Update on 9/11/17: After $3,000 in repairs, the car is finally safe. I give Stephen 2 stars because…read morehe was fair on the price of the car, but I take away 3 stars because he just did not stand behind the car. I got an independent Volvo mechanic to look it over, and was told it needed front brakes and rotors, even though Stephen told me the brake pads had 75% life left to them. When I told Stephen what my mechanic said, Stephen texted back "That's a dishonest Mechanic!" and "I don't know who your mechanic is but he sound incompetent." Well, Volvo of Southborough also diagnosed the brakes/rotors the same way without me prompting them, so who sounds like the dishonest and incompetent party? I could understand if Stephen had told me the brakes would need attention soon, but he actively lied to me when he stated the brake pads were at 75% and then accused other mechanics of being dishonest.
Because the car was for my son, I paid the $3K in repairs that included brake/rotors, timing belt, transmission flush (the transmission was slipping between second and third gear), engine mount arm, etc, etc. etc.
Again, because Stephen is not a mechanic, it appears he buys cars at auction, cleans them, and hopes for the best. When the cars have issues, he's liable to not return messages for many days at a time, then will disparage anyone else's opinion. This back and forth took me past the 30 day return period and I just ended up having to bite the bullet.
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Update on 7/13/17: In the 30 days we've had the car, we've driven it less than 150 miles, but have learned it needs front brakes & rotors, a new axle and boot, and potentially a new transmission. This is in addition to the timing belt that I knew was due. We're looking at more than $4K worth of repairs for a car we purchased for $4,650. I'm getting a second opinion from another mechanic, and if all of the above is confirmed, I'll need to work with Stephen to return the car. In no way am I accusing Stephen of knowingly selling me a lemon, but I fully expect him to honor a refund. I reserve judgement until this is satisfactorily resolved. If we end up returning the car, I think I'll purchase my next one at a complete auto mechanic & sales so that these problems could be identified before offering a car for sale.
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I was in the hunt for a safe and reliable car for my new driver, my 16-year-old son. I had been a very loyal Volvo owner in my earlier days, so I was happy that my son chose a Volvo S60 as his car
We wanted a car with less than 120,000 miles that was clean both in terms of its aesthetics and Carfax report. After communicating with many people on craigslist about their S60s, I was lucky to run across a 2003 with 101K miles at Ashland Auto Sales.
The owner, Stephen Frasca, was more than willing to give me as many details as possible via phone, and even arrange to be at the dealership later then it's closing time to accommodate my schedule.
Stephen was great in that he had the car ready for us to look at and test drive. He was so chill and no pressure. After a successful test drive, my son and I discussed what we should offer. Now, I know buying from a dealer will tack on about 10-20% above what you might pay a private seller, but knowing there was recourse if something went wrong with the car after we drove off the lot it was worth it to me. Stephen offers a 3-month powertrain warranty that is included in the asking price. It's offered from a third-party, so I can bring the car to any mechanic of my choice and they submit their bill to the insurance company
Stephen accepted our reasonable offer, just a few hundred less than his asking price.
Between the time we agreed to purchase the S60, and then pick it up 2 days later, he worked with a local mechanic to conduct a wheel alignment and a headlight alignment all on his own dime.
Stephen really does stand by his customers and go the extra mile. My insurance agent had some questions and I conferenced Stephen in around 8 PM one night.
He's good at communicating, and will call you back within an hour typically. If he doesn't, then he offers why it took longer such as he was at a car auction all morning.
So, in conclusion, if you're interested in a low-pressure situation, getting a nice car for a reasonable price, and having peace of mind that if anything major goes wrong with the car it's covered, go see Stephen Frasca at Ashland Auto Sales.
My son is proudly driving his S 60, while I know it's a safe car on the road.
