DealerRater - Car Dealer Reviews, Car Dealer Directory, Vehicles For Sale, Vehicle Recalls (2023)

19 mark 2009

VISIT ON SALE - NEW

The exhaust system of my old car broke down unexpectedly (main pipe was cut), so I quickly motivated myself to buy a new car. Knew I Wanted a 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe (I Was Looking at Used) pipe was cut), so I quickly motivated myself to buy a new car. I knew I wanted a 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe (I was looking for a used one) so I asked about 5 or 6 different online retailers for them (personally, if I can do the "dirty work" online, it's a lot easier and less time consuming than visiting many in person dealers)... out of all the places I contacted, there was only ONE that stood out as a dealer I would like to work with - Colonial Nissan of Medford. Chris Cavaleri emailed me within 24 hours of my inquiry and his emails were not only friendly but I could tell he really wanted to work with me at my pace (I HATE SELLER AGREEMENTS). After a few days of emailing Chris, I received an online offer from him and decided to visit Colonial Nissan of Medford to test a vehicle he had in stock (added plus I was in the market for a used 2008 Altima Coupe, Chris was offering me a BRAND NEW 2008 Altima Coupe!). When I arrived I was immediately greeted by several vendors, but I insisted on working directly with Chris. I waited about 30-40 minutes for Chris to finish with another customer (this was no problem as there was a couch with TV, coffee, water, snacks and magazines to keep me entertained). One of the things that made a huge impression on me was the fact that while I was waiting for Chris, he gave me the keys to the car I was interested in so that I could "check" it myself. Love it! When the test drive started, Chris told me about all the features without hesitation and answered all my questions (and I asked EVERYTHING I could think of!) without hesitation and very honestly. Needless to say, I loved the car and headed over to Chris's office to work on the numbers. we talked about numbers and since I had my own financing (through a private lender) there wasn't much negotiation. However, I felt that I received too little for my craft. Anyway, I'm very happy with my overall purchase. I received monthly payments close to what I was hoping for and Colonial Nissan from Medford kept my car for up to a week while I went on vacation! When I got back from my vacation I went back to the dealership to get all the paperwork done which went without a hitch and my beautiful new car was waiting for me, bright and shiny, ready to drive! When I met with Adam to discuss warranty information, he was very thorough in explaining what was available, but I didn't feel any pressure to buy anything (I knew from the start that I didn't want to buy any additional warranties/features/services). Overall, I would DEFINITELY recommend Colonial Nissan of Medford to all my friends (in fact, I've already recommended them to one girlfriend) because my experience was good! Thank you to everyone at Colonial Nissan of Medford! ! ! More

by Heather

Customer service

Work quality

Friendship

Prices

Overall experience

Recommend seller

I

(Video) If a Car Dealer DOES THIS, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY | 5 Red Flags

