Automotive Journal

Maybe you’re dissatisfied with your new car, or maybe with the dealership that sold it to you. Whatever it is, you’re left unhappy with your recent experience buying a car, and feel like the customer service you received was below par. Yet despite your efforts, you can’t seem to make your voice heard and get your problems resolved. Here’s how to get the best service possible from your local car dealership.

The first place to start looking for a solution is at your local car dealership. They’re the ones in the best position to take care of your problem, and the ones most motivated to do so. Local dealerships know that providing good service and creating trust is the best way to create a lifelong customer. Statistics have shown what car dealers and manufacturers know from experience, which is that providing excellent service and solving customer problems achieves what advertising only tries for, which is to create a satisfied and faithful customer.

But before your local new car dealer will help you, they need to believe that you’re going to be a good future customer. It’s much easier for a dealership to justify helping you (especially if it costs money) if they believe they will earn that money back in the future. The best way to convince a dealership you’re going to be a good customer in the future is to show them you’re a good customer now.

A great way to prove you’re a great customer is just to be nice and polite to employees at the dealership. No one wants to help the guy who’s ranting rudely, but they’ll gladly lend a hand to someone who asks nicely. Simple courtesy can get you a long way! Get on the employees’ good side, and you’ll be surprised how much easier it is to get quality service.

While being pleasant will help you get what you want from your local dealer, working with the dealership’s General Manager (GM) will help you just as much. GM’s have the full backing of the manufacturer and they have the power to do just about anything to solve a customer service complaint. Keep in mind that many dealership general managers are powerful enough to get senior manufacturer sales executives on the phone at any time - they’re absolutely capable of getting the manufacturer to do something for you. They are also usually experienced professionals that know how to help. Make sure you ask to speak with the GM when you have a customer service problem.

In the (rare but possible) event that the GM is unable to resolve your problem, call the manufacturer’s customer service hotline. The number will be in your owner’s manual. You may also want to call the manufacturer’s local regional office. They will likely simply send you back to the national hotline, but may give you a chance to speak with a regional executive. Perseverance is vital in getting yourself heard.

So, to summarize, if you have a new car customer service problem, your local dealer is your starting point. Make sure to ask to speak with the general manager, and to be nice to everyone you speak with. If the local dealer doesn’t get it done, try working with the manufacturer’s national hotline. Finally, call your manufacturer’s regional office. As long as you’re persistent and pleasant, you’ll get the best possible customer service.