My experience was during the Covid crisis. This will start off sounding like a Ricart Automotive review, but I feel it gives perspective to my experience.
My old vehicle was taken originally to Ricart Automotive because it wouldn't start. I was told (at the beginning of April) that the starter needed replaced, and that within the next year tires and brakes would need done. I didn't feel like putting almost $2500 into a 2013 Ford that was prone to transmission problems (they have class action lawsuits against them for it, and one part of the transmission had already been replaced under an extended warranty). Ricart Automotive was only going to give me scrap value for the vehicle, because their policy was "If it doesn't start, it's scrap", even though they already identified all it needed was a starter.
I started to call around, frantic that i was only going to get scrap value for this vehicle without paying almost $1000 for a new starter. I remembered seeing a "cash for clunkers" sign from I-70, and called Lindsay Honda. They said the deal was no longer running, but that they would be able to make something work if I sent them very detailed pictures of the vehicle. I quickly snapped about 40 pictures of the car, and headed over.
The good:
1. Gave me a very competitive trade in offer, especially considering the condition the car was in. I had to get it towed to the dealership after I decided on a vehicle, but luckily we have AAA.
2. Their selection was great. Almost overwhelmingly good. I left their lot the first time after 90 minutes, as I had to go home and parse through all the choices. They had CR-Vs, Civics, Accords, HR-Vs, a GMC terrain, and a couple other options right in my price range.
3. Very flexible finance options. I had recently (within 6 weeks) replaced our van, so I already had hard hits on my credit, and a new (to me) vehicle loan. They used their buying power to get me a really competitive rate (even lower than the one I got with my van, when my credit score was higher).
4. Honda Certified vehicles. 1 year full service + I've been offered "vehicle insurance" before but this was much different. Not only was it cheaper, but it was 7 years / 100,000 miles from my purchase date & the miles I purchased the vehicle at. Most vehicle insurances are based on the initial purchase date / total miles.
5. Very knowledgeable sales staff. My rep (Kelly) was quickly ready to answer any questions that I had, and based on my independent research, she wasn't trying to just make it seem like she was knowledgeable. She really knew her stuff, and it was nice to be able to verify information and feel assured I was doing the right thing.
The bad:
If I could give a 4.5 I would. I made 3 trips in total to the dealership, one to check out the used inventory and show them the photos, a 2nd to "fit test" (i'm a tall guy) a couple of vehicles, and then a 3rd time to make a purchase. I'm taking one star off, because when it came time to make a decision, they pressured me into going with the most expensive option I had (granted it was the vehicle I wanted in the first place). I came up $2500 in my down payment (thank you stimulus money), something I'm still to this day not sure I should have done, and the price was still about $15 more a month than I was budgeting for. I asked them for any help and they didn't budge $1 on the price of the vehicle. When I told them I wasn't comfortable with the deal, they pressured me saying "but this is the vehicle you want", and "You've been in here 3 times now, let's get you out the door in this vehicle". While neither Kelly or the sales manager on their own were very pushy, I was pressured by both.
Second, if you purchase from them, bring conventional (paper) checks. We use an all online bank and had to jump through some hoops for our down payment.
Conclusion:
In the end, I am happy with my vehicle purchase, everyone was nice, helpful, and supportive. They did help me out by negotiating a better interest rate, and offering me a very good trade in value. If you are on a strict budget, just be ready to stick to your guns as they try to bump you up into a vehicle that might be out of your price range. Luckily if I fall under hard times I have family that is willing to help me out. read more