New truck/local dealers

[Art Newman]

Sold my '92 W250 CTD a couple of months ago to a young woman who came out from Massachusetts to look it over, and paid my asking price.

Currently driving an '02 Chevy HD crew cab/4x4 with the 8. 1 engine and Allison transmission. It is a great truck and a responsive engine and the Allison is impressive... but it's no diesel.

There's a lot of info here on where to get a good deal on a new rig, but I'm curious whether anyone has had any difficulty getting a new truck serviced at their home dealer after buying it somewhere else.

Here in the Riverton/Lander, WY area there are 2 Dodge dealers, but this is a small community and unless someone has just moved here, I wonder if a local might create a little friction bringing a truck purchased out of state to a local dealer for service.

They probably can't refuse to service a new truck, but I'd guess that they could drag their feet on regular service and warrenty work.

Any one have experience with this ? Thanks.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Give the local guys a chance to meet your price... you might be surprised.



I'll pay a local dealer more if they have a good reputable service department. If you do pay the local guy more because of their service, make sure the owner/general manager know you paid them more and it was because of their service department(in a nice way). It'll pay off in the long run back in the service department with the service guys! Been there-done that!



Bill

 

[Art Newman]

Thanks Bill. That's good information and you're right.

Art

 

[klenger]

I tried to buy local in Tucson, but the dealer said it would take two more months to get it than the place I ordered from in Denver. We never got around to talking about price with the local dealer.

 

[vherner]

Did my share of purchasing this way. Lived in Illinois. Purchased in Illinois (2), Indiana (3), and Wisconsin (3). Live in Arizona purchased in Wisconsin (1).



Price was not the only thing considered; TRUST was more important to us. Can you beat ordering vehicles that will be loaded with not one cent down. Have done it 3 times. I'll have to admit the dealer doesnt allways do this. We just hit it off right.



Believe that some dealers will give you a hard time if you purchase closer then 50 miles from home. We never have had a problem getting service, but we do call and make appointments. On this last vehicle we bought it this way because It gave us more flexability this leaves the door open to try more then one dealer in Arizona. We did find one; that was recommended. Took the truck in; its returned washed. They want my buisness. They are willing to earn it. In another year we will be in the market for a Durango to replace a Jeep. They will have a good chance of getting the sale thru internet or fleet sales. Then again may return to Wisconsin.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

It seems like a lot of folks love to deal with Wisconsin dealers?

Who are you dealing with... and more importantly... why?



Matt

 

[Dean Upson]

I live in the smallest town in Connecticut. For some reason or another we have a Dodge Truck dealer here and they a small, family owned. customer orientated dealership.

The service department has a really good manager and I trust the mechanics to work on my truck. If you can buy local from a small dealer that you trust, my advice is to do it, even if it costs you a little, it is worth it.



Dean

 

[Tomeygun]

Originally posted by Dean Upson

..... If you can buy local from a small dealer that you trust, my advice is to do it, even if it costs you a little, it is worth it.



Dean

I agree with that... if it costs only a little (under $500)... but some dealers are trying to dig just a bit too deep in peoples pockets, you know? ($500 to $1500 OVER invoice)



That is where i come in, 3% under invoice and its done, no haggle, just done



Tom

 

[Dean Upson]

Going all the way out to St Louis from here would be pretty insane for me.



Dean