I don't have many regrets in life. However, one of them is ever doing business with Crown Motors. My family and myself are greatly unimpressed and disgusted with what you consider to be "customer service." Diane in the finance department is the most obnoxious, disgracefully crude and brash woman I've ever encountered. Which is putting it lightly. Apparently her brother works there, as well. Which she repeatedly mentioned throughout our purchase.
He's probably the only reason she's somehow managed to keep her position for all these years. In fact, multiple salesmen commented about what a "terror of a human being" she is and how she "perpetually" made them feel "nervous and uncomfortable at work." They also told my father and myself to "not take her attitude personally," as this was "her typical behavior towards fellow co-workers and customers."
Individuals working minimum wage jobs at the Dollar Tree and in the fast food industry have more personality, tact, and efficiency than this slob of an employee. She looks and acts like she's white knuckling herself to the restroom in an effort to not sh*t herself. Our initial contract was changed within the first week, to a higher interest rate than we had agreed and signed for. Two weeks after we had signed on the dotted line, after trading in my Jeep for the Nissan, Diane then maintained she needed the deed to my fathers home.
My interest rate was changes from 15% to 23.75! When I asked her how this was legal, she said "we do it all the time." My mother also had the same experience when she bought her Honda. However, she wouldn't tolerate their *common place* bullsh*t that many of us have experienced. She returned her vehicle and got her money back. She then went to Long Beach to buy her new Honda at Norm Reeves. My cousin is an Executive for the dealership (which has an impeccable reputation).
She informed her boss and co-workers who were appalled and baffled about what we experienced with Crown Motors. If I could go back in time, I wouldn't have accepted a measly $2000 for my trade in. I would have laughed at Diane, like she laughed at my father and myself and simply walked away. I wouldn't have been sucked into a shady deal. Then I wouldn't have to leave messages and emails with this dealership who've refused to return phone calls and e-mails. They've undoubtedly gone unnoticed. 7 years later and still not one single response, unless it's generated sales and trade-in marketing tactics.
I will, however, continue to share my experience with friends/family. Reviews and social media will give future customers a heads up. If it doesn't detur them from purchasing from this dealership, at least they can make informed decisions and not be completely blindsided by the lackluster, crude finance lady or the sweating, scared sh*tless salesmen who admittingly avoid Diane at all costs. Nothing like going into purchase a vehicle and watching two grown men debate on which of them would be the one to step into their tyrant of a finance managers office with my application. (Which I already had submitted on-line and had been approved for two weeks prior).
Upper management should be ashamed that they let someone in their dealership continue to cause this kind of strife within the work environment AND treat customers with absolutely no enthusiasm, integrity nor an ounce of politeness. As if the complaints and constant turnover aren't enough "red fags" to make a much needed change. It's a downright disgrace. Changing a contract weeks after the purchase of any vehicle should be illegal. Unfortunately, I hear more and more stories with the same scenario. I wouldn't recommend Crown Motors to anyone. Not even if there was an incentive in doing so.
I traded in the Nissan from Crown that had an interest rate of 23.75% and purchased a KIA (3% interest) from Redding Kia/ Subaru. I've sent everyone (who's asked for recommendations) to the Redding Kia/Subaru dealership. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with them. They're honest, professional and work together as a team. These crooks at Crown Motors have made a lot of money from their sales. I'm sure the newer employees don't realize what they're getting themselves into.
As a business professional, I've had my fair share of rough work environments. However, I wouldn't tolerate any of my co-workers blatantly unleashing their bad attitude onto any of my customers. That's not how positive relationships are built and/or sustained. I also wouldn't sit there and let someone with a higher title than myself belittle me nor scoff at customers with ease. I also would never continue to work in an environment that knowingly allowed this type of behavior to continue. There are plenty of dealerships to work for and to buy from. Crown Motors has become a joke. Sure, they're making money but without integrity and accountability, is it really worth it?
They can keep wearing the "crown" (albeit cowboy hat). At the end of the day they have to live with themselves and look at your their reflections in the mirror. As the cliche goes, "you're either part of the solution or part of the problem." With that said, I hope the new employees are brave enough to stick up for themselves and for their customers. Do your research and please, avoid Crown Motors unless you want to be lied to, humiliated and ripped off.