We went to see a 2022 Nissan Pathfinder (around 45,000 miles) that had been on the lot for a couple…read moreof months. When we arrived, it hadn't been washed, making it nearly impossible to assess stone chips or paint damage. Some scratches were addressed minimally, but spoiler alert: more chips were discovered once we got it home.
Taylor, our salesman--nice enough, but armed with all the classic "stealership" lines. The Pathfinder was listed at $25,000. We asked for a reasonable $1,500 off; they countered with... $512. Yes, $512. Don't spend it all in one place.
During negotiations for both the Pathfinder and our 2014 trade-in, I had all the numbers. Taylor called my methods "old school" but clearly felt uncomfortable with the accurate data I presented. He also claimed he couldn't disclose how much the dealership offered the previous owner--classic evasive maneuver. But we already knew the numbers.
Then came the magic trick: the inflated Carfax "value estimate." Taylor insisted Geoff Penske's pricing was "aggressive but fair" and "value-added," claiming we were getting $1,643 below a recommended price. Cars.com said otherwise--we were saving seven dollars. The price of a Happy Meal at McDonalds.
Trade-in talks were equally entertaining. Our well-kept 2014 Pathfinder was initially valued at $1,500. We countered, they offered $2,100, and within days it was online for $7,500--sold almost immediately. Taylor also nitpicked: minor scratches (thank you, Captain Obvious) and a "possible" TPMS sensor issue, despite tire pressure being checked before the 40-mile drive. The TPMS indicator was never activated on the dashboard. Classic tactic to undervalue the trade-in. And the 2022 Pathfinder had paint chips that should have lowered its price further.
Victor, the so-called "Vice President" (actually General Manager), did not inspire confidence. He seemed experienced in lowballing and lacked respect for the customer. He didn't personally speak with us, leaving a decidedly cold impression.
When we finally bought the Pathfinder (yes, for that $512 discount), the car was rushed through "detail." The inside windshield was dirty, door jambs neglected, and black trim smeared with shiny spray. For a car that had been sitting two months, this was sloppy at best.
In short, this dealership is a masterclass in passive-aggressive friendliness, smoke-and-mirror pricing, and old-school tactics designed to make customers feel clueless. Unfortunately for them, we were not.
Buyer beware: If you value honesty, integrity, and respect, look elsewhere. Geoff Penske GMC smiles while working you over, masking deceptive practices and unprofessional conduct.