Radley Chevrolet in Fredericksburg Va scores and "F" in quality!

[edog]

OK, here is my rant!

I go in to order my car back in October 2008. I am their first order. I get hit with a 2500 markup. I keep looking and find a different dealer (Luck Chevrolet in Ashland Va) who is ordering and selling the car at MSRP. I call Radley, they took less than 1 minute to call back and tell me to come pick up my deposit. I did, and water under the bridge.
They are 5 minutes away from my home, so I start taking in to them for service instead of driving 50 minutes to my dealer. I take it to them for my ambient lighting and a clunking noise from the front when I back up on a slope or turn the wheel from a stand still. The lights on the two panels do not match. They replace the light because the service manager was not listening. Afterwords the same issue. They say "sorry, you are just being to picky". We are not going to fix it. If GM denies the claim they will be out the money. I call GM and they call my original dealer and want me to take it back there. Radley also told me they told me they did not heae any noise in the front. So I say, "it will break, and I will be back then".
I choose not to take it back to Radley Chevrolet in Fredericksburg Va. There service department is too big to take care of people properly. They just do not listen. So, I need an oil change now. I call my dealer (luck Chevrolet in Ashland VA) and schedule for maintenance. I bring WKDFIRE in and drop it off. I inform them of the issues I have been having and they state they will check it for me.
Here is the big difference in service. Luck Chevrolet asked me questions to determine root cause. They asked me to come back to the bay to make sure the issue was what they thought it was, and they ordered the parts to fix it when they could not see any reason why it was not right. The clunking noise has a PI from GM, so they ordered two struts, and will install them when they arrive. The ambient lighting was not acceptable to them, and after verifying the issue and checking the light tube for proper seating they determined it must be the panels. They ordered them as well and will install them as well.
Radley gets an "F" for there dealership from start to finish in my book. I was talking to a person in the parking lot three days ago. I came out of Bloom and a guy with two kids were circling WKDFIRE like buzzards checking it out. I remote started it, and you just saw the grin go across his face and the kids just said "whoa"! He was talking to me saying he was looking into purchasing one. He just went to Radley Chevrolet in Fredericksburg VA and they would not let him test drive it. They told him they just do not let people test drive the Camaros and Corvettes. They told him if he wanted to order one he could get MSRP pricing, but if he wanted to buy the one on the lot with 800 miles on it he would need to pay 2500 markup.
The guy was disgusted with them and reserved to the fact it was not time to buy a Camaro. He would stick to his trucks he is accustomed to. I informed him about Camaro5 and CamaroScotty. I also informed him about Jim Hogge at Luck Chevrolet. I told him Radley Chevrolet in Fredericksburg Va is a poor dealership in all aspects, and by shifting where he shops he should have a renewed faith in GM. I let him check out the car and I went home.

I just do not understand why some dealerships will see a problem and not fix it. I had a discussion with Karen Radley herself. I guess it is how she wants the dealership to run. I know it is successful, but at the cost to it's customers. Radley Chevrolet in Fredericksburg Va is in it for the money only, and the customer service is very lacking. Good luck and good riddance. I will not be going back unless my car is required to be towed there due to it being the closest spot from where it dies!

[tradosaurus]

Service is one of the reasons why I would rather buy local, if possible, then pay less out of state.

There are some great dealers on this website offering below MSRP but they won't be the one's servicing my vehicle.

[Frank in MD]

That's not right. On behalf of local dealers and GM, please let me be the first to apologize to you for the treatment that you received. I don't expect you to travel to MD for service, but I can assure you that there are dealers out there who care, and focus on customer service.

I'm glad that Luck is doing a great job for you.

[Coop]

Where can I get information on the front end clunking noise?

[RAdams]

I hate hearing stories like this. I've never had anything but incredible customer service from GM. I bought my almost new 99 Firebird from a Mercedes dealer and would take it to whichever GM dealer was the closest without any hassle. One night after detailing, the handle for the T-Top fell off and I took it to the late night Chevy service center. He knew exactly how to fix it and didn't even bother with paperwork since it only took about 5 minutes. Ditto for my Monte Carlo & Regals - whichever GM branch was closest always took care of my GM vehicle.

[benjaminkeith]

I agree with your assessment of Radley 100%.

I have stories about them, but I don't really have the time to type novels.

To anyone in the area of Fredericksburg, VA, AVOID Radley and their CRAPPY service department.

Thank GOD I'm moving to North Carolina tomorrow!

[edog]

Originally Posted by Coop

Where can I get information on the front end clunking noise?

I have not been able to find it yet. My dealer informed me there is a PI on the clunking noise. If you are having the issue I would take it to your dealer and let them know about it. Inform them there is a PI, and they will find it.

[edog]

Originally Posted by benjaminkeith

I agree with your assessment of Radley 100%.

I have stories about them, but I don't really have the time to type novels.

To anyone in the area of Fredericksburg, VA, AVOID Radley and their CRAPPY service department.

