Where are you located? As I am waiting for my AWD version I keep worrying about the dreaded dealer mark upAfter a 14-month wait, I purchased my Ariya Evolve+ four days ago. I like it, but I’m still recovering from the awful buying experience. Both Nissan and my assigned dealer disappointed me in multiple ways.
Let’s start with Nissan. The $7,500 tax credit debacle, lack of communications about delivery and total botch of the Meta Quest headset rollout (a great idea that became a household joke) are the primary reasons. All Nissan had to do to make things better was to act human. It was a great opportunity to rehabilitate the brand and make us all their advocates. Instead, Nissan executives listened to their lawyers and did nothing. (Just a guess from having worked in corporate America.)
During the waiting ordeal, my texts and emails to Nissan were answered with comical boilerplate replies that had nothing to do with my questions. Calls to the helpline were answered by hapless script readers who added zero value. (Money-saving tip for Nissan: if you’re NOT going to empower customer service reps, refer them to this forum or just funnel their requests to chatbots.)
Now for the dealer. Drive up, and you’ll see a half-dozen sales guys waiting for fresh meat. I had to initiate all contacts with my “electric car specialist,” who called the Evolve+ model the “Evolution” and knew less about the Ariya than anyone on this forum.
Early on, I asked the cost of the Ariya. The specialist couldn’t/wouldn’t tell me. We can discuss that when the car arrives. When it did arrive, his first price to me overlooked the reservationist’s $1,240 discount. He corrected that, but his quote included a $1,450 dealer markup plus a $295 charge for Polysteel coating. The dealer held firm. I blinked. My bad, I know.
Before I left the dealership, the electric car specialist couldn’t get Nissan Connect to work on my phone. It’s still not working, and I fear I’m about to relive Windows 95 experiences.
Yes, all of this is insulting to customers. But I’d be just as upset if I were on the team that designed, engineered and built the Ariya. You deserved better. Meanwhile, I’m wondering when my beautiful dual 12.3-inch displays will pop up a blue screen of death.
Sorry this was so long. Healing is a process.
Ariya buyers’ group therapy starts now
After a 14-month wait, I purchased my Ariya Evolve+ four days ago. I like it, but I’m still recovering from the awful buying experience. Both Nissan and my assigned dealer disappointed me in multiple ways.
Let’s start with Nissan. The $7,500 tax credit debacle, lack of communications about delivery and total botch of the Meta Quest headset rollout (a great idea that became a household joke) are the primary reasons. All Nissan had to do to make things better was to act human. It was a great opportunity to rehabilitate the brand and make us all their advocates. Instead, Nissan executives listened to their lawyers and did nothing. (Just a guess from having worked in corporate America.)
During the waiting ordeal, my texts and emails to Nissan were answered with comical boilerplate replies that had nothing to do with my questions. Calls to the helpline were answered by hapless script readers who added zero value. (Money-saving tip for Nissan: if you’re NOT going to empower customer service reps, refer them to this forum or just funnel their requests to chatbots.)
Now for the dealer. Drive up, and you’ll see a half-dozen sales guys waiting for fresh meat. I had to initiate all contacts with my “electric car specialist,” who called the Evolve+ model the “Evolution” and knew less about the Ariya than anyone on this forum.
Early on, I asked the cost of the Ariya. The specialist couldn’t/wouldn’t tell me. We can discuss that when the car arrives. When it did arrive, his first price to me overlooked the reservationist’s $1,240 discount. He corrected that, but his quote included a $1,450 dealer markup plus a $295 charge for Polysteel coating. The dealer held firm. I blinked. My bad, I know.
Before I left the dealership, the electric car specialist couldn’t get Nissan Connect to work on my phone. It’s still not working, and I fear I’m about to relive Windows 95 experiences.
Yes, all of this is insulting to customers. But I’d be just as upset if I were on the team that designed, engineered and built the Ariya. You deserved better. Meanwhile, I’m wondering when my beautiful dual 12.3-inch displays will pop up a blue screen of death.
