Starting the hunt

Hi,

Wife needs a used car, so we’re starting the hunt.  Please give us your insight into used car dealers.  Do you have a fave?  How about horrendous ones?

THANKS

Preston KIA is very good

They're in Burton , Ohio though

I'm looking to get a new car, hopefully an EV, and will sell our 2010 Altima if/when we do.  A AAA guy who came to our house once to charge the battery said Altimas can last 200,000 miles. It hasn't hit 100 yet.  We tend to drive locally and rarely take long trips.

Wife’s car, bought used, is 1999 with <80K.  It needs a part that can’t be found.  Unfortunately she loves the car, but it won’t pass inspection.  So we’re starting our hunt for a replacement.  Last used car is OK but I wouldn’t waste a bucket of raw sewage on the dealer if his tonsils were on fire!

So we need a rec for someone others trust.

Thanks

Just an FYI:

I bought my used Honda CRV at Hudson Honda, in West New York. I know it's far for MAPSO peeps to go, but my point is, they were really great. I was shocked. They were welcoming, frank, helpful and honest. I drove away feeling very happy and satisfied. 

When I found that the a/c wasn't working thy said to bring it back anytime, any day and they'll fix it. I did and they did. When I brought it in for the a/c service, I told the service manager that I had Mets tickets and needed to be out of there by 4pm. At 3:55 the service manager came out with my keys and said I was good to go. 

Is this the case at other dealerships? I have no idea. 

@The_Soulful_Mr_T,

Thanks for your rec.  I even saw something of possible interest there recently.  

As for whether your experience was typical…does my prior comment sound like I’m a happy camper?

Apollo_T said:

Wife’s car, bought used, is 1999 with <80K.  It needs a part that can’t be found.  Unfortunately she loves the car, but it won’t pass inspection.  So we’re starting our hunt for a replacement.  Last used car is OK but I wouldn’t waste a bucket of raw sewage on the dealer if his tonsils were on fire!

So we need a rec for someone others trust.

Thanks

I’ve had success keeping my 99 on the road using https://www.car-part.com/mobile/index.htm 

Apollo_T said:

@The_Soulful_Mr_T,

Thanks for your rec.  I even saw something of possible interest there recently.  

As for whether your experience was typical…does my prior comment sound like I’m a happy camper?

One caveat: Hudson Honda in West New York is a Spanish-speaking dealership. The rep I worked with, Magda Silva, was the only woman sales rep on the floor and her English was never an issue. But when I drove the car off, I noticed that all of the controls, displays, and pre-set radio stations, were set to Spanish.  I pulled back in, and a service person came out and switched it all to English.         

By all means if you go there, ask for Magda.  She was a pleasure to deal with.                  

@the_18th_letter, @Soulful,

Thanks.  Wife has fully and firmly committed to buying a diff car… At long last!!!

Strong rec for a particular saleswoman is a big help.

@Jaytee,  check your PMs

Apollo_T said:

Hi,

Wife needs a used car, so we’re starting the hunt.  Please give us your insight into used car dealers.  Do you have a fave?  How about horrendous ones?

THANKS

We've had great results with Paul Miller Honda in West Caldwell (Rocco's the man)

@rcarter ,

Thanks!   Your rec has been noted.

New question:

Car shopping on-line is a new world to me.  I’ve found a couple of interesting looking cars.  Internet prices SEEM rather lower than walk-in.  Do we still need to negotiate further?  on-line?  phone? in person? 

Also, just what does mfr/dealer certified mean to us as buyers?

as always  THANKS!

We've had great experiences buying CPOs from dealerships (so far, Ford, Mazda and Jeep)

@lanky,

Thanks!!! Especially since Mazdas are on our short list.  Was your M purchase from a ‘local’ dealer?  Do you recall anything special that came with that certification?