I walked into Newport Auto in Orange County today and wanted to get an appraisal done on my 2005 997 with the thought of possibly trading in for a newer "S" model. So the showroom was empty and there were 3 guys sitting around doing nothing and they noticed me on the showroom floor. No one came over to ask me if I need help so finally I approached one guy and asked him to help me to get an appraisal on my car for a trade. I have been in this dealer a few times before and looked at a 2005 to trade my old Boxster S when I wanted to upgrade to my current 997. The guy looked at me and asked "are you looking to do something today?" And I said "maybe if my trade is reasonable." He then said "well I have taken you out on 3 test drives before and we are not in the business of just test driving cars".
I said "excuse me? You never took me out on 3 test drives ever, in fact not even once. You referred me to another sales guy before". I never dealt with this ***#@$ before but he again stated he would not take me on any test drive unless I was ready to do something today. I bought my Boxster S from this dealer, service my current 997 and almost bought this 997 from them and this guy treated me like some kid coming in for joy rides. I finally told him I wanted to drive an "S" and he told me to hold on as he went in to the back and supposedly talked to the sales manager and came back and again said "we are not in the business of test driving cars and come back when I'm ready and if I had a problem with that to talk to the sales manager." I was completely pissed and totally stunned. I told him he was obviously not in the business of selling cars either and left before slamming his head on the closest turbo.
Anyways I wanted to tell everyone to stay away from these jerks and take your business elsewhere as I know I will be.
Thanks for listeneing......

Jon

 

I don't understand how some of these dealers treat potential customers .. two previous Porsche's should give you a pass to test drive any car; you might upgrade (even if you didn't intend to).

 

I know exactly what you're talking about. I was at a MB dealer last week and wanted to test drive the new C350. The salesman reluctantly took me out for a drive and said about 20 words the entire drive. When we got back he was all chummy with an older looking couple who "looked" like they could afford a MB.

For the record, I'm in my 30s and was dressed casual that day.

 

newport is my local dealership as well. the service dept isn't that bad but the sales guys are complete *******s. its interesting though, the same company owns the bentley and audi dealerships connected to the porsche place as well and all their sales guys are real helpful (guy took me out on a gt coupe test drive just for fun) but when it comes to the porsches they become cocky

 

I was there also and I believe the same three guys you mention was sitting by the entrance in a corner table. Well i guess maybe they are used to customers showing up in limos or something if you are serious about getting another pcar i would **** them off n go get it from mike rennhack he is my sales person from mckenna just transferred there two days ago!! Im positive it wasnt him sitting there so u will be treated much better!! That's what I would do let them know they don't own the dealership!!! Show em u the man!!

 

bet they don't know what they're selling either.

 

wow, did this thread really catch my eye. I dont think anyone should tolerate the rudeness these jerks showed you. I can understand a problem with starstruck kids, but, wtf, where do the future customers come from anyway. and for all they knew you could buy and sell the stinking dealership, casual clothes or not. this would frost me enough to write or even take out a small ad in the OC PCA newsletter. jam this right back up their collective rearends. get those guys away from the p-cars....

 

Sorry to hear of your mistreatment. That really sucks.

I've never been disappointed since I call and set up an appointment for test drives. Works every time as long as there is a car available.

 

This is unreal. I was taken back just reading it.

I would not have asked to drive the S after the way he spoke to you. I would have told him that I can buy a Porsche any time or anywhere I want and that the money would have been better off in his pocket with a sale rather than collecting dust in an empty showroom .Then I would go to another dealership to test drive or buy the car . It's really his loss.

 

ironic. lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRbzJ0L1Zn8

 

Sounds like my experience with my local dealer a few years ago. I don't get it, don't they want to sell cars? It does take some relationship building.

 

I get the same treatment when I walk into dealers given my young age. I'll stick to private sellers and the better deal, thank you very much!

 

I had a similar experience with Otto's BMW. I have been treated with nothing but respect from Porsche dealerships however.

 

1 800 Porsche "Customer Satisfaction" Were you satisfied? I'm guessing not

 

As there are so many great dealerships, I am surprised that you even requested a test drive after being treated with so much disrespect. Especially in Orange County, I can't imagine that a dealer with that kind of attitude will last long.