report|Busy

Helpful 0

January 23, 2009

SALES VISIT - USED

I came to buy a used car. While the deal was being negotiated in the car I was interested in, the car was sold to someone else. As he waited to hear if they still had cars, the other salesman (who was watching TV in the car I was interested in, the car was sold to someone else. While we waited to hear if they had more cars, another salesman (who was watching TV in the living room) shouted "F**** FAGGOTSI balls." My boyfriend and I were very offended and thought about leaving. Vinnie, our "salesman", came back and promised us a "good deal" because he felt bad. The next car he showed me I was interested but was told it still had to go through the dealership. He told me the car was in "excellent" condition and that he "knew" the last owner and was happy to give me his name and phone number so I could call him and talk to him! I was stunned and told him no thank you (imagine how they give out the personal details of the previous owner!!!). I tested the car and I am still interested. I was told I would save if I paid a $100 refundable deposit and he would call me back in 3 days to tell me what they said at the store. It's been 3 days and no call so I picked up. I got suspended 3 times before Vinnie picked up and didn't remember me. I refreshed his memory and he told me the car was still under inspection and to call me back. I called him and he said "the shop guys need to go home and will know at 10am the next day". I let him know that I was promised it would be done that day and then asked him to call me at 10 the next day to double check that my deposit was still refundable, which I was obviously told (as if I was insulting him). The next day he did not call me until 3:00 pm (again I felt that he was making fun of me). He informed me that the car was badly damaged and was going straight to the auction (believe he let me test drive the dangerous car and gave me the phone number of the previous owner!!!) he knew if I wanted my deposit back and if I wanted to see other cars. I immediately called and informed the man who answered the phone that I had no interest in doing business there and wanted my money back and an invoice sent to me immediately. He apologized and said he would make sure the bill arrived in the mail that day. It's been two and a half weeks and I have NEVER received a confirmation so I checked with my card company and they confirmed what I thought was true. I NEVER RECEIVED A REFUND. I immediately called Colonial Nissan and asked to speak to the manager. My wife told me she wouldn't be back until late in the morning, so I checked his voicemail. At 3:00 p.m. when I left work that day, I still had not received a call, so I decided to call. This time when I asked for the same general manager I was told "he doesn't work on Fridays". A bit frustrated I asked the woman to put me in touch with someone in charge (not sure if anyone out there knows???) I spoke to the manager and told him about my bad experience with his "dealer" (if you can call it that) and told him, that i want to know where is my money??? He said he would take care of it and would call me right away. An hour and a half later he called back and informed me that the money had NEVER been refunded. I then asked him if the car was still being held for me because under my verbal agreement taking my $100 meant he was holding the car for me in the parking lot. He got angry and said he didn't know, but if he did, he'd sell me the car right away. I made it clear to him that I did not want to hand over the business to a dishonest company that supports hate speech, and if I don't get my money and receipt right away, I will be contacting my attorney and filing a complaint with the Better Business Office. He told me he would take care of it and wait for the bill. Don't do business here, it's a waste of time, money and patience! ! ! Thanks to such places, I understand all the problems that the automotive industry is currently facing. More

(Video) Don't Get TRICKED by Car Dealers | Do THIS to Scare the @$!? Out of Them

by ssilbi

Customer service

Work quality

Friendship

Prices

Overall experience

Recommend seller

So

The employees they worked with

Vincent, Bill and an unknown man

report|Busy

(Video) How to Haggle for a Used Car, an undercover demonstration by Broadcaster Elisabeth Leamy

Useful 4

January 16, 2009

VISIT ON SALE - NEW

It can be hard for a woman to know if she's getting it good deal when buying a new car. This group is professional, friendly and honest. They went out of their way to sell me the right car good deal when buying a new car. This group was professional, friendly and honest. They went to great lengths to sell me a car that suited my needs and at the best price. I bought the car on Wednesday afternoon and drove it on Thursday morning. This is the second car I have purchased from this dealer - their service department is as good as their sales force. I would definitely recommend Colonial Nissan from Medford. More

od kingkongi

Customer service

Work quality

(Video) Never Buy a Used Car from the Dealership

Friendship

Prices

Overall experience

Recommend seller

I

The employees they worked with

Paul Rowe, Larry Goodwin, Carlos?

report|Busy

Useful 2

FAQs

Who is DealerRater owned by? ›

When a particularly polarizing car-buying experience at a local dealership led our founder, Chip Grueter, a car enthusiast and web developer by trade, to search for an online outlet to broadcast his story, he came up empty. So, he decided to build one himself — and DealerRater was born.

How to research a car dealership? ›

Check Online Sources of Dealer Reviews

The three most common sources for such reviews include DealerRater, Yelp, and Google. As with most review sites, you'll see a rating for each dealership, which represents the average of all customer ratings for that dealership.

How do I make sure my car dealership is legit? ›

5 Signs You've Found a Trustworthy Used Car Dealer
  1. They Are Willing to Answer All Your Questions. Most first-time buyers come to the shop with many questions. ...
  2. They Are Certified by NIADA. ...
  3. They Don't Pressure You To Make Any Decisions. ...
  4. They Provide a Vehicle History. ...
  5. They Have a Wide Range of Reliable Cars.
Jul 29, 2019

Is DealerRater anonymous? ›

The initial email and all consequent emails get routed through DealerRater's system, which provides anonymity. The only email address on a visible during the messaging process is a DealerRater email address.

How many dealerships does Tex Earnhardt own? ›

Over the years, Earnhardt Auto Centers expanded their operations to include 15 Brands and 17 dealerships. Additionally, Earnhardt operates 1 body shop in Arizona. There are nearly 3,000 full-time and part-time employees working at Earnhardt Auto Centers.

Who bought Larry Miller dealerships? ›

Miller Dealerships and Total Care Auto for $3.2 billion. Clients Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

What is the most profitable department in a car dealership? ›

As far as products and services a car dealership has to offer, look no further than their parts and service department for a plethora of options. For all car dealerships, their primary revenue generator (and profit center) is the Parts and Service department.

