My fiancé and I recently took our daughter car shopping. She had worked very hard over the summer to save up and was excited by the prospect of another step toward independence. She was starting her first semester at college and needed a vehicle to get back and forth to school and work. Unfortunately, we were not in a position to help financially with the down payment , but could possibly co-sign, though our credit scores left much to be desired. We went from dealership to dealership, and even to the local buy here/pay here lots. No one would approve us. The story was the same everywhere! My daughter did not make enough money per month and had no credit history. She could not get a loan on her own. With me co-signing, my income would help, but my credit was far too stretched, with several major issues.
We had pretty much given up when we ended up at Westgate KIA in Wake Forest. The first person to meet us with a warm smile was Ahmed. He spoke to my fiancé about our situation and he suggested to start with the bank she sends her direct deposit to. With my daughter not having any credit history to show, he was hoping the bank may be able to offer a promotion that could help. Unfortunately, her bank was not able to help and we ended up going back to Westgate KIA that same evening. Ahmed suggested we attempt the loan application with me co-signing with my daughter. We tried this, but because of the black marks on my credit, it was denied. We thanked Ahmed for his help. He was not only genuine in a very refreshing way, we felt like he had our best interest at heart. We left obviously disappointed that we could not get a vehicle for my daughter, but still in a decent mood due to our good experience with Ahmed.
That night while I was at work, a local number that I did not recognize called my cell phone several times. I kept rejecting the call thinking it was the wrong number or a telemarketer, and thought nothing more of it. The next day, my fiancé and I spoke to our daughter about how we were ruming out of options. We decided that we would drive around later to see if there were any places we had missed. However, we were certain it would be in vain, as everywhere had already denied us. We got in the car about to start the search when my fiancés phone rang. It was Ahmed from Westgate KIA. I thought to myself, how nice he is calling to follow up. My fiancé scared us as he said, "You have got to be kidding me!" He looked over and said, "Ahmed at Kia got us approved!" I was in shock! Come to find out, after we left the night before Ahmed was so disappointed we were not approved, he worked on the deal after we left, reaching out to various resources for assistance. It was not easy, but Ahmed was relentless until he finally got a YES! He had been trying to get in touch with us the night before to share the good news.
My daughter is now driving a brand new 2019 KIA Forte. We have the peace of mind of KIA's awesome warranty and I feel better knowing my daughter will be driving to college in something dependable. Ahmed, thank you, thank you, thank you for all your hard work!! If you want someone who will not stop working to help get you into a vehicle until he has exhausted every possible option, go to Westgate KIA and ask for Ahmed. read more