| Author |
Message |
    
Rex Rocker
Citizen
Username: Rex_rocker
Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 1:37 am: |     |
Hi,
I wanted to tell you about my situation with a local dealer I bought my Jeep from 2 years ago. When I decided to make my purchase on Springfield Ave, I did so because of the promises made to me. I was told their service would never let me down, and because I purchased the car from them, I would receive immediate attention, anytime I needed it. I even purchased what I was told was a plan that would give me free oil changes.
Well, the free oil change thing never happened. I was told it was for one free oil change and that came during my three-thousand mile check up. Ok, fine, whatever. I like the local service so I continued using Maplewood Jeep/ Chrysler. This until Wednesday.
My car had a light on the dash come on, telling me to get service ASAP. I called the dealership to set up an appointment and I was told I could drop it off next week. I told the guy I needed someone to look at it this week, since I am leaving for vacation on Sunday. He tells me that's impossible because they now handle all sevice for their dealership and another one purchased down the street. I pleaded with the guy, telling him my car indicates it can't make a long road trip and I have no choice but to have it serviced before next week. Again, he told me I'm out of luck. When I pushed as to why someone who purchased a car from this same dealership could be treated in such a way, he told me it's new ownership and I'm not dealing with the people I purchased the auto from anymore.
Anyway, I called Salerno Jeep in Summit, and they set me up for Friday. I was planning to purchase a second jeep in September. I will be making this purchase in Summit. Maplewood Jeep will never get another dime from me.
If you're considering the purchase of a jeep, I suggest you do the same. Avoid Maplewood Jeep/ Chrysler. They've changed, it's no longer about the customer.
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njphilf
Citizen
Username: Njphilf
Post Number: 42
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 8:39 am: | |
I have been told that they have be overloaded with work recently. They are currently looking to buy Royal Dodge near Burger King. The addition of this location, as well as some top-notch mechanics, will surely change things for the better. |
Dave Ross
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 4903
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 8:43 am: | |
How could it possibly be for the better, if they're treating return local customers like that???????????????? |
johnny
Citizen
Username: Johnny
Post Number: 686
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 8:54 am: | |
If it sounds to good to be true, it usually is.
Free oil changes, service that will never let you down, immediate attention for service. Get it in writing if you can. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1611
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 9:13 am: | |
"I told the guy I needed someone to look at it this week..."
Who is this guy? It sounds like someone in the mix was either having a bad hair day, or the owner was away on vacation.
There has to be more to this story. Who turns away business in this economy, especially “New Ownership”, where one would expect everyone would be on their very best behavior?
On second thought, do you think you may have been speaking with the janitor?  |
njphilf
Citizen
Username: Njphilf
Post Number: 43
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 9:52 am: | |
How can it be better? If their workload is as heavy as I've been told, picking up several top quality mechanics would make some improvements as they could get more jobs completed. As far as Rex's story? Sounds like someone who sees a long line at a checkout stand and wants to cut in front because he's in a hurry! |
#9Dream
Citizen
Username: 9dream
Post Number: 500
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 10:41 am: | |
I got that line once too, when negotiating price on a Honda in North Bergen. "If you buy from us we have the best service and you'll always get blah blah blah..."
I responded with, "You mean if I buy it somewhere else, your service dept. won't do as good a job on my car?"
After he stopped stammering, the negotiation continued. MORAL: Never believe ANYTHING a car salesman says unless you have it in writing. |
ml1
Citizen
Username: Ml1
Post Number: 1141
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 10:56 am: | |
my dealer service horror story:
a local dealer (I believe its service dept is under different mgmt now so I won't name names) was unable to fix my car's A/C after about 5 tries. I kept going back because the work was not covered under the car's warranty, but the replacement parts and labor were guaranteed by the shop.
Ultimately, they refused to stop trying to get the repair right without charging me again. When I complained to the car manufacturer, the head of the service department actually lied to the manufacturer and told their rep that they were refusing service to me because I had been abusive to one of his mechanics. (I never even met with a mechanic, only the manager). I'm guessing that's the only legitimate grounds they have for refusing service.
Eventually, the manufacturer sent me to another dealer to have the work re-done, without charge. |
#9Dream
Citizen
Username: 9dream
Post Number: 502
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 12:03 pm: | |
My car purchase horror story involves the same car and dealership referenced above.
After the bit with the salesman I guess I should have known, but.... once a price was settled upon, it was time to discuss the financing. They checked my credit and found that I had a little problem involving an old student loan (this was true). The Finance Manager explained that under those circumstances I would have to get something called a secured loan. I didn't really understand what that meant but it wasn't going to cost me any additional money so I said "sure, that's fine." Then he went on to say that one provision of a secured loan is that the term of the loan cannot exceed the warranty period on the car, so if I wanted a 60 month loan I would have to buy the extended warranty, which cost $1,000.