Why should you do research on vehicles before you talk to a dealer? ›

Knowing the invoice price of your car will tell the dealer that you mean business and expect a good deal. Don't walk into the dealership without this information. Many buyers will qualify for multiple rebates, some of which may not even be made public.

What to research before buying a used car? ›

Looking up a vehicle's safety rating, recalls, and full history report is a good place to start. In addition to online research, you should have a checklist of features you want in a used car and a mechanic lined up who can fully inspect the vehicle before purchasing.

How do you know if someone is scamming you for a car? ›

The promise of future payment: Dishonest car buyers may try to get you to float loan payments or wait until they get their next paycheck before paying you. Intentional overpayment: In this common scam, the dishonest buyer sends you a cashier's check or money order for more than the agreed-upon price.

What to be careful of when buying from a dealership? ›

What to avoid when buying a used car
  • Not test-driving the car thoroughly. ...
  • Not looking at maintenance ratings. ...
  • Not getting a mechanic to look at it. ...
  • Not asking about the vehicle history. ...
  • Not asking for the car you want. ...
  • Not negotiating up from the dealer cost. ...
  • Not reviewing the final sale paperwork carefully.

Can you trust Carfax from dealer? ›

Carfax and AutoCheck reports were the most reliable and complete. If the report isn't recent or you suspect that it has missing or fabricated information, verify it with the service. Some dealer Web sites have free links to reports directly from the services.

How do I not get scammed on a car sale? ›

Here are tips for avoiding auto scams.
  1. Too good to be true? If a price is amazing, an old car looks perfect, or a rare vehicle seems cheap, there's a good chance it's a scam.
  2. Take your time. ...
  3. Check the photos. ...
  4. See it in person. ...
  5. Take a drive. ...
  6. Check the VIN. ...
  7. Are there liens?
Jul 22, 2022

Can you just look around a car dealership? ›

Of course you can go just to look. My friend who is a car salesman has told me that he was taught to never judge people. He's been a car salesman for a few years now, and he has seen all types of people.

Is dealer processing a real company? ›

This is a phishing scam as they try to get information from you to update your file. If you ask to be removed from their call list they hang up without responding.

Who owns the most dealerships in America? ›

Terry Taylor is the nation's largest private owner of automotive dealerships.

Who owns all the Earnhardt dealerships? ›

Tex Earnhardt, founder and CEO of Earnhardt Auto Centers was born on December 9th, 1930. As a child, Tex moves with his family to Texas for a more agricultural life.

Who owns the most dealerships in Texas? ›

Chevrolet, Ford and Ram Trucks are the largest automobile dealers in Texas in 2023 based on the number of locations. Chevrolet has the most number of locations with 227 locations across 203 cities. Ford has 227 and Ram Trucks has 193 locations in Texas.

What dealership does Hank Aaron own? ›

He opened 17 fast-food franchises and started Hank Aaron Automotive Group. The Atlanta-based auto group consisted of Hank Aaron BMW, Hank Aaron Mini, Hank Aaron Honda, Hank Aaron Toyota, Hank Aaron Jaguar and Hank Aaron Land Rover.

Does Jeff Gordon own any dealerships? ›

Since then, Jeff's 15-acre dealership has grown to be one of the crown jewels in the Hendrick Automotive Group, winning the prestigious GM Dealer Of The Year Award, becoming one of the first GM Certified Green Dealers and being named GM Certified Used Sales Leader for 10 consecutive years.

How many dealerships does Andy Mohr have? ›

Today, the Andy Mohr Automotive Group is comprised of 12 dealerships and service centers, four collision centers, and a single heavy-duty truck center.

What is the best dealership to own? ›

What are some of the profitable Dealership Business Ideas?
  • Automobile Dealership Business.
  • Food Dealership Business.
  • Organic Food Dealership Business.
  • Health Care and Beauty Products Dealership Business.
  • Jewellery Dealership Business.
  • Furniture Dealership Business.
Nov 15, 2021

How much money does a dealer make on a new car? ›

The Role of Commissions

Front-end gross profit is usually described as the difference between dealer invoice and the selling price. That percentage tends to be somewhere around 20%. If a vehicle was sold with a $1,000 front-end profit, the salesperson would earn somewhere around $200.

