Why I didn't remove the dealer emblem

Hey, Moe! · 12-27-05, 08:31

I understand why many car owners remove the dealer emblem/ badge. However, when I bought my Focus ST last summer, I left the dealer emblem on. Here's why.

Three years ago, I was going through a divorce. Because of whose name was on which owner's card, I ended up with my ex's terrible lease on a Windstar minivan. She got my nice and shiny Escort ZX2, which had some equity.

I had to ride out the lease. Since I have to drive a lot, it was a killer. I owed $1,300 on extra mileage at the end.

I didn't have the money to pay it off in one chunk, and my new car was coming.

The dealer (co-owner) knew my plight, and said, "Don't worry. I'll pay off Ford, and put it on account for you. Pay it off as you can."

I was into clean cars, but not quite into Autopian mode when I got the new Focus. I didn't have the savvy to tell them not to wash/polish/wax my new car.

I did look at the finish closely later. No marring at all. Go figure.

Also, when I stopped by recently, and expressed my concern at not being able to clean properly during winter, I was told that since the dealership was open on Friday evenings, and the back shop was not working, I could bring my car inside and detail it.

So, at least for now, the (small) dealer emblem stays on the car. I figure it is the least I can do.

There are a lot of dealer "horror stories" out there. Which is why I felt a good story was in order, though it may be in the minority.

Neothin · 12-27-05, 09:38

That's really nice of them. I would still only use the facilities and bring my own supplies though.... I would be afraid to use their cheap bulk products and inferior quality towels, applicators, etc. lol, just thought of this, see if you can get the car on the lift so you can get ALL the salt off the undercarriage.

HomicidalSloth · 12-27-05, 10:18

That could be a really cool set up, if they would let you use their lifts and stuff. Maybe for the long term you could trade your detailing services (just a car every now and then) for use of their equipment, tools and supplies? Could be pretty handy!

Accumulator · 12-28-05, 08:19

That's great! Having a good dealer can make all the difference in the overall ownership experience. We drive Audis primarily because of how our dealer (two hours away with many other Audi dealers much closer) treats us.

While I draw the line at dealer decals (well, consider that I usually debadge my cars anyhow), I do keep an Isringhausen Imports license plate frame on my wife's A8 in appreciation of how they always treated us back when I was buying/selling cars all the time. Heh heh, I wonder how my current Audi dealer feels about that

especially since I don't have any of *their* logos on our cars....

Hey, Moe! · 12-28-05, 01:04

Yes, I will use my own products. The guys at the dealer are aware that I have my "own stuff."

And, I'm starting to notice some license plate frames with the dealer logo around here. Guess I will get one, then I can remove the emblem.

Ford slapped three badges of their own on the back of the Focus ST, so the dealer emblem does clutter it up some.

I stopped there today, just for a holiday visit. Turns out one of the salesmen got to meet Carroll Shelby a little while back, so that was fun to hear.

You know, people sometimes commisserate with my teaching profession, but I would not want to sell cars and trucks for a living. There are way too many sleazy dealers out there, and the honest ones have to bust their butts to compete with them.

Scottwax · 12-28-05, 06:10

Other than Sewell, most of the Dallas area dealers are nothing to write home about. Nice to hear there are a few good ones out there.