I asked if I could use his phone. I called the bank he was going to get my loan from, and asked to speak with the Credit Manager. I asked the Credit Manager about the secured loan/extended warranty thing, and then held the phone out so the Finance Manager could hear him laughing. He got angry with me for "costing him $1,000." I told him not to get angry with me for stopping him from cheating me.
We're not done....
While waiting to sign my paperwork, I strolled over to the parts department and asked how much floor mats were for this car. I was told they were $60. I said "great, I'll be back as soon as the deal is finalized."
I then got passed to someone else in Financing, who started writing my loan up at a rate 3% higher than I'd been told it would be. I asked what was up with that, and she promptly "apologized" and re-wrote the loan document at the correct rate. Then she asked if I was going to buy any accessories for the car, and I told her I'd be getting floor mats but I didn't want to finance them. She said "OK, I can write those up for you, that will be $75." I said "excuse me but they're $60, not $75." She got angry and rudely insisted they were $75 and that I was lying (why I didn't just tell them to screw themselves and leave the dealership by this point I can't say). I got up, walked over to the parts department, bought the floor mats for $60, slapped the receipt down on her desk and told her I was no liar and that she owed me an apology. She wouldn't give in, insisting I'd been sold the floor mats at the wrong price, and at that point I asked to see the manager of the dealership.
If I'd been a more savvy buyer at that point (it was my first new car purchase), I'd have threatened to back out of the deal unless they dropped a few bucks off the price of the car.
Needless to say I never shopped there again. |
golden
Citizen
Username: Golden
Post Number: 76
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 12:58 pm: | |
If you are looking for a VW/Mazda/Audi try DCH on Millburn Ave. right here in Maplewood.
When I was looking for a Jetta, I tried Douglas in Summit based on their newspaper ads. Bad experience - salesman quoted a great price and asked if I was ready to buy that day. Told him I wasn't sure of the color I wanted, and would call him back. I was told that the price quote was good for only that day. Why? I told him that I would probably purchase within the week, and asked what the price would be when I came back. The salesman asked me to wait a minute while he brought his finance manager over. Again, more pressure to buy that day, or at least leave a deposit of $250 to show "good faith". Walked out - didn't look back.
I went later that day to DCH. Salesman gave me a price (lower than Douglas), and also gave me a list of vehicles in stock that I might be interested in. He gave me a price in writing, and said it would be good for the following two weeks. Went back in a few days, picked out the color and trim package, and made the deal for the exact price quoted. No extras, no high pressure to buy extended warranty packages or other gimmicks.
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newone
Citizen
Username: Newone
Post Number: 84
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 2:21 pm: | |
Since I'm in the process of looking to buy in the next couple of months I'm doing all the research, quotes, financing, etc. over the web. I refuse to walk into a dealership anymore (except to sit in and test drive the car).
I've had my share of horror stories too (never will buy from Warnock again)- don't need the aggravation. |
ml1
Citizen
Username: Ml1
Post Number: 1147
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 2:28 pm: | |
I actually had good experiences at both Douglas and DCH. Bought the car at Douglas, because DCH didn't want my trade in. But I appreciated that the salesman was very upfront about it and didn't waste my time. They didn't get the sale, but they've had my car for service ever since. And I'd probably give them another shot at selling me a car in the future, too.
The Douglas salesman was very low-pressure, no haggle, and immediately gave me the price I wanted. Their service is also good, but it's just more convenient to stay in town. |
Rex Rocker
Citizen
Username: Rex_rocker
Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 5:19 am: | |
I appreciate all the followup. Even those who decided my complaint was nothing more then whining. I guess each to their own.
A followup of my own. I dropped my vehicle off at Salerno on Thursday. I was met by a very nice young man who signed me in. As I was leaving I ran across the man who sold me the car at Maplewood Chrysler! He moved over to Salerno and had nothing but nasty things to say about his old employer.
He told me the place was indeed sold and the new owners could care less about customers. Anyway, after telling him about my experiences at Maplewood and the false promises, I was introduced to his manager. I was told if I buy a new car from them, they would honor my free oil change promises from Maplewood. They even swore to put it in writing! A happy ending.
I buy Jeeps because I like the product. As I said, from now on all my purchases will be from Salerno, where the customer is king!
