TL;DR Just picked up my car today (I'll update if necessary). I'm very happy with my 2014 Mazda 3…read moreGT Sport. Forewarning, this is a long read but I wanted to post a detailed & transparent review about my experience buying a used car from Island Motors.
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Shopping for cars ESPECIALLY USED literally feels like pulling teeth. I had seen about 5-6 other sellers over the month (both private and dealership) before coming here. The process had been frustrating, especially having to deal with shady sellers who end up wasting hours of my time. I found Island Motors on FB Marketplace & after reading a review from another lady on Google I decided to give them a call.
I INSTANTLY noticed how professional and polite they sounded within the greeting and that already put me in a better mood. I also loved that their website was simple to navigate & the updated carfax was readily accessible on the listing (although they do use AI for their "about us" section & pictures so I was still a little skeptical). When I got there in person, the car was exactly as presented on the listing. Others I'd been to previously would edit their pics to make the car look cleaner than it was, not disclose structural damage that was obvious in person, and have dismissed safety concerns I raised (this is also my second car so I know what I'm talking about just based off my own experiences).
To be clear, I did not purchase my car as-is. I decided to get it safetied through them after researching their connected mechanic, who seemed reputable. The safety for the car was $1k flat, which on the surface seems high considering the actual cert is typically around $150. HOWEVER... with the servicing that was put in to get the car road-ready before I picked it up, I do think it was worth it.
As a buyer, it is my responsibility to understand the history of the car I'm buying, what to look for/ask the dealer, document everything, If a dealer makes you feel bad or gets impatient for asking questions that YOU have the right to ask, time to move on. However, Deen was SO patient with me and not once gave me a shady answer nor rushed me. I've literally walked away from dealers in Brampton and York region over feeling off or not getting the level of clarity I wanted in an answer to my question.
I gotta give credit where it's due. Deen really went out of his way to make sure I was happy. He made sure I was confident enough with the amount of information on the car's history. I actually left the dealership the first time to think about his negotiated offer's cumulative value, and after doing the math (and asking for second opinions) I decided to come back and close the deal.
In exchange I got a beautiful, luxury-package car with good mileage, new control arm, brakes, rotors, bearings, oil change, winter tires, safety, and a 1-year extended warranty at a great price. He even re-detailed the exterior and gave me a full tank of gas at no extra cost which was so thoughtful considering current gas prices.
It's one thing to be charming, but it's a different level of respect when they're actually honest and adhere to their word. Literally everything was seamless and a huge upgrade to what I had experienced with other dealers on FB/Kijiji/Autotrader.
Reviews are so important to both parties, especially in the current used car market AND as a woman (ifykyk). Deen and his brother make a great duo. They're hospitable, professional, and honest. Highly recommend working with them if you truly value your time and a no-bullshit experience.