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Comments
I had used Meguiar's products before, but don't know if I should on the DHS for the leather...?
Any suggestions? Dos and Don'ts?
What product did the leather manufacuturer recommend?
Waiters and waitresses job pay is structured around making tips. They do not earn a fixed salary, and if they are lucky, they do earn an hourly wage (usually less than minimum wage), and they punch a clock. They have to to a good job first, and then they have earned the tip. Car service managers are paid a guaranteed salary and in return are to provide you with good quality service regardless of your ability or willingness to shell out more money.
Caddy dealerships today are graded on their service by Cadillac "corporate". At least, that's the way it is here in Southern California. Every time I have my car serviced, I receive a formal questionnaire in the mail regarding my satisfaction levels of THAT dealership. If I don't answer "Completely Satisfied" to every area of service I am questioned on, the dealership gets "dinged". Even an answer of "Satisfied" is not good enough.
The problem is, if more people like you start to tip the service guys, then that could very well soon become the expected "norm", and unless you tip, you'll be given less than optimum service. That's crap. A good dealer has its service operation set up to provide all customers with timely, accurate, and courteous service. That is they way I see it working at the dealership I go to. They like me and give me the extra attention and service I desire simply because I treat them back with respect and dignity as fellow human beings, and not scum like many people assume they are and treat them accordingly before even giving them a chance.
Frankly, I am surprised that they are even accepting the tips (bribes). Airline flight attendants and paid on salary, and they are not allowed to accept tips. Have you ever tried to tip one? She will not accept it. They are paid to give all passengers equal service regardless of the amount of loose change in their pockets.
I don't understand how it can be viewed as bribery. And it is NOT extortion, as none of these people work on a "quid pro quo" basis. I simply enjoy the extra attention I receive by taking care of the right people.
People enjoy being rewarded for their work. It makes them feel good. So I really don't see how anyone can be offended by it. Unless their just plain cheap!
I seem to have a great "relationship" with my service advisor and the #2 service director, both of whom know me by name and know my car's history. At this point, for me to start giving them cash would actually be a bit wierd and may even undermine our "relationship" in a way, as if to say that I don't trust them unless I line their pockets. I believe there could be a geographical "cultural" difference, although it can be argued that money talks universally.
Since it is a GM sponsored program, it is "dealer agnostic", meaning the dealer gets reimbursed by GM, so it is no burden on the dealer, and therefore any dealer will gladly do it without any heartburn. About two weeks after the initial deal on the car I received a Smartcare card in the mail with an ID number. I keep it in the glove box, but I have only needed it once since the dealer has the info in his computer now.
By the way, I have my car serviced at a different dealer from the one where I bought it. I have it serviced at the dealer in town, but bouoght it elsewhere because they were "dealing" better at the time. I still receive "it's time to have your car serviced" notices from the dealer where I purchased it.
If I understand it correctly, the Smartcare program allows for free oil changes and tire rotations according to the owner's Guide recommended intervals. Part of GM's incentive to come out with this program was because it had become a problem with leased cars that the "owners" were not taking care of the car (proper and timely oil changes) since they were just going to turn it in anyway at the end of the lease. Guess GM felt it was worth it to have such a program to better ensure that it's leased cars were being properly maintained, so as to avoid more costly problems down the road for resale purposes, etc.
It has been a terrific deal for me. Other than having to buy a new tire due to taking a nail in the sidewall, all I do is put gas in the car and make the monthly payment. Caddy pays for ALL of the maintenance.
We asked that the dealer put a hood ornament on our DHS. They did this work yesterday, but ordered a gold Cadillac hood ornament (the DHS is cashmere with some chrome trim - no gold). We're bringing it back for a chrome one.
Have any other DHS owners had the ornament installed and had any problems? Seems odd that Cadillac would put a gold ornament on this car...?
The DHS theoretically replaces the d'Elegance in the line-up, which came standard with gold ornamentation. Tasteful owners also upgraded the nameplates and deck lid emblems to gold as well. Some of us went so far as to get center caps with matching gold ornamentation. Therefore, it seem logical that someone wishing to put add ornamentation to a DHS would want it guilded.
