I began searching for a replacement for my 2005 Ho...

I began searching for a replacement for my 2005 Honda Element about a year ago. I wasn't incredibly active about finding a car until the past week, when I was starting to feel nervous about using a high mileage vehicle for my business.

I saw several Elements in my area, but none of them fit the exact specifications that I was looking for. I found the listing from Manheim Imports for a 2009 Honda Element in the color I wanted with the specs I wanted, and the car looked to be in very good condition. I called a day later, after another disappointing viewing of a local Element, and talked to Ben about me making the five hour drive to Manheim to see the Honda Element.

My first concern was that they would sell the car before I arrived, thus having me make a five hour trip for nothing. Ben was happy to hold the car for me, and even though I opted to put the hold in with a credit card number, he didn't actually directly ask me to do so. First sign that I was dealing with actual human beings instead of car dealers!!!

Ben then began correspondence with me about the condition of the car, stating that he didn't want me to drive all the way to Pennsylvania only to be disappointed. He sent me an email with details of the vehicle, including a link to the Carfax on Mannheim's website, and followed up with detailed photos of any scratches he could find on the car. I received pictures of every single scratch or scuff mark on the vehicle- and there were barely any at all. The car was immaculate and I was definitely interested.

Ben took the appropriate steps to make sure we had everything set up before I arrived, including helping me apply for financing through their company in case the pre-approval I had from my bank fell through (which it did, because I had to leave to see the car before I could get a check from my bank).

My father and I took the five hour drive the next morning and arrived to find the Element sitting out front, beautiful and waiting for us to inspect it. Ben greeted us right away and walked us around the vehicle, going over the various features of the car and making note of any differences between the older model I had and the newer model we were looking at. We took it for a test drive (it ran like a dream!). Ben even had us take it down a road where we could test it at a faster speed to make sure everything sounded good.

Negotiations were fair, quick, and very clear. I paid what I felt the car was worth and we both seemed happy with the deal. The service technicians were concerned about a tire pressure sensor light on the dash and they made sure to get it to turn off before we signed anything.

Overall this was a very positive experience. I'm thrilled with my new car and I found buying from Manheim Imports to be the least stressful car shopping experience I've ever had! Highly highly recommended- even if you have to drive ten hours roundtrip!