Cleveland Infiniti Issues

[xugo1kpr]

Anyone buy from the Cleveland area/Bedford Infiniti? I am VERY UNHAPPY with Bedford Infiniti - if I ever buy another Infiniti, which I no doubt will because I love the car, I will drive hours to avoid this dealership. Just wondering if anyone has had any problems - big or small. I've owned this car for just over a week and would return it if another Infiniti dealership was close enough to justify it. I just paid $40K+ for a car and they treat me as if I bought a used Nova.

Still the love the car ... duh!!!

[RedG37SNC]

You'll have to share your story, what exactly did they do?

I did most of my test driving at our Charlotte dealer, however they just weren't very helpful with finding an Athen's Blue G for me to look at when I was deciding on color, had to find it myself. The sales lady introduced me to the manager and he spent more time trying to talk me out of the color then looking for one, he said they called it no sale blue..lol. After returning home I found it myself in about 10m of web searching in Greensboro. When I settled on the color Red and specs I found the car again myself using the web 120 miles away in SC. The Charlotte sales lady and then manager called me to check on how I was doing with my color decision while I was in-route to pick it up in SC and man was he pissed. He tried to give me all kinds of reason why not to buy it out of state, the perks I would be giving up ect..(no wed nail pedicure for one..lol) kind of blew my high which pissed me off. He even mentioned he wouldn't have to give me a loner for minor maintenance. I mentioned this to the dealer in SC and he said that's BS the service department will be glad to see you. He kept saying I don't know what we did to piss you off and I kept saying, nothing your staff was great, you just didn't have the spec in stock I was looking for and I found it myself, just like I did the AB I wanted to look at. Either way I won't be going back to my Charlotte dealer thanks to that call. Noted so on my Infiniti Survey as well.

[G35autocrosser]

Oh ya!!!

I pre-ordered my G37 6MT months in advance, or at least tried to, from Cleveland/Bedford dealership. they were awful, treating me the same way, including lying to me that I had to put $1000 down and that if I changed my mind about the car or color I would lose the deposit. That's illegal! when I complained about these tactics I didn't get any response from the manager.

I then called Pittsburgh and Akron dealerships and they worked with me some, but it was a pain and then ended up not having the right car for me. so i changed sales reps in cleveland dealership - made them beat the other dealerships offer (originally they wouldn't move at all), and moved on. I gave them terrible reviews in the survey after they specifically asked me multiple times to "give them 100%." i have also tried to share my story as much as possible. after puchase, their support on questions like winter mats, winter tires, accessories, has been horrible. I don't call them for anything anymore, including routine maintenance.

i will try to avoid them as well in the future. P.S. who was your sales rep(s)?

[xugo1kpr]

Wow, that sounds like a horrible experience. I hope ours does not continue on the downward spiral. However, where is the Infiniti dealership in Akron? This is news to us and we would love to hear more.

Bedford also told us that "Infiniti does not make winter mats for the 2008 G37". Is this true? did you have any success purchasing winter mats through other dealerships?

[xugo1kpr]

Well, I've had the car just over a week - so my story is limited (so far), but I can't say I am optimistic about the future. First, we show up after making an appointment (which no one days these days, but we were serious and wanted to be taken seriously), we meet the guy we had an appt. with and he immediately pawns us off onto some lower-level guy. Ok, no big deal, I'll let it go. I made it clear I was interested in Infiniti but have never owned one before, thinking just maybe he'd go through some of the basics with me (which would have given me the opportunity to show off the research I had done and ask good questions). Anyway, I mentioned that the G37 my first interest - he gave me the keys and, without even talking about anything about the car or showing me how to turn the dumb thing on (it is manual - so I was new to the push button idea), he pretty much forced me onto the road. He wouldn't come with me and, after I made it perfectly clear that I had no clue where I was going and barely could point out where I was on a map, he gave me bogus directions. While I was lost (in a horrible snow storm in a 330 hp car with summer rubber btw...idiots), I called him. Without an apology, he gave me directions back to the main road, which were also bogus. I was beyond pissed. I finally make my way back to the dealership over an HOUR later and he is gone - on a test drive with someone else. I was furious, left and went to Mercedes. After almost buying a Mercedes, I realized the G37 was my love and decided to use the poor service to my negotiating advantage. We did get a good deal, granted, but the problems just began. I immediately ordered the Blizzaks and rolled the price into the sale price. When I go to pick them up from service, they try and charge me another $1100 and only took it off after a huge fight - they claimed "miscommunication". Then they tell me they won't store my summer tires for me, after promising they would. Ok, really - why in the heck would I buy tires from a dealership an HOUR away from my home and pay more for them than I could on my own if they didn't promise to store them. Uh...duh! I made the sales appt. over 10 days in advance and when I show up for the work (a whole hour it would take to swap the tires), they tell me they have to have it all day because of 2 emergencies that will come first. Excuse me? Did I mention that I had to drive an hour to get there? I finally pick up my car and they can't even fix another tech. issue I am having with the iPod saying that it is my device and they don't know what to tell me. I just paid $40K for a car and NO SERVICE. Believe me, I am telling everyone that I can that I love the car - hate the dealership. But, they are the only one around. I guess they think they can get away with it. Sorry for the epic....but this is only the forward, I fear.

