Why American car companies suck

E61Silver · #1 03-15-2009, 03:53 PM

I think you are taking a hard line, its a limited production car and if I bought one I would want it truly new with 5 miles or less. A dealer can't afford to take a limited allocation car and make it a demonstrator.

FSETH · #2 03-15-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x54.4blue

I think you are taking a hard line, its a limited production car and if I bought one I would want it truly new with 5 miles or less. A dealer can't afford to take a limited allocation car and make it a demonstrator.

If that is the case, then how would anyone get to test drive one? You have to be able to let people test drive cars before they purchase. If you want your new car with 5 miles or less, order it. I can understand some people who are not really into cars that don't need a test drive, but the CTS-V is supposed to be a performance car. Who buys a performance car without testing it? As bad as GM is hurting, they can't afford to turn anyone down who is willing to test drive one of their products. Like others have said, it is a Caddy, not an F Enzo. Not only is B-Line turned off now, but look at how many other people are reading what happened to him when he tried to buy American. No deal and bad pub. Not what GM needs. It should have been handled better.

JCL · #3 03-15-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSETH

Not only is B-Line turned off now, but look at how many other people are reading what happened to him when he tried to buy American. No deal and bad pub. Not what GM needs. It should have been handled better.

Actually, I hadn't even thought of testing a Cadillac, but after reading this I am thinking about it. Apparently, so are a few people who posted above. The rant may have had a reverse effect.

FSETH · #4 03-15-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

Actually, I hadn't even thought of testing a Cadillac, but after reading this I am thinking about it. Apparently, so are a few people who posted above. The rant may have had a reverse effect.

Well, nothing else is working for GM. Maybe they sould start acting like a snobby, boutique coach builder.

You always want what you can't have.

No CTS-V for you...Next!

B-Line · #5 03-15-2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

Actually, I hadn't even thought of testing a Cadillac, but after reading this I am thinking about it. Apparently, so are a few people who posted above. The rant may have had a reverse effect.

So let me get this straight. After you read that a dealership is trying to potentially rip buyers off by having them negotiate on-site purchases before even allowing them to test drive the car, has enticed you to consider buying said car...

I would like to publicly state that I have made a huge mistake. I no longer think that Felix Cadillac deserves the asshat of the month award. Clearly there are bigger asshats than them.

Enjoy your CTSV's....

JCL · #6 03-15-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-Line

So let me get this straight. After you read that a dealership is trying to potentially rip buyers off by having them negotiate on-site purchases before even allowing them to test drive the car, has enticed you to consider buying said car...

<snip>

Enjoy your CTSV's....

No, I said that I wanted to go drive the car. I read above (again, in several posts from different members) that the vehicle has really come a long way. A lot of people ask me for recommendations on what car to buy. I have never recommended a Cadillac before. I would like to understand what the fuss is all about. It is not really my kind of car, but an open mind never hurt anyone. You should try it.

Your post is mistitled, as several others have pointed out. You wanted to slam US automakers, when your real issue should be with your local dealer. Your post gave me a chance to hear again about the car itself. There is zero chance that I am going to your local dealer if I do want that test drive. I don't much care for LA.

I deleted from the quote that portion of your response that seemed to be calling me an asshat. I think this board should be better than that, and it is beneath you. Grow up.

4.6is Ryder · #7 03-15-2009, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

Actually, I hadn't even thought of testing a Cadillac, but after reading this I am thinking about it. Apparently, so are a few people who posted above. The rant may have had a reverse effect.

Not sure it's a reverse effect....I think it's more about what level of service will we get. In fact, I'll be sure to take the Cooper S and not the 650i....Phil

JCL · #8 03-15-2009, 04:11 PM

B-Line:

Well, I understand your position clearly. The only comment I would add is one I made above, that you are assuming they could let you demo those vehicles in their showroom.

Having worked many years ago with a dealer who was going under, with all of the inventory owned by either the manufacturer or the banks, I saw firsthand how tough it was to sell something in that environment. The manufacturer (who owned the inventory on a floor plan) wanted signed sales orders with deposits before releasing anything out the gate, as it was the only security they had. The banks put convenants on all of their financing, and it could take 3 days to get a machine released. There certainly weren't any demos. If there was a used machine in the shop, or a rental machine available, they were the demos. Short of that, it was cash first. Yes, the dealer in that case went under, but the behaviours described were the last step before closure, and did not describe their preferred operating model.

Or, you could be right, and they are just jerks and their inventory financing lines are strong, they have a good balance sheet, and they are just waiting for those LA high rollers to come in with wads of $$$. Could be. Maybe it is an LA thing.