Over the years I have bought a few new cars and lots of used one. Never has it been such an enjoyable experience as here. I just bought a Toyota. THe girl was helpful and not pushy and quickly told me her best offer which compared well with others and with the normal range of additions.
I left telling her I would make up my mind and let her know. A few hours later I returned but she was out. A quick phone call and she returned with her girlfriend and despite having had other plans happily took me to the bank to get the deposit and a bank cheque. THey then invited me to have some lunch with them and after a very pleasant hour or so eating refused my offer to pay.
That was yesterday afternoon. This morning the pickup was ready and she carefully went through all the cars features, showed me through the handbook and told me she had orderdered an English one and then took me to the service station and put in 500 baht of petrol which I understand she paid for out of her commission and again refused my offer to pay.
When asked she told me that this month she had so far only sold one car although her normal quota was about 6 a month and seemed well aware of the problems Thailand was having.

So I had an enjoyable couple of days buying the car without all the usual hassles and pressures of buying a car in Australia.

And people wonder why I love living in Thailand.

I had a similar experience buying my Vigo. They were extremely patient, and even drove the wife back (greater than 50 km) in a company car to get some papers she left behind.

So far after service care has been fine also, wonder if there's some sort of 'Christmas' when I can buy the seller a bottle of proper whiskey....

dave_boo

I see you are from Nakhon Sawan, I am thinking of buying a Vigo this year, did you go to one of the Toyota dealers in NS ?

Thanks, Jeff

Yes I did. The dealership on the way up towards Kamphaeng Phet.

Thanks dave_boo, I have been to that dealer about a year ago, but I also saw one heading out of town toward Phitsanalouk. I'll try the one on the way to Kampheng Phet when I get back to NS this summer.

The Toyota dealer in Udon Thani is the complete opposite.

"Here's what we have. Take it or leave it."

But I want leather seats.

"We don't have any."

How about Nong Khai or Khon Kaen?

"Listen pal, we don't work for NK or KK. If you want to know what they have, hop on your moto and drive down and check ..."


Even as I was about to drive away, the deal was almost broken when I looked at the gas gauge. Empty. WTF kind of shithole dealer sells you a 800K car and won't top the tank off? Petty, clueless rookies.

Maybe I'll drive to CM to buy my next car.



This post has been edited by Texpat: 2009-05-23 06:10:32

Well, they do only give you a 500 THB credit to put your own diesel in. As long as I have enough fuel in the tank to get to a Shell station, I'm good.

It's my understanding that these dealerships work on the tightest of margins, or that's the image they want to project. Add in the fact that fuel=money they lose, and it's understandable they're stingy with it.

But totally agree with you about the preceived lack of competence amongst most Thai dealerships. I've rode into one Honda motorycle dealership, left my CBR by the door to go in and try and find out where I can purchase an air gauge, and come out to find the little monkey had filled up my tires to ~50 psi! Been into others though, the Toyota dealership included that seemed to know what they were doing. Therefore anytime I get good service I always make sure that they get rewarded by telling others (and hopefully directing business to them).

Which Toyota dealer was that?

/ Priceless

I have to buy a Toyota soon in Chiang Mai. I am interested in the name of the dealership , too.

It also may have something to do with the customer..

TEXPAT. At least they spoke very good English.. must be from watching all those Hollywood films

I can recommend the TOYOTA dealer at the Airport plaza corner in Chiang Mai. High professional staff and equipment, always friendly and on time. All old parts (brake pads, filters ...) properly packed and kept in the trunk after a change.
Never had any reason at all to complain about anything. for them!

Went to them and got the cold shoulder and the kinda attitude that Texpat describes.
Went to Nakornping and bought from them.
Excellent service and some of the best looking ladies I have ever seen in all of the Realm.