If this is a dream, please don't wake me up. I have just concluded a GREAT car buying experience (as of yesterday)! I worked with Bob Donovan, who was fun to spend time with, who was very informative about the Audis I was interested in, who was very responsive to every question and concern I voiced, and who treated me with great respect. AND, I got a car that I love (an Audi A4 that was used as a loaner car for a few months), at an excellent price (I consulted a car broker prior to buying this car, and he said he wouldn't be able to improve on the price of a similarly equipped car), and it was the easiest car purchase I have ever made.
Bob Donovan told me at the outset that Audi Cape Cod does not sell cars "the old way", where you engage in an adversarial, grinding negotiation process. They will give their best price right out front, and will freely disclose any dealer incentives or customer rebates (like a marketing bonus on certain models) that they are scheduled to receive from the manufacturer at the time you buy (and a price that he gave me on a new A3 proved that this was how they operated). It used to be that these kickbacks would often end up in the dealer's pocket unless you happened to find out about them by consulting Consumer Reports, or you had two dealerships vying for your business. That was a nice surprise, and helped me make a more informed decision about which model was a good value for me.
Still, I was suspicious, because nearly every car dealer I have ever worked with has tried to lull me into complacency, and then they proceeded to manipulate and confuse and overwhelm in order to squeeze more money out of my wallet. SO, I did all the research I usually do, and remained on guard until I drove off the lot yesterday. The only challenging element to the whole purchase process was meeting with the business manager, who did the usual thing to discuss/sell extended service plans and various coatings; but even that was a pretty low pressure affair...akin to the way car rental agencies try to scare you into buying their insurance. And the business manager was very courteous and friendly...she was just doing her job, and I imagine some people want to buy those products.
It took me nearly 3 weeks to do all my research (looking at other Audi dealerships, considering other luxury cars that weren't nearly as interesting to me in hopes of getting a "better value", talking with an auto broker) to come to trust Bob and let myself buy the Audi that was so appealing when I first saw it...so I probably made it harder on myself than it had to be. But old habits (especially habits developed over many car buying experiences) die hard.
I could say a lot more about Audi Cape Cod...all of it positive. But I think I have already touched on the important points: if you like the Audi lineup of cars or if there is a specific Audi that you are kind of interested in, give Bob Donovan a call, and let him help you find the car that offers the features you want (if one is available), at an excellent price. And then relax and enjoy. You can just fall in love with a car, and not worry that your attraction will work against you when it is time to write your check. read more