Grade: A+
Despite the fact that most of us like the idea of
having a new car, most of us don't relish the idea of
buying a new car. It isn't always the payments. Oftentimes, it is the hassle, and the feeling inside of being ripped off by someone who is a better negotiator. Many of us would rather visit the dentist and have a root canal performed than buy a car from a dealer.
In 2005, I purchased a new Chevrolet Malibu from
Ed Bozarth Chevrolet, 8351 Parkway Drive in Lone Tree. While there was an Employee Pricing program in effect at the time, and while inventory was running low on 2005 models, at no time were we pressured by the sales staff to
purchase now before they're gone and we weren't steered into something that we didn't want. My wife and I test-drove the Malibu, went home, thought about it and I returned the next day to buy the car.
The financing was handled expediently and all of my options were presented. I was not pressured into purchasing an extended warranty or needless options, although they were presented to me in a professional manner and I was treated with respect for the entire transaction.
While I could sing the praises of the purchasing experience at Ed Bozarth Chevrolet and share with you more details, this isn't the focus of this review. For me, the purchasing process is not the big deal when it comes to buying a vehicle. Rather, what matters most is the post-sale service a customer receives.
With nearly every vehicle I have owned prior to the Chevrolet, I have taken the car in for routine maintenance at firms such as Jiffy Lube and Grease Monkey. After all, an oil change is an oil change -- you essentially get the same work done no matter where you go. However, when I purchased my Malibu, I was automatically enrolled in Bozarth's VIP Savings Program. You are presented with a discount card that offers $100 off any new or used vehicle purchased, 10% discount on all parts and accessories, 10% discount on body shop work and a 10% discount on service.
I decided that for my first oil change, I'd take the vehicle into Bozarth and try out the discount program. I didn't have to make an appointment, I simply drove up to the service area and there was a bay dedicated to oil changes. After a short time, the car was serviced and I was ready to drive. The price of the oil change was actually
less than what it would have cost me at Jiffy Lube or Grease Monkey.
And, new cars being what they are, sometimes you have to do more than routine maintenance. On a Saturday morning, I was reversing my vehicle out of the garage and I heard a loud rattling noise. My wife and I headed to Bozarth to see if there was something seriously wrong.
Kent Bozarth, the general manager, came out personally and spoke with us. He was pleasant and while he indicated the service department wouldn't be able to address the issue that day, it would be prioritized and taken care of by Monday morning. He then made arrangements to drive us home while our vehicle was left behind. Early that Monday, we received a call from the service department indicating that a washer needed to be lubricated, and that remedied the problem.
I also experienced, very recently, a faulty gas cap. Without an appointment, I drove my vehicle to Ed Bozarth Chevrolet and the service department looked at the problem and replaced the faulty gas cap - no questions asked. Unlike my experience at some other dealerships with prior vehicles, there was no attempt to shift blame to the customer for misuse or abuse.
I've had several experiences with Bozarth's service department since (due to routine maintenance) and I can't say enough as to how professionally and respectfully the staff treats the customer. My wife and I have decided that when it comes time to replace one of our vehicles, we will be shopping at Ed Bozarth Chevrolet first.
This is a company that knows and understands how important it is to treat customers with dignity and respect.