I was looking to buy a new 2006 Mustang GT...

[lethal]

I was in the mood to buy a new performance car to have some fun with. After 20 years away from Ford, I finally decided to give them a chance and look at the Mustang GT. I felt this would be a fun car to rip around in and take me back and fourth to work. I like the styling and feel that the mod motors are very dependable. So the best place to learn about the car would be to visit a few local dealerships. My previous dilemma with a Ford Dealer and Ford's Customer Service left me a little anxious. Upon looking at some of the inventory, I must admit that Ford is building better quality cars and the majority are visually pleasing.

 

Dealer #1:

Dressed in my Saturday "cleaning the yard" clothes, I walked into a Ford dealership and hung around for about 5-6 minutes. A few sales people looked at me and then went about their business. So I walked up to 2 sales men chatting and told them I was interested in looking at the Mustang GT but wanted the 5-speed manual and not the automatic. One of them simply told me that they only had auto's in stock and didn't think he could get a 5-speed in. If they were to get one it would have to be from the Toronto area. I said fine but it must have a 5-speed/black/air and if it came with extras that would be ok. He said they had a used Mustang GT that I should be interested in and he could show it to me. As we chatted he was continuously persistant in trying to sell me this used car. I explained that I was interested only in a new 06's and if they couldn't get what I wanted then I would consider ordering a new 07. He looked on his computer and told me that there were 6 Black Mustang GT's in and around the Toronto area. He said that they were all full jam cars costing over $35,000. He looked at me and then asked again if I was sure I wouldn't be interested in the used GT. I politely said "No" then got up to leave. He stood up and asked "Would you like to give me your name and phone number in case anything comes in". I said my name is Dr ..... and I would rather not give out my phone number. Strike 1

 

Dealer #2:

A little pissed off, I decided to go down the road and see what another Ford Dealer had to offer. Walked into the Dealership and a salesperson comes right up to me. I'm thinking that this has got to be better service; so I asked if they had any 06's with a 5-speed and would it be possible for me to take one of their Mustang GT's out for a test drive. The sales man looked up and down at me and replied "we just don't let anyone take out our GT Mustangs for a test drive". My first thought was WOW, I must be at a BMW Dealership. I simply replied "I see" and turned around to walked out. Strike 2

 

Dealer#3:

On Sunday dressed in my "watch football all day clothes", I decided to go to another Ford Dealer that was 35 kms West of where I lived. I walked into the Dealership and walked around for a few minutes. A pretty sales lady walked up and asked if she could help me. I said sure, then asked the same questions again. She replied that they only had one Mustang GT convertible, and she was sorry that she couldn't help me. Then she turned around and walked away!! Strike 3

 

So, I decided to take a tour to the Chrysler Dealer to see what they had on the lot. Soon as I drove in I saw the car that I was going to buy!! A sales man comes out and introduces himself, we chatted for a few minutes. He goes back into the Dealerhip and comes out with the keys to the car and shows me it. He asked me if I would be interested in buying it, I smiled and said only if the price was right and I would need to drive it. No problems, deal was done in a couple of hours and now I am a very happy man.

 

To Ford: You are building some very nice vehicles and I was impressed with the quality. I just think that your Dealers could use some help in people skills.

Edited October 5, 2006 by lethal

[fllcobra]

Man, I feel you pain. It probably is because I am 35 but look like I am 25. I also find that salepeople are not helpful if you shop for cars alone. But they seem to jump over their desks and run into the car lot if they see you with your girlfriend or family.

 

I went through the same B.S. when I went to BMW a few years ago and looked at a 330. The salesguy's took one look at me and wouldn't give me the time of day. I go in with my girlfriend a few days later and they jumped to help "us" out. By then, my objectivity made me realize that these cars are overpriced, underpowered and too small.

 

Shortly thereafter I looked at the Nissan 350Z... this was back in 2003. The sales guy was friendly enough, took my name, address and other information... but he would not let me test drive the car. He did, however, let me sit in the passenger seat while he drove it in the parking lot! That jackass. He must have run my credit after I left and realized I could afford that overpriced piece of rice, because when I got home I got a phone call from him saying, "Hey Chris, come back in, I was able to convince my manager to give you a test drive and knock off the $4,000 mark-up." For two weeks that guy kept calling. I never responded.

