I wanted to be able to lease our C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid here in Ridgecrest. Unfortunately, Jim…read moreCharlon Ford has not been certified for sales of the plug in vehicles and we had to purchase in Lancaster. We did, and are very happy with our little electric. We are able to do most of our local travel using only the electric motor and our gas bill is next to zero. BUT, when the car was just a little shy of a year old, we developed a problem with the charging circuitry. Although Charlon cannot sell the Energi line, they can service them. This was the first PHEV they had worked on. It took a few trips for diagnosis, but they are very close to me, within walking distance. Also they happily will pick you up and drop you off for local service appointments. Anyway, they got the car sorted out and it is now charging fine.
So, a few months later, my Grandson's girlfriend wanted to buy a car. We took a look at a few used models at other dealerships in town, but decided to run down to Charlon's to see what they had in a new car for her. She found the perfect one. Not an expensive car, by any means, but a nice, small, Fiesta: perfect for dependable transportation. She loved it. Her budget was low but Charlon definitely offered us a great deal, one she could afford. Her salesman, Quon, took good care of us.
Look, when you go buy a car, do your research first. Look up the KBB and the Edmunds average retail price. Know what you are willing to pay before you go in there and chances are you will get it. Yes they try to upsell you on some stuff, no big deal. They make their living selling things. Remember that you are in control of that. Just say no! It is no problem for me. Our experience at the dealer was very pleasant and they were very accommodating to what we were looking for in the deal. Plus we got a free hat! Not too shabby.
Ridgecrest is a small town. The nearest larger cities are 90 miles away in the Antelope Valley. I really think that we are lucky here in Ridgecrest to have a Ford store. Yeah, some people are going to have bad experiences in any dealership. The young gal I went with to help buy her new Ford had stopped by Charlon earlier by herself looking at used cars; the dude out on the used lot gaffed her off, telling her they would not deal on price. Meh. Happens. They got no sale, either. On the other hand, Quon paid attention to what we wanted and did not want, let us talk in private, and my young friend drove off the lot that afternoon in her new Ford. It was about as good as it ever gets at a car dealer. I would give them 5 stars, but as of today I would still have to drive down to AV to get another PHEV Ford. I like the one I am driving so much that I think I will get another if they keep up with the technology. I'd like to buy it locally, so GET THAT CERTIFICATION for Electrics, Charlon, and I will bump you to 5. Don't screw this up!