We spent the majority of the day going from one used car dealership to another. We had called in advance to verify the website's information; that they did in-house financing. After receiving confirmation of "tote the note" financing availability, we headed to the first dealership on our list (E-Auto Groups), to buy our first choice vehicle, which was an H3 2006 Hummer. The Carfax report said it had been listed for 306 days, so we were hoping they would be happy to sell it to us, regardless of our troubled credit.
After a 45 minute drive we arrived at the lot and we looked at the exterior (it was locked), and waited for a salesperson to arrive. No salespeople appeared, the lot was just dead empty. We headed inside and a lady behind a desk seemed surprised someone was there, but asked if she could help us. We informed her of our desire to purchase the H3, so she got the keys and took us to it. It would not start, she said recent thefts from the lot had led to them disconnecting the batteries...then she had it jump-started for us.
The interior was very clean, the outside was not. There were multiple visible damages including a snapped off radio antennae. She spoke with us a while and invited us to inspect it at the local AutoZone via a free diagnostic. So we did. Despite the cosmetic damages, and obvious signs that the CarFax reported alignment had failed, we decided to go for it.
We sat down to start the approval process at which time she informed us that we would have to have $2500 down for in-house, not the advertised $995. Otherwise we would have to have a credit check and $2000 down. She told us that John did not want to wait for his share of the payment if they did in-house financing, so basically that was never an option even though it was clearly stated on their website.
I asked her how long the H3 had been there, and she said "oh just a few weeks", not 306 days. Even though she was polite and patient the rest of the experience was frustrating, disappointing, and made us feel lied to. After our credit was turned down, ( I believe it was never even checked, since all she did was say she would go "ask John" returning in just a few moments with "no" for an answer). We put $5 in gas in the H3 to make it to the AutoZone since it was sitting on empty, and did not get reimbursed before we left feeling angry and hopeless.
Our next dealership on the list was Carnaval Autos, another 45 minute drive away. We were already getting hot and thirsty in the 970 F day. Without much of a greeting or any introductions the salesman just asked to run our credit, we told him we were needing in-house finance due to a low credit score. He told us we had to run credit to buy there, that they would not do in-house, even though we had called to make sure they did.
Really tired and dejected we decided to go to Don Herring Mitsubishi, since they were running an ad for a "credit amnesty event" at their Plano location. We figured the worst they could do is say no too. The ad said "if you make $400 a week, we can finance you!" Really not expecting much, and slightly the worse for wear, we turned around and headed back to Plano on another 45 minute trip across town.
Upon arrival we were greeted almost instantly by a smiling and friendly salesperson named Simon. While my spouse went in to discuss financing, I roamed the lot checking out the enormous selection of new vehicles, and used trade-ins. I assumed we would have to get a used car, because of our credit situation. So I primarily looked at those, picking out a few to consider. I went in, and they had already finished the preliminary paperwork.
I went to ask where the facilities were, and was greeted in a upbeat and jovial manner by Shane, the GM. Almost tripping over each other in their eagerness to help, half a dozen salespeople directed me to the restrooms. The ladies room was clean, had soap, and paper towels. Upon leaving the restroom I noticed multiple vending machines. I went out to smoke a cigarette, came back in to check on the progress, and Simon went over all the incredible features of the warranty (10 years or 100,000 miles), and the services the dealership would offer, such as the first three oil changes for free.
The approval was still pending, so I went to get some drinks from the machines, although they had already given us bottled water. I noticed a service and parts area as well as a enclosed children's play area fully equipped with toys and brightly colored objects of interest. I was very impressed that the dealership had taken into consideration the trials and tribulations of parenthood, and accommodated those needs accordingly. I was also very pleased to have something cold to drink. I stopped to chat at the front counter, where everyone was in high spirits, and watched as outside someone was taking a picture with their new ride. I was hoping that would be us soon too, but not too sure.(cont here)
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