Being a single woman is always a hassle when it comes to doing man things like buying a car or getting your car fixed. When I was in college I used a maruti 800 and every time I had to service it, it was a virtual nightmare dealing with the workshop staff. I always came out feeling that I had been taken for a ride and made to buy stuff that I did not want.
When I decided to change my car I decided to go in for a Hyundai because ...well because I was basically tired of a maruti and wanted a change.
My experience with Sanjay Hyundai changed my perception of car dealers in general. I decided to go in for a red Santro. After having fixed the car and the colour after many discussions with friends, I decided to check out the dealers. Pune has two dealers and I was advised to talk to both to negotiate the best deal.
I first went to Kothari Hyundai. The dealership was swanky and new but that was where the good part ended. I walked in and was accosted by a sales person who looked like he was having a bad day. He tried very lamely to show me the car without any real interest thinking I was a casual customer. He however got really aggressive when he realised that I was working with a software company and that I had decided on the model and colour already. When I told him that I was going to compare with both dealers and that I would go to sanjay hyundai next, he started bad mouthing the other dealer by telling me things that they are very far away and that their service is very bad and that they will not give me a good deal etc. When I insisted that I would only book the car after speaking to them he tried to call Sanjay Hyundai and get me to speak to them on the phone. I asked him to show me the complementary accessories I would be getting with the car. The quality of the accessories shocked me. They were obviously fake and came with absolutely no warranty. On questioning I was told that since they were free this is what I would be getting so take it or leave it.
I walked out of there regretting my decision to change my car. At least with Maruti a known devil was better than an unknown one.
It was with much hesitation I walked in to Sanjay Hyundai Showroom at wakdewadi. Although the showroom was not as large as Kothari it was clean and very nice. I was met at the door by one of the lady sales executives who greeted me, asked me what I was looking for, asked me to have a seat and took my name and details. Then out of nowhere a boy came with tea and would you believe it....Chitale Pedas. Apparently someone was taking delivery of their car.
I was expecting to get down to negotiating the price straight away but was quite surprised when a sales executive walked up to me and asked me to come take a test drive. After having driven the car he then expalned all the features and finally the pricing.
Then came the tricky part of the discounting. He gave me the scheme details which were less than what Kothari had given me. I then tried to negotiate by telling him that Kothari had given me a better deal. He said that he had given me the best possible deal and that he would still check. He came back and offered me some more complimentary accessories which was basically the same as what Kothari had offered me.. I asked to see the accessories and was pleasently surprised when I saw that the accessories being offered were original Hyundai Accessories with bill and warranty. Even the mattings I was told are under warranty for one year....amazing.
When I told him about the Kothari Sales person warning me about Sanjay Hyundai service, he asked me if I would like to meet the director. It was with much hesitation that I met the director Mr. Christian who was really pleasant. He showed me the awards the dealership has won for service and customer satisfaction not only from Hyundai but from other manufacturers they have worked with. More that the awards I was reassured that I was making the right choice by selecting Hyundai and Sanjay Hyundai.
At no point was I pressurised to make a commitment or to buy something I did not want. I found the people to be very accessible and always ready to help.
I finally took delivery on my birthday. The car was ready on time with all the promised accessories and decorated with baloons and ribbons. This time I was the one who distributed sweets.
I have found this dealership to be excellent in terms of service and above all excellent in their attitude towards their customers. If I ever change my car I will definately buy only a hyundai car and that too only from Sanjay Hyundai.