 

I must admit I got the same hoity-toity attitude from my local Ford sales trolls when I went looking at the Fusion and Explorer this past summer. I finally got wise and started going through the internet sales managers. You plug in the information at the fordvehicles.com or carsdirect.com and they call you. I am told that the internet sales staff aren't driven by commission, they're driven by sales because internet customers are believed to be more serious buyers and take less time to complete a purchase. Some will still jerk you around. That is why I had to buy my last vehicle in Palm Beach... an hour's drive from where I live in Fort Lauderdale because the local dealerships were reluctant to help me when I mentioned I had an X-Plan PIN.

Edited October 5, 2006 by fllcobra

[ford4v429]

too bad you didnt get the testdrive- never know, but I think you'd have been even happier

 

anyone wanting a gt- if youve got trouble finding one, call email cmedina@garyyeomansford.com - that guy hooked up a bunch of folks up north last year- i was down there in december last year he had about 30 gts on the freakin lot- he can order/dropship anywhere in the country- kinda wish I woulda went that way as it coulda saved me many months of greif...see the allocation sticky in management- regional allocation sucks.

[MGallun]

I was in the mood to buy a new performance car to have some fun with. After 20 years away from Ford, I finally decided to give them a chance and look at the Mustang GT. I felt this would be a fun car to rip around in and take me back and fourth to work. I like the styling and feel that the mod motors are very dependable. So the best place to learn about the car would be to visit a few local dealerships. My previous dilemma with a Ford Dealer and Ford's Customer Service left me a little anxious. Upon looking at some of the inventory, I must admit that Ford is building better quality cars and the majority are visually pleasing.

 

Dealer #1:

Dressed in my Saturday "cleaning the yard" clothes, I walked into a Ford dealership and hung around for about 5-6 minutes. A few sales people looked at me and then went about their business. So I walked up to 2 sales men chatting and told them I was interested in looking at the Mustang GT but wanted the 5-speed manual and not the automatic. One of them simply told me that they only had auto's in stock and didn't think he could get a 5-speed in. If they were to get one it would have to be from the Toronto area. I said fine but it must have a 5-speed/black/air and if it came with extras that would be ok. He said they had a used Mustang GT that I should be interested in and he could show it to me. As we chatted he was continuously persistant in trying to sell me this used car. I explained that I was interested only in a new 06's and if they couldn't get what I wanted then I would consider ordering a new 07. He looked on his computer and told me that there were 6 Black Mustang GT's in and around the Toronto area. He said that they were all full jam cars costing over $35,000. He looked at me and then asked again if I was sure I wouldn't be interested in the used GT. I politely said "No" then got up to leave. He stood up and asked "Would you like to give me your name and phone number in case anything comes in". I said my name is Dr ..... and I would rather not give out my phone number. Strike 1

 

Dealer #2:

A little pissed off, I decided to go down the road and see what another Ford Dealer had to offer. Walked into the Dealership and a salesperson comes right up to me. I'm thinking that this has got to be better service; so I asked if they had any 06's with a 5-speed and would it be possible for me to take one of their Mustang GT's out for a test drive. The sales man looked up and down at me and replied "we just don't let anyone take out our GT Mustangs for a test drive". My first thought was WOW, I must be at a BMW Dealership. I simply replied "I see" and turned around to walked out. Strike 2

 

Dealer#3:

On Sunday dressed in my "watch football all day clothes", I decided to go to another Ford Dealer that was 35 kms West of where I lived. I walked into the Dealership and walked around for a few minutes. A pretty sales lady walked up and asked if she could help me. I said sure, then asked the same questions again. She replied that they only had one Mustang GT convertible, and she was sorry that she couldn't help me. Then she turned around and walked away!! Strike 3

 

So, I decided to take a tour to the Chrysler Dealer to see what they had on the lot. Soon as I drove in I saw the car that I was going to buy!! A sales man comes out and introduces himself, we chatted for a few minutes. He goes back into the Dealerhip and comes out with the keys to the car and shows me it. He asked me if I would be interested in buying it, I smiled and said only if the price was right and I would need to drive it. No problems, deal was done in a couple of hours and now I am a very happy man.

 

To Ford: You are building some very nice vehicles and I was impressed with the quality. I just think that your Dealers could use some help in people skills.

 

 

lol, if you really wanted the mustang you would have made sure you got one, never had that issue with my cities ford dealers, seems some need some love i guess... had my fusion in for a oil change, was backed up abit and the dealer gave me a new 2006 mustang gt to drive around in for a hour.

