My husband and I originally received an offer in the mail from Volkswagen SouthTowne at a time when…read morewe had already been seriously considering refinancing our 2022 Atlas. The interest rate on our used vehicle--especially one that was already a few years old--felt overwhelming, and we had been receiving multiple refinance offers that would have cut our payment nearly in half. That seemed like the practical path forward.
Still, we decided to explore what Volkswagen SouthTowne might offer. We loved our Atlas, so we felt comfortable walking away if the experience didn't feel right. At worst, we would simply continue with our original plan and refinance through our credit union.
From the moment we arrived, everything changed.
We were immediately greeted by Mariah, whose energy was warm, genuine, and inviting. I'll admit, we came in a bit guarded and cautious, unsure of what to expect. Yet Mariah met us with patience and understanding, taking the time to truly listen--what we loved about our current vehicle, what we relied on day-to-day, and what features would enhance our lifestyle, from everyday errands to family camping trips.
What stood out most was her approach. She was never pushy, never intimidating--just thoughtful and attentive. As a woman, I especially appreciated how she included me fully in the conversation. In past experiences, I've often felt overlooked or uncomfortable at dealerships, but with Mariah, I felt respected, heard, and completely at ease.
We were curious about a newer Atlas, and in my mind, it was all or nothing--I wasn't interested unless it truly made sense. When we test drove the 2025 Atlas, we immediately fell in love. Still, we weren't sure if it would even be possible without additional money down.
Mariah made it happen.
The process itself was surprisingly smooth and efficient. In the past, we've spent hours waiting at dealerships, but this experience felt seamless. While everything was being finalized, she had us relax in a lounge area and even arranged for the vehicle to be detailed again--despite it already being spotless.
What truly elevated the experience, though, was the atmosphere of the entire dealership. Every employee we encountered--sales staff, finance team, technicians--took a moment to check in, congratulate us, and share in our excitement. It created such a welcoming and positive environment, something we had never experienced before.
Even after the deal was complete, Mariah continued to go above and beyond. She stayed to help us transfer all of our belongings from our old Atlas into the new one, double- and triple-checking that everything was perfect and that we felt completely confident before leaving. Her level of care didn't end with the sale--it felt genuine from start to finish.
And then, when we thought the night couldn't be any more memorable, it was.
After leaving the dealership, we realized my husband had misplaced his phone--possibly in our old vehicle or even on top of it. We rushed back, hoping for the best. Although Mariah had already gone home, one of the remaining team members--who appeared to be from the service or detailing department--stepped in without hesitation to help us.
Despite it being the end of a long day, he went out of his way to assist, even riding with us across the lot to check our old vehicle. To our amazement, the phone was sitting right on top of the car, completely unharmed. His kindness, patience, and willingness to help--without making us feel like an inconvenience--left a lasting impression. He even took the time to ask about our new car and congratulate us before we left.
That moment truly reflected the culture at Volkswagen SouthTowne.
Our experience here completely changed our perception of car dealerships. What once felt stressful and intimidating now feels welcoming and even enjoyable. While we had read great reviews before visiting, seeing it firsthand made all the difference.
Without hesitation, we will return in the future--and we will absolutely seek out Mariah again. She brings a rare combination of professionalism and genuine warmth that makes the entire process feel effortless.
Thank you, Mariah, and thank you to the entire team at Volkswagen SouthTowne. Whatever you're doing, it's working. You've created an environment that truly stands out.
If you're considering a new vehicle, I highly recommend visiting Volkswagen SouthTowne--and be sure to ask for Mariah.