I shopped for an A3 on line and included dealerships in a number of states. Of the 9 dealerships that I contacted, 7 internet representatives got right back to me and 5 of them had read and understood what I was looking for.

I wound up negotiating with three and am sure I would have been happy buying from any of them. They were all thorough professionals.

A nearby dealership is servicing the car. So far, I am delighted with the service department.

This is from a guy who has bought lots of cars over the past 50 + years and is pretty demanding. I have had similar experiences with other dealerships in recent years. I think the retail car industry has turned the corner and understands what reasonable customers need, want and deserve.

 

Congratulations. I sincerely hope you're right about teh auto industry. I, too, am old enough to remember a time when dealerships actually went the extra mile to ensure your repeat business. Sadly, not ALL of them have made that intuitive leap. The ability to mistreat customers, and still have customers keep walking in the door is what drives teh complacency, I believe. The need to "earn" repeat customers is what (I hope, anyway) is driving the return to concern for the customer experience.

Time will tell...

 

Congratulations to you as well. Contrary to your recollection, auto dealerships for the most part did not enjoy sterling reputations years ago. More and more do today.

Manufacturers and importers have made customer satisfaction critical for franchise assignments and extensions. In today's climate, legitimate disputes with dealerships are rare. I like what has happened!

FYI I have not relationship with any automotive organization except as a customer.

I just recalled that you live in the DC metropolitian area. I lived there for many years and don't consider it to be representative of the nation as a whole. It's been 20+ years since I left but way back then litigation was a popular past-time and a high percentage seemed to feel 'entitled.' Hopefully that isn't still the case.