BIG ZERO - Apple Chevrolet Tinley Park
Before visiting Apple Chevrolet Tinley Park, I read "The Apple Chevrolet Promise" on their website. It sounds impressive, but based on my experience, it bears little to no resemblance to the way we were treated.
My significant other and I visited on Thursday, July 16 to look at one specific vehicle. We were there for over three hours, and the experience was disappointing from start to finish.
It was one of the hottest days of the year, with extremely poor air quality. During the entire three-hour visit, we were never offered something as simple as a bottle of water, actually I was told where the vending machine was. For a dealership that promises to "treat you like family," that was an odd way to begin our experience.
We were greeted by salesman Greg Stern, told him exactly which vehicle we wanted to see, and then went outside. Unfortunately, he didn't know where the vehicle was or didn't even have the keys. He initially pointed us in the wrong direction before eventually locating it. Not exactly the smooth, professional experience we expected.
We looked over the vehicle, took it for a test drive, and came back ready to purchase it. We weren't shopping for multiple vehicles--we had already decided this was the one.
During the paperwork process, we were asked for information such as employer's address, work phone number, and length of employment before any financing discussions had really taken place. It seemed excessive at that stage.
The biggest issue came when we asked about a First Responder Discount. Every dealership we've worked with in the past has recognized first responders in some way. Apple Chevrolet's answer was simply NO.
Instead, the owner's son offered four complimentary oil changes. While the gesture may sound nice, we live about 40 minutes away (roughly 19 miles one way) and have no intention of making that drive repeatedly for oil changes. We asked if, instead of the oil changes, they could simply deduct their approximate value from the purchase price.
We were told the oil changes were worth about $90 each, or roughly $360 total.
We asked if they would simply reduce the price by $360 instead.
Again, the answer was no.
Keep in mind, we never negotiated the selling price of the vehicle, which was over $51,000 (approximately $55,000 out the door). The deal fell apart by approximately $360.
I even asked, "You're willing to lose a $55,000 sale over $360?"
The answer was, "Yes."
So we left.
Three hours wasted.
Ironically, one of the promises on Apple Chevrolet's website is to "Always value and respect your time." That certainly wasn't our experience.
The following day, the salesman called and asked what it would take to make things right. By that point, the damage had already been done. The experience left such a negative impression that no small concession was going to change our minds.
This wasn't about $360. It was about customer service, flexibility, and honoring the spirit of the promises prominently displayed on the dealership's website.
If you're a FIRST RESPONDER, don't assume this dealership offers any special consideration. Ask before investing your time.
We purchased our vehicle from another dealership that not only honored a First Responder Discount but also completed the entire transaction--from start to finish--in less than two hours. At no point were we asked for unnecessary personal information before the purchase process moved forward.
The difference in professionalism, efficiency, and customer service was night and day.
Because of our experience, I can honestly say I would never consider doing business with Apple Chevrolet Tinley Park again, nor would I recommend them to family, friends, or fellow first responders.
Extremely disappointing experience...the devil himself would have been more accommodating. read more