Sorry this was so long. Healing is a process.
Let’s start with Nissan. The $7,500 tax credit debacle, lack of communications about delivery and total botch of the Meta Quest headset rollout (a great idea that became a household joke) are the primary reasons. All Nissan had to do to make things better was to act human. It was a great opportunity to rehabilitate the brand and make us all their advocates. Instead, Nissan executives listened to their lawyers and did nothing. (Just a guess from having worked in corporate America.)
During the waiting ordeal, my texts and emails to Nissan were answered with comical boilerplate replies that had nothing to do with my questions. Calls to the helpline were answered by hapless script readers who added zero value. (Money-saving tip for Nissan: if you’re NOT going to empower customer service reps, refer them to this forum or just funnel their requests to chatbots.)
Now for the dealer. Drive up, and you’ll see a half-dozen sales guys waiting for fresh meat. I had to initiate all contacts with my “electric car specialist,” who called the Evolve+ model the “Evolution” and knew less about the Ariya than anyone on this forum.
Early on, I asked the cost of the Ariya. The specialist couldn’t/wouldn’t tell me. We can discuss that when the car arrives. When it did arrive, his first price to me overlooked the reservationist’s $1,240 discount. He corrected that, but his quote included a $1,450 dealer markup plus a $295 charge for Polysteel coating. The dealer held firm. I blinked. My bad, I know.
Before I left the dealership, the electric car specialist couldn’t get Nissan Connect to work on my phone. It’s still not working, and I fear I’m about to relive Windows 95 experiences.
Yes, all of this is insulting to customers. But I’d be just as upset if I were on the team that designed, engineered and built the Ariya. You deserved better. Meanwhile, I’m wondering when my beautiful dual 12.3-inch displays will pop up a blue screen of death.
Sorry this was so long. Healing is a process.
1 - 20 of 41 Posts
Where are you located? As I am waiting for my AWD version I keep worrying about the dreaded dealer mark up
I hear you. I do not have the vehicle yet but I am also disappointed with many aspects of this experience. When a rep from Nissan North America called back in October to tell us about the $1240 reservationist special offer, they also said that FWD deliveries would begin in November. Didn't happen. While my chosen dealership has committed to MSRP and no surprise add-ons, I remind myself to keep my expectations low, to be prepared to walk away.After a 14-month wait, I purchased my Ariya Evolve+ four days ago. I like it, but I’m still recovering from the awful buying experience. Both Nissan and my assigned dealer disappointed me in multiple ways.
Let’s start with Nissan. The $7,500 tax credit debacle, lack of communications about delivery and total botch of the Meta Quest headset rollout (a great idea that became a household joke) are the primary reasons. All Nissan had to do to make things better was to act human. It was a great opportunity to rehabilitate the brand and make us all their advocates. Instead, Nissan executives listened to their lawyers and did nothing. (Just a guess from having worked in corporate America.)
During the waiting ordeal, my texts and emails to Nissan were answered with comical boilerplate replies that had nothing to do with my questions. Calls to the helpline were answered by hapless script readers who added zero value. (Money-saving tip for Nissan: if you’re NOT going to empower customer service reps, refer them to this forum or just funnel their requests to chatbots.)
Now for the dealer. Drive up, and you’ll see a half-dozen sales guys waiting for fresh meat. I had to initiate all contacts with my “electric car specialist,” who called the Evolve+ model the “Evolution” and knew less about the Ariya than anyone on this forum.
Early on, I asked the cost of the Ariya. The specialist couldn’t/wouldn’t tell me. We can discuss that when the car arrives. When it did arrive, his first price to me overlooked the reservationist’s $1,240 discount. He corrected that, but his quote included a $1,450 dealer markup plus a $295 charge for Polysteel coating. The dealer held firm. I blinked. My bad, I know.