Thank GOD I'm moving to North Carolina tomorrow!

WOW, I hope you have a good move. I am sure you will enjoy NC. It is a beatiful state. You can drive your Camaro more also due to the mild winters.

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

I don't know why some dealers are dicks about warranty work and others are just great.
I had a 1987 Cougar XR7 and I was going down the highway and had my sunroof not open, but in the up position in the rear. I hear this funny sound, look up and the sunroof was gone. Smashed all over the highway. Took it to the dealer where I bought it and said I must have done something to it for that to happen. WTF?? Went to another Mercury dealer, they replaced it under warranty without any problem.

[NoUCantDriveIt]

Originally Posted by Coop

Where can I get information on the front end clunking noise?

Do you have that clunking on your front end?

[Dboy23]

I'm gonna say I'm just as picky as you when it comes to my car and I've been servicing my car at Buff Whelan (my dad's friend is the service manager). Let me say they have perfect customer service, very helpful and nice people and deal with every single one of my little tiny complaints and handle it in a timely manner. Not once has my car stayed there overnight, and at one point I didn't have a ride to pick it up and all their drivers were out and one of the guys came and picked me up on his break. After the last problem I had with my car was fixed I bought everyone there lunch to show my appreciation.

Rick (the service manager) was joking about me with how picky I am and said they don't mind doing it because they get their money from GM and they're top priority is to make sure everyone's happy which is great. I didn't even buy my car from them but I recommended them to my aunt and she went and bought a new Malibu from them shortly after.

[Dboy23]

Originally Posted by NoUCantDriveIt

Do you have that clunking on your front end?

I had that noise in my rear, it was a spacer and a lug for the rear axle, they just released the fix for it maybe a month ago.

[RoyalKev]

Ive had that clunking nose to when I back up into a parking spot, scared the heck out of my one time thought I side swipped the car next to me.

[edog]

I know your stomach was turning until you got out and looked.

[Flaminbird]

Let's have our December Rally at Radley :p

[thesnoopster]

Originally Posted by Flaminbird

Let's have our December Rally at Radley :p

That should be interesting...hell edog might do donuts in the parking lot just to piss them off hahaha

[Inferno Orange 2SS-RS]

Originally Posted by thesnoopster

That should be interesting...hell edog might do donuts in the parking lot just to piss them off hahaha

Sounds like a plan lets do it.

[edog]

Ive lost the desire to do anything for their dealership. Maybe at the ford dealership next door. That would send a. Message.

[thesnoopster]

Ohhh donuts at a ford dealership....IM GAME LMAO

[RoyalKev]

Originally Posted by edog

I know your stomach was turning until you got out and looked.

Hell I just about did number 2 in my pants haha, Lets raid a ford dealership lol

[volboy23]

Sucks to hear Edog. They were the first place I went and saw a camaro and could get in to it, but then got the markup speach and decided I would look elsewhere.

It surprises me that dealers would be schmucks when it comes to service, that is where they will make money in the long run anyways. Selling the car only gets them a fraction of what they can make servicing a car over the long run. Even if you are running the shop just for profit, it doesn't make good business sense.

Glad to hear Luck took care of you.

[BluGoose2]

Edog, I just picked-up my Goose2 this month from Radley. I'm from the Triangle area and their five time worse than Radley, that's why I ended up there. Of course I have not had any servicing problems so far but I will keep my eye's and ear's open.

I agree, if we do not keep the bad dealership on the radar no one will. Stay alert, stay alive.

[edog]

Maybe since you bought there they will treat you better. I hope you only paid MSRP.

[NYG71]

Originally Posted by edog

OK, here is my rant!

