I am writing this review after reading some not so great reviews of this dealership, which almost…read moredeterred me from purchasing my used 2013 Toyota Avalon from them this past Saturday. Quick background - I initially found them through Cargurus when I was looking for a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. I called to set up a test drive and was texted confirmation by a sales rep named JD. In about an hour, I get a text from JD telling me "Just a heads up, someone is here right now looking at that Lincoln". In my head I'm like "Yeah right, typical salesman tactics". I text JD back that I'm on my way over and will be there in about 30 minutes. 15 minutes later, JD texts and leaves me a voicemail to tell me "The guy just bought the Lincoln". When I arrive to the dealership, sure enough the guy was there who just bought the Lincoln. Now, the chances of this happening are very slim because this dealership literally has hundreds of different used cars to choose from but... it happens. I sit with JD (who was very professional and courteous), and let him know some other models I am looking for which they do not have for sale. We test drive two other vehicles and I tell him I appreciate his time and if he can find me the vehicles I am looking for (Chevy Impala, Malibu, or comparable models), to give me a call. I leave expecting never to see them again but later that day, JD text me links to a few cars he thinks will fit my needs (one being the 2013 Avalon) and asks if I want to come back for a test drive. The next day, I go back and fell in love w/ the Avalon (which was slightly over my budget but I figured I could work a little deal with them).
JD made it clear when I got there the first day that they do not negotiate on price and there is a $495 dealer fee (which I think is ridiculously high but it seems as though all dealers are doing these fees now a days). Of course, I thought he was bluffing but when I told him I was interested in the Avalon but we were off by about $1500, he said he appreciated my time but there was nothing they can do as the price is fixed.
I left, expecting them to follow me out the exit asking me to come back in so we can figure something out but to my disappointment, no one did! I drove home and went back online, as well as went on some test drives the following day, and realized later that evening - not only was the Avalon the best car I drove, but the customer service at North End had been flawless. The two times I had visited the dealership they were nothing but polite and attentive, and there was always staff available if I needed help or had questions. I decided that evening - I had to suck it up and pay the asking price for the vehicle if I didn't want someone else to snatch it up because as others have noted, this is a high volume dealer and I knew I was getting a good deal on the car based on Cargurus letting me know they were selling it below market value (and I already had the Lincoln sold right before I could buy it).
I went in the next day with a cashier's check (full asking price - *sigh*), and in about an hour, I drove off in my awesome Avalon. There was zero problems, no pressure by any sales reps or anyone in finance. As a matter of fact, I don't think the process could have gone any smoother. I did not have any trade-in or need financing, so I did not run into any of the problems some others claim to have experienced. My sales rep (JD), was in constant communication w/ me via text and phone, his supervisors did the same, and overall, it was A+. A special thanks again to JD (for answering all of my questions and being a professional throughout), Ted (who helped w/ all of the paperwork), Patrick (JD's supervisor), and Sam (in the photo I uploaded), who covered for JD on the day I picked up the car since JD was out and took plenty of time to go over all of the bells and whistles w/ the car. I know these guys did a good job b/c somehow, I remembered all of their names (and I'm terrible w/ names).
Assuming the Avalon gives me no problems (I'm only on day two but the car is rock solid), I will absolutely go back to get future vehicles for my wife and myself since they have a great, huge assortment of cars and my experience was top notch. Thank you guys!
Some notes:
My final cost was: ((Asking price of car) + $495 doc fee) * .0625% sales tax (yes, the State of MA charges tax on the doc fee which I confirmed w/ the Dept. of Revenue) + $75 Title Fee + $25 Registration Fee (I transferred plates).
I did get both carpet and rubber mats (bonus!) and two sets of keys. The car was absolutely mint, both inside and out, except for a tiny bit of touch up paint that was done on one of the doors which I will redo, but that's just me nit picking.
