How not to sell a Polo GTI. And how to.

[injidup]

I wanted a second car for trips to work, shopping, etc. I have a sports car already, but it's not at all practical. I had decided on a Polo, but until I drove both, I didn't know if I wanted a brand new DSG GTI or a 1.8T GTI. I had planned to test drive both: brand new and a 2008. I had contact from the dealer with the new car (Wangara Volkswagen) and found a nice 2008 GTI with 25k on the clock on the CarSales website.
I went to look at the 2nd hand car (it was at the local Kia dealer) and I explained that I wanted to try both new and old models to see which I liked more. The sales guy first quoted me a price $2000 more than the internet price, and basically said that if I went for a test drive I was expected to make an offer on the car. I was open and honest with the guy, and said that I wanted a drive but could not commit until I had tried both versions. He said that I should try the new car then come back. Basically refused to take me for a spin. The car itself was perfect - just like a brand new car.
I am 48 years old, I have turned up in a nearly-new Forester Turbo, and explained that my other car was a Lotus Elise (we were next to the Lotus dealer).
So, I went off, rather confused, to Wangara VW, where the sales girl was waiting for me, and took me for a drive in her new GTI DSG. I must admit that the car didn't click for me. Quality was top rate, but it wasn't getting me excited.
Then she mentioned that a Polo GTI had just been traded that day and was I interested in driving it, even though it had yet to be detailed. I said yes, and with another salesman, went for a spin. The car was 2005 with 84k on the clock - nowhere near the condition of the previous GTI. Paint was scratched, swirly and the wheels were scuffed. Still, it drove well and felt "fun". It was a few thousand dollars cheaper. I made an offer and bought it.
All the time I was at the VW dealer I was made to feel welcome, even though I only spent half the price of the new car. It was such a different experience from the Kia guy.
I sent emails to both the VW dealer and the Kia dealer; one to thank them for their excellent customer service and one to explain why I didn't buy the nice 2008 GTI. When I picked up my car on Christmas Eve, the salesman thanked me for my email.
Here is the reply I got from the Kia dealer:

Removed quote due to possibility of legal action

If he had taken me for a drive, I would have bought his car - it really was a lovely car, better than the one I bought, but he lost the sale because of his attitude. I am now never going to recommend this dealer or Kia, but I will recommend VW and Wangara VW.
This experience has highlighted how important good service is to the buying experience.

I am still very happy with my slightly scruffy Polo! I will get the scratches buffed out professionally, and not need to worry so much where I park!

[stormshark]

A Good Read, incredible though!

[pixl]

For as long as I can remember, I always wanted a Lotus Elise. But whenever I get to chatting with an owner, I tend to hear the same thing about them not being practical. And every single one of them has a second car as their daily.

Is it simply because they're too small for shopping/passengers or is the ride harsh or what? What is specifically that made you decide, "Nup, I need another car." I ask because I still have ideas about getting one.

Congrats on the new Polo! I'm sure you'll have a blast with it!

[mattyf]

wow, i guess thats the reason why that kia salesman will never move on to better things.

[injidup]

Firstly, an Elise is an absolutely fantastic car. It is not the most practical car, having two seats and a small boot. But it is one of the best-handling cars ever, and punches way above it's weight due to it's good power-to-weight ratio. Only 118bhp (88kw) but only pushes 730kg. I have relied on my partner's car for practicalities like shopping, but a pending separation means I need my own practical car.
On roadlegal semi slicks I kept up with a 400bhp BMW M3 on the track! Not bad for a 13 year old. Also, with around 200 Series 1 cars imported it will always be rare.
Oh, and the ride is firm but not harsh. Lotus do know a thing or two about suspension!

[injidup]

wow, i guess thats the reason why that kia salesman will never move on to better things.

I'm sure Kia, their salesforce and technical staff are top-notch.

[Gti Dave]

Man I'd kill for an Elise or the exige. Can close my eyes and imagine what it'd be like driving one on the smooth twisty scenic roads of black spur. I'm wetting my pants just thinking about it.

[FJ Steve]

the Joe Crisafio brand name has never filled me with confidence. I have never bought from them, but some friends who have, wouldn't do it again. The fact that he was spawned from a Barbagello deal tells it all.

Congrats on the GTI.

[cjay]

I had a series 2 Elise, they are the best handeling car out there.

After a while as a daily driver they become very hard to live with. The seats are shocking along with the air con and build quality, with the roof on they are a pain to get in and out of. Busses tend to drive over the top of them as well as they are so low they can't see them, I lost count of the number of time I was almost taken out by a bus!

A mk 6 GTI is much easier to live with

Injidup do you know Giles?

[injidup]

Yep - I've met Giles a couple of times when he's been over from the wetlands (QLD).
He's taking his Elise to Alaska! Mad old fool!