Great Experience with Suntrup VW -- St. Louis!

[overlander64]

I searched for more than a year for a New Beetle convertible in either Cyber Green or Gecko Green with the tan interior and top. Initially, I was searching for a pre-loved Beetle; but after looking at six that met my requirements, it seemed like the price was so close to that of a brand new unit with full-factory warranty. Finally, in November of '07, I investigated the option of a brand new unit. After contacting the Internet Sales personnel at several dealers within reasonable driving range of my home, I found that I couldn't beat the deal offered by Suntrup VW in St. Louis. The car had been used for promotional purposes by their celebrity spokesperson's wife, and had just short of 1,000 miles on the odometer. They offered a tremendous discount off of factory list.

All of my dealings with Suntrup were via the Internet prior to taking delivery of the car on November 3,2007. Having purchased several other new vehicles as well as numerous pre-owned, this was among my best purchasing experiences. The salesman whom I worked with was professional and offered no pressure to take dealer-add-ons or other supplemental service contracts, etc. He explained the various options that were available, but did not press when I said that I just wanted the factory warranty and the accessories included in the existing deal. Closing was just as professional in the finance department where my options were explained with no particular pressure to accept any of the six options offered.

I waited to form my complete opinion of the dealership until I had the opportunity to experience their service department. This experience has been very professional as well. When I advised the service writer that I would be bringing my car in from 3 hours away, she took a list of the services that I needed and then scheduled an appointment such that they should have ample time to complete the service/repairs without holding over for another day. My first appointment had to be rescheduled due to flooding between the dealership and my home (many roads were closed due to high water near my home). The service writer immediately began the search for a date/time that would work in my busy spring schedule.

My 5,000 mile factory service was performed yesterday, and the experience from beginning to end was nothing short of excellent. I was proomptly greeted by the Servicewriter. My service request was pulled up on the computer and the two additional items that had cropped up since my initial scheduling were added to the service order. My car was promptly taken into the service area, and every item on the list was corrected. The issue that I was having with lowering the convertible top turned out to be less serious than thought so the entire time for the scheduled service was reduced from six hour to just under three. I also had two VW accessories installed during this visit -- a set of mud flaps and a stainless steel tailpipe extension. The labor charge for this work was no more than had been quoted by an independ mechanic near my home for the same two tasks.

I was so impressed by the treatment that I receive that I had the parts department order a CD Changer for my car. The estimate for installation plus the cost of the parts was significantly less than what an automotive stereo store near my home quoted for a changer of similar quality with installation.

Buying a new car with a dealer from such a distance was a little worrisome, but I am quite satisfied that all is working out quite well. Suntrup VW is actually the closest VW dealer to my home.

Kevin