Before I left the dealership, the electric car specialist couldn’t get Nissan Connect to work on my phone. It’s still not working, and I fear I’m about to relive Windows 95 experiences.
Yes, all of this is insulting to customers. But I’d be just as upset if I were on the team that designed, engineered and built the Ariya. You deserved better. Meanwhile, I’m wondering when my beautiful dual 12.3-inch displays will pop up a blue screen of death.
Sorry this was so long. Healing is a process.
PT:
All of those and more are why I walked. I won't get into the car, but my dealership actually misinformed me constantly. Easier to make up answers I guess. Then their d-bag of a GM acted like he was doing me a big favor letting us drive the demo. Once I considered the type of relationship Nissan and my dealer felt was appropriate to have with me it was one of the many strikes. As I saw them:
1) IRS has not backed down on denying tax credits for any binding agreement vehicle delivered in '23
2) Nissan corp. showed nothing but disrespect to me as a customer
3) My dealer was useless and the GM a jerk.
4) The car had liabilities I'd not expected.
5) There were significant changes in the EV marketplace.
I suspect the dealers aren't just passive, I suspect they don't want us to take our reservations. I think want to sell them at retail and w/ADM. I sure hope they like how it feels w/o lube as I'm not so sure the market is going reward them.
All of those and more are why I walked. I won't get into the car, but my dealership actually misinformed me constantly. Easier to make up answers I guess. Then their d-bag of a GM acted like he was doing me a big favor letting us drive the demo. Once I considered the type of relationship Nissan and my dealer felt was appropriate to have with me it was one of the many strikes. As I saw them:
1) IRS has not backed down on denying tax credits for any binding agreement vehicle delivered in '23
2) Nissan corp. showed nothing but disrespect to me as a customer
3) My dealer was useless and the GM a jerk.
4) The car had liabilities I'd not expected.
5) There were significant changes in the EV marketplace.
I suspect the dealers aren't just passive, I suspect they don't want us to take our reservations. I think want to sell them at retail and w/ADM. I sure hope they like how it feels w/o lube as I'm not so sure the market is going reward them.
I didn't bought my Venture+ after test drive. But there was stickers on window roll down switches DO NOT ROLL DOWN. I think because they applied tint and ready to charge crazy for it.
I am not a huge fan of Tesla but at least the price you pay is what you see on website.
I am not a huge fan of Tesla but at least the price you pay is what you see on website.
Yes, there seem to be lots of shortcuts in what customers finally get -- lack of tint (although some prefer to do their own) is one example. Each to their own when it comes to Tesla, but I think they got it right with the no-dealer model and also the integrated cameras. In the end, the decision of which $50k+ EV to go with is a first-world problem, I keep reminding myself about that!I didn't bought my Venture+ after test drive. But there was stickers on window roll down switches DO NOT ROLL DOWN. I think because they applied tint and ready to charge crazy for it.
I am not a huge fan of Tesla but at least the price you pay is what you see on website.
In the grand scheme of things you still bought car so the complainants don’t really matter. Fortunately, I was able to talk myself out of buying one. I have tried on many occasions to at least consider other options or views on this forum, but it’s like people fall under a spell with this thing and get heal bent on buying one no matter what. I read a stat the other day that millionaires will walk alway from a deal up to 5 times before finally making the purchase. This tells me to always have a plan B and be ready to move when the deal is not meeting your requirements.After a 14-month wait, I purchased my Ariya Evolve+ four days ago. I like it, but I’m still recovering from the awful buying experience. Both Nissan and my assigned dealer disappointed me in multiple ways.
Let’s start with Nissan. The $7,500 tax credit debacle, lack of communications about delivery and total botch of the Meta Quest headset rollout (a great idea that became a household joke) are the primary reasons. All Nissan had to do to make things better was to act human. It was a great opportunity to rehabilitate the brand and make us all their advocates. Instead, Nissan executives listened to their lawyers and did nothing. (Just a guess from having worked in corporate America.)
