Folks:
I was a bit disappointed to find out that Criswell Lotus in Maryland has an "unsatisfactory" rating with the local Better Business Bureau. Here's what the online report says:
"BBB Customer Experience Record
Based on Bureau files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB due to unanswered and unresolved complaints. Although the company has resolved most complaints presented by the Bureau, some remain unanswered and unresolved. The company responded to complaints with an explanation of the matter stating their position and the appropriate action they have and/or would take.
Customer Complaint Information
Complaints against this business concern guarantee or warranty issues, product quality, refund practices, repair issues, selling practices and service issues."
And a friend just got thru telling me some personal horror stories from people she knows.
This is disconcerting, to say the least. The next nearest Lotus dealer for service is another 250 miles away.
And I think we all need to be realistic -- if we have a problem, Lotus USA would probably have little influence over any dealership, given their small size. Criswell, for example, sells Chevrolets, Hondas, Kias, Hummers, and (IIRC) Lambos. Lotus is just a drop in the bucket to them.
Having said that, I do know that the customer is NOT always right, and there may be good reason for Criswell's refusal to resolve all the complaints. Keeping my fingers crossed.
If you want to check the Better Business Bureau report for your own dealer, go to
http://lookup.bbb.org/ , find your local BBB, then find a link to something called "Consumer Services: Obtain a Report", or somesuch. Hope you have happier results.