sales department, not other way around. We do get occasional email asking if they could buy our car, and new models available.

[mrf0151]

With all the negativity about Jenkins here, if they don't change, it will bite them bad over time.
Keeping with the subject of bad business practices, this Frank Gay Plumbing outfit will not be getting much of the Villagers dollars either.

[Marathon Man]

Seems like a way to pass the time while waiting for the car to be ready.

[BrianL99]

No.

After we tell the service manager what we want done, we put on ear protectors so we cannot hear anything a salesman says to us.

Do you do that at a restaurant, when you're asked if you'd "like another drink" or "would you like to see our Dessert Menu"?

Or when you buy a home and the Broker asks if you'd "like a Home Warranty or Title Insurance"?

Or maybe when you buy a pair of shoes and the clerk asks if you need Shoe Trees?

Jenkins probably has $10,000,000 invested in a facility, so you can actually look at automobiles before buying one, unlike someone like Tesla, who wants to sell you one, sight unseen. Everyone bemoans the "lack of personal service at retail establishments", but when you get it, you don't like it?

There are plenty of things to complain about when buying a car, someone trying to sell you one when you're in an auto dealership, is taking complaining to a new level.

[Topspinmo]

Seems like there is a shortage of late model used cars so dealerships are trying to push people into selling them and presumably sell them new one at same time.

Courtesy Toyota whom I bought our newest car from two years ago sent me a wonderful offer to sell my car which I carefully files in my circular file


Sending an offer and paying two totally different things.

[MrFlorida]

They really don't want to buy your car, they want you to buy a NEW car, so they can really rob you !

[VApeople]

There are plenty of things to complain about when buying a car, someone trying to sell you one, is taking complaining to a new level.

We have no complaints about our car buying experiences. We learned how to properly buy a car in 1994 and it has been a true pleasure ever since.

[Stu from NYC]

This is why almost Noone likes dealing with auto dealership.

[Gpsma]

We have no complaints about our car buying experiences. We learned how to properly buy a car in 1994 and it has been a true pleasure ever since.

Can you share how to properly buy a car?

[saratogaman]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

In contrast, the l.ocal Buick-GMC dealer has the oil-change service in a building separate from the sales area...never been approached by salesperson.

[Fredster]

Can you share how to properly buy a car?

Good question!

Based on my experience with Jenkins, they will try to upsell you
while your waiting for your car being serviced.

[justjim]

My first new car was in 1962. The dealership was what I call a mom and pop honest shop. Those days are gone. Today car dealerships are multi-million dollar businesses with millions of dollars of cost to just open the doors everyday. Yes, I bought one car from Jenkins Honda and was “turned off” by their up-charging and marketing strategy. I once purchased, over the years, five new vehicles from the same salesman and small dealership in Central Illinois. Always a honest and good buying experience. My next vehicle that was purchased in Central Florida was purchased from Bill Bryan Subaru and overall a nice buying experience. Guess what? They have been bought by a bigger bunch of dealerships and you can expect similar strategies from the new owners. Yep, the ol’ days are gone forever.

[vintageogauge]

They always do that want to buy your car thing, my answer is "it's going to be a great car for our granddaughters 18th birthday present next year." They generally change the subject and walk away thinking that I won't be needing a new car for at least a year.

[kkingston57]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

We did get a lot of solicitations from their Acura store in Ocala when used cars were in demand, but not while at the shop. IF you had any inclination to sell, ask them for their best cash offer and if acceptable take the cash and buy your next car elsewhere.

[manaboutown]

Just tell them you will be happy to sell it to them when the Cullinan you recently ordered is delivered.

[VApeople]

Can you share how to properly buy a car?

Sure.

1) Decide what car you want to buy.

2) Decide how much you want to pay.

3) Go to a dealer who has the car you want to buy and offer them what you want to
pay.

4) If they accept you offer, give them the money and drive home in your new car.

5) If they do not accept your offer, then go back home.

6) Have a cup of coffee and realize the dealer would not accept your previous
offer. Then go back to step 2).

That works for my wife and me.

[retiredguy123]

Can you share how to properly buy a car?
Calculate the fair value using KBB.com and Edmunds.com. Add sales tax, title, and tag fee. Then present that as a take it or leave price to the dealer. Do not negotiate, do not pay anything for dealer installed options, and do not pay anything for a dealer fee or a doc fee, or any other fees.

Do not trade in your old vehicle. Sell it to Carvana or Carmax. A dealer will never give as much as they will.

[Keefelane66]

It's a game. On a service visit while playing this game I'm very attentive to the sales person taking up as much of his time possible. When service department pages me I politely leave and retrieve our vehicle.

[manaboutown]

Can you share how to properly buy a car?

Many years ago when my young adult daughter wanted to buy her first car I gave her a book. I think but am not sure it was 'The Car Buyer's Art' by Darrell Parrish, a former car salesman. My daughter is a reader and learns well that way. She has now bought many cars, some used, but mostly new, and seems to do OK.

I have many car buying war stories and can report each situation was different. It very much depends on the vehicle you want and when you want it. If it is the latest Corvette in September expect to pay more. If it is late February on a drizzly day and aging inventory of an unpopular model has been sitting on the lot four months expect to pay less. A couple of times the deal I made was apparently so good the salesman angrily stormed out of the room and refused to speak to me again, but I got the car at the price I wanted. lol. I have had them and sales managers get up and walk away without a word. I have left an offer and walked out and been stopped as I was opening my car door or received a call a day or three later telling me they would take my deal. I believe the more time a salesperson invests with a buyer the better deal a buyer can negotiate. If one starts out with a lowball offer with no salesperson time invested they just walk away. It is a rough and tumble no holds barred business.

The saddest event I ever witnessed at a car dealership was in the Virginia DC suburbs back in 1970. A recently widowed woman came in with her husband's highly collectible and valuable Mercedes SL in pristine condition. A salesman offered her peanuts for it on a trade-in. I was around the corner and several of the salesman were laughing it up big time at her being taken. It disgusted me.

Most of the dealerships where I have had my vehicles serviced in the last 30 years were modern facilities and have had their service manager offices adjacent or very near, as down a hall from, their sales floors. I usually wander onto to the sales floor if I am in for a short service and get approached by a salesperson. I just tell them my vehicle is being serviced and I am just biding my time. I have never been pushed to buy or get off the showroom floor. My ex-wife has been pushed to buy at the Mercedes dealership she uses, and not in a good way. It was on a used model Consumers Report reported was a lemon.

[VApeople]

I have many car buying war stories and can report each situation was different.

That's interesting.

Ever since we bought our 1994 Nissan Altima, every car buying experience has been the same.

[shut the front door]

With all the negativity about Jenkins here, if they don't change, it will bite them bad over time.
Keeping with the subject of bad business practices, this Frank Gay Plumbing outfit will not be getting much of the Villagers dollars either.

The percentage of villagers who read this board is very small. They don't come here until they get taken by Tire Choice, Jenkins, Frank Gay...

[retiredguy123]

The percentage of villagers who read this board is very small. They don't come here until they get taken by Tire Choice, Jenkins, Frank Gay...
Note that all three companies have fantastic online reviews from so-called customers. Most online reviews are a joke.

[Stu from NYC]

Note that all three companies have fantastic online reviews from so-called customers. Most online reviews are a joke.

Wonder what the going rate is to be A rated?

[manaboutown]

That's interesting.

Ever since we bought our 1994 Nissan Altima, every car buying experience has been the same.

