Fortune Magazine has announced its annual list of the nation's "!00 Best Companies To Work For." Nice list of companies like Google, etc.
But the list also provides insight into what's wrong with the automotive industry.
Only one industry company, CarMax, made the list — at No. 46.
Based in Richmon, Virginia, CarMax is the country's largest used-car dealer. It has a "no-haggle" policy and is often cited for its forwarding thinking. It has onsite nurses, for example, at 11 locations.
CarMax, www.carmax.com, was described by Fortune as "having a diverse staff and a friendly place to work."
The selection of CarMax, though, prompts one question: What must General Motors, Chrysler, etc., be thinking?
What do automill.com readers think of this post?
In October 2007 I purchased a 2003 Ford Focus SE in great condition! I was pleased, for the most part, with the buying experience, especially the "no haggle" philosophy. While I may have paid more for the car from CarMax, their service has been excellent.
The vehicle came with a 5-day money back guarantee, during which time I discovered a few things, mostly small, which were wrong with the car. They fixed every one of the issues at no charge to me, including: reprogramming the key remote; replacing the driver's side window motor and track, which leaked in a car wash; replacing a loose air vent on the dashboard. When I told them I didn't feel that the alignment was perfect, they extended the money-back guarantee another 5 days so I could test drive the car more. I took it to my local Ford dealer and paid for their contracted AAA Auto Club vehicle inspection and the car passed with flying colors. Out of good faith, CarMax did a four-wheel alignment for no charge. I would have been out of pocket for ALL of these expenses if I had purchased through a private party.
Yes, I'm sure I paid more buying through CarMax, and I was extremely skeptical at first, but they've really won me over. I hesitate to recommend any car dealership or buyer service because each person's experience is unique to that individual, that salesperson, that individual dealership, and the vehicle purchased. I happen to have been very pleased and have sent several friends to CarMax to purchase used vehicles or to get estimates on selling their own vehicles. They've all said that CarMax low-balled them on the offer, but the experience was completely hassle-free, just like the buying experience!
Posted by: David | January 23, 2008 1:01 PM | Permalink to Comment