vjd3

I haven't had any dealings with a dealership in a while ... they used to be a sponsor for Rennlist, perhaps they still are. But things have apparently changed:

"Press 1 for sales."

I press 1.

Recording comes on, that typical annoyingly cheerful ATT female voice ... "WELcome to XXX PORSH. A representative will be with you shortly!"

Make mental note to tell salesperson that they should really pronounce "Porsche" correctly on the recording.

Woman comes on the line. "It's a great day at XXX PORSH. How may I help you?"

I'm figuring, this can't be a Porsche salesperson mispronouncing it ... so I say, "Can I have someone in Porsh-UH sales please?"

"I'm in sales," she says, brightly. "How can I help you?"

"Can you tell me what you have available in preowned 997 cabriolets with a manual transmission?"

"I can get that information for you, but while I am doing that, can you tell me what most attracts you to the 997 Cabriolet, style or price?"

I pause, take a deep breath. "Both."

Doubtful pause on her end. But she plunges ahead.

"I see that we have a 2007 car in stock here, but it's just a 911."

I pause, again. "Well, a 2007 would be a 997."

Immediate response: "Not automatically ... it could be a 996."

"No ... that's not right, they started making the 997 for the 2005 model year."

She ignores this. "When would you like to come in and schedule a test drive in this vehicle?"

"It's a cabriolet, right?"

"Um ... no, it's a coupe."

Jeez.

AC911

She is right... It's a 2007 996 PORSH.

Alfie

Ugh...

I'll be right back..

Eric - Plug Guy

Holy crap.

Alfie

Ok, back now...

Boss is trying to sort that out.

We have a stick 07 Turbo Coupe, and we just took in a stick 07 S coupe, and a PDK 4s cab that hasn't hit inventory yet. No stick cabs, but all of the above are 997's... I promise.

pewter82

Yeah, I got that kinda initial contact with several Porsche dealers.

I quickly ask if they will be my salesman...and they then tell me they are just at the BDC (business development center).
Their job is to get all your info and then its passed to a salesman or mgr. I've actually hung up and not given my number and had a salesman call me back within a few minutes.

I don't care for this type of intial contact, but more and more dealers are going to this, due to some salesman not getting phone numbers or anything else, and just telling the caller the car was sold or they don't have the particular model in stock..

mattyf

Did you say you wanted a rear porch or a front porch?

PasPar2

Got the same bullsh*t from PORSH of West Houston. I needed info on a specific car and the lady I spoke with, aside from being clueless, pretended I am taking some sort of survey. After all that, and a conversation with the (clueless) sales person, pictures, questions answered etc, turned out the car was already sold the entire time and was waiting for transport.

CBejbl

Why not just check their site? Quicker, less aggrivation.

DHC

You know, Ms. Porsh Saleslady, the customers would quit bothering you if you'd just stop answering the damn phone.

utkinpol

They all lie on the phone, unfortunately.
Only way is to know your guy and call him directly. It is possible.

ECS Tuning

Marine Blue

Well if it makes you feel any better Porsche of Norwell has dropped the ball on a replacement warranty headlight assembly on my Spyder for 4 WEEKS! They get the part in finally and then tell me they don't have any time to get me in for another 5 days. Mind you they couldn't perform the inspection on my car because the headlight was throwing a code and now my inspection is expired so I can't drive the car.

Maybe we should both start using Porsche of Westwood for sales and service!

USMC_DS1

I tried giving my business to the local p-dealer here in Austin. What a big waste of time. Gave the sales rep what I was looking for but no return call after two weeks. Found a car on their website that I was interested in and posted an offer in writing... you guest it - no response. Spoke to the sales manager who said he was sorry and that he would call me right back with their inventory/prices/etc... nothing. Talk about a bunch of 10-second-toms.

Once I got over the fact that buying "loco" was not going to work for me the inventory of available p-cars opened up to the entire nation. Had fun doing the research and found the exact 997 I wanted at a p-dealer across the country in Newport Beach, CA. A few simple emails, phone call to close the deal, PPI, test drive, purchasing and she was on an enclosed carrier back to Austin. Also saved ~$10K. Not as easy as buying from down the road but what a refreshing experience. So far I've purchased four vehicles outside of Austin this way over the past two years.

You shouldn't have to chase anyone when you're spending this kind of money. The right p-dealer is out there to properly service your purchase. Just open up your wallet to beyond the local dealer and vote with your $$$.

Domer911

you should tell Jay Leno, who has a lot of money tied up in Porschs, that it's not pronounced "Porsch." I was really surprised by his pronunciation.