First, I would like to applaud the respect and care that Mathew showed us. He was extremely…read morehelpful, knowledgeable, and willing to work with us. However, I would not return to Somersworth Nissan. Matt is the only reason that this review is 2 stars and not 1.
A '20 Crosstrek for ~$17k was my first choice that I knew I would love. On the lot, I made it very clear that I was not going to buy a car today, that I only wanted to test drive, & that I was still looking for a loan pre-approval at a bank; I told Matt that the bank I work for offered an 7-8% auto interest rate for employees, which I thought was too high. Matt said he understood but that he'd set up a test drive for us. There were a few minor things--mostly my inexperience with a Subaru, but also some minor scrapes and dents--that raised concern, but nothing to warrant hating the car.
After the test drive, Matt pulled us to his desk and wanted our thoughts. I brought up the points above; I generally liked the car, but wanted to make sure it's what I want. Matt suggested that I fill out an auto credit report anyway since the bank I want a loan through partners with them. I obliged but asked if I should do this, or go directly to the bank first. He suggested I go to the bank first, but that he'd check with his manager.
He came back, and said that they can submit the credit report to the bank and see what they say later; that sounds great, so I'll have some time to think on the car. He leaves, comes back, and now has a loan from Service Federal Credit Union at 13.5% interest... I'm sorry but what? I told you I can get an interest rate around 8% from my employer, why would I do that? Also, the paper showed a total financed cost of $12k after a $10k down payment... I said the rate is too high, that I could get a better rate, and also reminded Mathew that I was not going to buy a car today. He asked why, and I reminded him again that I wanted to be sure I made the right decision. He left, came back, and now had a new pre-approval from Service at a 6.5% interest rate--much better, but why was that not shown the first time? Still, it was not as great as other institutions in the area. When he presented it to me, I said that it was a much better deal, but that I was still not going to be making a purchase today, and I asked if he would email me when he heard back from other institutions. He stammered and indicated that he could, but that he would be right back.
When Matt returned, he was accompanied by his manager, Trevor. Trevor continued to press me on the car and I said the same thing that I told Mathew; that I needed to be certain of my purchase. Trevor said that there's no point in waiting and that I should just buy it today if I'm planning to buy it anyway. I again said that I wanted to make sure that I spend my money wisely. *He asked fairly assertively if I would be okay if he sold the car to another gentleman in Vermont.* I said "Yes, of course?" He said, "Fine. Let's look at other cars then. I have Sentras, I have Rogues, I have Altimas--those are all wheel drive." Great Trevor, cool. I'm not here to buy anything. I wanted to test drive one particular car.
Trevor repeatedly insists that I will not find a rate better than 6.5% or a Subaru at a lower cost than this one. I said okay, but that I need to be sure of that. He asked that if I need a car soon, why wait, and not just buy it now? Sir, I've said it a million times. No. *Trevor relented and said the car would be here for us.* I thought that car was going to a guy in Vermont???
Matt was a gem. If I could have the pleasure only doing business with him, I would. However, Trevor's insistence severely soured the mood, and it was clear that he was pushing Matt to behave the same way. I could tell Matt was looking out for our best interest and I thanked him repeatedly for that. I likely won't come back to buy this car. I still hope I can hear back regarding the other institutions, but my interest in this dealership is severely diminished.
Trevor: I think a quick read of "Never Split the Difference" would do your sales tactics wonders, and help you drop the manipulative and assertive tone that you present this information in.