New Saturn Owner

Dave62 · 09-01-2005, 07:49 AM

I am new to the world of Saturn, as well as this site, and let me tell you, what an experience so far. With gas prices as high as they are, I was shopping around for a new or fairly new fuel efficent car. I visited all the foreign car dealerships, both in person and on-line. I left each dealership feeling like a total idiot. All they were interested in was making as much money as possible. It was unreal the deals they tried to get me to give in to.

Then Saturday morning, before I took my daughter off to college, I asked for a price quote from the local Saturn dealership. When I returned home that afternoon, I had a personal two page email from the regional sales manager. I called her and made an appointment to meet with the sales manager of the local Saturn dealership. When my wife and I, and two of my four children walked into the dealership, they rolled out the red carpet. I thought I was royality. They greeted us with sincerety and took the kids to get something to eat and watch TV while my wife and I spoke to the manager. We had a great conversation and best of all were not rushed or pushed in any way into making any deal.

I found the car I liked, 06 ION2, and closed the deal that afternoon. But being it was near closing time, I had to wait until Monday to hear about the approval. When the manager walked my wife and I out of his office, all the sales associates were talking and watching TV with my two children. I have never been treated this good by any dealership.

I received the good news on Monday and made an appointment to pick up the car on Tuesday. When we arrived at the dealership on Tuesday, I was looking for my car out front, but could not find it. We went into the showroom, and there was the car, all dressed up. There were signs on it that said "Wet Paint" ( so no one would touch it) and a sign with our name and Congratulations on it. When speaking to the finance manager, we were not pushed into any extend warranties. She explained everything and let us chose with out any hassles. What I found to be the best part, was they let me drive the car out of the showroom.

I am sorry this post is so long, but I had to tell you all what a positve experience I had. The salesman also spent over an hour with me going over the car and introducing me to the service department and staff.

I can see myself being a Saturn owner for the rest of my life. I have only had the car for two days, but as of right now, I am completely satisfied with it. The only item that I would like to upgrade at this point is the stereo. Can someone give me some pointers as to some possible upgrades they have done on their stereos?

Thanks.

PurdueGuy · 09-01-2005, 03:36 PM

THAT is how a Saturn dealer is supposed to be!

Sadly enough, not all of them are that good anymore, but a lot of them still take on that wonderful attitude. I'm sure you'll enjoy the car.

As for the audio upgrade, if no one responds to the question here, post up your question in the audio section - we've got some very knowledgable people.

my99sl1 · 09-01-2005, 05:25 PM

Welcome to the Spot!

Dave62 · 09-02-2005, 07:58 AM

Thanks. I have only had the car since Tuesday and I am extremely happy with it so far. I filled up today and much to my surprise I got a 31 mpg. I will be searching this site for ideas on upgrading the stereo system soon.

redturtle98 · 09-02-2005, 11:15 PM

welcome to the spot and congrats on the new ride! i have bought 2 of my 3 saturns from a saturn dealership and both were pretty nice like that. my first time was actually better than the second time (they didn't take as good as picture..lol) if you click on my cardomain site you can see what i have in mine. if you live in or near charlotte, nc, i could tell you where to go.

Dave62 · 09-03-2005, 07:14 AM

Thanks Jen. Actually I live in New Jersey, but used to visit Charlotte all the time when I worked for First Union. Also been to Charlotte Motor speedway several times for the October race. You have an awesome car, especially the trunk. I am going to let the newness ware off a little then will try upgrading the stereo.

TylerC161 · 09-03-2005, 07:29 AM

iv never been to a dealer, so i dont know, but i do know when my grandfather got my car back when i was in 3rd grade, they did the whole clapping thing for him. all of the employees came out and clapped after his purchase, just like the commercials back then

Dave62 · 09-03-2005, 08:20 AM

The whole experience, starting from the email reply I received from the regional sales manager, right through to delivery was something that I have never experienced when purchasing a car. Hopefully the service department will follow through with the same type of treatment and I will be sold for life. I do know that when you bring the car in for service, they wash it as well as clean the interior. But we will see. Right now I am a very happy Saturn owner.