It was the Fall of 1980 and the US Auto Industry was in one of its many slumps. I was looking to buy a new car. As a recently married, college graduate I certainly was not the hottest prospect for a sales guy. To my disappointment and amazement, the GM and Ford guys treated me like a “tire kicker” and didn’t even try to show me their latest “POS” in my price range. I don’t even remember what they were.
The visit to the Chrysler lot was different. My wife and I were treated warmly, qualified effectively, and introduced to a very sporty Plymouth Horizon TC-3, which we purchased. The experience at all three dealerships left a permanent impression on me. For the next 25 years I only purchased Chrysler and never even bothered with looking at the other two brands. I always bought American. As a proud Detroiter, I felt that was my obligation. Only when my favorite dealership opened a Nissan store did I stray with a few of my purchases for my wife and children. I was always at the wheel of Chrysler or Dodge product.
Fast forward to 2009. Like everyone, I hit a financial speed bump. My wife lost her job and my business was off. My Chrysler 300-C was coming off lease and I wanted to purchase it. It was my favorite vehicle of all time. Though I had a spotless, perfect record with Chrysler Financial, they were not able to approve my purchase as a result of my ’09 issues. Note, we are not talking crazy, out-of-whack issues. We are talking about issues that make a conservative, financially distressed lender unfriendly to a borrower. Needless to say, the loan didn’t materialize.
As I reflect on the series of events I am amazed at what transpired. A loyal, valued, and responsible customer of nearly 30 years bangs on the door and wants to continue doing business. A distressed, twice government-aided company (with my tax money, no less) turns me down. How am I to feel? What type of message is the Government, Chrysler and Chrysler Financial sending to its citizens when good people are treated this way?
I bought a Chrysler in 1980 when no one else would. I bought American when most of America was not. And I was attempting to continue a 30-year business relationship in a period when both me and my supplier were in financial distress of sorts. The Goverment bailed out Chrysler. Then Chrysler slapped me in the face. This is what happens when bad business behaviors are rewarded. Buy a Chrysler? Never! Bail them out again? Not in my lifetime! This was no way to treat a customer. All consumers need to think twice before supporting a business like Chrysler. I encourage you to buy something else!