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Message |
    
bandw
Citizen
Username: Bandw
Post Number: 102
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 3, 2006 - 10:37 pm: | 
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Does anyone out there have any experience with DCH? I'm thinking seriously about leasing a Passat 2.0 4-cyl, but I haven't been too impressed with the sales staff at DCH. Also, how about their service? Thanks. |
Sherri De Rose
Citizen
Username: Honeydo
Post Number: 92
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 8:01 am: |
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We originally bought our Audi from DCH but that was a quick used car on the lot sort of thing. Then when it was totaled and we wanted to replace it with another of the same ilk (A6, 6 speed stick) we were told by the salesman (after he supposedly checked the area for a car) that none were around. Then Rich went on-line and found exactly what we wanted (a 2002) in Princeton. The saleguy in Princeton was wonderful. We had the car the next day.
The service department is only a bit better. I needed wipers and they gave me the wrong ones then gave me a hard time about returning them.
I've stood in the service dept where no-one was on line and no-one looked up to acknowledge me for several minutes. So on a scale of 1-10 I would give them a 5. |
Eats Shoots & Leaves
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 3202
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 8:21 am: |
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I had similar experiences as Sherri, both with the old owner and with the newer DCH owner. We have had VW's and Audi's from there, and found that the sales staff was mediocre to okay, and the service department also mediocre to okay. Nothing really terrible, but nothing to get all excited about either. DCH is a typical dealership. I have had better luck lately by leasing through an on-line service and then taking my car for service to a local shop like Bernie's.
Good luck whichever way you go.
Oh yeah, make sure you test drive the 4 cylinder first--if you do a lot of highway driving or like a lot of pep, you will want to make sure it has enough pick-up for you to feel comfortable. Some think it is underpowered, others find it just fine--depends on your driving expectations. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7134
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 8:58 am: |
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We've purchased and serviced at DCH and Douglas in Summit. We much prefer Douglas. ALthough, I once had it out with the DCH service staff, going to corporate VW and now they are quite nice to me. I think they just want me in & out as quickly as possible. There's probably an "oh ••••, it's the bitch" flag in my record somewhere. |
dougw
Citizen
Username: Dougw
Post Number: 789
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 9:44 am: |
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Go to Douglas in Summit. The sales and service at DCH is horrible. |
bandw
Citizen
Username: Bandw
Post Number: 103
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 9:49 am: |
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Thanks for the info. I'm now on hold with Douglas. I always feel like a need a shower after shopping for a car... |
The Soulful Mr T
Citizen
Username: Howardt
Post Number: 1727
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 10:10 am: |
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Plus, when you get your VW or Audi serviced at DCH, they charge more than elsewhere. |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 2359
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 10:13 am: |
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We recently went to DCH to purchase an Audi to replace my wife's current A4 and the sales people there couldn't have been more unhelpful. We went on a Saturday to look at what they had (all 1.8Ts) and we politely told them that we wanted a 3.0. They steered us back to the 1.8s so I drove one and didn't like it. I asked them if they could look for one for us, they declined. Then I took my wife's car to them for an appraisal and they low-balled us on a car that they do most of the maintenance for. About a week or so later I saw a car on the lot that I liked and went in to inquire about it. Dealt with the same sales guy and it was like we'd never met before. He started fast talking and I cut to the chase and made him an offer. He refused stating that he wouldn't make very much money on the car if he sold it to me for my price so I asked him, "How much money are you making on it now?" He said none. So then I asked, "How much money are you losing every day that the car sits on the lot?" He said, "None." I laughed and walked away. These sales people have no idea.
Also, when I was there I saw a family haggling for a used A6. The car was overpriced and the family didn't seem to be financially saavy. The father asked what the sales person could do in terms of the price and the salesman said, "Don't worry about that. We'll get the monthly payment you want." Then he gave them a monthly payment price and said that it was without interest, but not to worry because the interest rate wouldn't cause the payment to increase that much. Then he tried to get them to put down some money to hold the car without even finalizing what the monthly payment would be. He was so taking advantage of these people. It was disgusting.
I kick myself all the time for not saying anything. |
AES
Citizen
Username: Room_to_move
Post Number: 30
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 10:25 am: |
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We had a terrible experience with DCH. We were shopping around prices (as most people do). When my husband called DCH to say he got a good deal at Bell Audi in Rahway and could DCH match it, the sales guy freaked out saying how could we do this to me, he spent so much time with us, etc,etc. He then said if we bought the car elsewhere, he would make sure we couldn't get service at DCH. Naturally, after that reaction, we weren't planning on bringing it to DCH anyway.