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spw784
Citizen
Username: Spw784
Post Number: 344
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 10:01 am: | |
Not very local, but we've been having great success with Teterboro Chrysler/Jeep, up on Route 46. Wonderful service, loaner car if necessary. They are a five star dealership and it shows. (we actually just bought a Pacifica from them) |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 586
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 10:27 am: | |
Hey Rex, I'd be really impressed if they honored the free oil change on this car. It was the same salesman, right? |
newjerz
Citizen
Username: Newjerz
Post Number: 34
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 1:53 pm: | |
"If you're considering the purchase of a jeep, I suggest you do the same. Avoid Maplewood Jeep/ Chrysler." - Rex Rocker
I have a solution. Rather than avoiding Maplewood Jeep, avoid buying an SUV in the first place. SUV's are bad for the environment, makes everyone's price of gas go up, are dangerous when involved in accidents with other cars, and most people who drive them don't know what half of the road is theirs and have no idea how to back those things out of a parking spot. |
James O' reilly
Citizen
Username: Highlander
Post Number: 34
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2003 - 4:24 pm: | |
Great. New owners of Maplewood Jeep-Chrysler dump tons of money into improvements to their locale, and the response is "avoid them".
Would you prefer an abandoned lot instead?
[oh, thats right, maybe it will turn into a Thai restaurant or antique store]. |
tupperjo
Citizen
Username: Tupperjo
Post Number: 55
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 10:51 pm: | |
Stay away from Bigelow Motors in Belleville. Same type of treatment received when we went to buy our new Town & Country.
We went to Westbury Chrysler on Long Island and the people there could not have been more helpful. I basically purchased the car via online and on the phone. The salesman wasn't closing the deal since the day we were picking up the van was his day off. But I must say, even though it is out of our way, the staff at Westbury was very professional, polite and could not have done more for us. Also, they give free oil changes for the first year with a loaner car if needed. It was great when I would drop off the car and then use their car to go to the mall. No sitting in the waiting room until they were finished!
I can only say, if the dealers here in NJ would treat their customers as Westbury did, they wouldn't need to change owners all the time. Both the Jeep/Chrysler and the Royal Dodge Dealerships need a lesson on people skills. I would definately buy another car out in Westbury just for their devoted service.
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tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 1063
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 3:24 pm: | |
I don't care how much money they dump into improvements. They're a service business, and if they can't deliver service they don't deserve to be in business.
Presumably that's a piece of real estate that can support a car dealership. If the current owners go out of business, someone else will be able to make a go of it there instead. |
James O' reilly
Citizen
Username: Highlander
Post Number: 38
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 6:30 pm: | |
They're a service business? I think their first order of business IS TO SELL VEHICLES!!!
I recently purchased a Jeep there, I don't think they're going to go out of business anytime soon,
regardless of your penny-ante boycott.
[but boy, we wish it were a Thai restaurant or antique shop instead] |
tom
Citizen
Username: Tom
Post Number: 1066
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 9:39 pm: | |
Yes, they're a service business. You can be the exact same vehicle in 25 places within a 45-minute drive of here. Cars are commodities. The only difference among dealers is their level of service. |
Mr. Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 285
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 12:05 pm: | |
James, are you suggesting that we should patronize a business that dissatisfies its customers merely because it's in town? Maybe I'm reading you wrong.
Tom Reingold |
James O' reilly
Citizen
Username: Highlander
Post Number: 39
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 2:36 pm: | |
Ok, listen up. I bought my car there because I got a o.k. deal on it.
I've been screwed by the Ford dealer on the Ave. [no names mentioned], but I've never posted it on line and whined about it.[by the way, they're still in business].
These are NEW GUYS ON THE BLOCK, maybe get the skinny for yourself before passing judgement.
You want the Ave. to succeed? |
Mr. Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 295
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 2:41 pm: | |
I think I'm listening, James. OK, to you, warning about a bad transaction is whining. Do I hear you right?
When is a warning story not whining?
And we should get the skinny ourselves. Does that include sharing information with our friends and neighbors?
And now that we know that you got screwed by the Ford dealer, can't it be said that you have posted it online, just now? In other words, isn't saying that you haven't ever said X equivalent to saying X?
Tom Reingold
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newjerz
Citizen
Username: Newjerz
Post Number: 42
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 2:44 pm: | |
I want to reitterate. The real issue, is why were you buying an SUV in the first place? |
James O' reilly
Citizen
Username: Highlander
Post Number: 40
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 4:14 pm: | |
Mr. Reingold, ya got me there!
How about just "SELECTIVELY" telling only close friend/neighbor? Why broadcast it over the net to ruin a company's rep?
Newjerz. Duh. Some people NEED an suv for various reasons [to cart my saddle & gear to my country estate  ].
[just kidding] |
Mr. Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 297
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 4:53 pm: | |
I say WHY NOT broadcast it? In truth, the readership of MOL is rather small. I bet it can't tarnish the dealership's reputation any more than it deserves. In the meantime, the warnings might prove mighty useful to prospective customers. They might also serve as suggestions to the dealership, so that it can get its act together. Did you see the response that the health club recently posted here? They took the criticism very seriously. It was mighty admirable. Such a thing could result from Rex's complaints, which I don't consider to be whining.
