If you take one thing away from my verbose review (apologies in advance for that), it is that you must ASK FOR xxxxx (yes, like "xxxxx" from the beloved late 80s TV show!) when you go into Audi Northlake!
In all candor, had I not had the chance to meet xxxxx, I would not have received the experience I did, AND, I am positive I would not have purchased my car from Audi (because I was set on buying elsewhere). As a new (and forever) Audi owner, I now believe, people buy Audis for the OVERALL EXPERIENCE (safety, aesthetics, reliability, quality, performance...). xxxxx really made our experience far superior than we could have imagined.
Recently, I decided it was time for a new car. I originally went out expecting to buy a xxxxx. I happened across a used Audi at another lot & was very pleasantly surprised! Why? I found the Audis had much better safety ratings & features, was more accessible & user friendly, held it's value just as well, & frankly, drove better & looked better than my "dream car," which HAD been a xxxxx.
I decided to drive out to Audi Northlake (in the xxxxx in xxxxx) just to 'check it out' before I bought the used Audi I happened upon earlier that day. My husband & I were greeted & offered a beverage immediately. Within minutes a well put together, incredibly friendly & approachable salesman with a charming xxxxx accent xxxxx greeted us & introduced himself as "xxxxx." He first asked how he could help us & what brought us in. He took a fair amount of time getting to know us & patiently answered a list of questions we came in prepared to ask. After he had an idea of 1) our budget, 2) what car we wanted, & 3) what features we wanted, he walked us out to the lot & let us look inside all of the models that met our needs.
I really appreciated that he did not try to push us beyond our budgetary constraints, he was very upbeat & knowledgeable about every aspect (turns out he has worked for Audi for years, including overseas where they're even more popular), & how he was very honest when it came to potential shortfalls as well as the positives based on our unique & individual needs. This is so important in that it establishes immediate trust - frankly, trust is not something that you would typically associate with a salesperson.
In fact, xxxxx was so honest, he surprised me at times with his candor. I never doubted he wanted what was in my best interest, irrespective of whether or not it meant we bought from him. He was really there to help us vs. to help himself.
He encouraged us to drive the car to get a true feel of it, & at first, when we weren't ready, he accepted that & didn't try to shove us into the car like most salesmen would. :)
We left awaiting some info from xxxxx the next day on some cars that had just come on the lot. During our time here, we were able to roam the brand new (opened in April) & beautiful building, look at the immaculate 'shop,' & were greeted by everyone we passed. We also had the opportunity to speak with the sales manager (xxxxx) on two occasions. xxxxx had the same qualities we loved about xxxxx! Helpful, personable, not aggressive, inquisitive, knowledgeable & willing to help in any way possible.
Within 24 hours we were back. First & foremost, we came back because xxxxx had earned our business. I not only trusted xxxxx, but I also knew xxxxx would be there for support & questions well into the future. (It's several weeks later, & I have called, emailed & texted him a million times with questions, concerns & comments. He continues to be a great support for us as we learn the ins & outs of our new Audi.)
Secondly, I bought from xxxxx at Audi Northlake because I had decided on a used car (for budgetary reasons.) xxxxx did a great job of educating me on Audi's Certified Preowned Program. It's really quite impressive! Where else do you get a CPO offer, without excessive markup, & which starts with a 300+ point inspection? Nowhere else! I admittedly tend to be obsessive compulsive & worry enough for both myself & my husband. What if this broke, what if that broke, what if, what if... Well, considering the intelligence you get with an Audi & the way in which the car is assembled, you probably wouldn't want to get it serviced by anyone other than an Audi dealer. The CPO warranty comes with a 6-year or 100K mile warranty! Anywhere within 300 miles, they pick it up, bring a loaner & return the car washed & fixed. Same for oil changes, etc...
I have to add one last thing... when my car was ready, he drove it to my house (they provided me a loaner during CPO process), and spent 1 1/2 HOURS in my driveway walking me through EVERY feature in the car. He didn't leave until I felt safe, confident & comfortable. He set everything up for me and ensured I could use all the features myself. Who does that? xxxxx does!
I now have a Audi Q5 & I could not be happier with my experience. I joked that my husband already has car-envy, so it won't be long before we return to xxxxx!