Good luck. BTW, we had good luck at the VW dealer in Jersey City when we lived in Hobken. Bit of hike, but perhaps worth a call. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7137
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 10:50 am: |
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If you call corporate VW and let them know when you are treated badly at one of their dealers, they don't like it very much. Even if you never go to DCH again, know that the GM gets a call from corporate. If you don't buy from DCH, after all, what's to say you'll by another VW elsewhere.
When I bought my last car at DCH (last in many senses), I decided to eff with the sales guy a bit, because he got on my nerves. We haggled over the price for quite awhile. I wanted it below invoice. I also told him that I wanted the Dealer holdback. I got pretty close to invoice (within $500). Then I told him that I was trading in my car. They gave me a price and I said "no way". So I walked. But I didn't get past the door. I got them to raise the trade-in price $2500. And throw in a CD holder and coffee mug (not worth anything, but I was having fun). He asked me if I was going to make a down payment. I said yes, but that I wanted a specific contract that I would have my downpayment fully refunded within 24 hours if I changed my mind for any reason or did not like the financing options available. We haggled about that, then he did the contract with that language I wanted.
OK - how much are you putting down?
$100.
He went nuts.
You put me thru all of that for $100?
What are you worried about? You have my trade-in. Big smile.
That was a good day. |
jonnyb120
Citizen
Username: Jonnyb120
Post Number: 18
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 5:01 pm: |
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I bought a new Jetta from DCH in April 2005. I was very pleased with the level of service the sales team gave me (I worked with Harry Jones). The service dept was and still is horrific(btw - not the mechanics themselves). I had multiple experiences of really really bad service. I started with the GM whose response was "everyone drops the ball once in a while." Never said sorry, never said how can I make this right. Nothing. Complete indifference. So I called VW corporate to complain. Again, nothing. I called again nothing. I now take my car to Douglas for servicing. After one visit I already see a world of difference. It's much better. We bought my wife's car at Smythe Volvo in Summit. In contrast, the owner has called us personally to follow up on service issues regardless of the hour (830pm) or his wherabouts (at home). Volvo Corporate calls often to ask about service. They also send out surveys after each visit. A world of difference! Guess where i will get my next car! |
bandw
Citizen
Username: Bandw
Post Number: 104
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 5:50 pm: |
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After having talked with Douglas I can really see the difference with DCH. Responsive, friendly and even talked me out of an option that he thought was "ridiculous." What a pleasure. We'll see what kind of deal I ultimately get (at the moment $1500 down and 369 per month for a Package 1 Passat-- which he admits is "flexible"), but I have difficulty imagining going back to DCH. Thanks for all of your comments! |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1383
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 6:25 pm: |
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I just shopped around for a Passat 07 wagon having bought my previous car (Jetta) at DCH. I happened to be in for service and saw my sales guy in Jan - I told him I what I wanted and he told me they weren't getting in any wagons until April. I knew the wagons were starting to arrive and I couldn't imagine that DCH wasn't getting any. Was back a week later and he told me they were arriving in a week - I asked him to call me with a price. Never heard from him. Long story short I went to Linden VW, Douglas, Bernardsville VW and I got such a good deal at Bernardsville (I mean over $2500 difference from all other dealers) that I bought the car there. Plus they were really nice. |
Lemonhead
Citizen
Username: Lemonhead
Post Number: 65
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 8:13 pm: |
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We leased our Passat with DCH and cannot wait for the lease to end. Our experience wth them has been terrible. Service is mediocre at best. The best thing about them is I can walk home afer dropping my car off for service. I often feel as if they think they are doing us a favor by servicing our car. I would not recommend leasing a vehicle with them. |
ROGER
Citizen
Username: Roger
Post Number: 73
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 - 2:44 pm: |
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DCH is the worst of all. Several years ago I went in looking for a Passat Wagon and the salesman quoted me for a monthly payment which was approx. $200 more per month than I had been quoted at other dealerships for the same model and terms. When I asked if he thought I was that dumb, he said with a straight face, "what do you mean, this is the best price quote we have ever given". Needless to say, I walked out right away.
So a couple of years ago, I decided to give them a second chance. I put money down for a car to be delivered three weeks later at specific date(upon the lease expiration of my previous car)which they said it was no problem. Two days later, I received a call from my salesman telling me that they made a mistake and I had exactly 3 days to pick up the car or I would lose the deposit. Lo and behold, I went a little nutty over this as I didn't want to carry insurance for two cars (nor monthly payments) for 1/2 month. The manager then tries to explain to me what happened but wanted to no part of giving me any incentives to make it up. I told him a deal is a deal, I want my money back and he promptly screamed at me - "FINE - We will credit your card". And then he promptly hung-up on me.
Nice classy people. |
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