I got a great deal on a new vehicle in just 3.5hrs with Christina B. I did do a little prep work from home before hand.
But before reading the rest of the Yelp reviews, keep this in mind. A lot of these people are going to a very popular dealership in a densely populated area. Which is going to make things terrible for you if you don't know what you're doing. Here's a few tips to make your experience a good one.
1. Don't go on a Saturday (and probably avoid Sunday as well).
- This day is when everyone has off. It's the weekend. If you are really set on purchasing a car, make sure you do the research and make up your mind first (between at least two vehicles from competing dealerships/brands). Then, take a half day off work (it will be worth it because I promise you will make whatever you lost by taking off back in negotiations). Plus, it won't take all day like it would on a Saturday. Having the ability to have a person's full attention during the non-busy hours is crucial to making your process smooth. I was in and out with a new vehicle that I knew I wanted in only 3 hours (paperwork and negotiations still take a while, but it beats paying sticker price).
2. Yes, you will wait a while when negotiating. (LIKE ANY OTHER DEALERSHIP)
- Giving a dealership a negative rating because you are waiting a long time during the sales portion is just ignorant. EVERY DEALERSHIP DOES THIS. This is just a downside with not just purchasing at sticker price, but be aware that to get the best deal you're gonna have to wait. They will run numbers with finance and probably sit in there a good 5-10 minutes (even if they are completely free), because it applies a psychological pressure. AGAIN. EVERY DEALERSHIP DOES THIS. If it's not on a busy day, you're waiting the minimum amount of time.
3. Be prepared with a down payment if you can (this will speed things up)
- Money Talks. Period. If you have to go to a Credit Union and get a low interest loan on the first $X thousand dollars you are putting down, do this. Being able to put down money on the spot WILL help you make the sale FASTER and closer to your goal price. Look up other negotiation tactics and keep an objective view of things.
This is not a guide on how to negotiate at a dealership, just on how to not have a bad time. So keep in mind that the rest of the reviewers probably didn't have their mind made up and pussyfooted their way through the process, leading to a bad time for everyone (and the negative reviews).
4. Be polite. (duh?)
- I feel like this shouldn't have to be said, but people treat you better if you treat them with respect.
NOW - an objective review.
So now that you know how to interface with dealerships we can objectively look at the shopping experience that you get here.
As long as it isn't a floor model, you are going to get a quick and helpful experience when test driving the car. This process doesn't take long, even on the busy days.
Yes, it might take a while for a sales rep to notice you if you are coming in the back entrance (by the sales department). In the back, people are doing sales, not trying to help new customers. Just aim for the big blue Honda entrance (AKA "the front"). If you come in the front, so long as there's a person available, you are noticed right away and are helped in a friendly and polite manner.
The sales process is also friendly and easy to navigate (given you know what you're doing). This being said, I have only ever purchased a new car here, so maybe take into consideration hidden fees with used cars. This seems to be something that is mentioned in other reviews that I read before coming here. I didn't see them on my NEW car purchase. But buyer beware on USED, as I cannot say that I have seen a sales sheet for these vehicles.
Overall, my experience was great. I got in the car I wanted at a great price! I was in and out within a few hours (although I had visited other dealerships first, because you want a second car for negotiation).
This being said, I spent a total of 5 (FIVE) hours in dealerships COMBINED. Yes that's right, you can do it this fast if you do your homework. I spent 1.5 hours at the first dealership (to test drive the alternate car, and get the sticker price). And 3.5 hours from entrance to purchase at this dealership!
YES, it only took me THREE AND A HALF hours in person at this location! As far as I'm concerned, this is phenomenal and is the hallmark of a great dealership. You can do it too if you do some prep work researching the vehicles you want online first and go in during the weekdays (for the record, I went in Friday at 2:30PM, and had the car purchased by 6:00PM). I got a great deal on this new Honda Clarity and fully recommend this dealership to anyone looking for great sales reps and a smooth purchasing experience.
Keep in mind, my review ONLY goes over the purchasing aspects of NEW vehicles. I have not bought any used vehicles or dealt with their service department. read more