So my experience is:
Audi: offered a car already on the system awaiting build week and they could change spec and colour for me no problem, advised me to stay as a MB customer as I get a great deal (although he was nice I felt it was a bit pushy as he got all the order forms ready and specs and stuff and I told him I had other vehicles booked in to test drive)
Same dealership Audi but 30 min drive away had the exact car and engine to test drive and when I told them I was a MB customer he outright refused to allow me to test drive if he ‘didn’t have my custom’ ( yes, I know i’m meant to just guess its suitable then? quite contradicting scenario) so held him to his word and he rang me day after day and left message after message, I contacted him back told him what I thought about our first phone call, that I thought about it and that I had found another vehicle and was going elsewhere.
Ford I had great experience with as I know the manager and they got me a MB vehicle within 2 weeks (unfortunately its now unsuitable) after having a faulty vehicle from VW which had No 21 – Jan 23. So my current car, has to go back and I need an Automatic.
So tried a PHEV Ford Kuga and it was awful. high revs, felt every stone on the road and loud.
Back to VW : test drive arranged as they had a car in stock, took me out no problem it was a second hand car but same engine and transmission. Took his time with me offered me drinks and he was actually from the other brand at the garage which was Skoda as he was the only MB accredited in. No problem though the Manager of the garage came down from his office introduced us and, from there I went ahead and placed my order as it was the best, quickest, kindest, non judgemental service I had received. Offered me vehicles that were cancelled MB orders but they were certain colours with extras, so I decided to order and wait. He sent me an email just so I had his email should I need to contact him and ask for updates. This is a showroom that 30 mins away and my nearest is 20 mins away next to the Audi showroom. However my prior experience at that VW showroom wasn’t good at all and was a different ‘group’ company too.
I cheekily asked what they get for the MB order and he told me £60 they get from the order and he makes his most commission on aftersales; ceramic coating etc,.
I used to work in a showroom as a receptionist so the sales pitch and sly forceful techniques don’t work on me like they do most customers, also being brought up around, cars and motorbikes and anything with an engine in means I have a little more knowledge than they expect also being a young-ish female I think this takes them aback; when they try to talk to my partner and he says I don’t know anything about cars, she does though.