I don't think they really thought a 26 year old woman in a 96 Mustang GT was truly and legitimately interested in an Infiniti. Who knows. I was passed off as unimportant.

[Liam]

I couldn't cut a deal on a G37 with the local dealership - jumped on the internet - found what I wanted - drove 4 hours - bought the car and drove home. The car is great and the internet is wonderful.

[mranderson]

Bedford also told us that "Infiniti does not make winter mats for the 2008 G37". Is this true? did you have any success purchasing winter mats through other dealerships?

Not true:

Here is the Inifiniti Mfr Part number for the all season mats:999E1-JT001BK.... the last two letters (BK) indicate the color.

[TESLAASTRO]

sounds like a Cleveland steamer

[TESLAASTRO]

you got the right idea.....car salespeople, even with a premium brand like Infiniti, are here today, gone later today...many are unprofessional job hoppers who are looking out for themselves only with no regard for you, or for that matter building a career with that dealership.......my advice is to deal directly with an Internet Mgr, which any forward thinking dealership has,know EXACTLY what you want, how much you want to spend et al.....stick to your guns.....if the Internet Mgr cant accommodate you, on to the next dealer.....no reason to step into the dealership except to sign ppwk and take delivery....everything else can be negotiated through phone and Internet.....being in a dealership at the mercy of a salesperson without you first doing research is like being in a casino - the house always has the advantage.....knowledge is power....the auto business's worst nightmare is the Internet....

[RedG37SNC]

That's good advice, finding and negotiating via the internet/phone is definately the way to go. I dealt with 3 different internet sales folks across two states and got better initial deals then I did with the local dealer I went to visit primarily to just see and test the car for the first time. It's also good to make them aware you are aware of other infinti dealers in the area and I'd mention having already contacted them for intinial information or quotes. Remind them there's competition involved, even if your settled on an infinti brand car. You'll notice a noticable difference in their negotiations moving forward and if you're face to face as I was a comforting hesitation and pause..lol.

How many of you were introduced to the Sales Manager at the conclusion of your initial visit, assuming you did not buy the car on the first visit. It was a process they had to follow. Not only that but I got a call 2 days later from a Infiniti representative wanting to verify that I met a manager. I'm betting this is unique to my local dealer and their way of trying to convince me they have good service. I didn't experience this at the dealer in SC.

Man xugo1kpr if that sales person did that to me I would have been done with him and asked for the manager. If he tried to pawn me off on someone else I would threaten leaving stating I've already tried one of your sales folks and he's apparentlly too busy which is inexcusable considering I made an appointment weeks in advance, so it's either you or I'm out of here, my turn to be the pain. If his tune didn't immediately change to that of an eager sales person wiling to assist, your best bet is to leave... imagine how they'll be after they have your money. I'm surprised to see they let you take the car alone, they must be short staffed and under managed.

Once you sign your name the gloves come off and the buffet is taken away, you get to keep the dirnk though. I'm not surprised about the tire misscomunication. I hold of signing until all the work is done.. they probably would have asked for some deposit I'm sure ... I'd pay no more then it would take to swap tires. If it's rediculous remember they are not the only Infiniti dealer, there's usually a good distance between the alt, but they foolishly exersize themselves like it's lightyears away only to be shocked when you start to leave. You'll get a infiniti survey.. write your epic there.
Modified by RedG37SNC at 11:01 PM 1/1/2008

[xugo1kpr]

Thank you all for your insight. I am just an "in person" kind of person - I prefer paper banking and don't like relying on the Internet (even though I'm 26.....geez, I feel old all of a sudden). And believe me, we balked at the manager and once we did that, things fell into place. But, my point is that I shouldn't have to and Mercedes treated us like gold (granted, they were trying to sell a car, but at least they were professional about it and put us first). But you are all right. I didn't get a survey, but trust me, I'll find one.

Got to put the Blizzaks to the test though this morning, so in the end, I'm glad to finally have them.

[Kendahl]

Car dealers are often their own worst enemies. I cannot understand how some of them survive, especially when there is a competing dealer nearby.