During the waiting ordeal, my texts and emails to Nissan were answered with comical boilerplate replies that had nothing to do with my questions. Calls to the helpline were answered by hapless script readers who added zero value. (Money-saving tip for Nissan: if you’re NOT going to empower customer service reps, refer them to this forum or just funnel their requests to chatbots.)
Now for the dealer. Drive up, and you’ll see a half-dozen sales guys waiting for fresh meat. I had to initiate all contacts with my “electric car specialist,” who called the Evolve+ model the “Evolution” and knew less about the Ariya than anyone on this forum.
Early on, I asked the cost of the Ariya. The specialist couldn’t/wouldn’t tell me. We can discuss that when the car arrives. When it did arrive, his first price to me overlooked the reservationist’s $1,240 discount. He corrected that, but his quote included a $1,450 dealer markup plus a $295 charge for Polysteel coating. The dealer held firm. I blinked. My bad, I know.
Before I left the dealership, the electric car specialist couldn’t get Nissan Connect to work on my phone. It’s still not working, and I fear I’m about to relive Windows 95 experiences.
Yes, all of this is insulting to customers. But I’d be just as upset if I were on the team that designed, engineered and built the Ariya. You deserved better. Meanwhile, I’m wondering when my beautiful dual 12.3-inch displays will pop up a blue screen of death.
Sorry this was so long. Healing is a process.
As for Tesla they have some new battery tech on the way, so things are only gonna get worse for the Ariya. Also as noted if I ever buy a Tesla, I would just based principle of them not using a dealer. I just have always had bad experiences with dealerships.
New MexicoWhere are you located? As I am waiting for my AWD version I keep worrying about the dreaded dealer mark up
Agreed. It’s called the Sunk Cost Fallacy, and I fell for it.In the grand scheme of things you still bought car so the complainants don’t really matter. Fortunately, I was able to talk myself out of buying one. I have tried on many occasions to at least consider other options or views on this forum, but it’s like people fall under a spell with this thing and get heal bent on buying one no matter what. I read a stat the other day that millionaires will walk alway from a deal up to 5 times before finally making the purchase. This tells me to always have a plan B and be ready to move when the deal is not meeting your requirements.
After a 14-month wait, I purchased my Ariya Evolve+ four days ago. I like it, but I’m still recovering from the awful buying experience. Both Nissan and my assigned dealer disappointed me in multiple ways.
Let’s start with Nissan. The $7,500 tax credit debacle, lack of communications about delivery and total botch of the Meta Quest headset rollout (a great idea that became a household joke) are the primary reasons. All Nissan had to do to make things better was to act human. It was a great opportunity to rehabilitate the brand and make us all their advocates. Instead, Nissan executives listened to their lawyers and did nothing. (Just a guess from having worked in corporate America.)
During the waiting ordeal, my texts and emails to Nissan were answered with comical boilerplate replies that had nothing to do with my questions. Calls to the helpline were answered by hapless script readers who added zero value. (Money-saving tip for Nissan: if you’re NOT going to empower customer service reps, refer them to this forum or just funnel their requests to chatbots.)
Now for the dealer. Drive up, and you’ll see a half-dozen sales guys waiting for fresh meat. I had to initiate all contacts with my “electric car specialist,” who called the Evolve+ model the “Evolution” and knew less about the Ariya than anyone on this forum.
Early on, I asked the cost of the Ariya. The specialist couldn’t/wouldn’t tell me. We can discuss that when the car arrives. When it did arrive, his first price to me overlooked the reservationist’s $1,240 discount. He corrected that, but his quote included a $1,450 dealer markup plus a $295 charge for Polysteel coating. The dealer held firm. I blinked. My bad, I know.
Before I left the dealership, the electric car specialist couldn’t get Nissan Connect to work on my phone. It’s still not working, and I fear I’m about to relive Windows 95 experiences.