[Roadrunner]

lol, if you really wanted the mustang you would have made sure you got one, never had that issue with my cities ford dealers, seems some need some love i guess... had my fusion in for a oil change, was backed up abit and the dealer gave me a new 2006 mustang gt to drive around in for a hour.

 

Dealers look at how people come into their stores and then guess whether they are serious buyers. Attitude also means something.

 

When I was younger, a buddy of mine -- full of himself most of the time -- said, "let's go test drive a Mustang at some dealership."

Of course being who I am, I said, "hell yeah!"

 

There's one quick way to get blocked from test-driving a fast car when you're 19: asking to test drive it. You need to be smooth and appear that you're serious (and that you can afford it). When hit with questions like, "how are you going to finance this used Mustang?" tell 'em you have something like a couple grand saved up and the rest you'll finance... something other than "I don't know."

 

Anyway so I really sucked at lying to dealers. I guess I felt bad for taking up this guy's time.

 

My buddy did much better - he swaggered about and said he'd buy a Trans-Am right off this other dealer's lot. Ended up taking it to 90 mph on the highway, much to the salesguy's chagrin. After it was over? "Nope, don't like the color." Heh heh.

 

Coolest thing with that guy's car was to squeal the tires and take corners fast out on mountain roads -- scariest thing was to be stopped by a cop for speeding with a 12-pack in the back (we were underage).

 

Anyway, point of the matter is that I understand partially why these Ford salespeople didn't take the original poster seriously: he didn't give off the image he was serious about buying by wearing landscaping clothes. He just looked like some punter who wanted a car out of his league.

[bolita]

Anyway, point of the matter is that I understand partially why these Ford salespeople didn't take the original poster seriously: he didn't give off the image he was serious about buying by wearing landscaping clothes. He just looked like some punter who wanted a car out of his league.

 

Comes to show that if a Dealer's salesperson is not capable of taking all customers seriously then they'll loose business. Perhaps one will loose time on bogus customers, but IMO if you treat someone right they come back in the future or at least I would...

[coupe3w]

It shouldn't matter what you'r wearing or what you look like to buy a car. They all lost a sale because of their poor people skills. I once went to a Ford dealer to buy a new Cobra Mustang and the sales guy was trying to sell me a used Tempo. He said I would be better off in the Tempo. What? I left and came back the next week and told them about the sales guy. They fired him. I orderd my new Cobra and never went back to that dealer again because their service sucked. I still buy new Fords just not from them.

[Roadrunner]

Comes to show that if a Dealer's salesperson is not capable of taking all customers seriously then they'll loose business. Perhaps one will loose time on bogus customers, but IMO if you treat someone right they come back in the future or at least I would...

 

You're right - it's not right that they stereotype.

It's just that they many seem to do that if you don't look like a "serious buyer."

 

The only time I was treated right when I walked in somewhere alone was when I went into the Jaguar dealership looking like absolute crap. They somehow saw me as someone serious.

I tell you what: Jaguar has really nice dealer brochures. High quality paper and everything.

 

lol, if you really wanted the mustang you would have made sure you got one, never had that issue with my cities ford dealers, seems some need some love i guess... had my fusion in for a oil change, was backed up abit and the dealer gave me a new 2006 mustang gt to drive around in for a hour.

 

At my dealership, they wouldn't do something like that for me.

 

Story of the day!

I waited four hours for them to fix something that they screwed up in PDI. Then they brought me my car back with a scratch. They said they'd hook me up with a rental, but... no.

Edited October 11, 2006 by Roadrunner

[lethal]

Anyway, point of the matter is that I understand partially why these Ford salespeople didn't take the original poster seriously: he didn't give off the image he was serious about buying by wearing landscaping clothes. He just looked like some punter who wanted a car out of his league.

On my days off I really don't feel that I need to dress as a professional when I am looking at purchasing a new car. My feelings are that in business you should take everyone seriously, regardless of what they are dressed like or the color of their skin. I still feel that Ford has done a very good job with it's product, it just needs to focus on effectively selling it's product to the consumer.

[Roadrunner]

Salespeople judge. It's not right, it's just how it works out. First impression seems to be key on whether it's a serious buyer, instead of going by the general idea of "I could sell this guy a car".