The local Infiniti dealer was OK. On my first visit, the salesman went with me on a test drive of a low mileage, 2004 G35 coupe. When my wife and I came back to try a G37, they sent us out by ourselves. They would not budge off MSRP and wanted a substantial deposit (fully refundable) when I ordered my G37. The car showed up after a reasonable wait, exactly as ordered, at the agreed upon price and perfectly prepped. The salesman spent an hour showing us how everything worked and encouraged us to call if we had more questions. The paperwork guy tried to sell us a couple of thousand dollars worth of clear bra, interior and exterior protection, extended warranty and maintenance contract. I passed on all of it, but got the clear bra and protection from an independent detail shop at a quarter of the dealer's price. On the whole, I would rate the dealer as adequate and would not hesitate to buy there again.

I looked at some other cars besides Infiniti. Treatment varied from one dealer to another.

BMW. Limited inventory of used cars with manual transmissions and no new ones with manual. Asked about new 328 coupe or 2004 330 coupe, both manual. Closest they could come for a test drive was a 2003 all wheel drive 325 sedan. Salesman OK but not particularly enthusiastic. Called me a few weeks later about a used M3 with SMG transmission. (Should have driven it, just for fun.)

Audi. Had to wait 10 minutes for a salesman who reluctantly agreed to a test drive of a new TT. Manual transmission cars special order only. Salesman couldn't understand why anyone would want a manual. Dealer has well known poor reputation.

Lexus. Good salesman, competitive prices. Test drove 2000 BMW 328 coupe and 2005 G35 coupe. Both front wheels on G35 showed damage due to scraping on the pavement (not curb damage). Dealer agreed to refinish them before sale. Why didn't they find this before a customer did?

Porsche. Tried two different Cayman models and a used 911. Best salesman of the lot. Very open and honest. Was disappointed in the cars (wonderful sports cars, but too rough and noisy for me), but sorry I couldn't buy anything from the guy.

In hindsight, it would have been a good idea to test drive more cars. Finding a better selection would have required a trip to a larger market such as Chicago, 500 miles away.

[CMRides]

New to the site, but after reading this thread I felt compelled to join. I also have had similar experiences with Bedford Infiniti. Back in November I tried to buy a car from them, but they made it virtually impossible. The only thing they were interested in was selling what they had on the lot, and I might of done business with them, if they had what I was looking for.

From the sounds of it I am glad I didnt! Getting service from them will be another hurdle. I was in there earlier today and ran into a group of angry customers, mad at the fact that they could not find anyone to help them. I was merely there looking for the parts department. (Which I found out is shared with Mercedes ) I was also trying to purchase winter mats for mine and was also told they didnt exist yet. However I sware I recall seeing the mats on the Infiniti website, Go Figure!!

As far as how I actually got my car: I went out of state as well. I was in Atlanta for the holidays and went by the local dealer on Christmas eve. It just so happened the exact car I was looking for had just come off the truck the day prior. After speaking with a really friendly sales staff and agreeing on a price below MSRP. I did the deal!!

I canceled my return flight and eventually made the drive back. Fortunately I returned in between storms. Summer tires in snow, just sound like a bad idea.

I have to say though it was best 700+ miles of my life, and I absolutely love the car!

BTW: I test drove the Audi S5. Fantastic sounding exhaust, but you need deep pockets to buy one of those.

[xugo1kpr]

I am sorry for the late reply, but thanks for the thoughts! Actually, I was in Atlanta over Thanksgiving and would have bought one there, but I didn't feel like I had done the research yet. I love Atlanta - it turned me on to Infiniti since there are only about 5 Infinitis in NE Ohio (5 G drivers, anyway. Still yet to see another 37 biggrin ). It turned out that Bedford had the exact one on the lot that I wanted and being the end of the year, I was able to get a deal well below MSRP. If it wasn't for the $$, I would have never given them the business and never will again. Ironically, just this weekend I got the "welcome to Bedford Infiniti, we love you, we will treat you right, leave your husband for us" kind of message. HA! WHATEVER!

GO BUCKS (this time, really ...)!! OH -- IO!!

[G_whizz]

WOW!! Someone should contact the owner/head manager there and send them this link. If I owned this place and this is what people were saying about it... I'd make sure heads would role!!

Having this posted on the largest Infiniti/Nissan site on the web can't be good for business!

[xugo1kpr]

I completely agree - but here is the mother of all questions - how do I get them to take me seriously? I want to spend my money there (and obviously a lot of it .. hey be stupid while you're young and get it out of your system, right?). I am a 26 year old female and feel that this is why they treat me the way that they do.

What do I need to do to get them ON MY SIDE?? Or, is it a lost cause?

