Don Docksteader Subaru reputation
 

Hey Greater Vancouver! I've pre-ordered my BRZ from Don Docksteader Subaru in March and I was wondering if their reputation is decent.

This being my first new car purchase and everything makes me a little paranoid about every little thing.

Anyways, I have an appointment with their office to deal with the financing this coming Monday (Any tips? I haven't even seen my car yet...Should I do this?).

Another thing is; I don't know if I should be worried about their detailing people when they receive my vehicle...should I ask them not to wash and detail my car? I have talked to them about it and they said that they cannot guarantee me the car is not dinged or scratched during delivery if they do not take the wrappers off and detail it. They did mention something about a pro detailing shop they use for all their cars; so they don't actually do it in the dealership...hmmm... What do you guys think?

I've had one single business transaction with their parts department. They knew what I wanted, had it in stock, and I was out in less than 5 minutes. Good first impression, despite the fact it was a $12 nut or something ridiculous...

As for their sales department, in my personal opinion, most car salesmen have a special place in hell waiting for them...

Good luck, though!

While I heard good things about this dealership, I absolutely despise one of their salesman. Long story short, he was a lying cheat and gave my family some very unacceptable and disrespectful attitude. In case you're wondering, he's the old chinese guy who's kind of tall (Danny? forgot his name he speaks fluent Cantonese). I'm sure there are other pleasant people there. JUST DO NOT BUY FROM HIM.

Also, if you don't feel comfortable having your car detailed there, just get detailing done at a professional shop.

All i know is that its better than richmond subaru lol

Lol, that's a given. Oh god, they better be! :paddle:

Dons used to be good but it's kinda hit or miss. It's one step about Richmond Subaru imo. I'd probably go with Specialty first, then Wolfe, although they're not getting many in.

Thanks for the input guys, really appreciate it. My questions now are...should I avoid signing anything before the actual car arrives? Should I tell them not to wash/detail the car?

Since you're financing it, if you sign when the car gets in, it will take them a few days to process your loan application. Meaning, you won't be picking her up on the day she comes in.

I see no harm done signing early as long as you give it a good and thorough inspection and test drive before taking it home.

I got my credit checked and financing pre-approved before I went to pick up my car. There was not problem, unless you don't mind waiting longer, but I can imagine that you want it ASAP.

The wash and detailing part is really up to you I guess, my car was super clean and shiny when i got mine, but Hilltop Subaru is amazing, they are also the first Subaru dealership in BC.

Dons should be safe for the most part, just never let Richmond Subaru touch the car. That wash & detailing story a few months ago was horrible.

Why should it take so long? I went through Subaru so maybe the process is more streamlined but my loan application was approved less than 2 hours after I was told it was submitted and my car was PDI'd, fueled up and ready to go an hour after my financing was done.

It was all rather rushed but I got my BRZ the same day it arrived at the dealership.

I honestly don't think it should that that long though. I had Subaru do mine through the bank, the financial manager said it may take between 20 mins. to 2 hours, but it only took 20 minutes. Pretty straight forward and simple.

Would I need to bring in a void cheque or something for the bank information?... I am way too new to this...

They haven't told you anything? Well You know need the void cheque once you make the purchase for the monthly payments.

For the credit check it's just SSN and your employment info.

Funny you should mention this. My dad bought a forrester from Docksteader a few years ago and had a bad experience with this guy. What happened was that they were having a promotion where you would get $1000 worth of free accessories when you purchased a vehicle, and there was a sign stating this right in the middle of the showroom. Right after my dad had signed all the paperwork, he started asking about the accessories he wanted. This salesman (Danny?) then told him that the promotion had ended the day before and someone had forgotten to take down the sign. They argued for quite a while and only after generally pissing us off did he go and ask his manager if the deal would be honoured. The manager approved it no problem, so in the end everything worked out ok, but this guy was shady. After this point he was obviously pissed off at us and was quite rude about it, acting like he had done us some huge favour, and saying how lucky we were to have gotten the deal.