What I Wish I'd Known About Auto Dealers

By Ellen Lalande

Who exactly works at a car dealership anyway?
It’s not hard to see how the public feels about our industry in general; all it takes is a quick Google search to find horror stories and jokes about dishonest, shady salesmen just trying to make an easy buck at your expense.

We wouldn't buy a car from this guy either!

I used to feel the same way before I started working in the field. I hated having to take my car in for maintenance (forget about trying to make my first purchase), and was skeptical of everything that came out of my service advisor’s mouth. I used to make the dealer save my used parts so that I could inspect them after the approved work was completed.

Now that I’m 5 years in, I see the automotive dealer in a whole new light. Getting to know my co-workers and becoming more comfortable with jargon, processes, and seeing a behind-the-scenes view of how the business works has shown me that the employees are just regular people who happen to sell or service cars for a living.

Do I really need to buy/replace that?

It is my hope that in writing this blog, I can impart some personal knowledge I've gained, as well as insight on why we suggest you replace that serpentine belt (what are those for again?) or add windshield protectant on your new vehicle (unless you’re really skilled at dodging rocks on the highway). I also want to introduce you to our team, so you know who you’re dealing with.

We genuinely want to help.

Trusting your vehicle to the right people can be a nerve-racking experience. Our relationship with our customers is paramount to our success; Phil Meador Dealerships invest a lot into our community to see it flourish, but it doesn't do us any good if we can’t have an open dialogue about what’s working, what’s not, and how to improve our service to ensure you feel comfortable working with us.

You may be wondering at this point what’s in it for you. While I have plans for new content and helpful information you’ll need in researching your next vehicle (or deciding which services you need), your feedback and questions will ensure I cover the things YOU want to know before you spend your hard-earned dollars. The research process in itself can be daunting, and I want to make it easier for you to fully understand the information so you can make the best decisions for your investment.

We want to hear from you.

Please post your comments below to let me know what information you’d like to see in the coming weeks, or feel free to reach out to me directly at feedback@philmeador.com. You may also call me at 208-237-2700, or stop by any one of our three locations to provide your individual concerns or ideas. While I encourage your thoughts, please keep in mind this is a public forum and rude or slanderous comments may be deleted. I’m more than happy to work with you and welcome your participation; however, I do ask that we all treat content writers, employees, and other commenters with respect.

Ellen joined the Phil Meador family in September of 2013 as the Online Community Manager. Prior to that, she tweeted on behalf of Ford Motor Company, where she developed a passion for helping others navigate the process of finding the right vehicle for them and improving dealer/customer relationships. Ellen moved to Idaho in April of 2013 from Central Florida, and enjoys exploring all the West has to offer.