[WNYPilotGuy]

When I get ready to buy something I typically do a fair amount of research before I start talking to any salesmen. It amazes me how little some salesmen actually know about what they're selling. For example: I called a dealer today (Dick Ide from Rochester, NY) and asked the saleman which Pilots they have in stock. I told him I'm interested in either the EX-L or the EX-RES. He told me that Honda doesn't make anything called the EX-RES and I must be referring to the iVES system. I said...."no....the iVES is the VHS tape based system that you can add as an option later...at least I know you can to an Odyssey". "I'm looking for the EX-RES that is a factory installed DVD". He tells me..."sir, we have Pilots with DVD entertainment...but Honda definetly doesn't make anything called EX-RES". At that point I just gave up and asked him what he had. UUUGGGGH!!!!! I can understand saleman not knowing all the specifics of the RES system....but c'mon...how can you sell them if you don't even know what Honda makes???? Maybe this guy should be selling Pilots in Canada. They only make EX and EX-L for Canadian customers. I just wish this experience was unique among the dealers to which I've talked. I've probably talked to 3 or 4 braindead salesmen by now.

P.S. If you're in the WNY area and want to be treated right. Go directly to John Holtz Honda. It looks like they are going to win my business over the local guys again. These guys are the biggest Honda dealership in the area...and could easily afford to be arrogant...especially with the huge demand on Odysseys, Pilots, and CR-Vs. But they are the only guys that are actually trying to do a dealer trade to get me the specific Pilot that I want. All the smaller dealers think I should just take what they have on the lot and stop being so fussy. I know what I want....and I WILL get it.

 

[03pilot]

Aren't you close to Buffalo which is where RayLaks dealership is ? If so then you should perhaps go check them out too. Tim (who is also the moderator) works there and has made a lot of Acura customers happy with his absolutely fair-priced accessories.

On your point of these salesmen not knowing anything about the vehicle they are selling, thats not unique to your area but a national thing When I talked to a few dealers about the features and trim levels on the Pilot, I definitely knew much more than these guys. Its amazing how much little they know and are still making so much money selling a Honda.

When I get ready to buy something I typically do a fair amount of research before I start talking to any salesmen. It amazes me how little some salesmen actually know about what they're selling. For example: I called a dealer today (Dick Ide from Rochester, NY) and asked the saleman which Pilots they have in stock. I told him I'm interested in either the EX-L or the EX-RES. He told me that Honda doesn't make anything called the EX-RES and I must be referring to the iVES system. I said...."no....the iVES is the VHS tape based system that you can add as an option later...at least I know you can to an Odyssey". "I'm looking for the EX-RES that is a factory installed DVD". He tells me..."sir, we have Pilots with DVD entertainment...but Honda definetly doesn't make anything called EX-RES". At that point I just gave up and asked him what he had. UUUGGGGH!!!!! I can understand saleman not knowing all the specifics of the RES system....but c'mon...how can you sell them if you don't even know what Honda makes???? Maybe this guy should be selling Pilots in Canada. They only make EX and EX-L for Canadian customers. I just wish this experience was unique among the dealers to which I've talked. I've probably talked to 3 or 4 braindead salesmen by now.

P.S. If you're in the WNY area and want to be treated right. Go directly to John Holtz Honda. It looks like they are going to win my business over the local guys again. These guys are the biggest Honda dealership in the area...and could easily afford to be arrogant...especially with the huge demand on Odysseys, Pilots, and CR-Vs. But they are the only guys that are actually trying to do a dealer trade to get me the specific Pilot that I want. All the smaller dealers think I should just take what they have on the lot and stop being so fussy. I know what I want....and I WILL get it.

 

[WNYPilotGuy]

Ray Laks...don't do it...when you want to buy

sung to the tune of "Relax" by "Frankie goes to Hollywood"

I called Ray Laks on Friday afternoon. Talked to a salesman named Luis Shaw. Real nice guy over the phone (and in person for that matter)....told me all about the Evergreen Pearl EX-L that just got in that day and hadn't been spoken for yet. I told him I had already test drove the Pilot and was ready to buy NOW, I just wanted my wife to see the color in person. We got there an hour later and he showed us the Pilot. We were sold...and I was even excited that I should be able to pick up some options from Tim (uninstalled) and throw them into the same financing I had already arranged. BTW...I've never talked to Tim, I've just heard good things about his internet business on here. It was 6:10 on Friday afternoon, and Luis told me he couldn't take the downpayment because the business office was already closed. He told me to call first thing Sat morning to make sure it was still available. Still available? It was available at 5:00....wouldn't he know if they had sold it in the last hour. OK...whatever...I'll call Sat morning. When I did, Luis wasn't there....they said he was running late. I asked to talk to someone else because I didn't want to lose the Pilot to someone that had just walked in that morning. The lady I spoke to gets back on the phone and informs me that the Pilot I was told was available was actually presold 2 months ago. I was pissed!!!! I was quite clear that I was coming down to buy it...not look at it. Either they do a lousy job of tagging their vehicles as sold there...or they were practicing bait and switch. Either way....I don't play that game. Ray Laks is on my list of dealers to avoid. Again, this is no knock on Tim. I have no reason to believe he does these kinds of things to his customers. But I sure won't buy a vehicle from Ray Laks now.

 

[pjl56]

Re: Ray Laks...don't do it...when you want to buy

WNYPilotGuy, I feel your pain . It was clear from your other posts that you were waaaaay fired up to get your new Pilot. It'll happen, hang in there....

<snip>
Ray Laks is on my list of dealers to avoid. Again, this is no knock on Tim. I have no reason to believe he does these kinds of things to his customers. But I sure won't buy a vehicle from Ray Laks now.

 

[dntsne1]

not only Honda

I do not think it is only Honda dealers, I have run into to many stupid sales people in all aspect from cars to computers. I think these sales guy sthink you owe them something and you should not only buy from them that you should bow down to them casue they work at a Honda Dealer. BIG freaking deal I could go work at a honda dealer hell so could most of us.
This why I deal only with the GM at my dealer, he has dealt with me forever and when I came into the dealership he has introduced me to others as the Honda Guru. (he also tells them to learn info from me)
I guess not only do I LOVE all hondas but I read up on anything Honda offers so when a sales person or other person states a incorrect item I call them on it and see what they do. I am not trying to be a jerk or act liek I know it all cause I don't, but I think it is bull that these sales guys don't know anything.
Later,
Pat