Yes, all of this is insulting to customers. But I’d be just as upset if I were on the team that designed, engineered and built the Ariya. You deserved better. Meanwhile, I’m wondering when my beautiful dual 12.3-inch displays will pop up a blue screen of death.
Sorry this was so long. Healing is a process.
I had none of these problem but this sentence had me dying 😆. It is like that and feels that way when you pull up to dealers.
I see the new inventory in the Bay Area dealerships keep increasing...their 5k markup might have something to do with it.
Anyways, just enjoy your new ride...at least your car will turn heads for a while.
Anyways, just enjoy your new ride...at least your car will turn heads for a while.
While still waiting for the Ariya to arrive in Bend, I am not encouraged because of several factors. The lack of communications from the dealer regarding the price is not encouraging. This despite an email I sent the sales mgr. laying out the Nissan MSRP and reservationist discount. They also marked up the Engage model they received by 10k for "accessories."
Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. It is a Lithia dealership, one of more than 300 across the country owned by Lithia Motor Co., which counts among its investors the venture capital firm Blackrock. Venture capital and customer service are seldom used in the same sentence.
Nissan and the dealers who are disrespecting customers must be blind to reality of the market. Over the weekend, Tesla reduced the price on the base Model 3 by another $500 to $42,990. Coupled with the $7,500 tax credit, I could save more than 10k over the price of Ariya even at the MSRP.
My recent experience at the Tesla service center when I test drove the Model 3 was very positive. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable about the product and very efficient in walking me through the vehicle before sending me off on the test drive.
It may be time to move on.
Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. It is a Lithia dealership, one of more than 300 across the country owned by Lithia Motor Co., which counts among its investors the venture capital firm Blackrock. Venture capital and customer service are seldom used in the same sentence.
Nissan and the dealers who are disrespecting customers must be blind to reality of the market. Over the weekend, Tesla reduced the price on the base Model 3 by another $500 to $42,990. Coupled with the $7,500 tax credit, I could save more than 10k over the price of Ariya even at the MSRP.
My recent experience at the Tesla service center when I test drove the Model 3 was very positive. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable about the product and very efficient in walking me through the vehicle before sending me off on the test drive.
It may be time to move on.
Can you elaborate more on new battery tech for Tesla? I am in dark regarding that. Any link will help.As for Tesla they have some new battery tech on the way, so things are only gonna get worse for the Ariya. Also as noted if I ever buy a Tesla, I would just based principle of them not using a dealer. I just have always had bad experiences with dealerships.
You make some very good points. The pricing differences by dealership I really don't like. When we got a VW ID.4 last year the dealership said they were at MSRP for all pre- orders, but were allowed to mark-up otherwise. And that was a much better process, being able to pick and choose different options and trim levels and then actually being able to look up the VIN, find out when it left port and also when it arrived in the USA. Compare that to greedy mark-ups, the narrowed selection available for options and colors, and of course the black hole of communication.While still waiting for the Ariya to arrive in Bend, I am not encouraged because of several factors. The lack of communications from the dealer regarding the price is not encouraging. This despite an email I sent the sales mgr. laying out the Nissan MSRP and reservationist discount. They also marked up the Engage model they received by 10k for "accessories."
Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. It is a Lithia dealership, one of more than 300 across the country owned by Lithia Motor Co., which counts among its investors the venture capital firm Blackrock. Venture capital and customer service are seldom used in the same sentence.
Nissan and the dealers who are disrespecting customers must be blind to reality of the market. Over the weekend, Tesla reduced the price on the base Model 3 by another $500 to $42,990. Coupled with the $7,500 tax credit, I could save more than 10k over the price of Ariya even at the MSRP.
My recent experience at the Tesla service center when I test drove the Model 3 was very positive. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable about the product and very efficient in walking me through the vehicle before sending me off on the test drive.
It may be time to move on.
