Bad Dismissive Dealer - Gateway Kia (Central NJ)

[JUMBO PALACE]

While shopping for Stingers my experience with Kia was... a mixed bag. Gateway Kia of North Brunswick, NJ was absolutely horrible to deal with. This is going back about a year, but it still grinds my gears when I think about it.

I spoke with a Kia phone rep and set up a 10am appointment the next day to check out and drive a 6 cylinder car specifically. When I arrived, I was assigned a salesperson who had no idea what I was there for. After taking all of my information (again) I was told I could only drive a GT Line. When I questioned this, the salesperson summoned his manager who told me that "today is not a good day", that they were short staffed, and I should come back another time. The show-floor was nearly empty, with multiple sales people chatting or simply milling about. Not to mention the fact that I previously set up an appointment, so they should have been prepared. I asked him "you don't have enough staff to cover this empty showroom?" In response he simply said "have a nice day", turned his back, and walked away. I spared one more look at the stunned salesman, grabbed my things and left.

I admit to getting a little spicy with the guy, but at that point I felt so disrespected and dismissed that I couldn't remain pleasant. It was obvious he either didn't think I was serious, or had written me off for some other reason. Needless to say, I wouldn't recommend them.

 

[JSolo]

You're fully entitled to walk out at any moment during the sales process. And you should! Most of my walk outs happened during the negotiation process as we couldn't agree on numbers. But if I had an a**hole salesman or gm, I'd walk out too.

Leave them a proper review too, on google or yelp.

 

[falanger]

This story and dozens more like it are why the Stinger, Cadenza and K900 were doomed all along. Who wants to pay premium-brand money to be treated like a tote-the-note car lot customer.

 

[Redleg94]

When I saw the title, I was wondering about what your experience could have been. I went to the "other" Gateway Kia, in Denville to get my car. I've had nothing but good treatment from them, and when I've been back they have made the effort to remember who I am. I may not be getting true VIP treatment, but it's been at least on par with other dealers.

 

[G70LEbyAdoom]

While shopping for Stingers my experience with Kia was... a mixed bag. Gateway Kia of North Brunswick, NJ was absolutely horrible to deal with. This is going back about a year, but it still grinds my gears when I think about it.

I spoke with a Kia phone rep and set up a 10am appointment the next day to check out and drive a 6 cylinder car specifically. When I arrived, I was assigned a salesperson who had no idea what I was there for. After taking all of my information (again) I was told I could only drive a GT Line. When I questioned this, the salesperson summoned his manager who told me that "today is not a good day", that they were short staffed, and I should come back another time. The show-floor was nearly empty, with multiple sales people chatting or simply milling about. Not to mention the fact that I previously set up an appointment, so they should have been prepared. I asked him "you don't have enough staff to cover this empty showroom?" In response he simply said "have a nice day", turned his back, and walked away. I spared one more look at the stunned salesman, grabbed my things and left.

I admit to getting a little spicy with the guy, but at that point I felt so disrespected and dismissed that I couldn't remain pleasant. It was obvious he either didn't think I was serious, or had written me off for some other reason. Needless to say, I wouldn't recommend them.

Stay away from the Fetti Line of dealerships as well, they will do similar things to this as well as try to sell you a vehicle with potentially damaged parts, and the salespeople are all cocky a**holes.

 

[JUMBO PALACE]

When I saw the title, I was wondering about what your experience could have been. I went to the "other" Gateway Kia, in Denville to get my car. I've had nothing but good treatment from them, and when I've been back they have made the effort to remember who I am. I may not be getting true VIP treatment, but it's been at least on par with other dealers.

Glad you had a good experience in Denville! It's nuts that the dealership experience varies so wildly. Bridgewater Kia practically tossed me the keys to a GT1 when I walked in without an appointment and answered all of my questions respectfully.

 

[richpfeiferjr]

I know it's a little far from NJ but might be worth looking at Premier Kia in Branford CT. They have several Stingers in stock and I've bought several Kia cars from them with nothing but great service.

 

[JUMBO PALACE]

I know it's a little far from NJ but might be worth looking at Premier Kia in Branford CT. They have several Stingers in stock and I've bought several Kia cars from them with nothing but great service.

Thanks for the suggestion! I am actually in CT frequently for work. For now, I'm happy with my GTS which I bought used at Freehold Dodge here in NJ a few weeks ago.

 

[ScottM]

This story and dozens more like it are why the Stinger, Cadenza and K900 were doomed all along. Who wants to pay premium-brand money to be treated like a tote-the-note car lot customer.

Spot on! Many a time on this forum the higher end type vehicles are brought up for comparisons to the Stinger and the biggest comparison is the treatment at the dealerships. KIA just got it wrong in this department overall.

 

[Redleg94]

Glad you had a good experience in Denville! It's nuts that the dealership experience varies so wildly. Bridgewater Kia practically tossed me the keys to a GT1 when I walked in without an appointment and answered all of my questions respectfully.

It seems like the dealers that I've have the most success with, regardless of brand, have actual car enthusiasts on the staff. When you look at the employee parking lot you'll see more than one car that most of us would lust after. They actually do understand that we want more than just an appliance.

 

[amehring1982]

I bought new in November 2020, but my experience with Murray Kia in PA was pretty good. Only about an hour from us @JUMBO PALACE