Dealer smashed into a curb. What do I need to check

Worked in the service department of a large GM dealership for years. Never once, ever was anything like this ever said or even implied by anyone there. The management (both sales and service), the sales reps, the techs, the bodyshop people, the cashiers, the porters, etc....they were all just regular, hard working people like the rest of us.

 

I'm sure there's some good people that work at dealerships and these were just my experiences from 10 years ago. Most of the salesmen and GMs have since changed at the specific dealership I'm talking about.

Another thing the managers did (that i thought was shitty) was when a customer would apply for financing they would run their credit check and announce over the PA on the lot for salesman X to call extension 'xxx' ( the customers credit score)

 

im really surprised at toyo and similar dealers compared to higher end shops like mercedes. No matter what trim car you had they would always top off your oil, wash and clean your interior, and never complained for loaners. toyo is very cheap on giving out any of those handouts....

On top of that i've seen my share of mishandling other cars and my own. Find your own time to do your maintenance or a trusted shop to avoid the extra wear and tear from your dealer.

 

Not to drag this into a side topic, but respect for the customer really varies across dealerships and is a direct reflection of management. I had a 13 relationship with my local Ford service shop and it was an excellent experience. My 9 year service relationship with Mitsubishi was also great, but their attached GM shop was total crap. Same problem with the local Kia dealership where my wife would take her Optima for service. I'd still love to kick the crap out of the Kia service manager if I ever catch him off work. Oddly enough, the Hyundai shop across the highway is excellent. Honda? Well we had some issues but the owning family has removed all the bad staff and things are good for now. They also own the local Toyota dealership and I've been quite happy with their service.
The short story is that I've seen good and bad service from the same dealership. The good shops have excellent managers who do not tolerate mistreatment of customers. They understand that a service relationship is just as important as a sales purchase. They also know that bad reviews to regional management could cost them a franchise license. If you want to find a good shop, always ask for the service manager and see if he makes you feel like a valued customer. If not, look elsewhere.