Rep Power: 0

I've been interested in the TSX for a while now, not just as a
possible upgrade for my EL but as a car enthusiast who likes to see
a brand like Acura take on the big boys from Germany with a sport
sedan that out performs and out prices their offerings.

I work in the financial district and it is not a far walk to
Downtown Acura in Toronto (Front & Sherbourne). Last Friday, I took
a walk during lunch hour to take a look at the TSX. When I inquired
about a test drive the salesman said that the car was out, and since
I was on lunch hour I didn't have the patience to loaf around the
showroom. I was advised to make an appointment next time.

Monday morning, I called to book a 12:30PM appointment to check out
the TSX. On the phone, the salesman inquired if I would be
interested in a test drive. I responded by saying that I would
certainly be interested. An appointment was set.

I arrived at the showroom on time and met with the salesman. We
began discussing details about a trade-in and financing options.
The usual riff-raff that goes on between potential client and car
salesman.

After about twenty minutes of this, my position was that I was
contemplating a move to a TSX depending if I could get a decent
price for my trade-in. We also established that I had bought my
previous car from North Toronto Acura and that Downtown Acura was
the first dealership that I had visited to see the TSX, and that I
plan to visit other Acura dealerships to find the best deal for me.

When I had asked the salesman about the flexibility of the TSX's
pricing, he said that because of limited supply, it would be very
hard to negotiate and bring down the price.

At this point I asked him if I would be able to get a car any time
soon. He responded, "We shouldn't have problems getting you a car,
we get new ones on a daily basis."

How funny that the once supply-limited TSX was now arriving at
Downtown Acura on a daily basis!

Following this, the salesman asked me, "Do you think you are ready
to make a decision today?"

I responded, "Not quite... I haven't even driven the car!"

I then inquired on about a test drive.

To my surprise, the salesman responded, "Well it looks like you are
still not sure if you would like to buy the car. When you know that
you are ready to make a deal then maybe we can discuss this further."

"So is it possible to have a test drive?"

Despite agreeing to a test drive on the phone earlier this morning,
the salesman responded, "Sorry... we do not have any cars available
for test drive. Perhaps you can comeback another time."

At this point, there was no arguing with the salesman. Clearly he
was not ready to do business with me and I was no longer ready to do
any business with him or this dealership. How could I be "ready to
make a decision today" if I had not even been allowed to test drive
a car, especially if it would cost me a fair chunk of change?! I
was insulted.

I do not know the reasons to why I was not given that test drive.
Whether it is because I am in my mid-twenties and not "old" enough
to afford a car like the TSX. Whether I was only in the initial
stages of my car purchase decision and therefore not an ideal
candidate for a test drive in the salesman's eyes. Whatever the
case is, I know when I have been insulted... not just as a potential
TSX client, but as a current Acura customer and from a family that
has bought Honda automobiles for quite some time.


I just wanted to report my dealer experience here with other Acura
drivers, as well as potential Acura customers. I am debating
whether or not to forward a copy of this "rant" to Honda Canada. I
think the practices of Downtown Acura's sales people is a poor
reflection on the company's products and only hurts Acura's
reputation and credibility as a car brand.

 
Rep Power: 0

I'd say send it to the head office... Bad service only leads to low sales and low return buyers.

 
Rep Power: 0

Iv had some issues with a local honda dealership, somewhat like the issues you had, i sent a formal letter to corp honda, and got a nice letter back from them, and a free tank of gas, lol

 
Rep Power: 336

heh...i'm only 18 and i got a test drive the 1st time i went to look at the car. it was the 2nd day that the car was at the dealership and i didnt even have to ask. the salesmen was like "wow, well it seems like you really know this car, so lets go for a drive!"

i was all smiles.