Darryl R. Jackson
Vice President, Dodge
Research Department
Daimler Chrysler
P.O. Box 5022
Rochester, MI 48308-9973
Dear Sir:
I'm sorry for the extra pages; however, I just couldn't fit all of my remarks in the space allotted on your survey form.
In 7 months time I have been responsible for the purchase of three brand new vehicles from Fairbanks Dodge.
I purchased a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Rumble Bee around 7 months ago from this same dealership and salesman. I couldn't believe the negotiating tactics used by the sales management staff at that time. In fact, I left the building and started to pull away when another manager came out to stop me and promised that we could finalize the deal. Gee, it only took 4 hours to complete the deal after being tag-teamed by a trio of managers. Mind you, I already had my financing arranged and deals waiting for me at two other dealerships. I still don't know what role the salesman played, but if they choose to pay him that's their business.
Believing I just caught the folks having a bad day my anger subsided over the last 7 months, and I do love the Ruble Bee, so when my son decided that he would rather have a pick-up instead of his Blazer and his girlfriend decided it was time for her to purchase new vehicle as well, I took them to Fairbanks Dodge.
I contacted the salesman ahead of time via e-mail because the dealership is an hour drive away. After trading a few e-mails, a visit was set up. After 12 hours we managed to complete the deal for the new 2004 Ram 1500 SLT for my son, which this survey form is for, however, my son and his girlfriend were jerked around for another week before their deal for a 2005 Dodge Caravan was finalized and only after I jumped in. Spending your money should not be this difficult
Over the years I have purchased about 20 brand new vehicles, closer to 30 if you count boats and motorcycles. I have never been treated with such disrespect, both as a person and for my time, as I was this time around. They even eclipsed the despicable behavior displayed when I purchased the Rumble Bee.
The sales management staff lied to me repeatedly, made several false promises, and ignored my phone calls. When I did get through to the salesman he said he was powerless and couldn't explain why I was being treated this way, especially since I was a repeat, repeat, customer. He could only say that this is exactly why he would never be a manager for this dealership. Can't say I blame him.
After threatening to contact the states attorney's office I did get some return calls, however, not one person had the complete answers. The manager talking to me always had to contact another manger for something else. One manager actually said that this treatment is normal in the car business because of the ruthless people that it employs. Truly an unbelievable experience, but I guess the laugh is on me because they did get three sales from me this year.
I never did see or receive the Monroney Sticker for the new truck.
My wife has expressed an interest in trading in her Olds Mini Van on a new Dodge Magnum R/T or the new Chrysler 300C. If we do, you can bet it won't be at Fairbanks Dodge or sister dealership.
I'm not even sure I could stand buying another Chrysler Product if this is the way I can expect to be treated by a dealership you rate as a 5 Star dealership.
Disappointed and sincerely yours,
Mike
Royal Palm Beach, Florida
U.S.A.