Joe Perillo in Chicago

Hello all. I'm looking at purchasing a CPO 535xi Wagon from Joe Perillo in Chicago. Car looks good on paper, and has the agreeable combination of options/mileage/price for my needs/wants. My issue is that I'd be coming from the east coast to get this specific car, go to do a PrePurchaseInspection, and if good, buy and drive far, far away. I don't need a long-term relationship...

I've read the feedback here on Joe Perillo, and it isn't good. My questions for the Chicago area folks:
1. Are they so bad they misrepresent used cars?
2. Will they not stick to an agreed upon price, or try to add in BS fees, knowing that I'm probably not going cross country to walk out on a deal for a few hundred dollars?
3. Can anyone recommend at least ONE client advisor at this dealership that ISN'T a slimeball?
4. Are they so bad, that I can expect them to try pull a "Kapoweee!!!!!"?





I like the car, but I'm not going to put up with bulls#$ just so my wife can get the "pretty color".

Thanks!

Are you sure they have the car? I ran into that problem. Their website was hopelessly not current. They kept wanting me to drive in to visit them personally so they could "find a car" for me.
Other than that, I've never felt comfortable in that dealership. Sales personnel are stuffy, arrogant. My Dad bought 3 cars from them, and I hear that Joe is a great guy, but I'm always on guard when I shop there. My latest experience with them was about 6 months ago and I have no reason to go back. Too many other dealers in the area that I would rather give my business to.

By the way, the Kapowee commercials are great!

I have purchased 2 cars from Perillo BMW and have had fantasic sales experience and great prices!
I would ask for Don Mariano who is very knowledgeable and upfront with fees, etc.

Kris

I don't know what kv means by great prices, but I can almost guarantee you you'll save at least $2k by buying from a dealer in the burbs.

Originally Posted by 335i Driver

I don't know what kv means by great prices, but I can almost guarantee you you'll save at least $2k by buying from a dealer in the burbs.

I should clarify, back in 2004, I bought a 2004 330i ZHP for $6500 off MSRP and got 1.9% percent financing. Also ordered a 2005 X5 for $4900 off MSRP.
I am sure they are able to meet other dealer prices.

Originally Posted by kvsm3

I should clarify, back in 2004, I bought a 2004 330i ZHP for $6500 off MSRP and got 1.9% percent financing. Also ordered a 2005 X5 for $4900 off MSRP.
I am sure they are able to meet other dealer prices.

Able? Perhaps. Want to? Not in my experience. I shopped them on my E93 and previously on my E60 and found them inflexible on price. That's fine, but I just can't tolerate condescending attitudes. They obviously feel they can sell every car at MSRP. If that is their policy, good for them. I just found it easier to dicker with other dealers.

I also was interested in a used 07 E93 which they wanted $700 more for than I paid for my identically equip'd new '08.

Your deals sound dang good. Were they on brand new vehicles?

If you're going to Perillo BMW, I'd rec Diane Brown. She's an internet sales manager there.

They were on brand new vehicles. Both times I dealt with Joe Perillo and Don Mariano. I was recommended to Perillo by my brother's very good friend. That friend happened to be best friends with Joe Perillo. Since I have moved to Atlanta, when I am in the market for a BMW which is prob a year when my current lease expires, I will definitely go with a forum dealer.
Back in 2004, Joe Perillo himself stated if you have to take your car for service, take it to the dealerships in the suburbs. He said he needs to improve the quality of his service department. I took my car to Bill Jacobs BMW where I received excellent service.

KRIS

Originally Posted by pistolpuma

Able? Perhaps. Want to? Not in my experience. I shopped them on my E93 and previously on my E60 and found them inflexible on price. That's fine, but I just can't tolerate condescending attitudes. They obviously feel they can sell every car at MSRP. If that is their policy, good for them. I just found it easier to dicker with other dealers.

I also was interested in a used 07 E93 which they wanted $700 more for than I paid for my identically equip'd new '08.

Your deals sound dang good. Were they on brand new vehicles?

That was my experience also. Condescending snotty attitudes, wouldn't budge on price when I had solid quotes from other dealers for $2500 less. I don't think they care though since they have so many people with a lot of $$ and no common sense.

