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Old 11-24-2001, 10:23 AM   #1
Subi Ru
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Question Wisconsin/Milwaukee Dealers

Still working on a newer car... Looking for a good place to buy.

There are 3 dealers here in the Milwaukee, WI area - Sommers Subaru, Frank Gentile, and Don Jacobs Subaru. Bought my 95 Impreza LX coupe from Don Jacobs - the experience was OK, but i was not overly thrilled with the used car salesperson - kept talking to my husband instead of me, he didn't even remember my name most the time. I talked to a New car salesman there and he was awesome though. A friend told me Frank Gentile Subaru was awful, but I wanted to get other opinions.

Anyone have any experience good/bad with these 3 or any others nearby? I am willing to drive to Madison or Green Bay if I can get a good deal and fair treatment. I hate buying cars...it's even worse when your female!
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Old 11-27-2001, 12:11 AM   #2
codean
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Don't forget Harms Motors in Lake Geneva. They are a smaller dealer and they seemed really nice to me. Out of all the Subaru dealerships I have been to, Harms was the only one to ask me if I wanted to test drive a WRX! I think it would be worth the drive to see how they treat you. It's less then an hour from downtown Milwaukee so check it out.
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Old 11-29-2001, 08:54 AM   #3
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I bought my RS from Don Jacobs. They're ok. I don't like their service department, and their parts department is completely worthless. It's all these old dudes that don't have a clue as to what's going on. If you call about parts or service they always say, oh you need to talk to steve, and he only works at this time. I would have rather gone to Somers, but they're on the opposite side of town. They give you free oil changes and car washes. At least they did last spring. Hope that helps.
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Old 12-08-2001, 05:47 AM   #4
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The salesmen I dealt with at Don Jacobs was a complete jerk. When I went into buy ( and I was a buyer) they played the waiting game with me. I made them a firm understicker offer and was just looking for a yes or no and they came back with 3 grand over sticker. They made me wait over 10 minutes for that response. They lost my business forever.
The guys at Sommer's were pretty good to deal with but they were not budging on the price.
I ended up at Don Miller in Madison. They gave me the best deal and were the best to deal with.
I would go with Sommer's or Miller.
Bear
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Old 03-08-2002, 11:18 AM   #5
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Smile

I made my purchase from Don Jacobs in February. The sales rep I dealt with was Chris Thomas. He's their internet sales guy. I did a lot of my Q&A stuff with him via e-mail. He responded fairly quickly (within a day or so). I wasn't in a terrible hurry, so this was adequate for my needs. I never even met him in person until he already had given me a quote for $500 over dealer invoice.

He admitted that they were selling over MSRP to walk-in customers like Bear said, which I didn't like, but since I was dealing with him via the interenet and I was getting below sticker price it didn't bother me too much. I hate dealer gouging like that though. I'm an engineer at Harley-Davidson and I always hear about some of our dealers charging over MSRP and I really hate that.

Anyway, my experience so far has been okay with them, but my actualy contact with them has been somewhat limited. I had to order my WRX from the factory, though, to get the pricing they offered me because of some issues about the allotment of cars the factory allows dealerships have each year. They said 8-12 weeks for delivery (sometime between mid-April and mid-May was their estimate). I got a phone call a week ago and they're now telling me to expect it sometime around the end of March. I can't wait to see it!

--Vipre
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Old 05-09-2002, 03:21 PM   #6
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Default Sommer's

I bought my 2000 L from Sommer's just over a month ago and they were pretty good. I got ahold of the used car manager through a credit union fleet rep and they gave me a great deal. I got mine for black book value (trade-in) and everyone I've talked to says I got a wonderful deal. There were a few things I asked them to fix and they got them all done and didn't try to charge me. Gordie Butt was my salesman and he is a very nice guy and will even give you his own car (the dealer gives him cars to run around in) to drive if you need service done to your own car. He's been doing it for 30 years or so and he knows his business.
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Old 05-09-2002, 07:03 PM   #7
Subi Ru
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Angry Do not buy from Don Jacobs!

ARRRGGGHHH! I got a really unpleasant surprize today.
Please, please, PLEEEEESE learn from my mistake!!!!

