Bizarre Dealership Experience [Archive] - Honda Element Owners Club Forum

: Bizarre Dealership Experience


Dax
06-12-2003, 10:24 PM
Ok, I just have to share this story. It was so weird and unexpected.

Wife and I recently bought a new Element EX AWD. Our sales experience was fairly mediocre. Our salesman was enthusiastic- perhaps a little too enthusiastic. Whatever question we asked, he answered with whatever he thought we wanted to hear (true or not). Fortunately I had done some research and knew a thing or two about the cars and models (though I had yet to discover the wealth of info hear).

Anyway, he assured us on several occasions that ALL the EX models included keyless remote. When we first visited, all they had were a couple of DX models on the lot. Anyway, after a bunch of haggling about price and trade-in value, we decided to go ahead and make the purchase. Only after agreeing on a price did we come to realize our salesman was full of BS. WIthout delay, we sought out the sales manager who did the honorable thing by agreeing to honor what his salesman had told us about keyless remote- only catch, they didn't have them in stock so we'd have to wait.

Yesterday I called because we hadn't heard anything. I was told that the part had arrived 2 weeks ago but that it was the salesman's job to contact me and coordinate the installation. Well, promptly got the salesman on the line who assured me I could bring in the car first thing in the morning for installation (no apology for neglecting to contact me).

This morning I arrive and... salesman not to be found. After a few minutes I find the manager who tells me the salesman no longer works for them. He agrees to have the installation done and leaves me at the service area. Who then enters? The salesman in question- in uniform and all! He comes over to see me gives me a sob story about quitting cuz they treat him badly. He also says there's nobody who can install the part til 3 pm.- but fortunately, he knows the guy at the Mitsubishi place next door (same dealership) who can do it.

So we get in my car and.... drive right past the dealership and into a local neighborhood. (I know, stupid me for even believing the thing about the dealership next door). After several requests to stop and turn around are ignored, Im getting a little concerned. About 3 miles from the dealership the guy stops in front of a house. As soon as he gets out of the car, I jump into the drivers seat and take-off back to the dealership. In my rear-view mirror, I see him getting into a car by the house we pulled up to. (wish he would have just asked for a ride to his car rather than abducting me through deceipt).

Back at the dealership, I report this bizarre experience to the service manager who then contacts the police to report this episode. Profuse apologies follow and my keyless remote is installed in 5 minutes while I watch.

Man, was that surreal! Had to share!

isketerol
06-12-2003, 10:48 PM
Bizzarre. I have known and worked with some strange salesmen, but that takes the cake.

LadyJane
06-13-2003, 06:09 AM
That was so strange! :shock: What is it with salespeople and Elements? Mine wouldn't give me a price or a straight answer about any of the accessories. He assured me that the cabana came with the 4WD EX! I knew he was wrong, but I wasn't going to argue if they wanted to throw it in! Of course, when I came to pick my E up there was no cabana...and no sign of that salesman! :lol:

lon777
06-13-2003, 06:39 AM
Well I guess this could be the first incident of a kidnapping and/or carjacking involving an E owners club member. But by a Honda salesman - that's really wierd.

meanelvis
06-13-2003, 07:33 AM
that is crazy! glad things worked out for ya.

LmentalMastiffs
01-05-2004, 12:36 PM
:shock: WOW, how weird is that??!!

My sales guy, OMG what a looker he was, but the funny thing is, I didn't notice him till after we sat down to do the paperwork on my SOP. lol :lol:

Even then, he was hitting on me. I know, you likely doubt it, but I swear he was. While showing me the E, he brushed up against me chest and then making apologies for it. When I went to pick up my plates, he hit on me again, this time, wanting a hug and kiss. I'm thinking, OMG, this hunk is hitting on me. :shock: I have never thought of myself as a looker. lolol Tall and blonde with big blue eyes, yes.. lolol

At the time of purchase on my SOP, my sales guy told me I had an indash 6 CD player. This fact, only a few days later, was found to be untrue. Oh well....

Sorry you got 'E'ducted by a Honda Sales person!! Me personally, I'd write Honda about it.

E On!!

Kerri
AWD SOP E
Mastiffs On Board