Century BMW Reviews: An In-Depth Look at Customer Experiences
When it comes to purchasing a luxury vehicle, the dealership experience can significantly impact the overall satisfaction of the buyer. For those in the market for a BMW in the Greenville, South Carolina area, Century BMW is a prominent name. But how do their customer reviews stack up? Are the experiences at Century BMW generally positive or negative?
Overall, Century BMW receives mixed reviews, with customers praising aspects like their selection and pricing while also expressing frustrations with service quality and undisclosed vehicle histories. To provide a comprehensive understanding, this article will delve into various facets of the dealership based on real customer feedback.
We’ll analyze reviews on the sales experience, including the staff’s approach, negotiation process, and vehicle pricing. Additionally, we’ll examine the service department’s performance, addressing common repair issues, pricing transparency, and customer interactions. The quality and condition of certified pre-owned vehicles from Century BMW will also be assessed.
Furthermore, we’ll compare Century BMW’s reputation with other local dealers, highlight unique strengths and shortcomings, and provide tips from satisfied customers for a smoother experience. By the end, you’ll have a well-rounded perspective to decide if Century BMW aligns with your expectations as a potential buyer.
What Are Customers Saying About Century BMW?
To gauge the overall sentiment, let’s first look at Century BMW’s ratings and reviews from multiple sources. On DealerRater, the dealership holds a 4.8/5 rating based on 906 reviews, indicating a generally positive perception. However, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) currently rates them at a D-, with 8 complaints closed in the last three years.
Positive reviews frequently commend Century BMW’s customer service, with many praising the friendly and helpful nature of the staff. Customers also appreciate the wide selection of vehicles available and the competitive pricing offered by the dealership.
On the other hand, negative reviews often cite issues with the service department, including recurring repair problems, lack of transparency, and perceived rude behavior from certain service advisors. There are also complaints about undisclosed vehicle histories, specifically related to certified pre-owned (CPO) cars with prior accidents or multiple previous owners.
Century BMW Sales Experience: Smooth or Rocky Road?
When it comes to the sales experience, reviews are mixed, with both glowing endorsements and critiques of the process. Many customers praise the expertise and attentiveness of specific salespeople, such as Justin Peeler, Kevin Klocko, and Frances Libby Webster.
Satisfied buyers highlight the smooth negotiation process, with salespeople taking the time to understand their needs and preferences. They also commend the fair pricing and deals offered on new and used vehicles, including the BMW X5, X3, and Mini Cooper models.
However, some customers report feeling pressured or misled during the sales process, expressing frustration with pushy tactics or lack of transparency regarding vehicle histories or pricing details.
Is Century BMW’s Service Department Up to Par?
The service department at Century BMW appears to be a point of contention, with reviews ranging from appreciative to scathing. Positive feedback often mentions the knowledgeable and friendly service advisors, as well as the thorough explanations provided for repairs and associated costs.
On the flip side, numerous customers have reported recurring issues with their vehicles, even after multiple attempts at repairs by the service department. Common complaints include misdiagnosed problems, incomplete fixes, and a perceived lack of accountability or willingness to resolve issues satisfactorily.
Pricing transparency is another area of concern, with some customers feeling overcharged for services or misled about the extent of repairs needed. There are also reports of rude or dismissive behavior from certain service advisors, leaving customers feeling disrespected or unheard.
What About Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles from Century BMW?
For many buyers, the appeal of a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle lies in the added assurance of quality and vehicle history transparency. However, several reviews indicate potential issues with CPO cars from Century BMW.
Some customers claim they were not informed about prior accidents or multiple previous owners until after the purchase. Others report experiencing significant mechanical issues shortly after buying a CPO vehicle, despite the assumption of a thorough inspection and reconditioning process.
Positive reviews in this area are relatively scarce, with most feedback either neutral or negative regarding the condition, pricing, and history disclosure of CPO vehicles from Century BMW.
The Pros and Cons of Buying from Century BMW
Based on the collective customer feedback, here are some key pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to purchase from Century BMW:
Pros:
- Wide selection of new and used BMW models
- Competitive pricing and deals, especially on new vehicles
- Knowledgeable and friendly salespeople (specific individuals praised)
- Convenient location in the Greenville area
Cons:
- Service department issues (misdiagnoses, recurring problems, pricing concerns)
- Undisclosed vehicle histories, particularly for CPO cars
- Inconsistent customer service experiences (some reports of rude staff)
- Mixed reviews on the overall sales process and negotiation experience
How Does Century BMW Compare to Other Local Dealerships?
While Century BMW has received numerous accolades, including the BMW Center of Excellence Award for client satisfaction in multiple years, its reputation appears to be on par with, or slightly below, some other local BMW dealers in the area.
Customers often compare their experiences at Century BMW with dealerships like Hendrick BMW and Rick Hendrick BMW, both of which tend to have higher overall ratings and fewer complaints regarding service quality and vehicle history transparency.
However, Century BMW is frequently praised for its wide selection and competitive pricing, particularly on new models, which could be a deciding factor for some buyers.
Tips for Having a Positive Experience at Century BMW
Despite the mixed reviews, many satisfied customers have shared tips for a smoother experience when purchasing or servicing a vehicle at Century BMW:
- Work with specific salespeople who have received consistent praise, such as Justin Peeler, Kevin Klocko, or Frances Libby Webster.
- Thoroughly review and understand all paperwork, especially related to vehicle histories and pricing details.
- Be upfront about your expectations and concerns during the negotiation process.
- Schedule service appointments well in advance and be prepared to advocate for yourself if issues arise.
- Consider seeking a second opinion from an independent mechanic for significant repair issues.
Century BMW Reviews: The Verdict
After comprehensively analyzing customer reviews from various sources, it’s evident that experiences at Century BMW are diverse, with both highly satisfied and deeply frustrated buyers. While the dealership excels in areas like selection, pricing, and certain staff members, there are recurring concerns about service quality, vehicle history transparency, and inconsistent customer service.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase from Century BMW will depend on your individual priorities and willingness to navigate potential challenges. If top-notch service and complete transparency are paramount, you may want to explore other local options. However, if you prioritize pricing, selection, and are willing to be diligent throughout the process, Century BMW could be a viable choice, especially when working with their highly-rated staff members.
As with any major purchase, thorough research, clear communication, and reasonable expectations are key to a satisfactory outcome. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses highlighted in these Century BMW reviews, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs as a BMW buyer.
