Duke Automotive

Reviews 3

AN

Anthony Bower

My Sales Consultant is Mr. Steve Fowler. I first met him while I was on a walk-around on the DUKE parking lot and he told me to take my time and that he will be available for questions at anytime and also offered to access me to get inside, or drive one if I wished. He was knowledgeable of the 2500HD Trucks and EXTREMELY approachable and professional. Im 52 yrs old and he is the type of sales person that "I" feel comfortable with - NOT pushy, anxious, or annoying in any way. I had already been to seven other dealers (Dodge, Chevy, and Ford) in the Hampton Roads region. I liked the GMC Sierra Diesel and told Steve F. what my budget bottom line was. He helped me to find what would ultimately be my choice to purchase - but I wanted to ensure I wasnt making any mistakes, so I left to review consumer reports and make any other final looks at other trucks. The next day I returned with my wife and he accommodated us for a test-drive of the truck - then answered another hours-worth of our questions and I told him Im still looking at ALL other trucks in the region (He respected that and said hed be in-touch in a couple days). He contacted me via phone 2-days later and gave me a price for the GMC Truck that I test drove (first time thats happened for me without a 2-hour brow beating from sales managers). I came back to Duke Chev. again after seeing easily over 100 vehicles through the other dealers and for the first time, let my Trade-in be Estimated. Then Steve F. did what I have never experienced in my 11 previous new car purchases... he took my price request to Ely Duke and Bruce Blythe, and they BETTERED my request by $1,700. They could have easily held up their price to my quoted bottom line, but they actually (as a team) bettered my bottom line, AND THEN when I told them my financing would be 1.99%, through my Credit Union, they found a financier at an even better rate of 1.49%. Even if it werent for the price, I give Team (Duke) A++ for friendliness, general courtesy, and respect to their "potential" client to shop the market - and return if they so decide. Steve Fowler possesses the Sales Consultant skill that I personally require to conduct business when spending over 50K on a diesel truck. There are so many choices out there and I feel that I got the best truck through the best salesman on the best team. I walked away after signing feeling GREAT, and not mentally beaten-up as in so many new vehicle purchases before. Compelled to write this through complete satisfaction - Anthony D. Bower

JA

Janet McKinney

Highly disappointed. I had a coupon for 15% A/C check. I had scheduled my appointment on-line, but wasnt sure I had done it correctly because "A/C" isnt a choice that is available when making the on-line appointment as to why you need service. When I walked into the service area, I wasnt really greeted by anyone. I felt as if they expected where to go, who to talk to. But, I had never been to this dealership before. When I did check-in, my first impression was that I had not selected the correct service that I needed when making the appointment online. (I had made the appointment online because it was after hours when I found I needed the vehicle serviced, and the online convenience meant I didnt forget.) When I told them why I selected what I did, then they told me I had chosen the correct service. I was asked if I needed an oil change. And I did, but if I had known the cost would be almost double that of any other shop, I would have declined. (I usually pay no more than $50 for an oil change, using synthetic oil. This time I paid $60.) There is no posting of the cost of services, that includes the diagnostic I originally scheduled. I was told the diagnostic would be "about" $110 after the 15% coupon I had. But, I was not told how much the diagnostic cost without the coupon. After the diagnostic I was advised that the A/C needed repair, the parts were about $400 but the labor is 5.9 hours, making the repairs almost $1200. Apparently "I cant afford that right now" is not the answer the customer service (CSR) expected. She seemed shocked that I wasnt going to have the repairs completed. I wanted more information about what was wrong with the A/C and had to specifically ask to speak with the mechanic who had actually looked at the car. The mechanic was not the person telling what me what was wrong with my car, the CSR was. Ive been driving for more than 30 years and this is the first time I havent been told by the mechanic directly what the problem was and what needed to be repaired. When she got the mechanic to explain to me, all he did was tell me what parts needed to be replaced, no explanation as to why, and then defended the labor charge. Essentially, I had a $170 oil change. There was no reflection on my invoice as to the 15% discount. I guess I just have to take it on faith that I received that discount because the actual cost to run the diagnostic is not published anywhere. And then there is no "15% discount/coupon" on the final invoice.

AL

Alyssa Smith

I had been to many other dealerships in Hampton Roads. Some didnt even listen to what I wanted and others werent very friendly. Frankly, I was frustrated and almost tired of shopping. I stopped at this dealership after work with my dad thinking they were closed just to look at some cars. I had no idea what I wanted. I had a pre-approved check in my purse ready to buy something. We started walking around and to our surprise Thomas came out to greet us. He was friendly and pleasant right off the bat! I told him I was looking for an automatic with four doors and my budget. He showed me some cars within my budget. I wasnt a fan. Then he showed me around the dealership a little more. He was very personable and easy going which made it nice to talk to. We found a few cars I liked, but they were a little more than I originally planned on spending. I wasnt completely ready to say yes yet. I left for the night to think things over. The next day I had one of the cars Thomas showed me stuck in my head, so I did a little research because it was a newer model I didnt know much about. Coincidentally, Thomas ended up calling me with a sale price on the car and invited me in to take a test drive. When I came in for the test drive, he was again just as nice as could be. No surprise, I loved the car! Then we went in to do some paperwork. They took all my information and started the buying process. He made it easy and simple for me. I went to my bank to change financing plans, meanwhile Ricky had my previous pay stubs trying to find me the best interest rate he could. He actually found me a better rate than my own bank gave me! I talked to Thomas and Ricky a bunch for a few days. They were great to work with since my hours were limited because I worked late. It was nice not to be rushed. I did my final paperwork with Eley. He was extremely polite! It was quick and easy to finish everything and get to take home my new car. Thomas made sure I knew everything about my new car and answered all my questions. He even got the license plates I wanted and a price on a roof rack I wanted for later. They were a very accommodating team! It was nice to work with very nice and down to earth people! I would recommend them to anyone I knew looking to buy a vehicle.