I'm trying to buy a new car. Hopefully an X5, maybe something else. I have money to spend which I would really like to put in someone's pocket in exchange for the hunk of metal taking up space on their forecourt. BUT OH MY DO THE SALESMEN MAKE IT HARD. And I'm not talking about being slimy or pushy. I mean that they aren't in the slightest bit helpful.

Over the last month, I must have emailed or called twenty different dealers or showrooms with cars for sale. And I'm not asking anything out of the ordinary (condition, have they get any pictures, etc). I've had maybe four replies or conversations which I'd consider helpful. Most of the time, emails or inquiries through their web sites get ignored. Completely ignored. Other times, I'll get a one liner back. Eg, after asking about the mileage and condition on a car I get the email reply (this is the total of the reply, no signoff, nothing else):
87000. Fine.

WOO! WAY TO SELL THAT BABY!

Or:

Gone.

Gone? Is that it? I don't understand how that can be a reply from someone with the title 'salesman'. I'm not in sales but I know how to sell something. If I was on the other end of my inquiry, I'd reply:

Sorry, this vehicle has already been taken. Is it this particular style of car you're after? Have you considered [another example on my books]? Let me know what's essential to you and I'll keep an eye out for you.

Saying 'sold' puts all the effort back on me. And did I mention that I WAS THE ONE WITH THE MONEY?

So: straw, meet the camel's back. Just now I called the local MB dealer. They've got a used ML I wanted to test drive (I know, I know, but let's stay on topic here). Saw it on Sunday and popped in but it was the end of they day and they were about to close, so no drive then (fair enough, no problems with that). So I ring today: but I *have* to talk to the salesman I saw on Sunday. I can't be allowed to talk to someone else in case they 'tread on his toes'. But I'm assured he'll call straight back. But he doesn't. So after three hours I call back. He's busy. Can they take my number and call me back? So I give her my number: AGAIN. But then he appears. But I get cut off as I'm transferred. So I wait for him to call back. Or her to call back. After all, they just took my number and my name and he took my details on Sunday as well. And I wait. And I wait. And then I think I'll vent my annoyance on here. And screw the MB dealer. He has my number and my email. If he wants my business, he's gonna have to do the running from now on.

So is this just a UK thing? Or are they as inept in the US as well?

Also, note the salesmen part as well. Twice I've emailed about specific vehicles to receive a reply from a female. And they have both been very helpful: quick replies, willing to find out more information, polite, nice.

Okay, rant over. Thank you for the space to vent.