First, this review is an HONEST ACCOUNT of my experience with this company and my knowledge of the…read morebusiness from the point of view of the buyer. MY OPINION IS NOT FOR SALE.
As I was reading these bad reviews, it was truly frustrating. So many of the problems people have written about were THEIR OWN mistakes.
1. When looking at online pricing, read EVERYTHING written on the website and in the terms of service that might impact the price. If they say the price may change if you don't finance with them, then expect a higher price.
2. Tell them before you buy that you want to take it to YOUR mechanic to look over. That is standard in the used auto business. If they say no, leave.
3. Warranties are only as good as the people offering them. I never buy a warranty.
A car purchase is a major investment. Why wouldn't you do a Carfax to see how many people have owned the car or if it's been in an accident? Why wouldn't you, if at all possible, not contact the previous owner? Sometimes that is not an option, but sometimes it is.
4. Establish your budget before you go and hold to it no matter what a dealership person says. If they talk you into something you end up regretting, that is your own dang fault.
5. Most of all, NEVER fall in love with a vehicle. You ALWAYS have to be willing to walk off the lot. Negotiate the price you want, give them your budget, and if they cannot meet it, then leave.
6. The responsibility to get the deal you want is SQUARELY ON YOUR SHOULDERS. If you go to buy a vehicle and you are unprepared, then you must take responsibility for your mistakes.
7. NEVER spend hours at a car dealership sitting in a lobby or waiting on some manager. YOU are the buyer. If you don't get immediate help at every stage of this experience, tell them you are taking your money somewhere else.
Remember, ALL car dealerships, whether used or new, are going to try to get as much money out of you as they can.
In our 35+ year marriage (at the time), my spouse and I had never had a credit card or bought anything on credit except our home. It wasn't that we had a bad credit score, we pretty much had NO credit score. These people took a chance on us and gave us a good deal on a great car, and financed it. That was about 10 years ago. It is a beautiful vehicle. I still own it and it has run beautifully ever since.
I did all of the things I mentioned above and got a good deal. Our credit score is now more than 800 and we have been able to buy our forever dream home. We could have never achieved that if this dealership had not taken a chance on a couple who previously did not believe in financing things. We had always paid cash for our cars, but this was a car I wanted that was a little out of our cash price range but still fit our overall budget.
Of course, there was a short battle of give and take as to be expected; I don't think they were expecting a disabled old grandmother being as tough on them in negotiations as they were on me, but we quickly fell into a comfortable relationship of mutual respect.
I would buy from them again in a heartbeat. HOWEVER, I would NEVER expect them to give me anything. Any advantages or deals I want I WILL HAVE TO TAKE, and that happens by
1. being prepared,
2. doing my due diligence,,
3. having my own mechanic do a thorough check of the vehicle, and
4. sticking to my budget no matter what anyone there says.
Oh, and NEVER discuss your credit score or give them ANY financial information other than your budget until you are at the point of sale. Your credit score, your salary and your financial information IS NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS until you are at the point of sale. ONLY THEN do you provide them with only what they need to complete the sale. And, NEVER provide financial info if you are paying cash.
Most of all: you MUST be willing to walk away. THAT IS THE FOUNDATION ON WHICH YOUR EXPERIENCE IS BASED. Always Always ALWAYS be ready and willing to walk away.