Anyway didn't an ornament come mounted flat on your hood? That looks pretty cool in gold, especially on the White Diamond.
I am trying to remember now if the DHS without nightvision has the grill mounted or hood mounted crest? I beleive it is grill mounted, (as it is not the DTS), and it therefore stands to reason that with the nightvision option, the crest would be mounted flat on the hood as described above for the DTS.
It is certainly strange that yours came with no crest at all. Also, the grill might look good if your were to have it painted the factory white diamond! That'd probably cost too much for what it would be worth, however...
First, I am pretty positive that the DTS with nightvision gets the gray grill as well, not color coordinated as you say. Are you sure about that? I recall the 2000's all having the gray grill. The nightvision requires that grill with the open circle in the center framing the lense, without the wreath and crest in that same spot, where it would otherwise be on a non nightvision equipped car.
To me, the reason there is no wreath and crest in the center where the "hole" is is obvious because the nightvision camera lense cannot be obstructed. It's the same as with any normal photo cameras. Also,putting the crest below that opening would look wierd, I think.
BMW and MB put their logo on the front center of the hood, so why not Cadillac?
As for why the grill is not color coordinated with the car, I do not know. All I can think of is that there are not enough of these cars with nightvision to have a "mass production" level assembly line in any one color to make it an effective process.
Also, the gray grill, esthetically pleasing or not, distinguishes your car as being a nightvision car, which is rare enough and unique enough to give you more bragging rights!
When we rented a base DeVille, the hood-mounted logo and crest were very asthetically pleasing - a constant reminder (like you need one, right?) that you are riding in a Cadillac. So, when my wife and I began looking at DHSes to purchase, we were disappointed that the logo was on the grill and not on the hood.
Our salesman told us that many people who buy DHSes routinely put the logo with the crest on the hood. While we were originally concerned that this would look tacky (a logo on the grill AND on the hood), it looks "in place" and retains the Cadillac class and style.
Unfortunately, a gold hood ornament clashes with chrome wheels and chrome trim. So, Monday morning she goes back in for a crhome hood ornament.
I have about 700 miles on my new DHS and absolutely LOVE it. First G.M. product I've owned and I'm very, very happy.
I hope to be a Cadillac owner for life. And, since we are both 31, that could be a long time, God willing.
Tamco- I wreath absent of crest placed around the NV opening in the grille could prove to be problematic to the NV sensor (camera) and would, most assuredly look out of place and perhaps even tacky (my opinion).
Tonorad- I am glad that you are happy with the duplicate ornamentation. I have seen this done on both a DTS & DHS and I don't particularly care for it, but each to his own.
Now, my question, has anyone w/ a NV equipped care had the front and rear ornaments and deck lid emblems guilded? How does it look? My car will be black on black which looks great with gold emblems.
Given that the Cadillac logo is not just a wreath nor just the crest, but always both together, I would have never thought of just one of them by itself, nor would I ever even imagine that Cadillac would put just the wreath someplace without the crest.
So, no, I am not surprised that the absence of the logo on the grill on nightvision equipped cars means the logo is not there in its entireity. From Cadillac's standpoint, separating the wreath from the crest would be like Mercedes separating the star from the circle, or BMW separating the letters "BMW" from the blue and white round logo, or Lexus separating the "L" from the ovoid circle. The logo is the logo and they would not pick it apart.
The idea that I have always had would be that Caddy would come up with a flat round clear plastic piece that had the logo on it using the technology that provides for the mirrored look you see on some glass windows and sunglasses, wherein you get that mirror reflective look on one side, but you can see though it on the other side without obstruction. Something like you see on TV cop shows with the room next to the interrogation room.
Seems to me that this could be done so that the nightvision lense could see through the back side of this plastic "face plate", while viewers from the front were seeing the Cadillac logo.
I suppose that this technology requires some kind of metal particles or something, and that would mess up the nightvision camera.
Aside from that, I am sure that the nightvision technology will some day use a smaller camera lense, and that smaller lense can be integrated better into the front of the car without being such a noticeable part of the design.
