I have bought quite a few cars over the years, never buying from the same place twice. The dealerships either didn't impress me enough to make me want to return, or they were good enough, but they didn't have what I wanted when I was again ready to buy. I hope that when I'm ready to buy another car, MemberCar will have what I am looking for, because I am very impressed with this small dealership. Here are the factors that will cause me to return when it's time, and why I have already recommended this dealership to two friends:
First, the price is published online and there is no haggling. I can't stand fighting over the price of anything, no less a car, in the game of "How Do I Keep From Getting Screwed Here?"
Second, the price of the car that I settled on was right in the ballpark with the prices quoted in several used car guides that I consulted, and among private sellers. So were the prices of the other few cars that I was considering before I made my choice. Please note: The car that I eventually bought was priced lower at MemberCar than any reasonably identical car at any other dealer. Bottom line: the lowest price was at MemberCar.
Third, I looked at several of the cars offered and they were in excellent shape, made by the staff to be in as close to original condition as possible.
Fourth, no one among the staff pressured me to do anything. Years ago, I was in sales, and I understand how selling, especially on commission, works. When any sales person gets pushy, I leave immediately. My primary contact at MemberCar was Corey, the sales manager. His only encouragement to me was to take out any car I wanted to test drive, take my time getting back, and to not hesitate to drive as many as I wished.
Fifth, the last half of my primary 25 year career was spent investigating business practices for a government agency. Before going to MemberCar, I checked this dealership through various means, including the Better Business Bureau, Montgomery County Consumer Affairs, the Maryland Courts, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, the Maryland Attorney General's office, and online reviews. I was confident when I walked through the door, and I found that my trust was well-placed.
Sixth and last, the buying process was fast and easy. I was supplied with the Carfax report for the car I chose (and for any other car I was considering). The business takes care of the title and tag work (including express shipping of the new tags), gives customers an itemized list of costs, and charges normal fees so that they can pay the bills and make a little profit, which is how it should be. That's capitalism, folks!
I am bringing a friend to the dealership, which is usually over an hour drive each way, so that he can look for a car similar to mine. When another friend's daughter is ready to go off to college and will be needing a car, he is going to call Corey.
I rarely submit a Yelp review (average about one a year), and I chose to spend more than an hour of my life crafting this review at the request of no one. If you're looking to buy an excellent pre-owned car, hit their website, shop online, and give them a chance. I was not disappointed this time, and I'm sure that I won't be disappointed next time.
By the way, I bought a silver 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 with 87K on it. It had one owner and was originally sold by EuroMotorcars of Bethesda, which is where it was always serviced per factory recommendations. I took it to my friend of 35 years, a master mechanic who owns a service shop. He couldn't find a thing wrong with it.
Corey even gave me a $25 Shell gift card, which I used a few weeks after buying the car - bonus! read more