Has anybody seen my 225TTR???
06-01-2000, 05:05 PM
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Has anybody seen my 225TTR???
So my dealer, Robert Wolslager, calls me yesterday to let me know my car would definitely be delivered today. Not probably, not maybe, not possibly, but definitely. So I purchase a one-way plane ticket and fly overnight to Philadelphia. A 2 hour train ride finally gets me to Warrington.
Cliff met me at the train station in TT REX and drove me to Holbert's Audi. It was great to meet Cliff in person. Thanks for everything, Cliff.
When we arrived, it was around 11:00 a.m. My TTR hadn't been delivered from the port yet. Uggh. Realizing it might not arrive until later in the day, I asked for someone to call to check on the status of the car. I was told that the sales manager is the only one who could do that and that he would arrive at noon. Well...noon comes and goes. At 12:35, I asked where he was and the receptionist goes through the motions to locate his home phone number. She said he was on his way.
My dealer arrived a little later and basically stated that what I was told about tracking down the car was wrong. Seems there is no communication between the folks at Holberts.
Cliff and I went to lunch at the restaurant next to the dealership. We kept watching for auto carriers, but no luck. Thanks for lunch, Cliff!!
We made our way back to Holbert's and there was still no car. Ugghh. Around 2:30, my dealer comes up to me and lets me know they're going to go to the port first thing in the morning to pick my car up from the carrier. I was floored. After being told the car would "definitely" arrive today, here I was in the showroom being told "definitely" tomorrow morning. This was coming from my dealer and Vince Evans (the guy Brad talked to earlier).
I told them this was completely unacceptable. I *HAVE* to be at work on Monday at 6:00 a.m. They said they are doing all they can. I said since they can go pick up the car on a flatbed tomorrow morning then the should be able to do that today. No dice. They were too worried about pissing off the union drivers. So we go back and forth for a while, voices are being raised and customers are watching. Finally, I ask to see the owner. Vince refuses to get him. We go back and forth on that for a little while, still no owner.
I'm writing this from a room at the Days Inn about six miles from Holbert's. To make a long story short, they have given me an A4 for the evening, a $99 room at Days Inn, and $400 off MSRP for the car. This is based on my $500-ish plane fare.
When questioned about why I should believe them that the car would be here tomorrow after believing them when they told me the car would be here today, Vince couldn't answer. He later said that in his 20(?) years in the business, he has learned not to believe anything until the car is on the lot. Well, Vince, if that's the case, why was I told my car would definitely be here??????????????????????? If I would have had any doubt that the car wouldn't be here today, I would NOT have made the trip. I don't see how there is a way to misinterpret "definitely". Also, I told my dealer what my travel plans were. If there was any doubt in his mind, he should have spoken up then.
For those who recommended Holbert Audi in the past, I would submit that it's not the same dealership you remember. The cars inside the showroom were dirty (to include a bit of brake dust on a TT). The Holbert race car was very dusty and stuffed into a corner. All in all, it reminded me of a low class/low budget GM dealership. Phones ringing off the hook, the receptionist repeatedly paging idle dealers to the showroom, and attitudes from the staff members all add up to a terrible experience. AND I STILL DON'T HAVE THE DAMN CAR.
Holbert Audi knew my special requirements when they took my order. If there was any doubt that they could meet them or if they would even be willing to meet them, they shouldn't have agreed to the sale. Sometimes "sorry" just doesn't cut it.
So much for pride of ownership.<p>225 TTQ Roadster silver/black/black
(somewhere...)
Cliff met me at the train station in TT REX and drove me to Holbert's Audi. It was great to meet Cliff in person. Thanks for everything, Cliff.
When we arrived, it was around 11:00 a.m. My TTR hadn't been delivered from the port yet. Uggh. Realizing it might not arrive until later in the day, I asked for someone to call to check on the status of the car. I was told that the sales manager is the only one who could do that and that he would arrive at noon. Well...noon comes and goes. At 12:35, I asked where he was and the receptionist goes through the motions to locate his home phone number. She said he was on his way.
My dealer arrived a little later and basically stated that what I was told about tracking down the car was wrong. Seems there is no communication between the folks at Holberts.
Cliff and I went to lunch at the restaurant next to the dealership. We kept watching for auto carriers, but no luck. Thanks for lunch, Cliff!!
We made our way back to Holbert's and there was still no car. Ugghh. Around 2:30, my dealer comes up to me and lets me know they're going to go to the port first thing in the morning to pick my car up from the carrier. I was floored. After being told the car would "definitely" arrive today, here I was in the showroom being told "definitely" tomorrow morning. This was coming from my dealer and Vince Evans (the guy Brad talked to earlier).
