I look for three things in a car dealer ? reliable advice at the time of purchasing a car, efficient processing of paper work, good after sales service, and a well equipped service center.
I bought a Maruti Zen from the Competent Motors in Gurgaon in 1997. In my view, this dealer has satisfactorily met all the benchmarks I look for in a car dealer.
I bought the car with full payment on delivery. We visited this dealer due to proximity to my house. The sales staff was efficient and Knowledgeable, not overbearing. They helped us in making the choice of the model to fit into our purse and expectations. We were looking for a white car with certain features.
The car we wanted was not available off the shelf, the Competent staff asked us to take delivery on a particular day. We went at the appointed time ? the keys were handed over to us. They did all the paper work relating to insurance and registration quite efficiently and fast. At the time of delivery, I found a coconut and a red chunni in the car? probably for those who perform a puja! Overall, the service provided till delivery of the car was quite satisfactory.
Up-on taking delivery, a month later ? I got a phone call from the Competent ? reminding me of the first service. After, this I used to get calls periodically from the Company to remind me to send the car for servicing. The company has a system of booking service in advance ? but one has to wait for some time on Saturdays, as most people prefer that day.
They have a queue numbering system and staff is quite courteous and efficient. Usually the cars are collected in the morning ? I used to go a bit early to ensure to stay ahead of the queue. Once the car is taken inside the compound, they would check it for defects and dents etc. to record on the job sheet.
Ask questions about any specific problems or requirements and give you a time to collect the car. This process used to quite efficient and business like. I never faced difficulty of delayed delivery. In fact on one occasion up on special request the servicing was done faster than usual and car was given to me earlier than the normal delivery.
During the guarantee period, I noticed some problem with the ignition coil ? when this was brought to their notice, the coil was changed without any fuss.
The service center has a clean waiting room for customers with some magazines and a TV. Bill payment system is quite efficient and fast. There is also a small and clean canteen on the premise.
I found the dealer quite efficient and professional. Staff is well trained and kept my car well serviced. When I left India three years later, I got a good price for the car due to the quality maintenance carried out by the dealer.