I had been car shopping for around a month or so and had made it a point to purchase my first…read moreelectric vehicle. I also realized that based upon early research, that I needed to open my search not just in my home state of Virginia, but nationwide.
I looked locally, then nationally. And then I was extremely close to purchasing a Tesla out of state on no less than three different occasions. Exorbitant documentation fees and adds at those dealerships were absolute deal-killers. And they made the car buying process frustrating. Add to the fact that, some of the Tesla "bargains" I saw were nothing more than mishandled cars purchased through auctions without proper documentation. Cue the red flags.
I then opened my eyes to other electric cars, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 came on my radar. Used, low mileage lease returns with massive depreciation ended up being a recurring theme. I almost bought one in Minnesota and was willing to drive it back to the East Coast. Their dealership did not return my texts asking for a simple, out-the-door buyer's order. They lost a sale.
Then I found a beautiful, white, 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD in a place called Mentor, Ohio. I had heard of it, but couldn't pinpoint where it was. After mapping it, I saw that it was just a short drive from Cleveland along beautiful Lake Erie. I had road-tripped through there in 2009 and I remember it being a nice area.
While still shopping, I floated an inquiry on the 2024 Ioniq 5 to the Classic Hyundai website. Within seconds, I received an email and a text from Jason. We had a nice chat over the phone. He is THE expert on Hyundais on the internet sales team. I told him I was interested, asked for a buyer's order with out-the-door numbers, and got it in no time. Within a couple of days, we agreed on price. Jason was extremely responsive and treated me with kindness. Zero pressure to buy at any time and this became a recurring theme throughout. The inquiries to the negotiation to the final price was all done via text or email. It was that simple.
After agreeing to numbers, I was happy because my month-long struggle with trying to find THE car was approaching the end. Jason then handed me over to Katie who is AMAZING. Zero pressure and everything was handled in a professional and relaxed fashion. Usually car-buying is stressful. Not this time. Katie handled everything she needed to on her and and we coordinated when I would take the short flight up to Cleveland to pick up the car and drive it home.
Two weeks ago, I arrived at the dealership just after 10:30AM. Katie greeted me and we finished up just about all of the paperwork at her desk. She showed me the car and it was fresh and clean. It was beautiful inside with hardly any wear for a used leaser with two prior owners. Katie showed me the bells and whistles that came with the car. We went in and completed everything..
And then finally, she passed me off to Eric who is the finance manager. Again, no pressure at all from Eric. We went through the formalities, and he presented me the final buyer's order and other necessary paperwork for me to keep on file, I gave him the check and the rest was history. I was out the door just after 12:30 for the nine-hour drive home. But to be honest, much of the two hours was used getting to know Katie and Eric as they are good people who took care of me.
We hear it all the time and maybe it's in your hometown. You see the same name plastered upon dealerships yet they claim to be "family owned". With Classic Hyundai, they treat you like family. It is a small, family-owned atmosphere and you're treated like someone coming over to their house for dinner for the very first time.
I wanted to chronicle my journey with Classic. I will buy future cars from them and I'm encouraging others in my family to buy their cars from them as well.
To Jason, Katie, and Eric...thank you so much for treating me with respect and for respecting my time and making my purchase easy.
If you're within a short flight and a day or two's drive home, go with Classic. You'll be happy you did.