Originally Posted by kvsm3

They were on brand new vehicles. Both times I dealt with Joe Perillo and Don Mariano. I was recommended to Perillo by my brother's very good friend. That friend happened to be best friends with Joe Perillo. Since I have moved to Atlanta, when I am in the market for a BMW which is prob a year when my current lease expires, I will definitely go with a forum dealer.
Back in 2004, Joe Perillo himself stated if you have to take your car for service, take it to the dealerships in the suburbs. He said he needs to improve the quality of his service department. I took my car to Bill Jacobs BMW where I received excellent service.

KRIS

The relationship explains why you got the deal you did.
Like I said, I have heard good things about Joe II. Has a rep as being a straight shooter. But you wonder why, if he recognized issues back in '04, he hasn't been able to resolve them. Perhaps he has enough city clients to fuel operations that are not sensitive to good service and/or pricing. It's too bad.

Maybe if you deal with Joe Jr and Don Mariano, you might be able to get a good deal.
I am really surprised that many folks here had bad experiences at the dealership. Hopefully his service dept has been improved.

Originally Posted by adrian's bmw

If you're going to Perillo BMW, I'd rec Diane Brown. She's an internet sales manager there.

Diane's no longer there...probably because she was polite or professional or honest. I second the notion that Perillo has an air of arrogance. Again, probably because the majority of the clientele think that there is status in overpaying.

Arrogant, condescending, snobby, and un... overpriced too! Had another dealer offer a car from Perillo's lot $700 below what Perillo themselves were asking for. Look in the burbs for sure.

Stay far away from Perillo, sales and esp service. (all the suburban dealers will come in and pick up your car from the city, so you don't need to go to Perillo)
The only thing I'd trust them for is an (expensive) oil change.

Originally Posted by adrian's bmw

If you're going to Perillo BMW, I'd rec Diane Brown. She's an internet sales manager there.

Overall, Perillo got bad rep. I looked at couple cars there and walked away because I just could not stand the attitude.
Now on the internet side - Diane Brown WAS good. Always prompt in answering emails, etc.....but I dont think she is there anymore. Guys on the floor are a joke.

Get everything squared away BEFORE you come out...even make the deal...everything. So you just come out, drive, inspect.....make sure it is as advertized, pay and drive away.

By the way, if you need a ride from the airport to downtown - let me know, i am half way between Ohare and downtown where they are- can give you a lift.

Two dealers that I would recommend in Chicago:

- Patrick BMW (north of the city) and
- Levin BMW in Scherillville, IN - about 30 min from Chicago

Both will work with you well.

I recently took in my 330i for an scheduled oil change & tuneup (under warranty) with Joe Perillo.

I asked them to charge up my battery and they did. They also threw in a free key fob batter replacement. I also ordered a new key fob and I only paid $150, or so. I was under the impression that the key fobs cost around $200.00.

They have good hours (open from 6:30 AM to 7 PM) and they are close by.

Having said all that, I have heard/read some negative things regarding them, but you never know.

I'm a newbie here, so my opinion doesn't count for much, but I think you need to be reasonable about expectations.

If you push a dealer for a car just over invoice/cost and then never come in for another purchase (service or otherwise), I doubt that they will have any real incentive to want to give you a break on another purchase.

I think that if you buy your car and your spouses from the same dealer and come in for a few parts here and there, you may get better service, as they'll recognize you as an established customer.

Having said all that, in these tough times, if you can save $$$ by doing repairs on your own, you should.

For what its worth, as a recent car shopper (I searched for over 12 months before buying my Bimmer), I would worry more about the dealer selling you a lemon. If you are buying a car for more than $15K, I would stick with franchised car dealers. I really do not trust independent used car dealers that strictly sell used cars. You never know where they purchased those cars from.

I know I should not make general comments like that, but in my experience, a lot of those "bargains" from a user car dealer, turned out to be a lemon or mfg buyback.

I would invest a few $$$ in BOTH Experian and Carfax. Its better than nothing.

Just my 2 cents.

Good luck!

Just one more thing, I have read really good stuff on BMW in Elmhurst. If they were closer, I would probably try them out.