If you take one thing away from my verbose review (apologies in advance for that), it is that you must ASK FOR xxxxx (yes, like "xxxxx" from the beloved late 80s TV show!) when you go into Audi Northlake!
In all candor, had I not had the chance to meet xxxxx, I would not have received the experience I did, AND, I am positive I would not have purchased my car from Audi (because I was set on buying elsewhere). As a new (and forever) Audi owner, I now believe, people buy Audis for the OVERALL EXPERIENCE (safety, aesthetics, reliability, quality, performance...). xxxxx really made our experience far superior than we could have imagined.
Recently, I decided it was time for a new car. I originally went out expecting to buy a xxxxx. I happened across a used Audi at another lot & was very pleasantly surprised! Why? I found the Audis had much better safety ratings & features, was more accessible & user friendly, held it's value just as well, & frankly, drove better & looked better than my "dream car," which HAD been a xxxxx.
I decided to drive out to Audi Northlake (in the xxxxx in xxxxx) just to 'check it out' before I bought the used Audi I happened upon earlier that day. My husband & I were greeted & offered a beverage immediately. Within minutes a well put together, incredibly friendly & approachable salesman with a charming xxxxx accent xxxxx greeted us & introduced himself as "xxxxx." He first asked how he could help us & what brought us in. He took a fair amount of time getting to know us & patiently answered a list of questions we came in prepared to ask. After he had an idea of 1) our budget, 2) what car we wanted, & 3) what features we wanted, he walked us out to the lot & let us look inside all of the models that met our needs.
I really appreciated that he did not try to push us beyond our budgetary constraints, he was very upbeat & knowledgeable about every aspect (turns out he has worked for Audi for years, including overseas where they're even more popular), & how he was very honest when it came to potential shortfalls as well as the positives based on our unique & individual needs. This is so important in that it establishes immediate trust - frankly, trust is not something that you would typically associate with a salesperson.
In fact, xxxxx was so honest, he surprised me at times with his candor. I never doubted he wanted what was in my best interest, irrespective of whether or not it meant we bought from him. He was really there to help us vs. to help himself.
He encouraged us to drive the car to get a true feel of it, & at first, when we weren't ready, he accepted that & didn't try to shove us into the car like most salesmen would. :)
We left awaiting some info from xxxxx the next day on some cars that had just come on the lot. During our time here, we were able to roam the brand new (opened in April) & beautiful building, look at the immaculate 'shop,' & were greeted by everyone we passed. We also had the opportunity to speak with the sales manager (xxxxx) on two occasions. xxxxx had the same qualities we loved about xxxxx! Helpful, personable, not aggressive, inquisitive, knowledgeable & willing to help in any way possible.
Within 24 hours we were back. First & foremost, we came back because xxxxx had earned our business. I not only trusted xxxxx, but I also knew xxxxx would be there for support & questions well into the future. (It's several weeks later, & I have called, emailed & texted him a million times with questions, concerns & comments. He continues to be a great support for us as we learn the ins & outs of our new Audi.)
Secondly, I bought from xxxxx at Audi Northlake because I had decided on a used car (for budgetary reasons.) xxxxx did a great job of educating me on Audi's Certified Preowned Program. It's really quite impressive! Where else do you get a CPO offer, without excessive markup, & which starts with a 300+ point inspection? Nowhere else! I admittedly tend to be obsessive compulsive & worry enough for both myself & my husband. What if this broke, what if that broke, what if, what if... Well, considering the intelligence you get with an Audi & the way in which the car is assembled, you probably wouldn't want to get it serviced by anyone other than an Audi dealer. The CPO warranty comes with a 6-year or 100K mile warranty! Anywhere within 300 miles, they pick it up, bring a loaner & return the car washed & fixed. Same for oil changes, etc...
I have to add one last thing... when my car was ready, he drove it to my house (they provided me a loaner during CPO process), and spent 1 1/2 HOURS in my driveway walking me through EVERY feature in the car. He didn't leave until I felt safe, confident & comfortable. He set everything up for me and ensured I could use all the features myself. Who does that? xxxxx does!
I now have a Audi Q5 & I could not be happier with my experience. I joked that my husband already has car-envy, so it won't be long before we return to xxxxx!