Who is the highest manager at a dealership? ›

The dealership's general manager is the highest authority at the business. He or she presides over both the sales and service departments.

What not to say to a car dealer? ›

Things to Never Say to a Dealer
  • “I'm ready to buy now.” ...
  • “I can afford this much per month.” ...
  • “Yes, I have a trade-in.” ...
  • “I'm only buying the car with cash.” ...
  • “I'm not sure…which model do you think I need?” ...
  • “Oh, I've wanted one of these all my life.” ...
  • “I'll take whatever the popular options are.”

Should I buy a car now or wait until 2023? ›

Americans planning to shop for a new car in 2023 might find slightly better prices than during the past two years, though auto industry analysts say it is likely better to wait until the fall. Since mid-2021, car buyers have been frustrated by rising prices, skimpy selection and long waits for deliveries.

What is the best day to buy a car? ›

1. Mondays. Monday can be the best day of the week to buy a new car. Other potential shoppers are often at work, so representatives at car dealerships are focused on anyone who comes in the door.

What are three questions you should ask when buying a used vehicle? ›

Here's What You Need to Ask Before Buying a Used Car
  • Why are they selling the car? ...
  • How old is the car? ...
  • What's the mileage? ...
  • How long have they owned the car? ...
  • How many previous owners? ...
  • Are they selling the car as is, or is it under warranty? ...
  • What problems are there, and what repairs need to be made?
Jan 29, 2022

What is good mileage for a used car? ›

Average Car Mileage per Year

Experts agree that the common rule of thumb on mileage for a used vehicle is roughly 12,000 miles added each year of ownership. That means if you are looking at a 5-year old vehicle, it should have about 60,000 miles on it.

How many miles is good for a used car? ›

There's no rule to how many miles on a used car is too much, but by attempting to stick to the 12,000 miles per year rule is a great place to start. Find out how old the car is, multiple the number of years by 12,000, and if the number on the odometer is significantly higher than that, some concern might be warranted.

What are red flags of being scammed? ›

Be on the lookout for these red flags: Being asked to pay money in order to receive a prize or get a job. Pressure to act immediately. Use of scare tactics, e.g. telling you a loved one is in danger, that your computer has been hacked or threatening arrest if you don't act now.

What are the red flags of a scammer? ›

Scam artists aim fake invoices, phony debt collection notices, and spam emails at unsuspecting consumers hoping they will pay before checking their records. You should never send money or provide personal information to unknown or unfamiliar people or entities.

What is the safest way to take payment for a car? ›

Personal and Cashier's Checks

Besides cash, a certified cashier's check is the most secure way to accept payment during a private sale.

How do you beat a car dealer at their own game? ›

Beat Car Dealerships at Their Own Game
  1. Arm yourself with information. Decide on a maximum, affordable monthly payment. ...
  2. Prepare for the game. Ask a friend to join you at the dealership for moral support, and don't bring the kids. ...
  3. Negotiate at the dealership.

What questions to ask when buying a new car from dealership? ›

Questions to ask when buying a car
  • What is the out-the-door price? ...
  • What warranty deals are available? ...
  • Can I take it for a test drive? ...
  • Can you beat my preapproved auto loan rate? ...
  • What's the ownership and maintenance history? ...
  • Has it been in an accident? ...
  • Do you have a vehicle history report I can see?
Jul 28, 2022

How much can you talk a dealer down on a used car? ›

Start by making a realistic offer – around 15 to 25 percent lower than the maximum you are willing to pay. This gives you room to negotiate effectively. Most car dealers will ultimately be willing to knock at least five percent off the asking price.

What is better than CARFAX? ›

AutoCheck ® vehicle history reports deliver information on reported accidents, odometer rollback, lemon vehicles, branded titles and much more.

What are red flags on a CARFAX report? ›

A big red flag on any CarFax report is a history of having many previous owners, or of being sold quickly after purchase. This is likely indicative that the owners found a problem quickly after purchase and decided to cut their losses.

What is the most accurate vehicle history report? ›

CarFax vehicle history report has the most reliable and accurate vehicle data, that will help you avoid scammers and sellers during a used car purchase.