Anyway, point now understood. Glad you love your first GM car and that it is a Cadillac! Drive in peace, too, knowing that you have a very unique vehicle on the road today in the WHOLE WORLD! The Grey grill is the visual indicator to all others that you are one such lucky driver!!
I hope you are still a happy GM customer after you have to deal with lackluster GM/Cadillac service departments.....no comparison with those of Lexus, Mercedes, you name it!
There have been plenty of posters on these various Cadillac topics who have experienced outstanding, unbeatable service at their respective Cadillac dealership, myself included.
In fact, the service levels I experienced after leasing my first '94 STS were in large part the reason I chose to stick with Cadillac when it came time to get a new car.
I personally know several BMW and Mercedes owners who can share their horror stories both about problems with their cars as well as lousy service and attention from their dealer(s) (and them getting ripped off in the process!) I have also read some posts in the Lexus topics (especially the GS topic) where people have had problems with their cars and the dealers have given them the cold shoulder to their problems, but have been more than happy to charge them $100.00 for an oil change and tire rotation. $100 clams for a 5,000 mile "check up" and oil change!!!! Can you spell RIP OFF??
The real issue here is that Cadillac does not have consistent service across its dealership network.
I heard or read somewhere more than a year ago that Cadillac does plan to reduce the number of dealers by getting rid of the smaller mom & pop size dealerships that either cannot or will not "change" their ways and invest in the technology and personnel infrastructure required to meet the inventory and service levels expected and demanded of today's consumers in today's competitive market.
I also remember reading or hearing that Cadillac will be doing a complete "overhaul" of its dealership network, including giving them a new visual look, but more importantly giving them training and a new corporate charter they must adhere to in order to remain an authorized Caddy dealer. This is supposed to start I believe in 2001.
Unfortunatly, none of that helps you today. As for me, as long as I am getting excellent service, I personally would rather be with an organization that will only continue to get even better because it KNOWS and has publicly admitted that it has lots of work to do to regain its once top stature, than be with an organization that is good but is already, or has begun to become, very arrogant in its ways (read Mercedes, Lexus). Remember, Lexus is not immune to having happen to it what it did to Mercedes in the early '90's.
Then there is that part of me that in a wierd way hopes Cadillac is always playing "catch-up" so that way I can continue to get their excellent and uniquely styled cars at a much better price and payment than those imports!!
However, just check the build date of the car, since the paint might already be 6 months "old" or more based on that.
I recently bought some Zymol wax that I had read about. It was available at Target, but it is more expensive than the typical "Turtle Wax" croud of products. It is a light blue color, and is made of all natural ingredients and smells like a tropical suntan oil. I used it on my '99 STS (Moonstone color) and it came out great. It gives that velvety smooth feel. I'd recommend it.
Containerguy, I would have the dealer look into and fix the squeaks next time you bring it in for an oil change. If it seems to be worse with the AC on, do you think it may have something to do with the fan? If it is a consistent enough noise, then make them go for a ride with you to hear it before you just drop it off. If they acknowledge hearing it to you, then chances are very good that they can and will find it and fix it. Don't settle.
Buy-back warranty: If you purchase a GM Buy back, you WILL have to sign a document saying it is such and the warranty drops to 12 months / 12,000 miles from the day you take delivery. 48/50K no longer applies.
DTS grill w/ NV: Not colored. Same dark gray as regular or NV DHS. DTS w/o NV.. color coordinated.
Philly: I understand your feelings, and hope someday, and in some manner, a car guy changes them. Until then, keep working for the best deal you can. God bless you if the dealer gives it to you for that price.
Allocation: Cadillac is strictly "Turn and Earn". If you sell one, you get one. Our dealership happen to sell a TON of 99 concours and D'elegances. Consequently, we got a TON of DTS and DHS models. Currently, I do not have 1 2001 Deville on the lot. I have about 10 2001 DHS and DTS. This is starting to hurt my business.
Tamco: Hope the trip went well for you, got your message.
Leather protectant: We at the dealership use Lyxol (sp?) to treat and clean all of our cars. Seems to be the best stuff on the market.