[OTISFORDSUCKS]

lethal: Ford's "buyout" of 75,000(SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND) more employees. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14831365/from/ET/ http://www.otisfordsucks.com

[OAC_Sparky]

 

[OTISFORDSUCKS]

lethal: Ford's "buyout" of 75,000(SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND) more employees. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14831365/from/ET/ http://www.otisfordsucks.com <grin>

[OTPisdead]

Dealer#3:

On Sunday dressed in my "watch football all day clothes", I decided to go to another Ford Dealer that was 35 kms West of where I lived. I walked into the Dealership and walked around for a few minutes. A pretty sales lady walked up and asked if she could help me. I said sure, then asked the same questions again. She replied that they only had one Mustang GT convertible, and she was sorry that she couldn't help me. Then she turned around and walked away!! Strike 3

 

I don't know of any Ford dealerships in Ontario that are open on Sundays. Where in Canada are you?

 

BTW I went into Oakville BMW with my mechanic when he was looking to buy a 7 series. We had just left the shop he owned and he was still wearing his clean uniform. Everyone snubbed their noses at us and then he purchased a Mercedes SEL.

Edited October 14, 2006 by OTPisdead

[lethal]

I don't know of any Ford dealerships in Ontario that are open on Sundays. Where in Canada are you?

 

BTW I went into Oakville BMW with my mechanic when he was looking to buy a 7 series. We had just left the shop he owned and he was still wearing his clean uniform. Everyone snubbed their noses at us and then he purchased a Mercedes SEL.

 

I was in Belleville at the Ford Dealer...I believe I was speaking to the owners daughter?....I didn't see anyother sales people...I then went over to the Chrysler Dealer (by the College) where I spoke to the owners son and made the deal on a Charger SRT8.

 

The other 2 Ford Dealers were located in Kingston...I have a local Dealer in Napanee but I refuse to do business there.

Edited October 14, 2006 by lethal

[Hellcat_F6F]

Lethal,

 

Nice Charger...but from your avatar, it looks like you were predisposed to buying a Dodge anyway...did you REALLY give the Ford dealer's a chance, or is this "I'll go to the Ford dealers dressed like a slob so they'll do what I really WANT them to do and then post at a Ford website about it" just an attempt at trolling?

[lethal]

Lethal,

 

Nice Charger...but from your avatar, it looks like you were predisposed to buying a Dodge anyway...did you REALLY give the Ford dealer's a chance, or is this "I'll go to the Ford dealers dressed like a slob so they'll do what I really WANT them to do and then post at a Ford website about it" just an attempt at trolling?

I had been with Ford for a long time and still own a number of Ford Musclecars...I ran into issues with a new 86 GT Mustang (long story). These are the Fords that I still own:

 

1935 Ford Coupe...a mess but can be fixed

1966 GT 390 4-speed Fairlane

1970 429 SCJ 4-speed Torino

1983 Capri RS 5.0L

1984 Mustang Drag car...still in the process of building

1986 GT Mustang 5.0L

 

So, I had bad feelings for Ford and the way they treated me by 1990...I have purchased a number of other vehicles after that period...started to buy Chryslers. When the new style Mustang came out it grabbed my attention. However, I had decided to go back to University and get another Degree (Dr of Pharmacy) so I didn't have the time or need to buy a brand new vehicle until I graduated.

 

I will be honest and say that I had looked at a few other cars but the Mustang and the Charger SRT8's (in Boston) always brought a smile to my face. So when I moved back to Canada I eventually went looking for the Mustang, I never thought I could get a Charger SRT8 because they are very rare in Canada. Unfortunately the Ford sales people didn't show interest (I don't know about you but I'm not about to beg people to serve me)...saw the Charger SRT8 by chance and said what the hell and bought it.

 

If Ford sales people treat me right I will sell my 4-door Ram 4x4 for a new 4-door Ford Diesel 4x4. If not then I will probably buy a GMC Duramax

[F250]

I was in the mood to buy a new performance car to have some fun with. After 20 years away from Ford, I finally decided to give them a chance and look at the Mustang GT. I felt this would be a fun car to rip around in and take me back and fourth to work. I like the styling and feel that the mod motors are very dependable. So the best place to learn about the car would be to visit a few local dealerships. My previous dilemma with a Ford Dealer and Ford's Customer Service left me a little anxious. Upon looking at some of the inventory, I must admit that Ford is building better quality cars and the majority are visually pleasing.