How do I know if my car salesman is legit? ›

5 Signs You've Found a Trustworthy Used Car Dealer
  1. They Are Willing to Answer All Your Questions. Most first-time buyers come to the shop with many questions. ...
  2. They Are Certified by NIADA. ...
  3. They Don't Pressure You To Make Any Decisions. ...
  4. They Provide a Vehicle History. ...
  5. They Have a Wide Range of Reliable Cars.
Jul 29, 2019

What can I do if a dealership basically scammed me? ›

It may seem obvious, but the first thing you should do if you believe you have been misled by an auto dealer is to contact the dealer. In fact, many states mandate that you notify the dealer first and provide it with an opportunity to correct the situation.

What is a yoyo sale? ›

In a typical yo-yo transaction, the dealer cancels the original deal after a few days (or weeks in some cases) and forces the consumer to return to the dealership with the newly purchased car. The dealer presents a new deal with a higher interest rate or larger down payment required to keep the car.

Is it better to pay cash or finance a car? ›

Paying cash for your car may be your best option if the interest rate you earn on your savings is lower than the after-tax cost of borrowing. However, keep in mind that while you do free up your monthly budget by eliminating a car payment, you may also have depleted your emergency savings to do so.

When a car dealership runs your credit does it go down? ›

A dealership checking your credit score is a soft inquiry and won't affect your credit. Any hard credit check triggered by a loan application will appear on your credit report, shaving points from your credit score.

What does RDR mean dealership? ›

15. Car manufacturers generally require dealers to complete a retail delivery report (RDR) about every purchase or lease transaction.

What is a trusted dealer? ›

Trusted Dealers and the Dealer agree to keep the terms of the Contract and all information that is obtained about the business, finances and affairs of the other strictly confidential.

What is the difference between dealer installed and factory installed? ›

Difference Between Factory Options and Dealer Options

The manufacturer's warranty also covers them. The manufacturer decides the price of these options so it's standard across all dealerships. Dealer-installed options, however, do not need the manufacturer's approval, so they aren't included in warranties.

How many dealerships does Ken Garff own? ›

We got our start in Utah and have since expanded to seven more states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, Texas, and Wyoming. That's 66 places that defy the stereotypical dealership experience.

What dealerships does Pendragon own? ›

We operate over 160 sites across the UK under the brands of Evans Halshaw, Stratstone and CarStore, offering new and used vehicles as well as providing expert aftercare services.

Who owns SR Auto Group? ›

Our Principal, Raymond Moradoghli has over 30 years of automotive expertise. His expansive experience in Canada and globally includes but is not limited to automotive sales/leasing but also hands on and technical vehicle knowledge. Welcome to SR Auto Group.

Who owns Kenwood Dealer Group? ›

Steven Reichert - President - Kenwood Dealer Group Inc | LinkedIn.

Who is the richest dealership owner? ›

1. Bill Gates. Company: AutoNation Inc.

Who owns the most dealerships? ›

The largest, Lithia Motors Inc., encompasses 181 dealerships. But that doesn't mean size is a perfect predictor of success – a couple of the winning auto groups have only six dealerships, and the smallest, Piercey Automotive Group, has just five.

Who owns the most car dealerships in the country? ›

Terry Taylor is the nation's largest private owner of automotive dealerships.

What is a Pendragon? ›

penˈdragən. plural -s. often capitalized : a chief leader among the ancient British chiefs (as in time of war) : head of all the chiefs : king.

Does Mark Martin own a dealership? ›

During the height of a very successful racing career, Mark Martin decided to pursue another dream. To own a Ford dealership and he really wanted the one in his home town. In 2004, Mark Martin and Lance Landers became partners and purchased the Ford dealership in Batesville Arkansas.

Who owns Earnhardt auto? ›

Hal Earnhardt - Owner - Earnhardt Auto Centers | LinkedIn.

Who owns Bob Ross auto Group? ›

Jenell Ross - President - Bob Ross Auto Group | LinkedIn.

Who owns 401 auto? ›

Jim Rose - President - Dealer Principal - The 401 Group of Companies | LinkedIn.

Where are Kenwood freezers made? ›

Since 1950 we produce only cooking appliances in our factory located in Borso del Grappa (1 hour from Venice City). Made in Italy means not only assembled in Italy, it is also the selection of components from long established trusted suppliers.

Where are Kenwood blenders made? ›

The company has passed through several owners since its foundation, and is now owned by De'Longhi. Following the end of UK production in Havant, Kenwood manufacture has taken place in China since 2002.

Where is the Kenwood Chef manufactured? ›

Made in England - Kenwood, Woking, Surrey. A700 Models available in other countries. Made in England - Kenwood, Woking, Surrey.

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