I am a 6ft tall, slender, brunet 27 year old. I have lived in Portsmouth for about 4 years and work...
I am a 6ft tall, slender, brunet 27 year old. I have lived in Portsmouth for about 4 years and work for an IT company in Farnham.
Member since:10.09.2001
Reviews:2
Members who trust:1
Having recently just purchased a BMW and put it through it's 1st service I thought I would share my experience. Upon changing changing jobs I lost my company car and found myself in the position of needing to buy my own car. To my Mums disappointment, I was not considering buying a Nissian Micra, but wanted something a bit better and with a bit more style. 1st stop - a local VW garage in Portsmouth: After visiting this garage 3 times and still not managing to get to see a sales person or in fact get anyone in the showroom to talk to me, I decided that I really did not like VW's and decided to re-think my options. 2nd Stop - a local Audio garage in Portsmouth: No problem with customer service here, in fact could not get away from the guy and before I knew it I was taking a car for a test drive. Verdict here was that I did not like the car, it was too expensive (especially the services), the sales guy was too pushy (especially when it came to their finance package - which I did not want as I wanted to pay cash for the car). So I left having decided against an Audio and the sales guy still phones me regulary to try to encourage me to get an Audio. 3rd Stop - Ford - could not get a test drive on any of the cars I wanted and the sales guy did not seem that interested.... 4th Stop - Rover - Test drove an MG, which they let us have for an afternoon, the sales lady was lovely and they were most helpful at looking at all the options and how best to save me money. Unfortunately I did not like the car - so it was time to rethink again. 5th Stop - After being bullied (as I have never liked BMW's) by my other half I agreed to pay Snows BMW a visit. The staff were very helpful and left us alone after we said we were just looking and told us to give them a shout when we needed them. Upon finding a car we liked we arranged a test drive and the sales guy who came out with us was very helpful and very honest - pointing out both good and bad points. On returning to the showroom we spent a long time discussing the pros & cons and money - as I feel in love with the car. On a bad note they would discount if we took their finance, but not for cash - In their words 'we are a BMW garage and don't do cash discounts Madam!!!' Apart from that the sales service and after care was excellent and they have been in contact at least 3 times in the last 6 months to check if everything is Ok and asking for my feedback on the sales rep. and the sales experience.
Now I have just had to have the 1st service done - they provide a car and were quick and effective in their work. The garage is most welcoming as are the staff and there is a coffee area where you can sit and work or relax.
Overall I am very impressed with the whole package. Compared to a lot of the cars I looked at BMW's are good value for money - with cheaper servicing and insurance. The sales people were not pushy, just helpful and did not try and push their insurance deals and were honest in saying I might get a better deal else where.
The extras were good - with breakdown cover (Uk & Eurpope), accident advice, pictures taken of my car, all presented in a nice folder (the little things count)!!!
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It’s a real pleasure to read an opinion especially when one find’s they are satisfied customer of large chain of Motor retail groups. A lot of the chains are very similar I own an alfa romeo and many of the service Groups are run by VW eg Reg Vardy but I haven't been impressed by their service or ‘knowledge’ of the subject so far..time will tell , shame there aren’t more efficient, knowledgeable and passionate staff these days. Wonderful review –it is always nice to be left alone rather than having to make a purchase towards the end of a finanacial month by pushy sales staff who may be low on Commission. I will bear 'Snows' in mind..should I feel inclined towards a Bimmer, content with my alfa for now:) Welcome to Ciao too -CH
Advantages: Some pretty cars to look at in the showroom Disadvantages: Poor after-sales, the ability to 'create' problems with your car (then refuse to accept liabilty)
thpba3 19.06.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of BMW
Sep 11th, 2001
very helpful by (89%):
helpful by (5%):
somewhat helpful by (5%):
