Exit 171 Auto Sales

Trying to keep a long story short…
I went in to hopefully find a decent used car. As a college student, I’m definitely on a budget. I found a car that I liked and started going through the process of purchasing the car. They pushed financing on me and «found» ways to fit me into a loan that I could not afford, but because I was desperate for a new, reliable car I felt it was my only option. Luckily, I took it to my trusted mechanic and it was going to cost more to fix all of the things that were wrong with it than what it was worth. When I spoke with the owner about it, he said that it was to be expected with used cars. While I expect a used car to be used, I was also expecting some reliability. Needless to say, I’m glad I dodged that bullet.
Also, these guys are the same owners as First National Fleet and Lease, if I would have known that before going in, I definitely wouldn’t have wasted my time.

I’ve been bussing by this place for over a year. Their cars looked clean and the place always has a good selection, and there seems to be good turnaround of vehicles on the lot. So, on a whim, I thought I’d go by and look at minivan that I saw that I really liked. I ALMOST bought that minivan from them this last weekend, but unfortunately money problems reared so we couldn’t do it (believe me, if I could’ve, I would’ve). We will try again in about 6 months, and we will likely be shopping here.
Now, let me tell ya about these guys. I have had a positive experience here, even tho’ I couldn’t buy. Rare for used car lots. Ahmed Z. was our first contact (I recommend him). He stayed within earshot but he didn’t bother us until we needed him. This guy was nice and informative without being a pushy sales person (let me tell ya, that would’ve put me off right there), yet he was willing to answer questions without trying to bamboozle us — just straightforward and friendly. The Sales Manager, Terry, is knowledgable. He can tell you about certain upgrades (such as stereo and if there can be a warranty, but that is not all) and he has a background in insurance, so he can answer questions and give good advice.
OK, here is the usual «used car caveat»: As everyone knows, do your research on the vehicle you are hoping to buy. Then check out these guys. The vehicles are gone over with detail here. Nevertheless, it is still generally good to check any vehicle out with a mechanic, read the paperwork carefully, and don’t be shy about asking questions.

I purchased a 2000 Ford Focus from Exit 171 Auto Sales in early November 2009. The salesman seemed to be pretty green and eager to tell me what I want to hear. However, I came in with a type of car I wanted and a price range I was willing to work within. We looked at his inventory list and found the particular Focus. The inventory list showed the price at $ 2800, yet the entire time that the salesman was showing me the car he kept saying the price was $ 2400. The test drive was fine, and the car was clean inside and out. The salesman told me that if I purchased the car with haggling on the price I would get a 3-​month/​3000 mile engine/​transmission warranty. I felt this was fair and offered him the $ 2400 for the car. He then went back to his manager and he came back and said he could not sell it to me for $ 2400 cause it was listed for $ 2800. I repeated that the salesman had several times told me the price was $ 2400. The manager came back with an offer of $ 2450. I was not going to haggle over $ 50 so I agreed. When filling out the paperwork with the manager he told me there was no warranty, as-​is. I asked about the warranty the salesman told me about. The manager said that was only available if I had not haggled on the price. I reminded him that the salesman told me the auto was $ 2400, and the manager said that since it was listed for $ 2800 the warranty was not available. I figured whatever and just agreed. Big mistake. Exactly 2 weeks after the purchase the timing belt broke, costing me $ 700 in repairs.
Also, the car did not have remote locks, which is something I desired. The manager told me no-​problem, he had a wholesale relationship with Car Toys, and could get that for me at cost. All I had to do was email him the following day. I emailed him several times over the next week and never once heard back from him. Apparently since my check cashed he was no longer interested in me.
Of course, there are several parts in hindsight where I should have walked away. My fault. However, this does not forgive the managers un-​professionalism.
Buyer beware!

This little corner lot on Lake City Way is conveniently close to I-​5 and offers a broad variety of used vehicles. The offices are not very impressive, but that also means low overheard and, in theory, better prices.
The sales staff are soft spoken and courteous. They will let you test drive the vehicles if you sign a statement of liability. I knew which vehicle I wanted to test drive when I arrived; I was able to look at it, drive it, and look at several comparable vehicles without any pressure whatsoever from the sales guy.
I would note that the «internet price» on craigslist was $ 2,000 less than the sticker price on the car, so make sure you do your research, and I’m guessing you can save some money.