When I purchased my used 1995 Impreza L in Feb of 2001, the dealer had just taken it in off a trade the day before - hence it had no window sticker. At the time, the salesperson told me it was a 2.2L with AWD. I was much less knowledgable about the Subies at the time mind you, so I would not have know where to verify this info. Hence begins my problem...

Imagine my anger when I happened to go out to replace my headlamp this week and happened to be looking at the placard in the inside of the hood only to see the engine type EJ18!!!!!! I was hoping it was a terrible mistake, but I had a Somers Subaru look up the VIN and they confirmed it is a 1.8L.

I called Don Jacobs Subaru who sold me the vehicle and they refused to do anything!!! They said that on the Wisconsin Dealer info (the window sticker) it said 1.8.
Ok... so basically I was lied to and got screwed. There's nothing I can do about it now since I signed the Wisconsin Dealer info. I even asked the dealer at the time of signing about the 1.8 on the info, but he said that was a typo!!!!! A$$HOLE! They offered nothing to make it up to me either... I feel so stupid to have believed him.

So what recourse do I really have? NONE...

I'm so angry I'm shaking and so sad I could cry. I'm so dissappointed...

Don't buy anything from Don Jacobs in Milwaukee! They are not a reputable dealer!

Michelle
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Old 09-26-2002, 09:18 PM   #8
jjacobs123
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Wink milwaukee dealers

I bought my Wrb wrx in march from Don Jacobs. they sold it to me right at invoice. Also any options were also at invoice pricing. I live in racine so Before buying I stopped in at Frank Gentile. 1st they didnt want me to test drive the car. 2nd The sales man was really useless. They would only sell at Msrp. So I decided to drive a half our for about a $3000 dollar savings.
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Old 10-10-2002, 05:34 PM   #9
shippy1
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Default I would avoid Don Miller in Madison

at least for service. The purchasing experience was relatively good, but I can't say the same for service. At this time I drive over an hour to Don Jacobs. I have not had to at this time so I can't give any review on their service department. All I can say is when I met with a Subaru representative several months ago about my experiences at Don Miller he suggested I drive to Don Jacobs. What does that tell you! Don Miller has a monopoly on the SW Wisconsin Market and they know it. Sure they sell the most Subaru's in WI, but monopolies help do that. In addition, liberals seem to flock to Forester's and Outbacks here in Madison. So yes they are the sales leader, but the service dept is old and run down and always busy, and the service manager may be one of the most unprofessional individuals I have ever seen other than the occassional 16 year old at the convenience store. They can be competitive on pricing, but I suggest you stay away from their service departmen.
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Old 11-01-2002, 01:26 PM   #10
DiscoStu
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Default Sommer's is tops by me

I'd give Sommer's my vote.

The few times my car has been in for service I've always been treated very professionaly. The buying experience was good (my car was the 2nd allocation 18 months ago).

They are a fairly mod friendly dealership, and are looking into getting into the aftermarket parts scene.

Sommers has always gone the extra mile for me. I auto-x my car and when I went to the dealership for an alignment, I asked if the could do it to my specs. -1.5 front 0 toe -.5 rear zero toe. Not only did they do it (with me in the car) I got charged their $79.95 coupon price.

They were the only dealer that truly knew anything about the WRX befor it was released.

See Keith Burich in Sales and in Service see Gary (the service manager), super friendly people.
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Old 11-07-2002, 08:00 PM   #11
carrera
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Had a bad experience at Harms in Lake Geneva in 1995. Hopefully that salesman is gone now. The jerk changed the price on a trade-in when the car came in. I was helping my mother-in-law trade her recently deceased husbands low mileage Buick LeSabre on a Legacy L AWD. The car she wanted wasn't on the lot, but they said they would locate a car with the options and color she wanted, and agreed on a trade-in price for the Buick. She signed the deal and waited for the car.

When the car came in, it had a few options missing, and the price of the Sube was a couple hundred less than the price they quoted. They dropped the trade-in price about $500 and charged her list for the Legacy. I blew a gasket, and tried to walk her out of there, but my wife stepped in and told me to cool it. I will not set foot in Harms, and I tell everyone considering a Subaru about that deal.