Tom Reingold
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James O' reilly
Citizen
Username: Highlander
Post Number: 41
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 7:43 pm: | |
That's what we have the Better Business Bureau for...that's their job.
What if Rex was the only one who perceived he was taken by this dealer....and suppose this was YOUR dealership....how would you like a boycott against your business? How do you know the readership of MOL is small?
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Chris Prenovost
Citizen
Username: Chris_prenovost
Post Number: 11
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 8:03 pm: | |
I hate to add a positive note in the midst of this gripe session, but. . .
We had a very good experience at Maplecrest Ford on Springfield. It's in Union, but close enough. No pushy salesmen, and a very good service department. I once brought an old Mitsubishi there, and their chief mechanic flat out told me that he could fix the car, but that in his professional opinion, the car was not worth fixing.
I took his advice. How many car dealers/mechanics turn away business for the right reasons?
If I buy another Ford, I'll but it at Maplecrest. |
James O' reilly
Citizen
Username: Highlander
Post Number: 43
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 8:30 pm: | |
Maplecrest is a Lincoln-Mercury dealer. It is in Union.
The Ford dealer is in Maplewood. |
redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 76
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Monday, July 28, 2003 - 9:09 pm: | |
Rex I have to disagree with you on Maplewood/Chrysler. We had a great experience there, even buying two cars. The salesman was not only helpful, but put up with our two kids. We bought used cars, and when one of them needed something fixed, they brought the car in and gave me a loaner. (at no charge) They went out of their way to service the car. I know it is frustrating that they couldn't get you in, but unfortunately the timing seemed to be off. What were they supposed to do? Bump someone else so you can get your car fixed? |
us2innj
Citizen
Username: Us2innj
Post Number: 796
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 4:55 am: | |
I am a bit confused. Is the owner of Maplewood Jeep/Chrysler the same owner as Royal Dodge? We bought a car from the Dodge dealership and had nothing but positive experiences from their sales and service departments. The service manager(s), (a few of them over the 4 years we have the car) have always done whatever was needed, and always under warranty. When I get an oil change, I am in and out in 15 minutes.
From what I read here, the ownership of the Dodge dealer has changed recently. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3241
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 7:48 am: | |
Since around 1995 the Chrysler Jeep store on SA has had at least two and possibly three owners.
First it was owned by Towne, a fairly large NJ chain of dealerships. Then it operated as Essex Chryler Jeep and now (I am presuming under new ownership) as Maplewood Jeep Eagle. For ancient history buffs the location used to be called Kay(e?) and was locally owned. They got a Jeep Eagle franchise when Chrysler bought AMC.
I think the exsperiences here probably reflect all three owners and probably vary from owner to owner.
We had a good experience when we leased a van from Towne, a good deal and good service. When we approached them when owned by Essex, they really didn't seem interested in dealing.
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shestheone
Citizen
Username: Shestheone
Post Number: 30
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 9:53 am: | |
(warning: thread drift....)
dave, mr. reingold said the readership of mol is rather small. i'm inclined to think the number of posters is small but mol's readership is quite high. how many unique visitors does mol have on a monthly basis?
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redY67
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 77
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 10:05 am: | |
US2innj--Chrysler/Jeep is in the process of trying to buy the Dodge Dealership, I don't think they have as of yet.
Your good experience is a perfect example that everyone has different opinions and experiences. We went to Dodge first to purchase our cars, and no one even offered to help us. We were walking around for about fifteen minutes checking the cars out, and no one approached us. We then took off went to Chrysler and had a great experience.
Like I said before, any salesman that smiles the entire time, while you have two kids and can make a deal is great to me! |
Dave Ross
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 4928
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 11:03 am: | |
(Daily readership for all of MOL is in the range of 3,000. I'm sure weekly readership exceeds Maplewood's portion of News-Record readers. For the message board, readership is a bit lower, but not much. Reader to poster ratio is in the normal range of 8-10:1. Over the last calendar year MOL has served more than 10 million pages.) |
sac
Citizen
Username: Sac
Post Number: 37
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2003 - 5:54 pm: | |
Something is in the works, if not completely consummated, between Royal Dodge and Chrysler Plymouth Jeep, because I have a service appointment with Royal Dodge for tomorrow and when I called to ask a question about it they redirected me to Chrysler Plymouth Jeep and I was also informed that I would have to take my car there. Unfortunately, that puts it out of easy walking distance, so I wasn't too happy about that. The person on the phone said that they were not "yet" able to write up the service order over at Royal Dodge but that the car would be serviced there. Interesting ...
By the way, Royal Dodge DID change ownership a few years ago and also changed it's legal name to "New Royal Dodge". You have to know that to find them in the phone book. I haven't really had a problem with their service and I do like they fact that they are only a few blocks from my home which simplifies going there for service. I guess we shall see whether things get better or worse or stay the same ... |
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