Ryan Ford — Local services in Sealy

Be careful, everything was going great until it was time to close the deal. Their finance offered a good deal: my bank offered a better one. Was told I could not buy unless I used their finance and was DENIED the sale.

Explanation given from their end was "Management" determined it was in the best interest of the company to sell to customers who use their financing. Now, I can't be mad at this even though it is kind of shady. The problem here is from the start of the sale process I declared I already have my own financing ready. They wanted me to go through the process to see if their offer would be better, which I did give them the chance. Not once was I told I could not use my own financing or the only way i could buy from them was if I only used their financing.

update - was told " I was missing the point" , they could not hold a car for a week in "hopes"of a payment coming through. I've used my bank with the last 3 car purchases all at different locations and never have had this be an issue. Yes, the dealerships don't like it because it makes them wait to get paid but none of those 3 denied me a sale because of it. 2nd excuse was somebody else is ready to sign using their finance and if i don't agree to use their finance ( which is more expensive to me ) they are going to give the deal to the customer who will use their finance. If this is not a prime example of a strong arm tactic, then I don't know what is. On my end I had everything ready with my bank. All I needed them to do was write up the agreement so I could sign and begin the process of preparing payment for them which they REFUSED to do unless I went with their finance.

Now I get waiting for payment is an inconvenience for them but it should be if that is what works best for the customer. As far as pitting customers against each other to get 1 to move 1st, the oldest (though often times true ) trick in the sales book. Whether in this situation was true or not, I don't know. What I do know is business ethics and integrity. If your customer is ready to sign, then let them sign. Don't push them into a corner, try to make them sign your way and threaten to take the deal away if they don't. Even if the deal did fall apart, what kind of confidence do you have in your sales team they would not be able to sell the vehicle again that you have to resort to bullying methods to get a deal done. I'm sure more deals fall through for other reasons than a customer using their own financing .

As an example, let me share how the buying process went for me at a different dealership.

Me - I want buy this car and use my own financing.

Seller - great! We can sell you the car however we can not release it to you until we are funded by your bank. This may take up to two weeks. You can use our financing and leave with it today. What would you like to do ?

Me - start the paperwork, here is a VBC so you have my banks info to get the ball rolling. I'll be back tomorrow with a paper check.

Seller - perfect!

The next day. Paper Check is delivered. Agreement is signed. Hands are shook , keys and vehicle are released. Pretty straightforward...

What a disappointment Ryan Ford has become. I was born and raised in Sealy Texas, and have lived here all my life. I have been doing business here since the dealership was owned by Mr. Tegeler. I never had any issues with getting taken care of when it came to car purchases back when Mr. Tegeler owned the place, nor did I have any service issues. It was a very old and run down dealership, but they focused on taking care of the people who did business with them. Now days the place is all new, and has new ownership, new staff member and I have to say that I have become very disappointed in how I’ve been treated as a customer since the new ownership has taken over, both from sales staff, and also and most frequently the service department. I bought my 2013 Ford F250 from them, and while it was pretty easy they just did not want to hardly come down on the price of their vehicle. The claim that was made was that while you may have to pay a little more, the customer service did not stop at the sale, it continued on after the sale. Brad Zook who refers to himself as the service manager is about as attentive to his customers needs as a thief is when he is taking your wallet. Not to mention what an absolute liar the man is. I took my truck in for an oil change and tire rotation. I waited, and after I paid and went to pick up my truck I pointed out to Brad that my tires had not been rotated. He proceeded to argue with me and tell me that they had been. I asked how they performed the tire balance and rotation without even brushing off any of the brake dust on the rims or lug nuts. Brads response “ That is not unusual, tire rotations can be done by grabbing the tires and not the rims” I pointed out that they had never been able to in the past and that they certainly would have to remove the lug nuts. Brad then stated “Well what else can I tell you, they were rotated”. He then just stood there looking at me as if his answer was final. I did talk to a man called Berry and he stated that Brad would not lie. What a bunch of non-sense. When I told them that I would just take my business to Tommy Vaughn from now on, I was told that I was welcome to do so. Not only do they not completed the necessary services, but getting in is like trying to get in to see the President. This place has really gone down in my opinion. I cannot recommend using this dealership for new car purchases or for having your car’s service needs taken care of. Oddly enough they have these two gigantic trophy’s showing that they were number 1 in customer satisfaction. I am sure I do not agree with that assessment. When I asked I was told that it was awarded based on customer responses to surveys. That surely explains it, because I never did get called for a survey, if I had they would not have received a positive rating at all. Try Tommy Vaugh or perhaps go into town and try a dealer there. These guys are just little jerks with big opinions of themselves, especially that sawed off little...

I’m writing this review because I feel like my recent experience at the Ryan Ford service department should be heard.

When I first bought my vehicle from Ryan Ford I was amazed at the professionalism, courtesy, and respect I was given from the sales and finance team over there.

Being that it was a 45 minute drive from my house I didn’t plan on getting my maintenance done at this dealership because I have a Ford dealership right across the street from where I live. However, I felt like since I had such a great experience there when I bought my truck I might as well try out their service department. I’m all about customer service and if I have to drive a little farther so be it.

When I arrived at the service department the first thing that impressed me when I entered through the automatic garage doors (which I thought was really cool btw) I was amazed at how clean the place was! It did not seem like a place where vehicles drive in daily! It was cleaner than some of the homes I’ve been in. Lol!

The next thing that happened (which I never get at any service center) is the service guy walked up to my truck before I even got out, and greeted me with a smile and a very positive attitude. That also is very hard to come by these days. He asked me if I had an appointment I said “no, is there any way you can squeeze me in for an oil change?’ With it being Friday and all I had a feeling the answer would be no for sure. Well, I’m not sure how it happened but, in about 20 minutes I get an email to my phone saying “The service on your 2015 Ford F-150 is complete” I got up, looked outside, and saw the tech parking my truck out front! Coolest thing ever! I walked over to the counter and was greeted by a guy named Brad. Brad also had a great big smile on his face and told me my truck was ready. He complimented some of the upgrades I have added on my truck and then he went over all the details of my oil change. What details you ask? Well, no matter how small of a service you get from Ryan Ford they do a thorough inspection of practically everything on your vehicle! After speaking to Brad he handed me his business card and I saw he was the service manager. I knew right away why this service department exceeded my expectations and has such great customer service, It’s because they have great leadership! I know for a fact I will pass up that Ford dealership right by my house and drive out to Sealy, Tx for all my maintenance or service needs from now on.

I have now been through every single part of this dealership from sales, finance, and now the service department. All I can say is WOW I’m totally in love with this place.

Thanks Ryan...