I've had good luck dealing with Don Miller in Madison. I've bought a couple of Sube's, and a used Grand Caravan from them. The Subaru service is questionable. They always overfilled the oil, and friends of mine have told me stories about sloppy work. Luckily the Subies have been reliable and haven't needed major work. My WRX is starting to clutch shudder and I don't know if I want them to touch it. Any suggestions? Those quanset huts they use for a service facility are an embarrassment to Subaru. Surprising that they can keep mechanics. The guys in the parts department are great, always helpfull.
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Old 12-21-2002, 11:45 PM   #12
XRW URABUS
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Thumbs down Re: Wisconsin/Milwaukee Dealers

Quote:
Originally posted by Subi Ru
A friend told me Frank Gentile Subaru was awful, but I wanted to get other opinions.
My first and last experience with Frank Gentile. This dealership sux from the "clueless" salesman all the way up to the "no balls" general sales manager. (Names witheld)

All a bunch of false promising and mis-leading a5sholes once a deal is done.
I got screwed on one option that still makes me

I'll never get my vehicle serviced there even if they offered free oil changes and car washes for life.

The only good thing that came out of this deal was my trade in and purchase price.

I hope my trade in sits on there lot until hell freezes over!!

....Okay, I'm finished venting

Happy Holidays to all!!....except Frank Gentile's Zoo Crew
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Old 02-03-2003, 01:16 PM   #13
ForesterX
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Default Southeast WI Sube Dealers

Alright, I've bought 5 in the last three years. I've worked with 4 different dealers and here's my impressions:
Don Jacobs...always gave me a crappy price and seemed hard do deal with in sales. They also really took a friend of mine for a hunk of cash when he bought. (OK really his fault for not being prepared, but you still hate to see it happen.) Service Dept did OK, Loaner cars available. Never bought there, just had emergency service on wife's car once.

Harms...OK Sales...very small! Expect them to have to trade for almost anything! Never purchased there, no service done.

Don Miller... OK sales experience. Have to work to get price, but good selection and willing to deal. Service dept incredibly old building. Waiting area terrible. Service writers have often had attitude to my wife, OK to me. Bought three Subes from them. All wife's service.

Frank Gentile...I've bought two from them. OK selection. Deal takes long time, but they came around to where I wanted both times. First offers from them were laughable! Service has been good. They replaced the seat in my GT Limited when I said it was uncomfortable for long periods and other Sube seats had not been. Their tech couldn't feel a difference, but they went ahead and ordered a new seat assembly. Initial service checkin sequence is trying. Too many papers to fill out! Bought 2, All my service.

In short, I would probably fo do Don Miller for future purchase if service were not a concern. I work closer to Frank Gentile and so purchase/service there makes more sense since they all seem to be about the same.
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Old 02-05-2003, 09:41 PM   #14
sonic_boost_wagon
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Default Frank Gentile

I bought my Subie from Frank Gentile. My experience was excellent. I agree that the sale people's knowledge is supect for sure....but they did get me a $2900 BETTER deal than Don Jacobs. Jacobs sux. Gentile didn't even have my car on the lot so they located it and trailered it to Racine, that is awesome. My car was picked up with 11 miles on the odometer.

Now about Jacobs. I went in there and wanted to test drive a WRX. They said that I would have to get an OK from the sale manager who happened to be off that particular night. Fine. Then I asked them to look at my Honda Prelude that I was driving at the time. The Sales person went on to tell me that a Used car manager is the ONLY person that can give a trade in value estimate of a car that is a potential trade....um....what is the sales person's job? Can he do anything at all? He can't let me test drive (even if he rides shotgun), he can't write up a deal....can he piss on his own? I have called Jacobs a few times as well for parts related questions and the monkeys that work there couldn't help me either. Are there any people in the place that are of any use? I refuse to deal with people that treat you like a moron. I question that dealership's business practices a lot. I doubt I will ever step foot in that place again.

I have been to Sommer's and they were very nice. Service department was nice and I was treated very well. I liked my experience here, I would highly recommend them.