 

Dealer #1:

Dressed in my Saturday "cleaning the yard" clothes, I walked into a Ford dealership and hung around for about 5-6 minutes. A few sales people looked at me and then went about their business. So I walked up to 2 sales men chatting and told them I was interested in looking at the Mustang GT but wanted the 5-speed manual and not the automatic. One of them simply told me that they only had auto's in stock and didn't think he could get a 5-speed in. If they were to get one it would have to be from the Toronto area. I said fine but it must have a 5-speed/black/air and if it came with extras that would be ok. He said they had a used Mustang GT that I should be interested in and he could show it to me. As we chatted he was continuously persistant in trying to sell me this used car. I explained that I was interested only in a new 06's and if they couldn't get what I wanted then I would consider ordering a new 07. He looked on his computer and told me that there were 6 Black Mustang GT's in and around the Toronto area. He said that they were all full jam cars costing over $35,000. He looked at me and then asked again if I was sure I wouldn't be interested in the used GT. I politely said "No" then got up to leave. He stood up and asked "Would you like to give me your name and phone number in case anything comes in". I said my name is Dr ..... and I would rather not give out my phone number. Strike 1

 

Dealer #2:

A little pissed off, I decided to go down the road and see what another Ford Dealer had to offer. Walked into the Dealership and a salesperson comes right up to me. I'm thinking that this has got to be better service; so I asked if they had any 06's with a 5-speed and would it be possible for me to take one of their Mustang GT's out for a test drive. The sales man looked up and down at me and replied "we just don't let anyone take out our GT Mustangs for a test drive". My first thought was WOW, I must be at a BMW Dealership. I simply replied "I see" and turned around to walked out. Strike 2

 

Dealer#3:

On Sunday dressed in my "watch football all day clothes", I decided to go to another Ford Dealer that was 35 kms West of where I lived. I walked into the Dealership and walked around for a few minutes. A pretty sales lady walked up and asked if she could help me. I said sure, then asked the same questions again. She replied that they only had one Mustang GT convertible, and she was sorry that she couldn't help me. Then she turned around and walked away!! Strike 3

 

So, I decided to take a tour to the Chrysler Dealer to see what they had on the lot. Soon as I drove in I saw the car that I was going to buy!! A sales man comes out and introduces himself, we chatted for a few minutes. He goes back into the Dealerhip and comes out with the keys to the car and shows me it. He asked me if I would be interested in buying it, I smiled and said only if the price was right and I would need to drive it. No problems, deal was done in a couple of hours and now I am a very happy man.

 

To Ford: You are building some very nice vehicles and I was impressed with the quality. I just think that your Dealers could use some help in people skills.

 

I don't blame the dealers. Car dealers deal get all kinds of idiots that stroll in thinking they are going to hop in a brand new limited availability high performance car and "take it for a test drive." Yes, let's see I only have 1 or 2 Mustang GTs and if I let everyone who asks test drive them they will have about 100 miles on them before the real buyer comes in, and he doesn't want to buy a car that has been flogged by 20 people. That's the reality of the situation, and what you happen to be wearing that day doesn't change it.

 

And It could be they all knew you were really planning to buy a Dodge anyway and were wasting their time.

Kind of like hanging around a Ford enthusiast site after you bought a Dodge.

[OAC_Sparky]

And It could be they all knew you were really planning to buy a Dodge anyway and were wasting their time.

Kind of like hanging around a Ford enthusiast site after you bought a Dodge.

:lol:

 

Was he dressed like this?

 

[CanadaSVT]

1983 Capri RS 5.0L

I never thought I could get a Charger SRT8 because they are very rare in Canada.

 

I'd hold onto that 83 RS.

 

As for the Charger SRT8, the Dodge dealership in Oakville @ Speers & 4th Line has had a black one on their lot for months now. Seems nobody wants to spend the money on a Dodge.

 

BTW how long of a test drive did the dealer let you take the SRT8 on?

[OAC_Sparky]

As for the Charger SRT8, the Dodge dealership in Oakville @ Speers & 4th Line has had a black one on their lot for months now. Seems nobody wants to spend the money on a Dodge.

I wouldn't buy anything from that dealer either. I bought my '92 Ranger from them (used), salesman kept messing up the sales form (to their advantage) and I went back 3 times for a repair they were supposed to make when I bought it.

 

Wasn't the most pain-free transaction in my life. :shrug: