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I'm in the market for a different car, and I was wondering if anyone could suggest dealers they've had good experiences with....or ones to avoid. I'm not looking for financing so that isn't a factor. I just want to make sure they're reputable. I don't know much about cars (although I do have a great resource available to help with that), and I'm afraid of winding up with something that isn't exactly what it appears to be. *sigh*
Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion » Shopping
Best Used Car Dealers in Columbus
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cory
Columbus / Upper Arlington
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I worked in the car sales business for about a year before I started working with CU. Aaron Nadalson or Greg Gee at Toyata Direct on Morse Rd are two great guys. They are both very knowlegable, easy to get along with, and no pressure type of guys (Although Greg is a little A.D.D!) You can check out some of the pre-owned inventory online @ http://toyotadirect.com/used-inventory/index.htm?reset=InventoryListing
Posted 1 year ago # -
Twixlen
Westgate, Columbus
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DonnaTate wrote >>
I'm in the market for a different car, and I was wondering if anyone could suggest dealers they've had good experiences with....or ones to avoid. I'm not looking for financing so that isn't a factor. I just want to make sure they're reputable. I don't know much about cars (although I do have a great resource available to help with that), and I'm afraid of winding up with something that isn't exactly what it appears to be. *sigh*I bought a used Honda from Immke. It was a painless process, and they had a decent selection of "certified" vehicles (which has different warranty stuff). The sales guy wasn't a jerk (are you sure you need AWD/4 wheel drive, little lady), and I had financing together when I went there, and the finance guy actually beat it with Honda's financing.
I also bought a used car from Toyota Direct once - they were OK. The whole sale went a little more classic-car-sales (I'll have to talk to my manager), but I still felt like I got a decent deal.
TIP: Buy on the last or next to last day of the month - they are always much more motivated to get that car off the lot before the new month starts.
Posted 1 year ago # -
hobbesOSU
West Side C-bus
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I've used Carmax twice. Both times I've gotten great cars that I still drive today. They won't move on price, but their selection is really great. So if you have a particular car in mind like I did, they'll ship it here from any Carmax nationwide, for a price. ;)
Posted 1 year ago # -
agtw31
columbus
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cory wrote >>
I worked in the car sales business for about a year before I started working with CU. Aaron Nadalson or Greg Gee at Toyata Direct on Morse Rd are two great guys. They are both very knowlegable, easy to get along with, and no pressure type of guys (Although Greg is a little A.D.D!) You can check out some of the pre-owned inventory online @ http://toyotadirect.com/used-inventory/index.htm?reset=InventoryListingi suggest looking on ebay locally,or maybe in Cleveland and Cincinnatti.
there is no such thing as a good used car dealer.they will all try to rape you on your trade-in,and waste 4 hours of your time,trying that lame fast track sales pitch.
couple years ago,i went with a friend from Franklin,Ohio to toyota direct to purchase a used minivan.he already spoke to the salesperson and had set an appointment for the car to be seen.
my friend was trading in a $500 POS.he told the salesperson he wanted $600 on trade.these idiots spent a half hour beating on my friend,offering $300 for his trade.
i told my friend to get up,and let's just leave.
the next day,the same asshole saleperson from toyota direct called him,and told him he'd give the $600 on trade.
what a moron.
Posted 1 year ago # -
dru
IV
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it's been years (2003 or 4), but friends recommended using College Car Company on North High in Clintonville. I did and really liked the experience. They were pretty straightforward and didn't haggle.
Posted 1 year ago # -
manticore33
Delaware, OH
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Another key, try to negotiate on the out-the-door price. I recently purchased a new-to-me-used car and the used dealer wanted to saddle me with over $300 in dealer fees. I told him that I would not take it unless the out the door price was $XX (including sales tax).He got within a hundred dollars of that and I drove up to get it. I was quite happy, but be warned they might try to tack on 'extras' that raise the final price.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Jimbo Jones
German Village
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Ricart?
Posted 1 year ago # -
Roland
Victorian Village
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I figure out exactly what car I want and then shop online for it. I handle financing and trade-in issues before I set foot on a dealer lot. The only focus you should have is the price of the car. Eliminate all the other variables.
My point is, that you really cant trust any used auto dealer, so price shop. Get the car you want and have it maintained by the auto mechanic that you trust.
Totally doesn't answer your question though, sorry! lol
Posted 1 year ago # -
Twixlen
Westgate, Columbus
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Roland wrote >>
I figure out exactly what car I want and then shop online for it. I handle financing and trade-in issues before I set foot on a dealer lot. The only focus you should have is the price of the car. Eliminate all the other variables.
My point is, that you really cant trust any used auto dealer, so price shop. Get the car you want and have it maintained by the auto mechanic that you trust.
Totally doesn't answer your question though, sorry! lol+1 - When I've shopped around, I'll generally narrow it down to two or three different vehicles, then find them out on lots and go test drive them - with NO intention of purchasing them. The driving experience is important to me, so I can't just pick a car out of thin air.
Once I've narrowed it down to 1 or 2 different vehicles, I check out what is available online (not always a good indicator - some dealerships are terrible about updating their stock), and start working the deal.
The car I bought from Immke was done on the last day of the month - I got the price I wanted for my trade in, I paid exactly what I intended for the vehicle, and I always like to make the dealership throw in something. This time it was an auto-dimming rear view with temp and compass.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Jimbo Jones
German Village
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Columbus Music Co-op
Columbus
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i'd stay away from ricart too. i had a very bad personal experience with them.
my family bought several used cars from gahanna auto on mill street in gahanna and were always happy with them...
Posted 1 year ago # -
Analogue Kid
5th by West-Northwest
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Also had a bad experience with Ricart. They're stealin!
OP, I would recommend buying from a private party if you can. As long as you have the car checked out by a mechanic and run a carfax, you'll eliminate the middleman and both parties come away winners.
Posted 1 year ago #
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