Dealer Experiences

[italophile]

For those of us who are geographically between Fiat studios, or for those fortunate enough to have more than one in their city, I thought it would be useful to start a thread about our experiences with dealers.

I live between Denver and Salt Lake City.  Denver is fractionally closer, and I go there more often.   However, I went to Fiat of SLC for two reasons:  1. They're open, while the Denver studios arent, and 2. My experiences in SLC have generally been better than those in Denver.

I was treated very well throughout the process.  Fiat of SLC is part of the Ken Garff group, which is probably the biggest dealer in the area and a reputable one at that.  They were still getting settled in their studio, so it was a little bare inside.  They had about 15 cars on the lot, all of which were Pops or Sports.  

My 'Specialist' was Mark, a big English fellow who just started (in fact I think it may have been his first day).  What impressed me most was that he never, not once, tried to pressure me or up-sell anything.  He also never pretended to know anything he didn't.  

My only gripe was that the doc fees were a little high at $299.  Otherwise, I can't recommend Fiat of SLC highly enough.  I would encourage anyone in the intermountain west to give them a call.  

One other item of interest:  I didn't expect them to have the spec or color combination I wanted on hand, and they didn't, but it wouldn't have mattered because they weren't allowed to release any regular cars until they had delivered all of the Primas (5).  

[Mike S]

My car and others have been sitting in a rail yard in North Florida for over two weeks. They are PE's and they are nowhere near delivered. They just sit with no explanation. What's going on? It would be good if they can't deliver the non PE's until PE's are delivered, but other cars are being delivered.

I will continue to rant because that's all I can do. Fiat used us when they needed us and they are not around when we need them.

[Tuschay425]

Mike,

My car is in North Florida aswell. Most likely sitting near your complaining about the heat and sun (I don't know what else cars do on their spare time..). Anyway, it would be nice to get some sort of notification from FIAT to officially let me know what in the world is going on.

I'll be taking delivery at FIAT of Fort Myers and the FIAT manager, Maurizio, has been nothing but helpful. Although he doesn't have any delivery information, he won't be charging any additional fees and he has responded to all my e-mails within an hour. Very cool guy.

So all in all, I share the forum's frustration and would love even a hint to know when I'm getting my Prima.

Cheers,

[Terry]

Would just like to relate my experience at Fields Auto Group in Northfield, IL (670 W. Frontage Road).

I met with the General Manager (Jim Moyer) and the FIAT Sales Manager (Paul Laton) and couldn't be more positive or enthusiastic about the experience. I test drove a Sport (nero) and it also exceeded my already high expectations and hopes.

As of last Monday, they were not writing orders but were expecting the OK to do so at any time. They will be delivering 18 Primas (Some cars are already sitting at Belvedere, IL, about 50 miles from the dealership waiting to be trucked in). The Northfield location is a Dodge/Chrysler store and this is where I drove the Sport. The FIAT Studio is under construction in Highland Park (where they previously sold Volvos) and they told me they expect the grand opening this May. In the meantime and perhaps after the opening of the Studio, the 500s will be serviced in Northfield. They have received alot of inquiries and even someone who wants to place an order for a Gucci edition for his wife. Paul was handing out copies of Ricambi (The FLU newsletter) and is very enthusiastic and open about what he knows and does not know. He told me there will be financing from the normal Dodge financing arm but we didn't discuss rates. They offered me $9k in trade for my 2004 RX8 with 19k on the clock which was about $1.5k short of the KBB value, so I will sell this on my own rather than trading in same.

So, to sum up, a positive experience and a very good dealer (who also demonstrated great support for community and non profit organizations in the area)


Terry

[prima 109]

Hooray!!  Someone who actually met Paul, our pal!

[sjmst]

Paul is the man...I lost my glasses and Paul found them!