Waxing a new car: Go right ahead and do it. We don't wait 6 months before waxing a vehicle. In fact, if you drive a black demo (only managers get those), it is mandatory that you have it LIGHTLY buffed with wax once a month. Nothing worse than having those fine scratches on a brand new car. We use a product very similiar to Meguiar's. Make sure you get the polish. The other stuff has a real fine grit and will actually take off a layer of paint if you aren't careful. Remember, the paint is only as thick as a business card.
Tipping a dealer: Are you crazy? Just kidding. Actually, the nicer someone is to me, the better they will get treated. That doesn't mean that the guy who comes in demanding invoice gets treated badly. However, the guy who gave me a bottle of wine (he owns a liquor store chain) always gets his car washed after he has the oil change done. He never has to wait in the lounge for more than a half hour either (wink,wink). The guy who did nothing but complain about the deal the entire time he was in here? Let's just say I don't bend over backwards to give the same considerations. Not the way it should be, but that is the reality of it. Tipping is a bit much though. A simple Thank you very much gets the job done for me. And you will get your car washed.
Tonorad: I also put hood ornatements on the DHSes at the customers request. Are you talking about the standing ornatement or the one that lays flat? I do the standing usually.
I hope I got to all of them. If there was something I missed, please let me know. Jeff
Don't push yourself too hard. It's going to be a long hard flu season and people recovering from pneumonia are especially open to re-infection. Especially car dealers (;
Philly
P.S. I have NO intention of tipping unless I get stellar service first. I will not reward subpar
service.
Please explain "Dealer Cash". Is this in addition to normal MSRP discounts? Lets say Invoice on a STS was $48k, MSRP was $52k and a normal good deal would be $48,600. If this car had a $5k dealer cash allowance, does that mean we would get it for $5k less? Or does dealer cash mean the dealer can provide a lower cost, better trade and make more profit, if he doesn't negoiate it all away? Please explain. Thanks.
Philly: Glad to be back and out of my bed. A guy can only watch so much General Hospitol before losing his mind.
Carnought: That is a crying shame that the dealers are that bad. We ran into a problem about 4 years ago with the service manager. Customer comebacks (not fixed right the first time) was at a dealership high. The time it took for a basic repair was too long, and the service writers weren't starting to act like MB employees. We made a major change and are now ranked in the top 5 in the north central zone (about 6 states, roughly 400 dealers) My advice would be to ask to see the owner. Word of caution though, if you go in his office with a big chip on your shoulder, nothing will happen. If you go in with the attitude like you are just trying to help, it will work much better and he is more apt to listen. Telling the dealer you won't buy another vehicle from him because of service or lack thereof won't hurt either.
Artmbgolf: You are 100% correct. Dealer cash goes to the dealer. It is not taxed, unlike customer rebates, because it comes off the price of the car. The dealer is not obligated in anyway to pass this along to you however. I like to use a part of it to lower the cost of a new car and the rest to increase the amount I give you for your vehicle. Edmunds always seems too high on their appraisals! If the car invoices for 48k and there is 5k dealer cash, the car now costs 43k. If there is no trade, I usually give it all to the customer.
In March 2000, I purchased a preowned 1999 Etc in white diamond/neutral shale cream puff with only 5,400 mi. I paid $34,000. This was a GM BUY BACK that the dealer said the previous owner returned because the water would enter around the door seals and not to worry because all of the seals had been replaced, he also said he believed the previous buyer had a case of buyers remorse & didnt want the car. The sales rep assured me I still have the 4,yr 50,000 mi, warranty, & not to worry. when i signed the deal, he also handed me a brochure from gm that states it has 12 mo/ 12,000 mi. warranty in addition to the 4yr 50,00mi warranty for added protection. I am very very up set that on one of your posts you stated that buy backs onlyhave 12 mo. warranty!!! DID my sales rep LIE!!!!??? What is even more ironic is that this is my first new car and when i signed the deal my mother had video taped the entire transaction for a memory as my first nice car, We recorded the sales rep clearly maintaining i also would get the 4 yr 50,000 mi warranty!! I need you professional advice !! thanks DAn