It was just over two weeks ago that my trusty old 2002 Subaru Outback took her last ride with me…read moreafter 20 years of loyal service. She suffered a radiator reservoir explosion, and I had to pull over ASAP before a fire started. I had already been ready to retire her due to other future repair costs, but circumstances forced my hand early, so I got to work researching available and newer Subaru Outback models. I visited one large dealership within five days, but their staff were extremely duplicitous, so I promptly left feeling very misled and annoyed.
Enter the exemplary and professional staff at Durham Auto Mart: Chip, Toby, and other colleagues who I did not have the pleasure of meeting. I found a listing on Carfax to Durham Auto Mart for a 2013 Subaru Outback that looked in great shape, awesome Carfax report, low mileage, and in an excellent price range. I called Durham Auto Mart to inquire, but Chip sadly and graciously informed me that another buyer had already made an offer. He promised to call me back if it fell through though. And that he did.
I was sitting at home pondering how long it would take to find a better deal, when suddenly my phone rang, and Chip gave me some excellent news. As my luck would have it, the other buyer was militantly insistent on trading in his very, very old car, which was not in good enough condition to be of any resale value, and somehow this condition completely undid his commitment to the 2013 Outback.
Chip and I spoke for over 30 minutes. I asked him intensive, detailed questions about the vehicle, and he answered all my queries with specificity and patience, and he deeply impressed me with his knowledge and passion for all automotive matters. He was so authentically convincing that I (wisely) chose to immediately book an Uber and head straight for Durham Auto Mart.
On arrival Chip greeted me heartily, and we got straight to business. I took a long look at the Outback and its myriad new features, then Chip and I took it for a test drive. I absolutely loved how it handled and was sold on it within minutes. On return we began the long and laborious process of certifying credit, transferring insurance, signing innumerable documents, and even hit a bizarre snag whereby Equifax decided that I didn't exist! Chip handled the problem ably and with determination. We learned that it was simply an issue with my name (I have two middle names) and eventually the system cleared me with flying colors and a very reasonable interest rate.
Throughout this process, there was no artifice or deception from either Chip or Toby. Both of these gentlemen were straightforward, honest, and did not pressure me at all. Durham Auto Mart's transfer fees are low compared to competitors, there are no hidden "junk" fees bundled in with the purchase, and Toby explained all my warranty and financing options in detail. Some dealerships might have tried to take advantage of my inexperience in buying a car, as after all this was the first vehicle I'd bought in 20 years, but Chip and Toby did the exact opposite. They acted in good faith and treated me with grace and respect throughout, and they were excellent conversationalists.
I strongly and without hesitation recommend Durham Auto Mart as a business and endorse their staff as trustworthy individuals. They have been in operation for nearly 50 years and my experience with them abundantly demonstrates why they have endured for so long. Independent businesses are so important to support in an era of increased centralization and corporatization, so if you need a car, even from afar, give Durham Auto Mart a call.
-Anthony Joyce
