...Once in a great while in life, everything comes together in harmony.
I found their ad online for exactly the car I wanted, and took a chance, driving 100 miles from San Diego to come look at it, never once looking into the company, website, reviews, etc.
My first impression after arriving early, was that this was a "pick of the litter" used car lot, as all the vehicles here were clean, late-model vehicles, not spit-shined cars bought at auction with who knows what tucked under the rug.
I had previously exchanged emails with Kenia regarding the vehicle and wanted a straight up simple answer to what the bottom line was, as this was going to be roughly a 15K cash deal. The numbers offered were good, and was now in front of their gates awaiting their opening.
To qualify my eye when looking over a car, I am an ASE Master Technician of 30 years, previous shop owner/operator, and now a Technical Trainer on the West Coast, training Automotive Technicians. I see what many would never think to scrutinize on a car.
Before me, was a 5-yr old, glistening, one-owner car with 28,000 miles on it, and was handed the keys by Kenia, starting a process that would never take a step backwards. I tried to find something wrong with this car. I've learned over the years there is always something, somewhere, that is needing attention, or everything under the hood has been steam cleaned and detailed, removing and hiding, wear, leaks, etc. My expectations were surpassed, as I don't think in my 30 year career, I have seen a 5 year old car, with this low of miles, looking like it was still in the showroom.
Kenia and I talked, and as I queried her about this vehicle, there was never a bs story or hard sell, just a personable, impeccable young lady, that knew her corner of the world, and if she didn't know, didn't do what many sales people will do to make a sale, and that is feed me a line of nonsense that might sound good to a layman.
The handshake was made, a deposit was put down to hold it. A deal was worked out to have one of the tires replaced due to a cut, and rather than leave with 1 new tire and 3 tires half worn (original tires), opted to have all the tires replaced, especially as I was at wholesale cost, and would be on the car when I returned the next day to take delivery of it, as I couldn't drive 2 cars back to San Diego. Well not easily anyway. Kenia suggested I take the train back, as it stops only a mile from them, and would come over to pick me up at the train station the following day.
The following day, I drove away in a car that I wouldn't hesitate to have put my elderly mother in, and tell her she's good to drive it across the US without worry. That's about as good as it gets.
Kudos to Kenia and the staff at Radical Auto Deals, and if/when the need for another vehicle falls upon me, will make them my first stop. I am also going to recommend them, without reservation, to anyone I hear of looking for a car. As an automotive service professional, my referrals are valued by customers & friends, and I never make them if I have any doubts, as it's my integrity on the line. I have no doubts about Radical Auto Deals doing people right.
Happy New Year all. read more