Sportshift Woes
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Northern CT
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So, let me get this straight...
You buy a car that you are concerned about regarding the operation of the trans, the dealer tells you that you will like it after learning how to drive it, and on the same day you get the car you tell them you want to give it back? Doesn't sound like you gave it any chance at all, and just said, nah, I don't want it. If I was the dealer, I would not be inclined to do much, since it appears you didn't even try to like the car.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Michigan
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I'm surprised they weren't more willing to help. Aston's aren't exactly flying off the showroom floor and I would think they would bend over backwards to keep customers happy. Unfortunately though, you had a hard lesson on always go with your first choice! No doubt there were mistakes made on both sides (dealer and customer) but if what you said in the dealer meeting is true, god help them! Do you mind sharing the dealer name?
Last edited by dan87951; Oct 31, 2014 at 09:20 AM.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,031
From: MD
Rep Power: 79
So, let me get this straight...
You buy a car that you are concerned about regarding the operation of the trans, the dealer tells you that you will like it after learning how to drive it, and on the same day you get the car you tell them you want to give it back? Doesn't sound like you gave it any chance at all, and just said, nah, I don't want it. If I was the dealer, I would not be inclined to do much, since it appears you didn't even try to like the car.
You buy a car that you are concerned about regarding the operation of the trans, the dealer tells you that you will like it after learning how to drive it, and on the same day you get the car you tell them you want to give it back? Doesn't sound like you gave it any chance at all, and just said, nah, I don't want it. If I was the dealer, I would not be inclined to do much, since it appears you didn't even try to like the car.
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Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Oxnard, Ca
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I would still contact Aston USA and UK know about this. They are way to small a accompany to let these sort of shenanigans go on at least they can apply some pressure on the dealer. What did you replace your Aston with? Lesson learned with a car of this magnitude and expense we shouldn't be compromising the points that are very important to us. I know that's easier said than done but that's what I try to adhere too. Just my $0.02. And this does suck by the way that should be a very happy experience. This whole story sounds like you were buying a Ford from a dealership in the 1960s with an oily guy with Slickback hair just convincing you to buy what's on his lot because it's easier for him and a quick sale.
Ron
Ron
Last edited by Ron Avery; Oct 31, 2014 at 09:54 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,159
From: Northern CT
Rep Power: 144
I agree, but wanting to return the car the day he got it certainly means that he didn't 'learn to drive it', which apparently the dealer told the customer was a requirement in order to like how it goes. Now, if after a few hundred miles of practicing shifting the car and he still didn't like it, and then told the dealer he couldn't come to terms with the trans, then maybe that's a different story. But the same day? Sounds like the customer didn't even give it a chance.
And frankly, the SSM is far, far from horrible. You drive it right and it is great.
And frankly, the SSM is far, far from horrible. You drive it right and it is great.
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 867
From: The Heart of England
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HELL YES!
Address it to Andy Palmer the new CEO
Lets see how he feels about a new customer to the brand being treated like this!
Address it to Andy Palmer the new CEO
Lets see how he feels about a new customer to the brand being treated like this!
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,031
From: MD
Rep Power: 79
I agree, but wanting to return the car the day he got it certainly means that he didn't 'learn to drive it', which apparently the dealer told the customer was a requirement in order to like how it goes. Now, if after a few hundred miles of practicing shifting the car and he still didn't like it, and then told the dealer he couldn't come to terms with the trans, then maybe that's a different story. But the same day? Sounds like the customer didn't even give it a chance.
And frankly, the SSM is far, far from horrible. You drive it right and it is great.
And frankly, the SSM is far, far from horrible. You drive it right and it is great.
. I just know I will never spend 100k+ on a modern car with a transmission that's worse than a 2006 F430.
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,167
From: South Carolina
Rep Power: 63
I agree, but wanting to return the car the day he got it certainly means that he didn't 'learn to drive it', which apparently the dealer told the customer was a requirement in order to like how it goes. Now, if after a few hundred miles of practicing shifting the car and he still didn't like it, and then told the dealer he couldn't come to terms with the trans, then maybe that's a different story. But the same day? Sounds like the customer didn't even give it a chance.
And frankly, the SSM is far, far from horrible. You drive it right and it is great.
And frankly, the SSM is far, far from horrible. You drive it right and it is great.
OP: you didn't mention what you purchased next. We would like to know, and hopefully it is a AM. The Washington DC AM dealer is truly a good dealer and they not only have many repeat customers, but take care of you also. Given a chance try them out, you will be pleasantly pleased.
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From: The Heart of England
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From: MD
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Which makes it that much worse.... The F430's single clutch was tolerable. The F1 Superfast in the Scuderia is amazing! Even the Gallardo's is better and I don't like that car! All the same maker...
Anyway, we're beating a dead horse. Back on topic. OP, what did you wind up getting?
Anyway, we're beating a dead horse. Back on topic. OP, what did you wind up getting?
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: RTP, NC
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They took car of me alright. Pieter left me holding the bag on a leaky timing cover car. They pushed the extended warranty very hard when selling the car and the next morning I knew why when I saw my garage floor.
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Joined: Jun 2014
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From: South Carolina
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Several members have had good dealings with DC and my experience was pleasant, however they were trying to sell me a car.
? NC Charlotte Poss?
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 36
From: Atlanta, GA
Rep Power: 15
I didn't even tell the whole story which is this:
1) I originally told them I didn't want the manual automatic transmission because all of the reviews said it was terrible.
