Dowling Ford

Poor service experience We had our company van towed there on a Friday for service since it was unable to be driven. I have a limited number of dealerships that my company c We had our company van towed there on a Friday for service since it was unable to be driven. I have a limited number of dealerships that my company can use, and they were the closest. I was told that it wouldn't be looked at until the end of the following week because they were short a mechanic. When I called at the end of the week (no call from them) I was told that a transmission had to be ordered and they should be getting it Tuesday (11 days from the day it was towed). I called Tuesday and was told that the transmission hadn't arrived yet but it was expected that afternoon, and it only takes about an hour to install it. No call Tuesday or Wednesday. I called Thursday morning at 8:30 and was told that the transmission had just arrived and it would be ready tomorrow (two weeks from the day they had the vehicle). I told the person on the phone that that was unacceptable and I needed it back today...it's our company delivery vehicle. He said that it needed to be road tested first. I asked for the service manager, Jackie. I asked Jackie if she thought it was acceptable that we had to wait 2 weeks for our vehicle to be repaired, and she said that it wasn't, but we didn't have an appointment. I told her that I expected the transmission to be installed and finished today. She told me that it had to be road tested first, and stuck to her guns...it wouldn't be ready until Friday. How long does it take to road test a vehicle?? I also called them twice while they had the vehicle and asked on the first call for them to do an oil change, and on the second call for them to repair the passenger side door. Neither was done when we finally picked up the van on Friday. This dealership obviously has no clue what it takes to deliver acceptable customer service. For the entire two week period I didn't receive one call from them about the vehicle's status, and then to be told that from 8:30 am until close of business that day they couldn't guarantee that it would be finished tells me that they don't value my business. I'll be sure to find a dealership that does. More

On Sunday September 15, 2013 my 2009 Ford F-250 instantly started to run rough. Prior to this happening the only thing I noticed was a slight ping in which I thought was bad gasoline. It was recommended to started to run rough. Prior to this happening the only thing I noticed was a slight ping in which I thought was bad gasoline. It was recommended to me that I have Dowling Ford in Cheshire Ct work on the truck. I do live in Cheshire and was not in favor of going to Dowling Ford as my first choice. The reason I was not in favor of Dowling ford is my first issue and part of the reason for the complaint. I was in the market for a new truck and my intent was to purchase my new F-250 from Dowling Ford. As I said I live in Cheshire and the dealership in only a short drive away. I wanted to purchase near my home so that any work that would be needed could be done conventily. I had already done all my homework researching on line as well as talking to other dealerships. Having made my decision as to exactly what I wanted I walked in to Dowling Ford with a cash deposit in my pocket and 2 vehicles to trade in. I was talking to one of the salesmen asking questions in which I already knew the answers to and the salesman was standoffish not wanting to talk to me and blowing me off as if I was just someone looking at brochures. Being turned off by this salesman whom I no longer rember his name I decided to purchase my new truck from Bill Selig Ford in Windsor Connecticut. I work only a few miles away from Bill Selig. When I walked in to make my purchase I was treated as I should have been. We made the deal and I have been happy with the decision and the subsequent dealings with Bill Selig Ford. As Bill Selig Ford is approximately one hour away I reluctantly did approach Dowling Ford which is also part of my complaint against Dowling Ford. I was speaking with the service Representatives and was as asked if I purchased my truck from Dowling Ford, my response was no with the above explanation of my attempt to purchase from Dowling Ford. I was told that they are not taking any new customers. The 2ed Service Rep Jacklyn Frost spoke up and said to take my name, phone # and Vin # for the truck. I called in the vin # as soon as I returned home. I was told that Jacklyn would speak with Mr. Dowling in the morning to see if he will make an exception. I called the following afternoon and was told that Mr. Dowling was not willing to accept my truck. This outraged me as I understand that any Ford dealership anywhere would be able to offer repair and service especially warranty service. I stopped in to Bill Selig on September 18, 2013 and spoke with Service Representative John Lawson I explained my story, he and others at the service desk could not believe that Dowling refused to service my truck due to the fact I did not purchase the truck from them. John was very helpful explaining that I should call Ford roadside service and have the truck towed in. I was also informed that Ford roadside service may want to tow to the nearest dealer and to explain that the nearest dealer (Dowling Ford) was refusing to take the vehicle and that I wanted to have it towed to the selling dealer. I did so and asked for a supervisor, I spoke to a Supervisor named Susan and explained my situation. She was very helpful and understanding. Arraignments where made to flatbed my truck to Bill Selig Ford the following afternoon. Susan Also explained that I had a $100.00 towards the tow under the warranty and would need to pay any additional tow charge if any. I did not get charged any extra for the tow. Once at Bill Selig Ford it did take a little time to diagnose and determine the outcome of the repair. As a big job I do understand that it would take time to complete the job however John and the service Tec at Bill Selig Ford did handle the job in a professional manner and I was very satisfied with the service. I did receive my truck back on 10/9/13 with a new long block engine. Prior to this situation I had no thought of being in the market for a new truck however after knowing that I would end up with a new long block engine I started to wonder if it would be a good time to trade in my truck for a new on as with a new engine I would think that the truck would be worth more than it was. I again started to do some homework researching the 2013 and 2014 models. Again I walked in to Dowling Ford (with absolutely no intention of purchasing a truck from them) I just was curious how I would be treated this time, The sales men had no idea who I was and knew nothing of the previous issues, and I made no mention of the issues. When I walked in I went to the brochure rack and looked for a super duty brochure, there was none. One sales man at the desk to the right was talking to a customer at his desk. The other sales man on the left was on the phone. Once he hung up the phone the other sales man told him that I was on the floor. He came out of his cubical and I asked for super duty brochure. He said I think I have one in back. When he returned with it he simply handed it to me than turned and walked away. Once again Dowling Ford face with a sales opportunity walked away from a potential customer. I do not understand how Dowling Ford stays in business treating people the way they do and I intend to spread the word as much as I can. More

This dealership's service department constantly recommend fraudulant unneeded repair to build their bottom line...BUYER BEWARE.........THESE FOLKS ARE CROOKS... Most Dishonest people I have ever dealt wit fraudulant unneeded repair to build their bottom line...BUYER BEWARE.........THESE FOLKS ARE CROOKS... Most Dishonest people I have ever dealt with............. More

We bought 2 2010 Ford Fusions here at different times (one for my wife). In both cases the dealer was open and honest and made everything clear on financing, pricing, etc. This dealer has NO paperwork (one for my wife). In both cases the dealer was open and honest and made everything clear on financing, pricing, etc. This dealer has NO paperwork fee at all - the price you get is the price you pay (plus sales tax and registration, of course). The dealer puts NO stickers or advertising on your vehicle. And the paperwork fee - OTHER dealers charge up to $395 - the final price is even better. An A +++ dealer! More