Well I have been to these 3 dealers + BMW since Sat (VW & Audi just now) and I have to say I am shocked with the rubbish customer service at VW Audi & Seat - VW firstly I stated 2nd hand cars so they went to get me a 2nd hand sales man then one appeared (or so I thought) we went out to the cars and I started asking him a few questions about the cars after about 6 unanswered questions he came clean saying that there wasnt a 2nd hand sales rep available so he was just showing me round the forecourt....

We went back in as he said he would ask one of the 2nd hand sales reps for answeres to my questions (were they just hiding somewhere in the building) anyway I waited 7 minutes and he returned stating that all the 2nd hand sales reps are out on test drives... I asked how many reps are there .... ONE when will he return 30-40 mins you can drink our coffee - I told them thanks but you can keep the brochure and handed back the VW Golf brochure.

Utter crap - especially as the showroom was empty.[sale lost]

Audi - well there were 5 groups of customers and 4 of them were with sales reps all the highly attractive blonde receptionist could do was smile and give me a brochure. So again poor

Seat - Sunday afternoon 3.20pm arrived at the showroom spent 10 mins looking round the models and plumped with the Cupra 240bhp (amazing seats). Anyway then sat down with the sales rep who after 5 mins said sorry can you come back at a later date were closing up now. [sale lost]

BMW - now Im aware that a few here suspect I have quite an admiration of the BMW's and have rose tinted glasses on (fair enough your entitled to your views). Anyway Im reporting on my experiance.

There was a similar number of customers to the Audi however the sales rep came up to us after 10 or so minutes sitting and opening boots of verious models. Then he asked all the correct question and really came accorss as a total professional. All the info was available - any car was available for a test drive any demo or any 2nd hand car but if it was difficult to get it out please allow them time to get it out.

As it turned out we couldnt take a test drive due to the Wales v Argentina Rugby game.

The Skoda dealer I went to last was pretty good and we were in a test drive in 5 mins from entering the showroom "I need to get her filled up with fuel anyway why not come along".

Kia - on the test drive was very good ensured that I had all the info not pushy at all and even though your only supposed to do 300 miles over the 3 day test drive (we did 600+) you should have paid

Audi - all the highly attractive blonde receptionist could do was smile and give me a brochure.

What else did you expect her to give you?

What else did you expect her to give you?

Oh no complaints about her "service".

On average whats the customer satisfaction from Skoda owners (no rose tinted glasses please).

We were always well attended to when we visited Skoda before we bought one. Can't say the same for The Seat dealer we went to a few years back

Us: - we'd like to arrange a test drive in a 1.6 petrol Leon, please

Them: - sorry, we can only offer you a test drive in the Diesel FR. Or we would, but it's broken

Us: - okay bye !!

the customer sales was good from skoda but the servicing department is crap. my car is in at the moment and it has been since monday. i haven't had a single phone call from them. i've phoned several times myself but thats just cause i've got bored waitin to be put in the picture about whats wrong with the car. if they ask what like a service i've had from them i'll bloody well tell them!!!!!!!

stu.

We were always well attended to when we visited Skoda before we bought one. Can't say the same for The Seat dealer we went to a few years back

Us: - we'd like to arrange a test drive in a 1.6 petrol Leon, please

Them: - sorry, we can only offer you a test drive in the Diesel FR. Or we would, but it's broken

Us: - okay bye !!

Had the same experience with a local VW dealer:

Me: I'd like to arrange a test drive in a VW Polo please, 1.2 but any model you have available.

Them: Sorry we have no Polos to test drive (Despite having load of them outside)

Me: Well can I book or arrange online?

Them: Same answer as above.

Me : Bye.

Ford dealer - the sales bloke went the other way when approached him.

Nissan dealer - was supposed to phone with some prices, never did.

Renault - salesman couldn't be ars*d to check that I had booked online.

Skoda - booked online- telephone call back to confirm the date, had the test drive, and had a good 2 hour chat with the salesman, allowed to sit and check any car in the showroom and outside, offered a free tea or coffee - car sold.

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I tend to wander around the forecourt and then wait to be approached - after all if they want to sell something, they should at least try! Both local Subaru dealers, Honda dealer and a Ford dealer "pounced" on me pretty quickly. I even got a test drive in the Scooby, despite it being close to closing time and me not willing to do a deal there and then. The 2 local Skoda dealers failed to come out and see if I was looking to buy. Citroen dealer also ignored me too. It can work the other way though and some car supermarkets take it too far and won't let you leave until you've bought something.

As I tend to buy second hand, I usually end up buying from small dealers who offer a much better service as they rely on a reputation to survive. Downside is they may not be as competitive pricewise, but for the right spec car I'm happy to pay a bit more....

Chris