Post
by rickhem » Thu Sep 19, 2024 11:44 am
Prior to purchasing my tractor, I had been frequenting the web sites for local dealers. We have a chain of dealerships up this area called United Ag and Turf (UA&T). There's literally dozens of them, and their list of used equipment is extensive. I liked to use them as a way to figure what values were, and since one is about a half hour away, I visited them a few times. We also have a couple Kubota dealers around the same drive away. I started looking seriously and would stop in to talk to a salesman about what I wanted, and it was strange, but more often than not, nobody was available. Not talking about once or twice either. I did sit with a guy at the UA&T place, but he didn't seem very knowledgeable, and was in a kind of a rush to print out a quote and send me on my way.
Had a few instances where I found a 2520, which is what I decided was the right tractor for me, and wanted to go see it in person. I made calls to that dealership and confirmed that it was there, went over specs like hours and included attachments for the tractor, then made an appointment to see it. Both places had my number too. First place told me they sold it when I got there that weekend. Bad luck, but they could have called. Having learned from that, the next place I called just before taking the 90 minute drive, spoke to a saleswoman and confirmed that it was still there, and that we were going to drive up to see it, even got her name so I knew who to ask for when I got there. Arrived, found the saleswoman, then walked out to their lot and could see the tractor off to the side, but let her lead us on a meandering tour of their lot. She clearly had no idea what tractor was the 2520. I walked over to the right one and it had a yellow tag on the steering wheel that said SOLD with a date about three days prior. I asked if she checked on this when I called and asked her to check before we drove up, and she didn't answer. I was so angry I just turned and walked to my car. My GF just walked with me and we didn't talk for like 10 minutes. I do not have anything good to say about the sales side of that organization. I'll balance the comments by saying that I've gone to the local UA&T for hydraulic fluid, and the parts guys are great, friendly and helpful, and even offered me discounts. One even chatted me up about what equipment I have and if I intended to make any purchases in the future. Seemed genuinely interested in helping. I'll go talk to him
I eventually found my 3520 for what the dealerships were asking for the 2520, and mine has less hours, was used residentially, and was garage kept. Benefits of buying privately.