While I'm at it, Auto Dealerships

Since I'm on a service industry rant, I'll add my automobile buying experiences to the list here.

Eastside Subaru in Kirkland - My sister had her Chevy keys unknowingly taken from her while she was on a test drive. She was ready to buy, but we felt like we were getting swindled so we walked out. However, our Chevy was at the "appraisal center" down the road without our permission. The worst part is that WE WEREN'T TRADING THE CAR IN. (And they weren't being very honest with us since they showed us a payment plan that was $10,000 down, $600 a month for 60 months for a car that was advertised as $21,771. In case you don't want to do the math, that's $46,000 in payments over 5 years.)

BMW of Bellevue - Service there is great. Now, if only I could afford more of their cars.

Acura of Bellevue - Hit or miss. Try to go with Jae the salesman, avoid EVERYONE else. This is the one dealership where I appreciated the finance lady (the one who tries to sell you add-on packages). She said flat out, "It seems like you're the type to change cars every few years, so you won't need an extended warranty." It's a nice change from the usual guilt trip they'll give you.

Unfortunately, the last time I went there, I didn't see Jae or that finance lady and we were treated like second class citizens who couldn't afford Acuras. Next thing you know, my sister's over at Barrier Motors buying a Benz. Sorry Acura, your loss.

Barrier Mercedes Benz in Bellevue. For a Benz dealer, you'd expect a lot more attitude. But they were extremely friendly.

Michael's Toyota - My family has bought 4 new Toyotas from them since 1992, and each time we felt like we got screwed. The buying experience there is too high pressure. Fortunately for them, my parents love Toyotas.

Honda of Bellevue - It's the opposite of Michael's Toyota. Low pressure, and enough inventory where you can haggle a little bit and say, "Come on, you've got 15 of these exact same ones in stock."

Chaplins in Bellevue - Where are all the salesmen? I've been there several times with friends, I don't think a salesman has ever approached us, whether we were in the showroom or the gated lot in the back.