Since 1990 I have bought four Toyotas (a Supra, two Tacomas and one Tundra), seven Mercedes Benz ( One SL, two S Class, three E class and one C class), a Porsche Cayenne S, three BMWs (a 323i, an X5 50i and an X5 M50i) and two GMC Acadias. Every negotiation experience was different.

[Gpsma]

Since 1990 I have bought four Toyotas (3 were trucks), seven Mercedes Benz, three BMWs and two GMC SUVs. Every negotiation experience was different.
After VaPeople’s response to how to buy a car, i suspect they have been taken by car salesmen many times and never realized it.

[retiredguy123]

After VaPeople’s response to how to buy a car, i suspect they have been taken by car salesmen many times and never realized it.
If you negotiate with a car salesman you will get taken. Make a firm offer, but do not negotiate. Period.

[manaboutown]

If you negotiate with a car salesman you will get taken. Make a firm offer, but do not negotiate. Period.

I agree about having a firm price in mind before even entering a dealership showroom. Yet a few times I have done even better than the firm price I had in mind so I normally offer less. There can be both publicized and unpublicized factory incentives, hold backs, a dealer needing to meet a sales quota, a sales person needing to sell one more unit to win l a trip to Hawaii, any number of factors.

[mrf0151]

Sure.

1) Decide what car you want to buy.

2) Decide how much you want to pay.

3) Go to a dealer who has the car you want to buy and offer them what you want to
pay.

4) If they accept you offer, give them the money and drive home in your new car.

5) If they do not accept your offer, then go back home.

6) Have a cup of coffee and realize the dealer would not accept your previous
offer. Then go back to step 2).

That works for my wife and me.

Better yet only deal with the internet manager. Know the vehicle you want to purchase. Research what dealer cost is then make your call to the internet manager. He/she will have all your paperwork complete before you walk in the door. Pay and drive home. It is stress free.

[manaboutown]

Better yet only deal with the internet manager. Know the vehicle you want to purchase. Research what dealer cost is then make your call to the internet manager. He/she will have all your paperwork complete before you walk in the door. Pay and drive home. It is stress free.

Yes. I have done that when ordering an SUV. Even better the dealer made a pricing mistake in my favor which they honored and I got a 2017 X5 50i for $350 over dealer cost. The Newport Beach dealer was selling BMWs hand over fist over the internet and telephone to rich Chinese who at that time were buying up property in Orange County, CA. When I was in the dealership ordering my SUV a Chinese speaking salesman was in the next booth selling away. I could not believe they would sell me an expensive high demand SUV in a high demand area at a high demand time at such a low markup.

[BobnBev]

Since 1990 I have bought four Toyotas (a Supra, two Tacomas and one Tundra), seven Mercedes Benz ( One SL, two S Class, three E class and one C class), a Porsche Cayenne S, three BMWs (a 323i, an X5 50i and an X5 M50i) and two GMC Acadias. Every negotiation experience was different.

:a20: You just broke the glass on my Bee Ess meter.:jester:

[kcrazorbackfan]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

My wife took our Passport there for the recall - nothing like that happened to her. Of course, she’s a retired Federal Agent and all she has to do is put a hand up and with “the look”, that will back people off. 😉

[manaboutown]

:a20: You just broke the glass on my Bee Ess meter.:jester:

Oh, I forgot, also a VW V-8 Touareg.

[Triker]

Took our vehicle there for an oil change and have been pestered ever since. I’ve repeatedly told them don’t call me, I’ll call you but they don’t quite know how to understand that. When it does come time to trade I’ll probably be going to Tampa as these dealerships close to the Villages are just nuts.

[Stu from NYC]

Took our vehicle there for an oil change and have been pestered ever since. I’ve repeatedly told them don’t call me, I’ll call you but they don’t quite know how to understand that. When it does come time to trade I’ll probably be going to Tampa as these dealerships close to the Villages are just nuts.

Apparently they think that villagers cannot walk and chew gum at the same time.

[PhilG]

Just say no - stop complaining.

[BrianL99]

Apparently they think that villagers cannot walk and chew gum at the same time.

If they subscribe to TOTV, that might be a reasonable conclusion.

[Rockyisle47]

Thankfully all you on totv warned us when we were looking for a new car to avoid Jenkins and we did. We went to Clermont to Central Florida Hyundai and had a great experience. This was two years ago when it was almost impossible to get a car without paying thousands over list. We paid the only the MSRP and there weren't any extras jammed into the price. We will never, ever walk into a Jenkins anything if we can avoid it.

[WingedFoot78]

I love to see that others think so highly of Frank Gay Plumbing.

[ThirdOfFive]

Oh, I forgot, also a VW V-8 Touareg.
I'll see your Touareg and raise you two Edsels and an Oldsmobile Jetstar 1.

[eeroger]

[QUOTE=mrf0151;2255320]With all the negativity about Jenkins here, if they don't change, it will bite them bad over time.
Keeping with the subject of bad business practices, this Frank Gay Plumbing outfit will not be getting much of the Villagers dollars either.

Agree re Frank Gay: they gave me a quote of $2300 for new electric hot water heater. Mike Scott plumbing was $900.

[Wilson02852]

We've been taking our vehicle to Jenkins for a few years now. Yes, they sometimes give you the sales pitch but that is no different than any dealer service department. If you like their service why would you not go there?

[Carlsondm]

Yes it did. I got tired of it and now go to Headquarter Honda across from the Clermont Costco. Much nicer experience.

[PLedoux]

Same experience at all dealers nowadays. We are currently in Michigan and just had the car serviced. Guy asked me if I wanted to sell my car. “No.” Go back to reading my book. No follow up questions. The guy is just doing his job. Move on.

[Larchap49]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

Yes. Most dealers are members of a service that with a few key strokes gives them all the information about you and your car, financed or not, loan balance, interest rate you are paying, service and accident history, then they target the people most likely to be ready to upgrade vehicles

[Captainpd]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?
Really hijacked.?? You always have the ability to just walk away. Raise your voice, let everyone in the showroom know what's going on. Grow a pair and act like an adult and quit running to a social board

[sowilts]

Happens at most Dealers will in Florida. Doesn’t happen when I take our cars for service at Maryland.

[Raywatkins]

It’s not just Jenkins who use that approach.
We bought a Jeep Cherokee from Bill Bryan’s and had the same experience when we went in for our first service.
It caused us no problem - we simply made it clear we weren’t interested.
They didn’t push.

[VApeople]

Grow a pair and act like an adult and quit running to a social board

I believe that is the best advice ever given in this forum.

Thanks for starting my day with a good laugh!

[dimaxim]

Yes, this happens every time. We have leased five Hyundais in the last 12 years and the sales tactics have gotten consistently more difficult each time. The last time was this spring and I swear I will not purchase another vehicle from them. High pressure, questionable information on the vehicle and exhausting lengthy discussions. I don't know if I'm just getting oldler that I "sucked" for their pitch but It's surely the last time.

[WSU]

No personal experience but several comments including an ex-salesperson to stay away from Jenkins

[Rodneysblue]

The preferred floor plan arrangement of new Dealership facilities, is to have the "Service Customer Waiting Area", open to the showroom or in a location that requires customers to traverse the showroom to ge there.

It's no different than the way marketing people setup department stores and force you to walk past as much merchandise as possible, on your way to your destination.

After all, "service customers" are already customers of the business (in most cases), what better prospects to buy a new car than an existing customer?