2) I test drove a 6 speed manual Vantage in their showroom and liked it.
3) I asked if we could get a car from another dealer in NJ and they said "Yes, but let us do it, don't do it yourself so we are not competing". I knew I would pay a bit to have them be my middle man, but hey, they provided me with a service so I was up for it. They said the NJ car had an interested buyer so it probably wasn't going to happen.
4) I picked a car with the manual automatic at another dealership in TX and reminded them of my apprehension given the reviews, to which they said something like "You can learn how to drive it and will like it"
5) I asked one last time if the car in NJ was still available and they told me it wasn't going to happen (leading me to believe the car had been sold)
6) So, they ordered me the manual automatic car from TX and the day I got it, I wrote and said I wanted to give it back
7) I then contacted NJ and the original car I requested was still available!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was too much to hear.
8) My original dealership offered me 110k if I traded in on another car - about a 40k loss including taxes. Of course, that loss is excessive AND of course they had no car I wanted or we wouldn't have been contacting other dealerships all along looking for cars I did want.
I eventually met with the owner to try to negotiate a better buyback price, and right off the bat he was very aggressive... started with something like "First off, if you are the type of person that trolls us on the internet, you can leave now because I have no interest in discussing anything with you". Apparently in response to this thread! I tried to explain that I only told the truth and started out complaining about the car, NOT the dealership. But he wasn't having it, and apparently doesn't know what trolling means. He said it was a classic case of buyer's remorse. I agreed that my approval of getting the TX car was a case of buyer's remorse but I felt wronged by the situation in NJ. I just didn't feel right. He explained that he cannot control what the NJ dealership does or says and then insisted that they owed me no favors. I agreed I was owed "no favors" but since I felt slighted, and he could make money by buying it back at a more reasonable loss and selling it again, we could potentially both be less miserable. It was getting pretty heated on both sides and eventually I said something like "I feel like you had a bad relationship with the NJ dealer and that is why the car I actually wanted never happened, in which case I could have called and bought it myself!" He said "You just put words in my mouth and you get to do that ONE TIME. The next time I leave the room." I stood up, said "You know what... F you" and held a special finger up in the air and walked out. My wife was in the room the whole time and said nothing until after we left. She said she was on the verge of tears the whole time. Can you even believe this story? I can't. Well... the good news is that I no longer have the Aston, having traded it in at a loss, but at least getting the tax savings from trading it in. Do I send a letter to Aston corporate?
1) I originally told them I didn't want the manual automatic transmission because all of the reviews said it was terrible.
2) I test drove a 6 speed manual Vantage in their showroom and liked it.
3) I asked if we could get a car from another dealer in NJ and they said "Yes, but let us do it, don't do it yourself so we are not competing". I knew I would pay a bit to have them be my middle man, but hey, they provided me with a service so I was up for it. They said the NJ car had an interested buyer so it probably wasn't going to happen.
4) I picked a car with the manual automatic at another dealership in TX and reminded them of my apprehension given the reviews, to which they said something like "You can learn how to drive it and will like it"
5) I asked one last time if the car in NJ was still available and they told me it wasn't going to happen (leading me to believe the car had been sold)
6) So, they ordered me the manual automatic car from TX and the day I got it, I wrote and said I wanted to give it back
7) I then contacted NJ and the original car I requested was still available!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was too much to hear.
8) My original dealership offered me 110k if I traded in on another car - about a 40k loss including taxes. Of course, that loss is excessive AND of course they had no car I wanted or we wouldn't have been contacting other dealerships all along looking for cars I did want.
I eventually met with the owner to try to negotiate a better buyback price, and right off the bat he was very aggressive... started with something like "First off, if you are the type of person that trolls us on the internet, you can leave now because I have no interest in discussing anything with you". Apparently in response to this thread! I tried to explain that I only told the truth and started out complaining about the car, NOT the dealership. But he wasn't having it, and apparently doesn't know what trolling means. He said it was a classic case of buyer's remorse. I agreed that my approval of getting the TX car was a case of buyer's remorse but I felt wronged by the situation in NJ. I just didn't feel right. He explained that he cannot control what the NJ dealership does or says and then insisted that they owed me no favors. I agreed I was owed "no favors" but since I felt slighted, and he could make money by buying it back at a more reasonable loss and selling it again, we could potentially both be less miserable. It was getting pretty heated on both sides and eventually I said something like "I feel like you had a bad relationship with the NJ dealer and that is why the car I actually wanted never happened, in which case I could have called and bought it myself!" He said "You just put words in my mouth and you get to do that ONE TIME. The next time I leave the room." I stood up, said "You know what... F you" and held a special finger up in the air and walked out. My wife was in the room the whole time and said nothing until after we left. She said she was on the verge of tears the whole time. Can you even believe this story? I can't. Well... the good news is that I no longer have the Aston, having traded it in at a loss, but at least getting the tax savings from trading it in. Do I send a letter to Aston corporate?
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 867
From: The Heart of England
Rep Power: 54
Which makes it that much worse.... The F430's single clutch was tolerable. The F1 Superfast in the Scuderia is amazing! Even the Gallardo's is better and I don't like that car! All the same maker...
Anyway, we're beating a dead horse. Back on topic. OP, what did you wind up getting?
Anyway, we're beating a dead horse. Back on topic. OP, what did you wind up getting?
Same manufacturer all derivatives
All very different
My ASM2 box was transformed by reinstating the cooling, shot peening and polishing the internals