I usually buy used vehicles that are a year or two old with super low miles. I remember one time I found the right vehicle with all of the options and the low mileage that we wanted. I contacted the dealer, spoke with a salesman who I got along with really well. We set up a time to take a look. I explained to the salesman that I didn’t even bring my checkbook with me, I never do when I am just looking. If it’s a good deal right now it will still be a good deal tomorrow after I sleep on the decision. Everything went great, it was the perfect vehicle, we agreed on a price without too much BS. I explained that we’d come back the next day and complete the deal. He said that the sales manager wanted to speak with us first. I wondered why
The sales manager came to the office and stood in the door way. He kept badgering me about buying the vehicle right then. Admittedly I get a little edgy and very standoffish when pressured. After listening to this clown for a while and explaining my intentions I asked him why he won’t shut up and let us leave. He said that statistics show that if we left right then that we wouldn’t ever come back. I reminded him that I didn’t have my checkbook. Then I said here is another stat for you “ if you open your mouth and utter just one more word I am not ever coming back”. He opened his mouth and I grabbed my wife’s arm and headed for the door he was blocking. At first he didn’t move but I am 6’1” and 245 pounds and visibly ticked off at this point. I honestly thought it might come to blows while I busted through the door. I felt a bit like a cornered wild animal and I was ready to physically move him if needed. We marched out the door with the guy following and apologizing the whole way. By the time I got to their driveway my phone was ringing. I never answered it. About a week later the friendly salesman that I liked called me and asked what my thoughts were on that truck. I explained that I needed a call from the owner with an apology then I may think about buying it. A few minutes later the owner called and apologized over and over saying how this has never happened before and that the sales manager had been with them for 20 plus years… He then took $2500 off the price and gave me free oil changes and tires for life if I’d come back. It wasn’t my angle to get a good deal, I just really thought it was a poor practice and wanted to speak my peace to him. I thought about it a few more days then contacted them to write up the deal. The only thing I said was if I even see that sales manager when I am there I am leaving and NEVER coming back. I peered in every office as I walked throughout the dealership. He was no where to be found. It took about ten minutes to write the check, do the paperwork and leave. This is and upstanding GM dealership owned by the same family for generations. I could understand if this happened at a sleazy used car lot. It seemed odd to me. I wonder if that approach works on others?