It has little or nothing to do with Jenkins, it has to do with manufacturers' standards and good marketing. (Honda facility standards are a touch stricter than most others.)

Once you smell that new car smell they have you hooked.

[Buckeye Bill]

We have no complaints about our car buying experiences. We learned how to properly buy a car in 1994 and it has been a true pleasure ever since.

Want to share your experience

[TonyM]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?
I have gone to Jenkins Nissan in the past. There are two waiting rooms for service: one in the corner of the sales floor and one by service. I always go to the second one and nobody bothers me.

[Retiredsteve]

do you do that at a restaurant, when you're asked if you'd "like another drink" or "would you like to see our dessert menu"?

Or when you buy a home and the broker asks if you'd "like a home warranty or title insurance"?

Or maybe when you buy a pair of shoes and the clerk asks if you need shoe trees?

Jenkins probably has $10,000,000 invested in a facility, so you can actually look at automobiles before buying one, unlike someone like tesla, who wants to sell you one, sight unseen. Everyone bemoans the "lack of personal service at retail establishments", but when you get it, you don't like it?

There are plenty of things to complain about when buying a car, someone trying to sell you one when you're in an auto dealership, is taking complaining to a new level. bingo!!!

[lvlwallach]

Just had our recall dine and no one approached us. They were polite and efficient. However we have had the offer to buy in the past. We just say no thank you, not interested.

[ThirdOfFive]

[QUOTE=mrf0151;2255320]With all the negativity about Jenkins here, if they don't change, it will bite them bad over time.
Keeping with the subject of bad business practices, this Frank Gay Plumbing outfit will not be getting much of the Villagers dollars either.

Agree re Frank Gay: they gave me a quote of $2300 for new electric hot water heater. Mike Scott plumbing was $900.
Don't know a thing about Frank Gay's work or prices so cannot comment on them. However I find his radio commercials, with that ditzy female with the fake British accent, to be on the far side of annoying! If I had never heard of Frank Gay, that commercial would definitely steer me away from his business.

[star20166@yahoo.com]

has happened to me at the former Bill Bryan Kia and a Ford dealer in Ocala that escapes my memory at this moment. Its harmless enough. Passes the time.

[rogerrice60]

Why not buy American, at least the profit stays in the good ol USA; not some foreign country.

[Karmanng]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

YES same here in AZ

[Gpsma]

Why not buy American, at least the profit stays in the good ol USA; not some foreign country.

Do you buy everyhing American?…look around your house lately?

Oh…cant wait until the new contracts between the auto companies and the UAW are finalized.

Yep buy American…get ripped off by lazy careless union wokers run by corrupt union leaders who want more nd more for less and less.

[easeonby]

[QUOTE=Toymeister;2255237]I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?[/QUO

I dealt with Jenkins one time when I bought a 2019 Honda Odyssey and would never buy another from them. They are the worst place I have ever dealt with.

[Stu from NYC]

Why not buy American, at least the profit stays in the good ol USA; not some foreign country.

Most of the parts going into cars these day are made overseas.

[juddfl]

That happened to me at the Honda dealer in Ocala. They told me that they have customers waiting for my type of car as it is a hybrid and they don't want to buy new. My car was not even a year old and I had bought it from them. They told me that they could put me in a brand new car for the same payments. Of course they didn't mention that I would be paying an extra year of payments.
I made an appointment because of a noise from underneath the car and was told that it is just normal road noise. I went in again for oil change and to check for that noise under the car again. They couldn't figure out what the noise was and just said that it is normal. I went back again because the noise was so loud that everyone could here it. They fixed the problem and it cost them over $2,000 to fix it as I was still under warranty . I wanted a loaner car and they didn't want to give me one, until I insisted on it. They had my car for 3 days. I mentioned that I may not buy another car from them. Guess what, they haven't bothered me about buying my car.

[d1nod1no]

Yes

[Tvflguy]

Why not buy American, at least the profit stays in the good ol USA; not some foreign country.

Yes Tesla 100% USA!!!

[Stu from NYC]

Yes Tesla 100% USA!!!

Other than the fact that it costs 3x what my Camry cost 2 years ago and would have to worry about charging when visiting our kids what a great idea

[Vonnie1115]

Yes. Happened to us in NY

[BrianL99]

...

it cost them over $2,000 to fix it as I was still under warranty . I wanted a loaner car and they didn't want to give me one, until I insisted on it. They had my car for 3 days. I mentioned that I may not buy another car from them. Guess what, they haven't bothered me about buying my car.

Between the $2000, the cost of the rental car and your vow not to do business with them again, maybe they had to turn the lights off and go home?

& your warranty repair didn't cost them anything. Honda reimbursed them and there's "parity", which means that Honda pays for warranty work, at the exact same labor rate a retail customers would pay.

[Stu from NYC]

Between the $2000, the cost of the rental car and your vow not to do business with them again, maybe they had to turn the lights off and go home?

& your warranty repair didn't cost them anything. Honda reimbursed them and there's "parity", which means that Honda pays for warranty work, at the exact same labor rate a retail customers would pay.

I hate to be a captive audience and honestly trust a car salesman not quite as far as I could throw them.

[Richard A]

Santa Fe (18k miles) needed a new transmission. Took it to Jenkins in Leesburg. They are remodeling they entire dealership. Every Jenkins’ employees I met and dealt with was very professional and my experience with them was very good; especially considering their work environment is in the middle of a remodeling construction project.
The transmission was on back order so the service agent drove me to Enterprise Car Rental. Hyundai covered the repair and car rental. It took a total of two weeks to get the transmission and replace it. I found this to be reasonable.
Also, I had a small paint chip on the door handle and they offered to touch it up but needed to order the touch up paint. I said I’d do the touch up so they sent the paint kit to my front door.
I will go back to JENKINS / HYUNDAI !!!

[bopat]

Another advantage of a Tesla, you just go online and buy it right from the website. The price is the price. There aren't many options to choose from.

Once you get it, there's no maintenance - you don't have to bring it to the dealer, ever.

Unless something breaks. Then be prepared....Tesla parts are more expensive than gold. Even more expensive than printer ink!

[retiredguy123]

Another advantage of a Tesla, you just go online and buy it right from the website. The price is the price. There aren't many options to choose from.

Once you get it, there's no maintenance - you don't have to bring it to the dealer, ever.

Unless something breaks. Then be prepared....Tesla parts are more expensive than gold. Even more expensive than printer ink!
The only maintenance I do for my gasoline vehicle is to change the oil, and I don't go to the dealer for that.

[vintageogauge]

Since 1990 I have bought four Toyotas (a Supra, two Tacomas and one Tundra), seven Mercedes Benz ( One SL, two S Class, three E class and one C class), a Porsche Cayenne S, three BMWs (a 323i, an X5 50i and an X5 M50i) and two GMC Acadias. Every negotiation experience was different.

Between 1975 and 2016 I purchased 24 new Cadillacs and every experience was the same. I dealt with the same salesman at the same dealership and learned to trust him. I would simply call and tell him what I was looking for, he would get it, discount it, and deliver it to my house with all the paperwork that needed to be signed. I never traded in as I had a fellow that always wanted to buy mine that were only 1 or 2 years old. I even bought a bunch of Chevy pickups during that time for my business and he would line up a Chevy dealer to do the same thing for me and I'm sure he got taken care of from them. The salesman is still living but is old, I'm still living but am old and I don't drive so much anymore so my buying habits have changed. I did buy my wife a Honda from Jenkins, they tried to make it rough but I just got up and told them you have my offer if you want to accept it you know where I live. The next day they called, approved a personal check, had my insurance transferred for me and dropped it off in my garage, signed all of the papers on my work bench.

[manaboutown]

Between 1975 and 2016 I purchased 24 new Cadillacs and every experience was the same. I dealt with the same salesman at the same dealership and learned to trust him. I would simply call and tell him what I was looking for, he would get it, discount it, and deliver it to my house with all the paperwork that needed to be signed. I never traded in as I had a fellow that always wanted to buy mine that were only 1 or 2 years old. I even bought a bunch of Chevy pickups during that time for my business and he would line up a Chevy dealer to do the same thing for me and I'm sure he got taken care of from them. The salesman is still living but is old, I'm still living but am old and I don't drive so much anymore so my buying habits have changed. I did buy my wife a Honda from Jenkins, they tried to make it rough but I just got up and told them you have my offer if you want to accept it you know where I live. The next day they called, approved a personal check, had my insurance transferred for me and dropped it off in my garage, signed all of the papers on my work bench.

My father from the late 1940s through the 1960s bought first Oldsmobiles then Cadillacs from a local dealer much this way. The dealership did all his service which was not cheap but our cars never broke down and we drove from NM to MD and/or CA yearly. Then the son took over and everything changed. It was not the same dealership. He stopped doing business with them.

[kkingston57]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

Not on point but interesting.

Two days ago, wife received a phone call which from a person who claimed he was from Jenkins VW and was telling her about a recall with my 2015 Passat. Person had a not so heavy Asian accent.

I had not received anything from VW about a recall, bought car from another dealer and have had no work done at Jenkins. Person wanted to set up appointment for the recall work(headlamp problem) and claimed work would take 1 hour. Did not set up appointment and politely hung up. Looks like some type of scam where in they are getting person(s) into the shop and will find work to do like a high mileage check up. Found no recall on this car.

[new peeps]

My experience with Jenkins went like this. They had a truck that was priced good enough to get my attention. So I went and test drove a truck. They said they needed my drivers license to hold before I could drive it. The advertised price on the internet they said was a mistake and the price was much higher. Then they claimed to have lost my drivers license. The next day I went to get a new license and called and told them I was fixing to get a new license and bring them the bill and they mysteriously found my drivers license. After that experience the next time I went shopping for a new truck I drove to Orlando to shop.

[OBRight]

In 2021 I was shopping for a VW Atlas so went to Jenkins in Leesburg. They swore up and down that VW didn't make the Atlas with white paint and tan interior but they would gladly sell me one of the blue or grey cars with black interior they had on the lot, he even had the sales manager confirm that white with tan was impossible. I went home and found a multitude of them at dealers in Orlando and Tampa so went to Tampa and purchased down there. The next weekend I went back to Jenkins in my impossible car and the salesman asked if I was ready to buy. I explained that no I already bought a car, the one you said didn't exist l, and told him his commissions would probably go up if he simply told the truth. He could have had the car shipped in from half a dozen other dealers and I would have bought from him.

[BrianL99]

In 2021 I was shopping for a VW Atlas so went to Jenkins in Leesburg. They swore up and down that VW didn't make the Atlas with white paint and tan interior but they would gladly sell me one of the blue or grey cars with black interior they had on the lot, he even had the sales manager confirm that white with tan was impossible. I went home and found a multitude of them at dealers in Orlando and Tampa so went to Tampa and purchased down there. The next weekend I went back to Jenkins in my impossible car and the salesman asked if I was ready to buy. I explained that no I already bought a car, the one you said didn't exist l, and told him his commissions would probably go up if he simply told the truth. He could have had the car shipped in from half a dozen other dealers and I would have bought from him.

The "trading" of New Car Inventory is a Dealer thing, not a VW thing. Some dealers refuse to trade vehicles in inventory and some dealers refuse to trade with specific dealers who are a PITA to deal with. Also, there are sometimes "factory incentive" situations, that make it difficult for dealers to simply swap vehicles with another dealer.

It sounds like you ran into one of those situations.

[fdpaq0580]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

Really? I occasionally get my Hyundai served at Jenkins in Ocala. Service is good, people polite and friendly. Just as you would expect at a dealership. There is usually a sales person who will visit for a moment to see if we have any interest in a new vehicle. We say "no" with a polite smile. Then they say if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Then they let us go back to reading.
It is their job to sell products. I don't berate them for the low key efforts to see if customer has any interest in anything. Even sales people have to make a living.

[photo1902]

Really? I occasionally get my Hyundai served at Jenkins in Ocala. Service is good, people polite and friendly. Just as you would expect at a dealership. There is usually a sales person who will visit for a moment to see if we have any interest in a new vehicle. We say "no" with a polite smile. Then they say if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Then they let us go back to reading.
It is their job to sell products. I don't berate them for the low key efforts to see if customer has any interest in anything. Even sales people have to make a living.

Agreed. I have a friend who took his vehicle in for service. The salesperson did exactly what you described. Low and behold my friend ended up buying a new vehicle on the spot

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I hate to be a captive audience and honestly trust a car salesman not quite as far as I could throw them. I remember the old days Stu , when you went car shopping and they would take your keys , I once had to threaten to call the cops to get mine back , they seem to have gotten away from that one .

[fdpaq0580]

Agreed. I have a friend who took his vehicle in for service. The salesperson did exactly what you described. Low and behold my friend ended up buying a new vehicle on the spot

Good for your friend. Hope he enjoys his new ride.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My car needs a little bodywork, and a complete paint job. I didn't realize til later in the year after I bought it, that they never put the clear-coat seal on it. That was in 2010. Thirteen years later and 3 years baking in the hot Florida sun (we don't have a garage and the pickup is under the carport), and the roof paint is crackled and peeling. The hood is a disaster from my first trip here during love-bug season, when most cars had to stop on the side of Florida's Turnpike to scrape the bugs off their windshield and the line at the rest areas for the windshield cleaner was backed up almost to the entrance ramp.

Very important point, no matter what car you buy, no matter who you buy it from, and no matter how perfect it looks: make them put it in writing that the paintjob has the clearcoat protection before you drive it off the lot.

If I can get $500 for it only because the motor has fewer than 100k miles on it, I'll be happy.

[photo1902]

Good for your friend. Hope he enjoys his new ride.

Thanks. I kid him and tell him it was the most expensive oil change, ever :)

[Pairadocs]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

Personally I've found it all over at the present time, seems used cars are in VERY high demand. I just recently was told the very same at an Ocala dealership (not owned by Jenkins), I just looked up from the book I was reading and put down the coffee they gave me, and said "No thank you, I love my car no way would I let it go", the sales person didn't continue, or try any kind of "pressure" tactics like "well, you know every year you wait your cars is loosing value", or anything like that. Said thanks, and even asked if he could get me a refill of hot coffee ! ! ! Guess I was just lucky to get a very nice and polite employee !

[Pairadocs]

[QUOTE=eeroger;2255700]
Don't know a thing about Frank Gay's work or prices so cannot comment on them. However I find his radio commercials, with that ditzy female with the fake British accent, to be on the far side of annoying! If I had never heard of Frank Gay, that commercial would definitely steer me away from his business.

Well some complain when the discussion flows from one topic to the next, but the actual personal experiences posted all over the internet about "Frank Gay" plumbing is legendary. Our experience with gas water heater, same size, etc. was nearly to the penny what you posted. We called a plumber recommended by a neighbor on our block, like you, was $893.00 total, 40 gal. installed. (14 months ago). AFTER that experience, I heard ( now heard means a story going around of course) a a real horror story about the same business, so you never know, but sure a lot of negatives on all the various internet sites !

[Micki]

We bought our CRV from Jenkins, and it was a bad, bad experience! Never again!!!!

We do love their service department. I’ve only had a salesperson come over once. Before he even got started I told him the story of what a bunch of thieves that work in their sales department and how I will NEVER purchase another vehicle from them. Needless to say he got up and walked away.

[vintageogauge]

Thankfully all you on totv warned us when we were looking for a new car to avoid Jenkins and we did. We went to Clermont to Central Florida Hyundai and had a great experience. This was two years ago when it was almost impossible to get a car without paying thousands over list. We paid the only the MSRP and there weren't any extras jammed into the price. We will never, ever walk into a Jenkins anything if we can avoid it.

I was over there on Sunday looking around and there were 2 Civic Touring sedans next to where I parked that had items totaling over $10,000.00 added by the dealer and then added to the MSRP of the car. That is a clear sign stating go home now. Unbelievable.

[BrianL99]

My car needs a little bodywork, and a complete paint job. I didn't realize til later in the year after I bought it, that they never put the clear-coat seal on it. That was in 2010. Thirteen years later and 3 years baking in the hot Florida sun (we don't have a garage and the pickup is under the carport), and the roof paint is crackled and peeling. The hood is a disaster from my first trip here during love-bug season, when most cars had to stop on the side of Florida's Turnpike to scrape the bugs off their windshield and the line at the rest areas for the windshield cleaner was backed up almost to the entrance ramp.

Very important point, no matter what car you buy, no matter who you buy it from, and no matter how perfect it looks: make them put it in writing that the paintjob has the clearcoat protection before you drive it off the lot.

If I can get $500 for it only because the motor has fewer than 100k miles on it, I'll be happy.

The last new vehicle sold in the USA without a clear coat applied at the factory, was probably the 2007 Mini Cooper, which was painted with one-stage paint.

Your 2010 car had clear coat applied if it was sold in the USA.

Even with a clear-coat, automotive finishes need to be cared for.

[wisbad1]

We own a 2017 Honda, and thanks to others' reports of Jenkins' tactics, we refuse to set foot in that place, and won't unless absolutely necessary.
When that day comes, thanks to you and others' reports, we will be well prepared for the hard sell.

Thank you for the warning.
Wife and I had experience with sales man waiting to get car fixed. Tried to sell us a new car and when we refused he slammed his fist on table and yelled at us for wasting his time. Reported him to regional office. Sad

[kcrazorbackfan]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

Nah, never happens to me. Seriously. I take our Passport there for service and the one recall it had and I never am approached, even while looking at Ridgeline’s on the floor and lot.

Some of you must have that look that screams “come bother me”.

[bsloan1960]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely? Everything I read about Jenkins on here, Facebook, and Next Door is negative. Yet when I see the Google reviews linked to their website I see 2,335 Google reviews with a 4.6% satisfaction rating. Either they planted thousands of fake reviews, or this is a perfect example of social media being a place where mostly complainers take the time to discuss a business.

[Topspinmo]

After VaPeople’s response to how to buy a car, i suspect they have been taken by car salesmen many times and never realized it.

News flash you get taken or they won’t trade or make the deal. If boils down to how much you got taken. :eclipsee_gold_cup:

[Topspinmo]

Everything I read about Jenkins on here, Facebook, and Next Door is negative. Yet when I see the Google reviews linked to their website I see 2,335 Google reviews with a 4.6% satisfaction rating. Either they planted thousands of fake reviews, or this is a perfect example of social media being a place where mostly complainers take the time to discuss a business.

My vote, planted.

[Stu from NYC]

My vote, planted.

Probably but that is a lot of planted fake reviews

[JGibson]

The last new vehicle sold in the USA without a clear coat applied at the factory, was probably the 2007 Mini Cooper, which was painted with one-stage paint.

Your 2010 car had clear coat applied if it was sold in the USA.

Even with a clear-coat, automotive finishes need to be cared for.

What is the best way to care for today's clear coat finishes?

[vintageogauge]

I had an experience on Monday, wanted to trade a 2020 Buick AWD Enclave with 19.000 miles on it for a new car that had a sticker price of $51,500 which included $1,200 of dealer add ons. My Buick title was clear and their quote to me was $39,000.00 plus my car. Before going in I got an offer on my car from 3 of the online car buying companies and their offers for my car averaged $25,400.00 so they wanted $64,400, which included $2,730 sales tax, for a car with an inflated MSRP of $51,500. Do people really fall for these kind of prices? If so Barnum was right all along.

[Law abiding citizen]

Same here every time I had my 2013 Tuscon serviced the sales guy came out and asked me to go with him. Last time he came to get me in the waiting room, I told him if he was there to try and sell me a new car, he was wasting his time and mine. I, in front of everyone in that room, told him flat out that IF my Hyundai with 27,000 miles wasn't going to last me over 30,000 miles, why would I ever want another Hyundai ? He told me I didn't have to be so loud, and I told him this goes on every time i come to this place and I wanted everyone to hear what I had to say. I love the car, but HATE that dealership !!!!!

[fdpaq0580]

I had an experience on Monday, wanted to trade a 2020 Buick AWD Enclave with 19.000 miles on it for a new car that had a sticker price of $51,500 which included $1,200 of dealer add ons. My Buick title was clear and their quote to me was $39,000.00 plus my car. Before going in I got an offer on my car from 3 of the online car buying companies and their offers for my car averaged $25,400.00 so they wanted $64,400, which included $2,730 sales tax, for a car with an inflated MSRP of $51,500. Do people really fall for these kind of prices? If so Barnum was right all along.

P T Barnum was a wise man.

[biker1]

At a minimum, wash and wax regularly. I use clay on my car about once a year. Consider a ceramic coating. Minimize time in direct sun.

What is the best way to care for today's clear coat finishes?

[fdpaq0580]

Same here every time I had my 2013 Tuscon serviced the sales guy came out and asked me to go with him. Last time he came to get me in the waiting room, I told him if he was there to try and sell me a new car, he was wasting his time and mine. I, in front of everyone in that room, told him flat out that IF my Hyundai with 27,000 miles wasn't going to last me over 30,000 miles, why would I ever want another Hyundai ? He told me I didn't have to be so loud, and I told him this goes on every time i come to this place and I wanted everyone to hear what I had to say. I love the car, but HATE that dealership !!!!!

I have a Tucson and I love it. Get service in Ocala, but don't often get approached. I find all dealerships to be pretty much the same. But, I have never been to a Rolls-Royce dealer. Maybe they are different?

[buzzy]

It's not just the aggressive sales tactics, or deceptive pricing on new cars. Recently took my 4 yr old Santa Fe back to Jenkins for an oil change, and the service writer tracked me down in the waiting area to up-sell me $800 worth of services. It only has 30,000 miles on it. I can only imagine how many customers get taken this way.

[Topspinmo]

If they want to buy my
car the price is $1,000,000. Not a penny less!

Be glad not in ___ you could be arrested for inflated price.:sing:

[Velvet]

With all the negativity about Jenkins here, if they don't change, it will bite them bad over time.
Keeping with the subject of bad business practices, this Frank Gay Plumbing outfit will not be getting much of the Villagers dollars either.

I find that businesses who try to take advantage of older people (assume they are all going senile or something) don’t last in the long run. Especially in this community where we are very social and word gets around. Their best bet is, cheat a couple of people, then get out of town!

As far as sales pitches go, time shares actually pay you by the hour to listen to them. In Hawaii it was $100 per hour at the Hawaiian Hilton. At the car dealership mentioned above, I’d just pull out my phone and play a game on it and if anyone tried talking to me I’d say, “Excuse me, you are interrupting.” Either that or pay me…

[Stu from NYC]

I find that businesses who try to take advantage of older people (assume they are all going senile or something) don’t last in the long run. Especially in this community where we are very social and word gets around. Their best bet is, cheat a couple of people, then get out of town!

As far as sales pitches go, time shares actually pay you by the hour to listen to them. In Hawaii it was $100 per hour at the Hawaiian Hilton. At the car dealership mentioned above, I’d just pull out my phone and play a game on it and if anyone tried talking to me I’d say, “Excuse me, you are interrupting.” Either that or pay me…

This thread is why I will go to a dealership for warranty work on our new car but once that runs out I am off to a local mechanic.

[VApeople]

Ever since we learned how to buy a new car in 1994, we have always had a very good experience shopping for a car, even at Jenkins, Phillips, or any other dealer.

[Jeffk1023]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

We went to Jenkins Hyundai in Leesburg to buy a Tucson at the price according to what the salesman told us of $33,500 and they would give us $12,500 for our trade in. Great…so I thought. When we got there, the salesman told us to go for a test drive. We liked the suv very much and thought we were getting a good deal on a limited. When he tried to get us to financing, we said we were paying cash. You could see him stop in his tracks, like he didn’t know what to do. He said he would be right back. He came back with the sales manager who told us, the price we agreed on was for financing and we would also lose the incentive cash. Which now made the car cost $37,000. I thought paying cash will get you the best deal. No, they want their kickback from financing. Then he went back and came out a few minutes later with a price of $41,750!!! I said what the hell is this? He said dealer fee and transportation charges. I said later and walked out. He didn’t even follow me and try to negotiate anything as we sat in our car for a few minutes to see what he would do. Very aggressive sales tactics. Then I contacted Wesley Chapel Hyundai, almost in Tampa, got the price of $32,750 and they gave us $13,000 for our trade-in, SOLD!!! Good people to deal with if you want a new Hyundai. Only reason I set foot in Jenkins is for my covered service

[MX rider]

We went to Jenkins Hyundai in Leesburg to buy a Tucson at the price according to what the salesman told us of $33,500 and they would give us $12,500 for our trade in. Great…so I thought. When we got there, the salesman told us to go for a test drive. We liked the suv very much and thought we were getting a good deal on a limited. When he tried to get us to financing, we said we were paying cash. You could see him stop in his tracks, like he didn’t know what to do. He said he would be right back. He came back with the sales manager who told us, the price we agreed on was for financing and we would also lose the incentive cash. Which now made the car cost $37,000. I thought paying cash will get you the best deal. No, they want their kickback from financing. Then he went back and came out a few minutes later with a price of $41,750!!! I said what the hell is this? He said dealer fee and transportation charges. I said later and walked out. He didn’t even follow me and try to negotiate anything as we sat in our car for a few minutes to see what he would do. Very aggressive sales tactics. Then I contacted Wesley Chapel Hyundai, almost in Tampa, got the price of $32,750 and they gave us $13,000 for our trade-in, SOLD!!! Good people to deal with if you want a new Hyundai. Only reason I set foot in Jenkins is for my covered service

I don't get the whole Jenkins thing where they catch you getting service and try to sell you a car. In all the years I've bought new cars, and that's quite a few, I've never had that happen.

That would really p*ss me off.

[JRcorvette]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

All the time at every Jenkins dealership!!! The worst experience I ever had several years ago was at the Jenkins Honda in Leesburg! I will never go there again.

[elevatorman]

Why not buy American, at least the profit stays in the good ol USA; not some foreign country.

True the profits stay here but a lot of the labor is done outside the US. How much of your car is made in the US? 2022 Made in America Auto Index (https://kogod.american.edu/autoindex/2022)

[Velvet]

We went to Jenkins Hyundai in Leesburg to buy a Tucson at the price according to what the salesman told us of $33,500 and they would give us $12,500 for our trade in. Great…so I thought. When we got there, the salesman told us to go for a test drive. We liked the suv very much and thought we were getting a good deal on a limited. When he tried to get us to financing, we said we were paying cash. You could see him stop in his tracks, like he didn’t know what to do. He said he would be right back. He came back with the sales manager who told us, the price we agreed on was for financing and we would also lose the incentive cash. Which now made the car cost $37,000. I thought paying cash will get you the best deal. No, they want their kickback from financing. Then he went back and came out a few minutes later with a price of $41,750!!! I said what the hell is this? He said dealer fee and transportation charges. I said later and walked out. He didn’t even follow me and try to negotiate anything as we sat in our car for a few minutes to see what he would do. Very aggressive sales tactics. Then I contacted Wesley Chapel Hyundai, almost in Tampa, got the price of $32,750 and they gave us $13,000 for our trade-in, SOLD!!! Good people to deal with if you want a new Hyundai. Only reason I set foot in Jenkins is for my covered service

Well done, you!

[dhdallas]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

Standard dealer business practice.

[MorTech]

I am ticked-off at the fact that I am forced to buy a new car thru a franchise Stealership. Makes me want to buy a Tesla. I have not set foot in a Stealership in 20 years. I do DIY with OEM parts from Amazon or independent mechanic and don't buy new cars. Stealership sales tactics are infuriating and fraudulent.

[34gunner]

I brought my Honda in for a recall to Jenkins. This is the only reason I set foot there. While waiting as a captive audience we got the pitch how nice our vehicle is and how they would love to buy it. Clearly this is part of having work done there.

This got me thinking, for those of you who go there for service, does this happen routinely?

Of course. They are in the business of selling cars. Just say no.

[BrianL99]

Of course. They are in the business of selling cars. Just say no.

9 pages of nonsense and it all boils down to those 11 words.

What the hell? People walk into a business that sells cars and then they're offended, because someone tries to sell them a car?

I guaranty, 90% of the folks who bring their golf car in for service, stroll around looking at other golf carts while they're waiting for their's to be fixed. Salesmen aren't supposed to ask them if they'd like some assistance or if they're interested in "trading up"?

I particularly love the people that post about their "secret strategy for car buying", that results in a fabulous deal. With 50 years in and around the automobile business, I can tell you, those are the easiest customers to take advantage of ... a salesman's dream.

There's no one easier for a PRO to deal with, than an amateur who thinks he knows everything.

Like taking candy from baby.

[positiveinlife]

Yes Tesla 100% USA!!!
Guess again 40% of your "all american " Tesala batteries lithium come from China!

[Number 10 GI]

I was at Jenkins Nissan having a service done yesterday, the service writer asked if I was interested in selling my vehicle or trading it in. I politely said no and that was it, no more questions like that or trying to upsell me. No salesmen approached me in the waiting area or outside as I was walking around looking at cars. I have bought many cars (50+) over the years from dealerships and independent car lots and have never had any issues like some have mentioned. I have a thing for cars. I have bought 3 vehicles since moving here. I just tell sales people no thanks and that is the end of it.

[Velvet]

9 pages of nonsense and it all boils down to those 11 words.

What the hell? People walk into a business that sells cars and then they're offended, because someone tries to sell them a car?

I guaranty, 90% of the folks who bring their golf car in for service, stroll around looking at other golf carts while they're waiting for their's to be fixed. Salesmen aren't supposed to ask them if they'd like some assistance or if they're interested in "trading up"?

I particularly love the people that post about their "secret strategy for car buying", that results in a fabulous deal. With 50 years in and around the automobile business, I can tell you, those are the easiest customers to take advantage of ... a salesman's dream.

There's no one easier for a PRO to deal with, than an amateur who thinks he knows everything.

Like taking candy from baby.

There is a difference between a person being interested and one that is not. Obviously, I can’t see how Toymeister showed interest in buying another car. Rule number one in sales: establish rapport. Without finding out how to talk to a client you will not make a deal.

[Stu from NYC]

There is a difference between a person being interested and one that is not. Obviously, I can’t see how Toymeister showed interest in buying another car. A salesman that is so pushy should be fired! Look at how much bad publicity they have generated.

Only because he went to the trouble to make a post on here.

[retiredguy123]

There is a difference between a person being interested and one that is not. Obviously, I can’t see how Toymeister showed interest in buying another car. Rule number one in sales: establish rapport. Without finding out how to talk to a client you will not make a deal.
Car dealers depend on pushy salespeople to sell vehicles and to make a profit. That is how they operate. Otherwise, they would charge the same price to every customer. Why do you think they add 8K to 10K to the sticker in worthless add-ons? It would be a mistake for a car buyer to allow a salesperson to establish rapport with them. A buyer needs to do research and know the real value of a vehicle or they will get ripped off.

[Velvet]

Car dealers depend on pushy salespeople to sell vehicles and to make a profit. That is how they operate. Otherwise, they would charge the same price to every customer. Why do you think they add 8K to 10K to the sticker in worthless add-ons? It would be a mistake for a car buyer to allow a salesperson to establish rapport with them. A buyer needs to do research and know the real value of a vehicle or they will get ripped off.

Hubby used to own a car dealership, he trained both used and new car salesman. Hubby could sell ice to an Eskimo, because first he establish rapport. He could sell anything to just about anyone because first of all, he sold himself. And one if the ways he did it, is to find out what the client wanted and how to best match that, or get the client to want what he had. Can’t do any of that if you do not have rapport.

[ThirdOfFive]

Lots of horror stories here, most prefaced with the word "Jenkins". Whoever Jenkins is, he surely does seem to own a lot of car dealerships!

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've never really had a bad experience. Back as a youth and young adult I bought a couple of cars from a local dealership in far Northern MN. The dealer had an interesting way of selling cars. "Just take it home over the weekend and drive it around, and come back on Monday and we'll see what we can do for you". That was the approach used on my '61 Impala and '68 Impala. I bought the car both times.

Beginning in 1995 or so my wife and I established a good relationship with a Toyota dealer in Burnsville, MN. Large dealership, many well-dressed salespeople, and one guy named Bob. Bob never seemed to be in a hurry, and never put pressure on a prospective customer; he was laid-back to the max and dressed VERY casually compared to the rest of the sales staff, but his office was lined with salesperson-of-the-year plaques so he obviously knew his stuff. We bought a total of five vehicles from Bob and he gave us a square shake on every one. One time I saw a Ford Ranger, 2 years old with less than 12,000 miles on it, advertised for $14,900.00, so I stopped in to talk to Bob about it. Unfortunately that Ranger was included in a fleet deal with a buyer who bought something like 10 used vehicles, I supposed to re-sell. I was disappointed as on paper anyway it was a deal at $14,900. Bob and I talked a bit, as he tried to interest me in a couple of other similar vehicles, then stopped and said "wait a minute", and left. When he got back to his office about 5 minutes later he said he could pull that truck out of the fleet deal and sell it to me for what the fleet operator would have gotten. $12,500.00. After a short test drive we concluded the deal.

Bob is unfortunately retired. If he wasn't I'd to to Burnsville, MN to buy from him even today.

[Stu from NYC]

Lots of horror stories here, most prefaced with the word "Jenkins". Whoever Jenkins is, he surely does seem to own a lot of car dealerships!

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've never really had a bad experience. Back as a youth and young adult I bought a couple of cars from a local dealership in far Northern MN. The dealer had an interesting way of selling cars. "Just take it home over the weekend and drive it around, and come back on Monday and we'll see what we can do for you". That was the approach used on my '61 Impala and '68 Impala. I bought the car both times.

Beginning in 1995 or so my wife and I established a good relationship with a Toyota dealer in Burnsville, MN. Large dealership, many well-dressed salespeople, and one guy named Bob. Bob never seemed to be in a hurry, and never put pressure on a prospective customer; he was laid-back to the max and dressed VERY casually compared to the rest of the sales staff, but his office was lined with salesperson-of-the-year plaques so he obviously knew his stuff. We bought a total of five vehicles from Bob and he gave us a square shake on every one. One time I saw a Ford Ranger, 2 years old with less than 12,000 miles on it, advertised for $14,900.00, so I stopped in to talk to Bob about it. Unfortunately that Ranger was included in a fleet deal with a buyer who bought something like 10 used vehicles, I supposed to re-sell. I was disappointed as on paper anyway it was a deal at $14,900. Bob and I talked a bit, as he tried to interest me in a couple of other similar vehicles, then stopped and said "wait a minute", and left. When he got back to his office about 5 minutes later he said he could pull that truck out of the fleet deal and sell it to me for what the fleet operator would have gotten. $12,500.00. After a short test drive we concluded the deal.

Bob is unfortunately retired. If he wasn't I'd to to Burnsville, MN to buy from him even today.

Does not seem to be many Bobs out there.

[retiredguy123]

Hubby used to own a car dealership, he trained both used and new car salesman. Hubby could sell ice to an Eskimo, because first he establish rapport. He could sell anything to just about anyone because first of all, he sold himself. And one if the ways he did it, is to find out what the client wanted and how to best match that, or get the client to want what he had. Can’t do any of that if you do not have rapport.
You proved my point. Yes, it is good for the salesperson to establish rapport with the customer. But, the customer will not benefit from it. The customer will benefit with research and knowledge about the fair value of the vehicle. The only way rapport would work for the buyer is if the dealer established a fair price in the first place. Every vehicle on the Jenkins lot has a separate sticker with worthless add-ons (see Post No. 96). It is the salesperson's job to trick the customer into paying for those add-ons and other bogus fees. Uninformed buyers will get ripped off, and rapport will not help.

[Skip]

If they want to buy my car the price is $1,000,000. Not a penny less!

I'll take it, JJ. But you have to buy this new $2,000,000 Civic for the deal. Let's shake!

Skip

[Velvet]

You proved my point. Yes, it is good for the salesperson to establish rapport with the customer. But, the customer will not benefit from it. The customer will benefit with research and knowledge about the fair value of the vehicle. The only way rapport would work for the buyer is if the dealer established a fair price in the first place. Every vehicle on the Jenkins lot has a separate sticker with worthless add-ons (see Post No. 96). It is the salesperson's job to trick the customer into paying for those add-ons and other bogus fees. Uninformed buyers will get ripped off, and rapport will not help.

Well, there’s one of two ways I can see myself shopping for a car; either I see one on the lot I like, and the price is worth it to me (I don’t really care what it is worth to other people that much I’m not flipping) on my own without help - like going to an open house. Or I have an exact list for a new model to be delivered with those specs precisely - like a new built home. I already know what those prices should be. I’m not sure I need a salesman for much.

[retiredguy123]

Well, there’s one of two ways I can see myself shopping for a car; either I see one on the lot I like, and the price is worth it to me (I don’t really care what it is worth to other people that much I’m not flipping) on my own without help - like going to an open house. Or I have an exact list for a new model to be delivered with those specs precisely - like a new building home. I already know what those prices should be. I’m not sure I need a salesman for much.
I agree, but you cannot order a car without going through a dealer and paying their bogus markups. The vehicle industry needs to get rid of salespeople who work on commission and sell the cars to everyone for a fair and published price. Until then, uninformed buyers will continue to pay thousands more than informed buyers. It is sad that a totally uninformed buyer can go into a dealership and pay more than $10K above what an informed buyer will pay for the same vehicle.

[MX rider]

I agree, but you cannot order a car without going through a dealer and paying their bogus markups. The vehicle industry needs to get rid of salespeople who work on commission and sell the cars to everyone for a fair and published price. Until then, uninformed buyers will continue to pay thousands more than informed buyers. It is sad that a totally uninformed buyer can go into a dealership and pay more than $10K above what an informed buyer will pay for the same vehicle.

That happens everyday in real estate, correct? It's capitalism. Nobody said it was perfect.

[retiredguy123]

That happens everyday in real estate, correct? It's capitalism. Nobody said it was perfect.
I think there is a distinct difference between real estate and new vehicles. Most retailers have eliminated the price haggling routine, except for vehicles. Real estate is unique, especially with respect to resales. The developer in The Villages seems to do a good job of holding their customers to a fixed price on new houses. They don't allow haggling. I think that is a good thing.

[MX rider]

I think there is a distinct difference between real estate and new vehicles. Most retailers have eliminated the price haggling routine, except for vehicles. Real estate is unique, especially with respect to resales. The developer in The Villages seems to do a good job of holding their customers to a fixed price on new houses. They don't allow haggling. I think that is a good thing.

Haggling as you call it happens on almost every resale home. They just don't call it that.

[retiredguy123]

Haggling as you call it happens on almost every resale home. They just don't call it that.
In my opinion, you haggle with a car dealer, but you negotiate with a home seller.

"Haggling is about offering your product for a reduced margin – you're simply making price concessions until the buyer says yes. Negotiation, on the other hand, is about getting something of equal or higher value in return for any concessions you make."

I don't have an issue with negotiating to buy a preowned house, but I think car dealers are taking advantage of people who just want to buy a car at a fair price, and to not pay more than another customer. To do that, dealers tell a lot of lies. The first one they tell is that the "invoice" they provide is their actual cost for the vehicle.

[BrianL99]

Haggling as you call it happens on almost every resale home. They just don't call it that.

Grownups call it negotiation. Cars, airplanes, boats, antiques, art work, services and of course, real estate.

it seems fine for most every other business, but for a typical person's 2nd largest purchase, it's characterized as a scam & sleazy.

[Michael G.]

Can you share how to properly buy a car?

Sure, you start off using common sense.

One, by refusing to pay for something you didn't order.
Two, not knowing anything about what you want in a car.
Three, letting a sales person keeping you waiting for hours while he's
taking a ****.

[ThirdOfFive]

I have no problem with somebody trying to make a buck. That said, however, I cannot help but wonder if how various businesses see TV and Villagers in general, and how that influences their business practices. Making an honest buck is one thing. Bilking someone is quite another.

Back in the world, car dealerships depend a lot on repeat business. Not only that, but intergenerational as well. As a teen and young adult, I dealt with the same dealership that my parents did because, in my parents' estimation, they were treated fairly. Same thing with the Toyota dealership in Burnsville, MN. I bought five vehicles from them in 15 or so years because I was treated fairly. Had I not been, I would have been out the door as soon as I perceived that I was being taken advantage of, never to return.

It is an entirely different scenario here in TV. There are many businesses here who try to establish a good reputation which leads to repeat business. Many have been mentioned here. Sumter Tire and Auto for example. Several plumbers. Some insurance agents. Landscapers. And others. (Unfortunately, even within those ranks, there are plenty who don't). But to be honest, TV'ers are a transient population. Landscapers depend on repeat business because they deal with us every 90 days or so. But what are the odds that an 80-year-old who buys a new car at whatever dealership is going to show up at the same dealership in 4-5 years to trade? And even if he is lucky enough to reach that age (the odds don't favor it) what are the odds that his wife (or a court order) will have already pulled his keys? And, of course, intergenerational reputation isn't even a factor. Are kids back home in Montana or Michigan or wherever aren't going to drive here to purchase a car from a dealer in Ocala just because we did.

Looking at it that way, there is no valid business reason for car dealerships (as long as things stay within the law) NOT to try to pry as much money out of us as possible. They'll have one shot at us. Maybe at most, two. So why not put the squeeze on us? If I were a car dealership I might have a hard time looking at myself in the mirror the morning after I sold a 91-year-old a new car that he absolutely didn't need (I read about that happening here about three years ago) but other dealers might not have that problem.

[Velvet]

That’s what senior abuse is all about. Taking advantage of the vulnerable. We have to be proactive in this area. Capitalism needs safe guards or it degenerates to survival of the fittest.

[Gpsma]

That’s what senior abuse is all about. Taking advantage of the vulnerable. We have to be proactive in this area. Capitalism needs safe guards or it degenerates to survival of the fittest.

Oh please with the senior abuse nonsense.
We live in a retirement community that has exceptional levels of talent, education and work experience.

The problem is so many of these exceptional people come from bumscrew area where they still think the world is Mayberry RFD.

[Velvet]

Oh please with the senior abuse nonsense.
We live in a retirement community that has exceptional levels of talent, education and work experience.

The problem is so many of these exceptional people come from bumscrew area where they still think the world is Mayberry RFD.

I’m talking about the 91 year old mentioned above. I understand that some people have no shame, no morals etc but I have zero tolerance for child or senior abuse, personally.

[Stu from NYC]

Grownups call it negotiation. Cars, airplanes, boats, antiques, art work, services and of course, real estate.

it seems fine for most every other business, but for a typical person's 2nd largest purchase, it's characterized as a scam & sleazy.

I go along with dealerships being sleazy

[MX rider]

In my opinion, you haggle with a car dealer, but you negotiate with a home seller.

"Haggling is about offering your product for a reduced margin – you're simply making price concessions until the buyer says yes. Negotiation, on the other hand, is about getting something of equal or higher value in return for any concessions you make."

I don't have an issue with negotiating to buy a preowned house, but I think car dealers are taking advantage of people who just want to buy a car at a fair price, and to not pay more than another customer. To do that, dealers tell a lot of lies. The first one they tell is that the "invoice" they provide is their actual cost for the vehicle.

I think you're splitting hairs here. But we can agree to disagree, it's all good.

[MX rider]

Sure, you start off using common sense.

One, by refusing to pay for something you didn't order.
Two, not knowing anything about what you want in a car.
Three, letting a sales person keeping you waiting for hours while he's
taking a ****.

You're painting with a broad brush if you're saying all dealers are bad. Although there are some crooked ones out there, there's also many good ones. You just have to be smart about it and find them.

With the internet and social media it's fairly easy to research and find out which ones are the best.