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I searched the Internet for a new/used SUV. I narrowed my choices down to about 3 different models. I visited the “big name” dealers in the area but each and every one required that I sit there for hours “haggling” before I could even begin to find the actual selling price of a particular model. I must have wasted 4 different nights and Saturdays trying to shop like that. Completely exhausting!
I found Allston Motorsports during an online search. Their site showed that they (by coincidence) had one of each of the (3) models I was interested in. And each had the approximate mileage and year I was interested in. I called Allston to confirm that they were all still available and was told they were.
I drove over on a Saturday afternoon and the sales rep brought me out back and unlocked all (3) cars. I asked to be left alone to check them all out and he said “no problem” and to get him if I needed him. I then spent a good hour going over all 3 to decide which one I liked. I finally chose an 07 Toyota FJ with 20k on the odometer. I went and got the rep and asked to drive it. I knew this was a small lot and he needed to “juggle” cars around to get it out. I remarked that this must be a hassle and he said “not a problem, we do it all the time”.
I drove the vehicle and it was just what I was looking for. We went back to the office and I made a reasonable (fair) reduced offer, negotiated a bit for my trade and was done with the deal in a half hour. Pretty painless in comparison to what I had been through elsewhere. And realize they were 2k less than everyone else in their opening sticker price. I offered to put down a hundred or two to hold it till Monday and they declined saying “don’t worry it will be here”. That was the biggest shock as most dealers salivate to get their hands on your deposit.
With this I went home, purchased the Car Fax online and the vehicle showed zero historical issues. It was 3 years old and had been driven less than 7k per year. There was even some Toyota factory warranty left. I then checked a dozen other dealers online for similar vehicles and found that all inventory of the same model from Boston to Hartford was stickered 2k higher than where Allston had “started at” with my deal.
I returned Monday signed the papers, filled out some forms and left. They called (as agreed) two days later and said we were all set. I left work, drove down and the Toyota was waiting, warmed up and ready to go. I gave them my Jeep keys, chatted a bit and was on my way.
I’ve had my Toyota FJ for a couple of months now and couldn’t be happier. It has had zero problems so far and has been unstoppable in the last 4 snowstorms this winter.
I feel the bottom line here is that some folks go to these small dealers for the lower price but then they still want all the bells, whistles and shop services offered by the huge dealers. But huge dealers equal huge markups, huge pressure and endless negotiations. What do you think pays for their massive buildings, lots and shops? There is risk involved with the smaller dealer. We know most buy their inventory at auction so it’s is up to you to do your homework first. You find the car, you check the price. Take it to be checked out at a mechanic’s shop and if all goes well, buy it. But always kind of assume you’re probably on your own if something major happens later. They just don’t have the facilities (or money) to tear a vehicle down to fix something major. Again risk versus reward.
If a buyer is uncomfortable with this (or not handy with an occasional quick screwdriver or wrench)….go to a Chambers or Quirk. But if saving a few thousand over the big boys is your ultimate goal, the Used Car dealer can be the way to go.
In my case I was thrilled with Allston Motorsports from beginning to end. I love my vehicle and felt I got a great deal. When it comes time in a year or so to trade the wife’s Volvo, I’m going back there first to see what they have in stock.
This is just one shoppers opinion, but I give Allston Motorsports high marks for this sale! – Paul O’S
Stay away from this dealership. I found a car I liked here, they gave me a hard time about test driving it (who buys a car without test driving?), when the deal fell through this guy harassed me – phone calls, insults and harrassment. He likes to yell at people. He threatened to keep my deposit. He even left a threatening message on my answering machine!! Wow – do yourself a favor and don’t even try to do business here.:devil(