I told them this was completely unacceptable. I *HAVE* to be at work on Monday at 6:00 a.m. They said they are doing all they can. I said since they can go pick up the car on a flatbed tomorrow morning then the should be able to do that today. No dice. They were too worried about pissing off the union drivers. So we go back and forth for a while, voices are being raised and customers are watching. Finally, I ask to see the owner. Vince refuses to get him. We go back and forth on that for a little while, still no owner.
I'm writing this from a room at the Days Inn about six miles from Holbert's. To make a long story short, they have given me an A4 for the evening, a $99 room at Days Inn, and $400 off MSRP for the car. This is based on my $500-ish plane fare.
When questioned about why I should believe them that the car would be here tomorrow after believing them when they told me the car would be here today, Vince couldn't answer. He later said that in his 20(?) years in the business, he has learned not to believe anything until the car is on the lot. Well, Vince, if that's the case, why was I told my car would definitely be here??????????????????????? If I would have had any doubt that the car wouldn't be here today, I would NOT have made the trip. I don't see how there is a way to misinterpret "definitely". Also, I told my dealer what my travel plans were. If there was any doubt in his mind, he should have spoken up then.
For those who recommended Holbert Audi in the past, I would submit that it's not the same dealership you remember. The cars inside the showroom were dirty (to include a bit of brake dust on a TT). The Holbert race car was very dusty and stuffed into a corner. All in all, it reminded me of a low class/low budget GM dealership. Phones ringing off the hook, the receptionist repeatedly paging idle dealers to the showroom, and attitudes from the staff members all add up to a terrible experience. AND I STILL DON'T HAVE THE DAMN CAR.
Holbert Audi knew my special requirements when they took my order. If there was any doubt that they could meet them or if they would even be willing to meet them, they shouldn't have agreed to the sale. Sometimes "sorry" just doesn't cut it.
So much for pride of ownership.<p>225 TTQ Roadster silver/black/black
(somewhere...)
06-01-2000, 05:15 PM
#2
Eighth Member of AudiWorld. God-like, glorious and all-knowing.
This sucks, and difficult as it might be...
I would suggest trying to maintain a reasonably good attitude. Though the experience is obviously frustrating, this dealer is the one who can make the biggest difference in expiditing delivery. Even though I had a lot of problems with my NM TT, I always maintained a good relationship with the dealer, and I think that it has helped me.<p><img src="http://home.san.rr.com/winefinds/1.jpg" border="0">
<B>Brad Willis</B>
<FONT COLOR="#FF6600">2001 225q TT Roadster
No Borla
No Garrett
No Stickers</FONT>
<A HREF="http://home.san.rr.com/winefinds">SoCal Audi TT Club</A>
<B>Brad Willis</B>
<FONT COLOR="#FF6600">2001 225q TT Roadster
No Borla
No Garrett
No Stickers</FONT>
<A HREF="http://home.san.rr.com/winefinds">SoCal Audi TT Club</A>
06-01-2000, 05:23 PM
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Now that Tom has posted...
I can substantiate everything he has just said. My question was , if you are in the car business for 20 years, and have learned never to "expect a car until it is rollng off the truck," then why in the name of all that is holy would you tell a customer it will definitely be at the dealership. Unless maybe after 20 years, you really haven't learned anything yet?
Tom was right, the cars were dusty. The phones were ringing off the hook. The receptionists were continually paging "any available sales person" to the show floor.
The last time I visited Holbert's was in 1984. It was a different dealership then. Al Holbert, Sr. wasn't in his 70s, his son was still alive and racing (and winning). And I have no idea what his other son Larry was up to, but I doubt he was running much of anything then. Not that he is running much of anything now, in my opinion (although Mr. Larry Holbert was there, his managers would not allow Tom to speak to him directly). Sad really. A far cry from when I visited them in 1984, and because I was driving a 1983 944, and they were race preparing one, I was given a 1/2 hour guided tour of their speed shop, where the magic was worked. And I wasn't even a customer!
So in addition to being a bit nostalgic, I am also a bit sad. Sad for Tom, and sad for Holbert's, and sad for Al, Jr. that it has all come down to this.<p><a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=3177"><img src="http://members.home.net/cmelick/audipics/sig6.jpg" border="0" alt="Click Image to View Registry Information"></a>
Tom was right, the cars were dusty. The phones were ringing off the hook. The receptionists were continually paging "any available sales person" to the show floor.
The last time I visited Holbert's was in 1984. It was a different dealership then. Al Holbert, Sr. wasn't in his 70s, his son was still alive and racing (and winning). And I have no idea what his other son Larry was up to, but I doubt he was running much of anything then. Not that he is running much of anything now, in my opinion (although Mr. Larry Holbert was there, his managers would not allow Tom to speak to him directly). Sad really. A far cry from when I visited them in 1984, and because I was driving a 1983 944, and they were race preparing one, I was given a 1/2 hour guided tour of their speed shop, where the magic was worked. And I wasn't even a customer!
