Recently visited this dealer for a possible used car purchase. I must say, definitely not the average car buying experience.
PLUSes:
*The condition of the cars is as advertised
*The owner said he purchases these cars from private parties (not auction cars)
*CARFAXed
*You deal directly with owner (no salespeople)
MINUSes:
*While they advertise financing, they just use one (iQ Credit Union). Problem is, we went on a Saturday and iQ is CLOSED on Saturdays. So, if you want to get financed, you have to come back Monday (Which begs the question - why even be open on a Saturday if you can't finance anyone?). If you go on Saturday, cash or credit card only.
*Prices are non-negotiable. This "no-haggle" model has it's advantages, but none of the advertising mentions "no-haggle, non-negotiable, or FIRM". So, you have some expectation the price is negotiable but you are shut down quickly. Disconcerting.
*What amplifies the previous issue (non-negotiable prices) is that the prices are HIGH. The car we looked at, for example, is $1,200 OVER high KBB retail. Yes, KBB (known for being high to start) + another $1,200? Whoa.
*After expressing interest but seeking financing (which wasn't available on Saturday), we were told we couldn't take a test drive. "I don't test drive on MAYBEs". Wow. In over 20 years of buying cars I've never not been allowed to test drive a car I'm interested in buying. Bizarre.
As you can tell, although the car was as good as advertised, we cooled on pursuing the car at the dealership. Any business (or business owner) has the right to conduct business as they see fit, but compared to the 'norm' of auto buying, there were too many hangups/issues/conditions for us to be comfortable buying a car $1,200 over high KBB. It must be said if you are looking for a high quality used car, don't want to negotiate, willing to pay full retail, and (most likely) pay cash for your car - this could fit your needs well. read more