by
ndem » Sat Apr 25, 2009 8:11 am
Hi,
After looking at a vast array of cars at Dealerships we finally decided to test drive 3:- Seat Altea XL, Ford C-Max, Vauxhall Zafira. After weighing up all the pro's and con's of all of them for accessibility for my wife, space for the kids and space for my wife's wheelchair and/or scooter we decided to opt for the Vauxhall Zafira Design and ordered it on Thursday.
Now most would think that searching, choosing and ordering a new car would be a pleasurable experience BUT I have to say that it was a miserable experience for my wife and I. Firstly, most of the dealerships are old buildings that don't have great accessibility (which I find ludicrous when they are part of the Motability Scheme!!!!!) At most dealerships I had to struggle with steps, too steep ramps, too heavy doors whilst trying to manouver my wife in her wheelchair. I did all this whilst being watched by groups of salesemen/women. Only 2 came over to help by holding the doors open!!!! Not a great start to the customer service we were expecting!!!! Secondly, in some showrooms the cars were too closely grouped together and I couldn't get my wife's wheelchair round the showroom so she couldn't get a look at the cars!!!!! Once we were in any showroom where we wanted more info on a car the service we received was diabolical in most places. Most sales people spoke only to me or spoke to my wife in a very condescending and patronising manner as though the wheelchair had robbed her of her faculties!!!! In one showroom my wife tried to get into a car she really liked only to find the seat was too far from the door sill. We explained this to the salesman who finally came over after finishing his chat with his colleagues and his response was...."We don't do the perfect car for your disability" Then he just walked away!!!!!!! ***##!!!***
I could rant on for hours about the shortcomings of car dealerships and their customer service but suffice to say I will be penning letters to each and every dealership, and to Motability. I am disgusted, angry and hurt that my wife was made to feel so uncomfortable and vulnerable.
Sorry, just needed to let off steam!!!!!!
ndem