So in addition to being a bit nostalgic, I am also a bit sad. Sad for Tom, and sad for Holbert's, and sad for Al, Jr. that it has all come down to this.<p><a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=3177"><img src="http://members.home.net/cmelick/audipics/sig6.jpg" border="0" alt="Click Image to View Registry Information"></a>
06-01-2000, 05:32 PM
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Maybe it's time for another well-timed phone call??
The dealer actually leaves for Florida tomorrow, so I'll never see him again. I'm left in the hands of Vince Evans and Bob (forgot his last name).
My dealer has tried to maintain a positive atmosphere, and I sincerely appreciate that. I just can't get over being told "only another 2 or 3 weeks" for 8 weeks and "only another few days" for a couple weeks, and "tomorrow" for a few days. I can't put my world on hold while I wait to pick up a car.
At this point, there is a very real sense of urgency. In all likelihood, I won't receive the car until 1 or 2 p.m. tomorrow. I HAVE to be at work at 6 a.m. Monday. Between tomorrow afternoon and Monday, I have to travel 2,800 miles. I'd rather not have to drive straight to work or leave the car in Vegas and take a flight to San Diego so I can make it in time.
Sorry to vent. I truly appreciate your support, Brad.<p>Where's my customer satisfaction survey???
<ul><li><a href="http://www.holberts.com/">http://www.holberts.com/</a</li></ul>
My dealer has tried to maintain a positive atmosphere, and I sincerely appreciate that. I just can't get over being told "only another 2 or 3 weeks" for 8 weeks and "only another few days" for a couple weeks, and "tomorrow" for a few days. I can't put my world on hold while I wait to pick up a car.
At this point, there is a very real sense of urgency. In all likelihood, I won't receive the car until 1 or 2 p.m. tomorrow. I HAVE to be at work at 6 a.m. Monday. Between tomorrow afternoon and Monday, I have to travel 2,800 miles. I'd rather not have to drive straight to work or leave the car in Vegas and take a flight to San Diego so I can make it in time.
Sorry to vent. I truly appreciate your support, Brad.<p>Where's my customer satisfaction survey???
<ul><li><a href="http://www.holberts.com/">http://www.holberts.com/</a</li></ul>
06-01-2000, 05:36 PM
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Thanks again, Cliff. We both forgot the moment of levity when the receptionist tried to give...
the customer on the phone instructions on how to check the oil. That was too much!<p>Where's my customer satisfaction survey???
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06-01-2000, 05:42 PM
#8
Eighth Member of AudiWorld. God-like, glorious and all-knowing.
Re: Maybe it's time for another well-timed phone call??
Well, Mr. Evans did tell me that the car would be there by Friday. Perhaps they told you something else. Perhaps it is all b.s. Perhaps they are being straight with you and they are also frustrated.
If the car doesn't arrive promptly, I feel that the dealership should pay for your round-trip airfare, expenses, and have it transported to you in San Diego at their expense. Seems more than reasonable to me.
Look at all of the crap that I went through with my NM TT. Much frustration for months on end! But I didn't get too upset about things because I knew it would only raise my blood pressure, and might even work against me. If you **** off the dealership, they might just say, "screw this guy".
So be polite and professional, but firm. Hopefully it will arrive soon, and we'll have a beer and/or ice cream and laugh about all of this in the near future. If you'd like for me to make another call on your behalf, let me know.<p><img src="http://home.san.rr.com/winefinds/1.jpg" border="0">
<B>Brad Willis</B>
<FONT COLOR="#FF6600">2001 225q TT Roadster
No Borla
No Garrett
No Stickers</FONT>
<A HREF="http://home.san.rr.com/winefinds">SoCal Audi TT Club</A>
If the car doesn't arrive promptly, I feel that the dealership should pay for your round-trip airfare, expenses, and have it transported to you in San Diego at their expense. Seems more than reasonable to me.
Look at all of the crap that I went through with my NM TT. Much frustration for months on end! But I didn't get too upset about things because I knew it would only raise my blood pressure, and might even work against me. If you **** off the dealership, they might just say, "screw this guy".
So be polite and professional, but firm. Hopefully it will arrive soon, and we'll have a beer and/or ice cream and laugh about all of this in the near future. If you'd like for me to make another call on your behalf, let me know.<p><img src="http://home.san.rr.com/winefinds/1.jpg" border="0">
<B>Brad Willis</B>
<FONT COLOR="#FF6600">2001 225q TT Roadster
No Borla
No Garrett
No Stickers</FONT>
<A HREF="http://home.san.rr.com/winefinds">SoCal Audi TT Club</A>
06-01-2000, 05:42 PM
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Way too much...well, I just checked with one of our technicians, and you pull the "dip stick" out...
it just got worse from there. Good luck tomorrow Tom!<p><a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=3177"><img src="http://members.home.net/cmelick/audipics/sig6.jpg" border="0" alt="Click Image to View Registry Information"></a>