All of the things you listed are also things that bug me. But what bugs me the most is realizing that the Ariya was originally intended to be launched in the summer of 2020. They had three extra years to get basic stuff like Nissan Connect working - yet they didn't. And by the way I've had the same problems with my Leaf since new. Eventually you draw the conclusion that Nissan isn't a software company.Before I left the dealership, the electric car specialist couldn’t get Nissan Connect to work on my phone. It’s still not working
Meanwhile, my buddy with a Tesla Model Y just got an over-the-air update last nite that added auto-control to his heated steering wheel, to now match the existing auto seat-heat algorithms & experience.
My friends, I've said it before and I'll say it again: EV's are not cars. They are firmware/software systems that control motors/batteries and a network of other sensors in what appears to be the form/function of car. If you can't do software, you can't make an EV. I chose the Ariya because I thought the Leaf would have given Nissan a head-start against the competition in matters like these. But I'm really starting to believe that Telsa is the only EV mfg'er that understands it's not about the car, it's about the firmware/software/charging experience.
I think this is very well said. Tesla is of course ahead of all of those EVs. But I am still hesitant buying Tesla after reading about various issues Tesla owners have.All of the things you listed are also things that bug me. But what bugs me the most is realizing that the Ariya was originally intended to be launched in the summer of 2020. They had three extra years to get basic stuff like Nissan Connect working - yet they didn't. And by the way I've had the same problems with my Leaf since new. Eventually you draw the conclusion that Nissan isn't a software company.
Meanwhile, my buddy with a Tesla Model Y just got an over-the-air update last nite that added auto-control to his heated steering wheel, to now match the existing auto seat-heat algorithms & experience.
My friends, I've said it before and I'll say it again: EV's are not cars. They are firmware/software systems that control motors/batteries and a network of other sensors in what appears to be the form/function of car. If you can't do software, you can't make an EV. I chose the Ariya because I thought the Leaf would have given Nissan a head-start against the competition in matters like these. But I'm really starting to believe that Telsa is the only EV mfg'er that understands it's not about the car, it's about the firmware/software/charging experience.
Where are you located? As I am waiting for my AWD version I keep worrying about the dreaded dealer mark up
Yep, it's a first-world problem. My girlfriend gave me great advice this morning: "Don't let other people (Nissan and the local dealer) ruin the enjoyment of a new car you enjoy driving." Simple but true.Yes, there seem to be lots of shortcuts in what customers finally get -- lack of tint (although some prefer to do their own) is one example. Each to their own when it comes to Tesla, but I think they got it right with the no-dealer model and also the integrated cameras. In the end, the decision of which $50k+ EV to go with is a first-world problem, I keep reminding myself about that!
Yep, you're right. And thanks for your service as a Leaf owner. Being an early adopter isn't for sissies.I think this is very well said. Tesla is of course ahead of all of those EVs. But I am still hesitant buying Tesla after reading about various issues Tesla owners have.
Where are you located? As I am waiting for my AWD version I keep worrying about the dreaded dealer mark up
No one would blame you. The incentives in Oregon are great. Nissan and traditional dealers are why Tesla and Carmax exist.While still waiting for the Ariya to arrive in Bend, I am not encouraged because of several factors. The lack of communications from the dealer regarding the price is not encouraging. This despite an email I sent the sales mgr. laying out the Nissan MSRP and reservationist discount. They also marked up the Engage model they received by 10k for "accessories."
Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. It is a Lithia dealership, one of more than 300 across the country owned by Lithia Motor Co., which counts among its investors the venture capital firm Blackrock. Venture capital and customer service are seldom used in the same sentence.
Nissan and the dealers who are disrespecting customers must be blind to reality of the market. Over the weekend, Tesla reduced the price on the base Model 3 by another $500 to $42,990. Coupled with the $7,500 tax credit, I could save more than 10k over the price of Ariya even at the MSRP.
My recent experience at the Tesla service center when I test drove the Model 3 was very positive. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable about the product and very efficient in walking me through the vehicle before sending me off on the test drive.
It may be time to move on.
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