I go in to order my car back in October 2008. I am their first order. I get hit with a 2500 markup. I keep looking and find a different dealer (Luck Chevrolet in Ashland Va) who is ordering and selling the car at MSRP. I call Radley, they took less than 1 minute to call back and tell me to come pick up my deposit. I did, and water under the bridge.
They are 5 minutes away from my home, so I start taking in to them for service instead of driving 50 minutes to my dealer. I take it to them for my ambient lighting and a clunking noise from the front when I back up on a slope or turn the wheel from a stand still. The lights on the two panels do not match. They replace the light because the service manager was not listening. Afterwords the same issue. They say "sorry, you are just being to picky". We are not going to fix it. If GM denies the claim they will be out the money. I call GM and they call my original dealer and want me to take it back there. Radley also told me they told me they did not heae any noise in the front. So I say, "it will break, and I will be back then".
I choose not to take it back to Radley Chevrolet in Fredericksburg Va. There service department is too big to take care of people properly. They just do not listen. So, I need an oil change now. I call my dealer (luck Chevrolet in Ashland VA) and schedule for maintenance. I bring WKDFIRE in and drop it off. I inform them of the issues I have been having and they state they will check it for me.
Here is the big difference in service. Luck Chevrolet asked me questions to determine root cause. They asked me to come back to the bay to make sure the issue was what they thought it was, and they ordered the parts to fix it when they could not see any reason why it was not right. The clunking noise has a PI from GM, so they ordered two struts, and will install them when they arrive. The ambient lighting was not acceptable to them, and after verifying the issue and checking the light tube for proper seating they determined it must be the panels. They ordered them as well and will install them as well.
Radley gets an "F" for there dealership from start to finish in my book. I was talking to a person in the parking lot three days ago. I came out of Bloom and a guy with two kids were circling WKDFIRE like buzzards checking it out. I remote started it, and you just saw the grin go across his face and the kids just said "whoa"! He was talking to me saying he was looking into purchasing one. He just went to Radley Chevrolet in Fredericksburg VA and they would not let him test drive it. They told him they just do not let people test drive the Camaros and Corvettes. They told him if he wanted to order one he could get MSRP pricing, but if he wanted to buy the one on the lot with 800 miles on it he would need to pay 2500 markup.
The guy was disgusted with them and reserved to the fact it was not time to buy a Camaro. He would stick to his trucks he is accustomed to. I informed him about Camaro5 and CamaroScotty. I also informed him about Jim Hogge at Luck Chevrolet. I told him Radley Chevrolet in Fredericksburg Va is a poor dealership in all aspects, and by shifting where he shops he should have a renewed faith in GM. I let him check out the car and I went home.

I just do not understand why some dealerships will see a problem and not fix it. I had a discussion with Karen Radley herself. I guess it is how she wants the dealership to run. I know it is successful, but at the cost to it's customers. Radley Chevrolet in Fredericksburg Va is in it for the money only, and the customer service is very lacking. Good luck and good riddance. I will not be going back unless my car is required to be towed there due to it being the closest spot from where it dies!

Things like this erks me. A similar situation happened to me at Jerry Chevrolet in Leesburg. I brought my car in to fix the issue with the radio firmware/software upgrade since my iPhone wasn't being detected as I attach it to the usb port. Anyways, Camaro5 member Lectra70 took her same issue to Pohanka Chevy and they fixed it. So I informed Jerry's Chevy of the fix and they said "Go to Pohanka since they fixed it before." Whoa???

I'd be better off had I brought a 10+ yrs old car so that they can overhaul the drum-braking system.

At least they could have told me the truth and that it wasn't in their best interest to file a service report and to get off their fat ass to research what Pohanka Chevy figured out.

Wow. Thanks man. That's why your dealership is closing, short-timer!

It's annoying as hell that people like that give the GM product a bad name. THIS is why people buy imports. If you have individuals that have that attitude building, selling, and servicing your car, then the product will suffer image wise. I mean look at BMW, I am sure everyone knows that they fly their customers to Germany to pick up their car.

Needless to say I just walked out and didn't look back. I will say this, if I see the same individuals at another establishment I will give them a bad review. I'll walk out again.

[SS_in_Black]

Originally Posted by NYG71

Things like this erks me. A similar situation happened to me at Jerry Chevrolet in Leesburg. I brought my car in to fix the issue with the radio firmware/software upgrade since my iPhone wasn't being detected as I attach it to the usb port. Anyways, Camaro5 member Lectra70 took her same issue to Pohanka Chevy and they fixed it. So I informed Jerry's Chevy of the fix and they said "Go to Pohanka since they fixed it before." Whoa???

I'd be better off had I brought a 10+ yrs old car so that they can overhaul the drum-braking system.

At least they could have told me the truth and that it wasn't in their best interest to file a service report and to get off their fat ass to research what Pohanka Chevy figured out.

Wow. Thanks man. That's why your dealership is closing, short-timer!

It's annoying as hell that people like that give the GM product a bad name. THIS is why people buy imports. If you have individuals that have that attitude building, selling, and servicing your car, then the product will suffer image wise. I mean look at BMW, I am sure everyone knows that they fly their customers to Germany to pick up their car.

Needless to say I just walked out and didn't look back. I will say this, if I see the same individuals at another establishment I will give them a bad review. I'll walk out again.

This is a reason why SOME GM dealerships will not be in business as time goes on. The first cut of dealerships was for sales volume. There's a second wave gonna hit at some point for dealerships that can't deliver the postive customer service stats. Go to any reputable dealer that cares about service and they will go way above your expectation to receive a positive feedback on their service surveys GM sends out. It's coming folks... just a matter of time. I had a TPM service indicator on mine. I go to the service counter and the service writer says it will be about an hour until a mechanic can look at it as most of them were at lunch. The Service Manager comes out of his office, says he'll take a look at it and at least get a diagnostic going. Ten minutes later it's fixed. Pressure sensors needed reset. Now it was an easy fix with the electronic sensor reset box (which is wireless!!) but he took the point on it. Where else do you get that? BTW my dealership is Dominion Chevrolet in Richmond. You want good service... give them a try.