[jabain]

Xugo, I was treated pretty poorly by a BMW dealership, so I turned around the next day and bought the G37. But I also sent them an email that night explaining my position in a firm but respectful way. I am also 26, and you have to use that to your advantage. Just say, look, Im probably gonna buy a lot of cars in my life, they will all be nice and expensive...and guess what, all of my friends will be doing the same. Friends talk, so shape up, or you will miss out on hundreds of thousands in sales between me and my friends. BMW took it very very seriously, calling, writing, emailing in response. Be respectful and dont burn any bridges, but throw the hammer down.

[BONASABOB]

I LIVE IN HARTVILLE SO FOR ME IT'S THAT SAME CLEVELAND AREA DEALERSHIP. I'M GOING TO ORDER A G37 NEXT WEEK FROM THEM(IF THEY ARE REASONABLE ABOUT PRICE) I CONTACTED THEM SPRING'07 VIA INTERNET BUT THERE WERE NO G35'S ANYWHERE WITH RIGHT EQUIPMENT. JUST BEFORE I LEFT LAST AUGUST FOR MY 5 MONTH HUNTING TRIP THEY CALLED AND HAD ME DRIVE THE SNEAK PREVIEW G37 JOURNEY THEY HAD. THEY WERE VERY NICE BUT I DIDN'T ORDER CAR THEN SINCE I WAS GONE TIL LAST WEEK. I WOULDN'T NEED THE BLIZZAKS SINCE I WOULD ONLY USE G37 FROM APRIL TIL LATE AUGUST EACH YEAR THEN BACK INTO THE GARAGE UNDER THE CAR COVER TIL NEXT SPRING. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR G37? I HAVE AN OFFICE IN GREENTOWN SO WILL KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR YOU ON THE ROAD. [email protected]

[xugo1kpr]

OH NO! I very much loved being the only one in the 'hood!! ... But I'd love to open the two girls up on Cleveland Ave sometime! My G37 is Platinum Graphite - I have a great picture, but I can't figure out how to get it up on this site and I work too much to take the time to figure it out!

What color are you getting? Cleveland also had a black Journey, automatic, with all the gadgets, on the lot at Christmas. I opted for the Platinum Graphite Sport, 6M - I would have loved either, but I have a '99 Cobra that is black - I wanted to mix it up. Blizzaks aren't even enough to keep the Cobra on the road this time of year!

Let me know if the dealership gives you any difficulties. I just received the comment card thing in the mail. I think I'll take my name off of it and tell them what I really think (I still have to deal with them - not going to shoot myself in the foot yet!).

Good luck and hope to see you around!

[BONASABOB]

THANKS FOR THE INFO.MY CAR WILL HAVE TO BE ORDER SINCE I DON'T WANT NAV OR BLUETOOTH ETC. WE WILL NOT ONLY HAVE THE TWO G37'S IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, THEY WILL BE THE SAME COLOR! I WOULD ORDER PLATINUM EXCEPT ONE OF MY OTHER CARS IS THAT COLOR AND I DON'T WANT TO CONFUSE MYSELF. B O

[seeubye]

Hi Everyone,

I recently bought a G37 Black/Graphite Journey with Premium, Sports, spoiler, trunk mat, trunk net, illuminated kick plates etc. I dealt with Pfeiffer Infiniti in Grand Rapids MI and the dealership has been fantastic thus far (pick the car up in a few weeks). The internet manager (Craig Ressell) is very attentive and has a BlackBerry so emails sent to him are responded too at lightning speed. I had the misfortune of dealing with a few other Infiniti dealers whom wouldn't get my business if they were the last Infiniti dealer on earth... specifically Suburban Infiniti of Troy.

I am from Canada however purchased my car from the US due to the price difference (10K). Most dealers wouldn't budge as they felt they had an advantage due to the price discrepancy this side of the border. Many didn't have the car I wanted in stock and would refuse to discount the vehicle if it needed to be factory ordered or acquired via dealer trade. I contacted Pfeiffer and had a deal sorted with just a few emails (and well under MSRP). The car I purchased was on the lot however the spoiler was on back order to April so they re-directed an order enroute from Japan (slated for another dealer) and provided the same discount. In the end my advice is to contact at least three dealers and be prepared to travel a distance to pick up your vehicle.
Modified by seeubye at 7:38 AM 1/20/2008

[CMRides]

Xugo-

(Without sounding too arrogant) Dont you think it is ironic that we both have the same car, yet it was impossible to get a PG6mt when I was there. It is almost like they went ahead found the car for me, but never bothered to follow up and call back. Oh well, worked to your advantage I guess. Hope to see you on the streets!