Bottom line up front: I met 2 salesmen, and the owner, and all three are excellent folks to deal…read morewith. I bought 1 clean vehicle that is running very well so far. The experience was lackluster at first, but was turned around and ended well.
The long version: I was looking for a family vehicle, and after looking around a bit, I found that Great Neck Buyers and Sellers Inc had a very clean 2012 Land Rover Lr4 with 81K miles. Listed Price: $16,695.00
I verified that it was there. Kay was very pleasant on the phone. I was coming from 1 hour and 20 minutes away, and scheduled an appointment to test drive the vehicle. I was already approved for the loan with my bank.
When we got there we were introduced to a salesman name David. David was an excellent salesman, I have no issues with him. He was just doing his job so I don't blame on him. He quickly let me know that The price was not the real price in that I would have to add $1,995 down payment to be at the price. So the vehicle's actual price was: $18,690!
Anyway, we where allowed to see the vehicle, but it was not ready for a test drive. I insisted that we test drive, but was brought in to do paperwork instead. I figured ok, no problem. I explained, as we start the paper work, that I was already approved by my bank. That news seemed to trouble Dave, he mentioned that we MUST finance with them. They don't like you buy without financing through them, since the owners make money with the banks and so they require you to finance. But he was nice enough ask for an exception, and he got it. He then proceeded to go though some numbers, so he got a piece of paper and started adding in more fees (he did waive some). By the time we got to the finance guy here is what it started to look like:
$1995 down payment
$1099 Prep Fee
$295 Doc Fee (waived)
$525 DMV Fee (insane)
The straw that broke the camel's back was when he mentioned a warranty, and I told him that I had one included in my bank's financing. He had to ask for permission to waive this as well. When he came back, he introduced me to Kazi, another salesman there, who politely explained their warranty policy (that you must buy one from them), he offered that he would ask the company for permission and give me a response the following day. At that point, I explained that enough was enough, and that I did not agree with their style of operation, and would be looking elsewhere for a vehicle. So I left.
About 45 minutes later, I received a call from Kazi requesting the opportunity to make everything right. He promised to have the vehicle ready for test drive the next morning. I agreed to discuss it the next day and see.
Kazi called me the next day as he said he would. I explained that I felt that since I was fortunate enough to be approved with warranty already, that I did not appreciate such of what i felt was a run around. He was very apologetic, and courteous. I asked him for the no-nonsense price, and he told me 18,500 plus tax and tags. I took a day to think about it, and agreed to test drive and if all well, purchase.
Kazi was off on the day that I went in to test drive and purchase. But he made all accommodations for me, so that I had a pleasant experience when I went back. I did. David had the vehicle ready to test, I did, and agreed to purchase. From that point on, I worked with David and John, the owner, whom were both professional, and courteous for the entire transaction.
In the end, I purchased a fine vehicle at a decent price, from professional and courteous people. My only qualm is with the process, the added fees, hidden down payment, and the required finance and warranty, but at the same time, if I was not preapproved with a warranty, I would have had no issue with the latter. All is well that ends well!! I recommend this dealership, just be ready for the parameters stated.
What cannot be understated is the professionalism of all three gentlemen, and especially Kazi for reaching out to make it happen. Thanks to David, Kazi and John.