Thats about it. Never been to the dealerships in Madison, but I have read and heard mixed results about them as well. Maybe overall boys and girls when it comes to Subarus we are plan screwed....ha ha ha

jason
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Old 02-18-2003, 09:59 PM   #15
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I have bought two Subarus from Chilson Subaru in Eau Claire and I have had the best experience. The sales staff is helpful and the service is just as good. I have dealt w/ Bernie and Matt. They have bought some wheels and some grills from me to put on a WRX.

Jay
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Old 10-30-2003, 03:07 PM   #16
Yankee Hoser
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Has anyone dealt with the service/body shop at Dahl Subaru in LaCrosse (oui oui he said LaCrosse ehehehhe)? We have to get a fender replaced and are about equidistant from LaCrosse and Madison. Don Miller is NOT an option.
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Old 10-30-2003, 08:54 PM   #17
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I've had a couple of dealings with Don Miller... both times I ended up talking with Dan Carr (sales maniger) & that get's me much closer to what I want & how I want it.

Sale's - good
Service - ok/bad?
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Old 04-29-2004, 10:09 AM   #18
Craven Moorhead
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Purchased my 04 WRX from Don Jacobs, no problem with the sales group did a good job. Car was loaded with options and extras, paid under invoice.

Service has been great real accomodating and fair, have also worked with the body shop they did a nice job also.

Parts is another area, poor knowledge base, expensive and the guy who runs it is a complete a**hole.

As a whole the dealership knows little about the performance side and does not appear to have much of an interest, my service guy advised me due to the warantee issue.

I contacted Sommers as I was told they are more performance minded and found them to be useless and they told that the Eibach pro kit springs being marketed for my car will not work on it.
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Old 05-02-2004, 07:53 PM   #19
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Just purchased a 2005 STi from Frank Gentile. The deal was relatively painless. I will complete the transaction when I pick the car up next week. I will update this post then...
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Old 05-05-2004, 09:03 PM   #20
18431
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I love Sommer's. The owner, Wally, has been very helpful. He even took my car for a test drive so he is interested in sports cars. I have had no problems with buying and service. My 2002 WRX is highly modified and they do not blink at doing mod work.
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Old 05-23-2004, 11:09 AM   #21
Hayaboosted
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Hey I just purchased my WRX from Don Miller about 3 weeks ago. Overall I happy with my salesman (Joe G.) He seemed to be very knowlegable and was an all around good guy! I cant say im happy with the rest of the salesman, always seemed kind of rude to me.. could be the fact that im only 19. But either way no one should be ignored. And I walked in the day i picked up my car.. noticed two salesman smoking outside so i was polite and said hello... nothing back!

As for the service center.. I had to have them put the spoiler on a week after I picked up my car. I had my G/F take it there.. she said they treated her nice.. although the waiting room wasnt very nice. As for the work i had performed.. I checked it over and it looks good! They took there time and did it right!

Don Miller rating = A
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Old 05-24-2004, 12:52 AM   #22
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I have also bought a couple of subarus from Chilsons here in Eau Claire, and I can say that there sales staff was very helpful and polite.

Jeff
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Old 08-29-2005, 03:31 PM   #23
MadDogSTi
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do you guys know where the good/helpful Subaru New/Used car dealership is in milwaukee? i'm thinking about gettin a STi, oh and could you possibly list the address? i know my way around milwaukee even though i'm not from around there
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Old 08-29-2005, 11:15 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MadDogSTi
do you guys know where the good/helpful Subaru New/Used car dealership is in milwaukee? i'm thinking about gettin a STi, oh and could you possibly list the address? i know my way around milwaukee even though i'm not from around there
I just started at Don Jacobs in Waukesha (corner of hwys 164 and 59) and we have a brand new '06 STi, silver on WRB. The thing is amazing, you have to see it in person. And if the '06 doesn't suit you, we can try to locate an '05 for you. Give me a call to set something up.

Ben Halverson
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262-549-2456
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Old 08-30-2005, 01:49 AM   #25
MadDogSTi
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thanks man...i appreciate it we'll probably be there tomorrow probably in the morning or afternoon
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