I had plans of purchasing a Ford Fiesta. But I now have to rethink my decision mainly on account of the kind of reception/ service that the representatives at Talera Ford showroom.
I fixed up an appointment with the showroom for a test drive. I went down to the showroom. After waiting for about 15-20mins a sales rep sat down with me and ran through the leaflet/ brochure which I had pretty much gone through on my own and didnt require anyone to come read it out to me.
When I requested for a test drive the sales rep, on the excuse that he was going to see if a demo car was available, just disappeared.
When I went to him after 10mins I was told that the demo car was out and would be back in the next 5 mins. So I waited. I was made to wait for another 30mins. When I enquired again I was told that the sales rep who had taken the demo car had returned but he had locked the car and taken the keys with him to the workshop so I could not get a test drive. This I got to know because I had gone to enquire about the test drive. Had I not gone to him I would not even have been told that I could not get a test drive.
I again, out of my interest in the Fiesta called up the showroom and fixed up another appointment for a test drive after 2 weeks. The receptionist made me speak to another Sales Rep named Krishna. He assured me that he will keep the car ready for me to take a test drive. When I reached the showroom sure enough there was no car. After waiting for 10mins when he could visibly see that I was losing my cool he brought another demo car ( a diesel car, when I had specifically mentioned that I was interested in the petrol variant). After I declined to take the test drive in anyother variant than the one I was interested in I was given anothe car(this had already been sold) .
Anyway I took the car with a mechanic for a test drive. 300meters out of the showroom the car ran out of petrol. The mechanic took off after I told him to get some fuel so that we could take the car back. he didnot return for 45mins.
This shoddy service has made me change my mind about buying the car. Even if I was to overlook the way these people sell the car I would definitely face a lot of trouble if I take the car for servicing.
I feel the fact that Fiesta is a good car has made the sales guys oevr confident that no matter what they will always find buyers. I dont know if this is a Dealer specific phenomenon but Talera Ford sale representatives take the 1st prize for rude & shoddy service.