Larry Raglione

Review of Lexus of Portland

On Sunday Jan 27th 2013 after going to the auto sh...

On Sunday Jan 27th 2013 after going to the auto show in Portland on Sat Jan 26th my spousal unit and I decided to travel from southwest Washington State to the Lexus of Portland store in Beaverton Or to actually touch, feel and drive a new ES300 Hybrid. We had looked at one during the Auto Show but not much was functional and of course you couldn't drive the car.My spousal unit being some what of a grinch when it comes to car dealerships and especially "car salesman", I braced for a potential attitude filled afternoon. Much to our surprise when we arrived at the Lexus of Portland dealership, we found the store very busy. We had a little time to view the cars on the showroom floor without being "jumped on" by the first salesman lurking behind the closest plant to the door. My spousal unit spied the ES300h Hybrid just outside the showroom window parked in front of the store. The vehicle was even the right color, but did not have the right interior color.We decided to approach a salesman and ask to see one of the cars, preparing ourselves for dealership battle. Much to our surprise and pleasure, we found Chris Shaw. Chris was the most relaxed and helpful car salesman we had ever met. Even though the store was very busy and my spousal unit made it clear that we were not buying that day but comparing three (3) cars we had seen at the auto show that peaked our interest, Chris was patient, helpful, and extremely easy to talk with. He answered all our questions, found us a vehicle matching all of our desires and options that was on order and would be arriving in a few days. He found the store demonstration vehicle, taking us for a test drive and letting both of us drive the vehicle.Chris even encouraged us to check out the other vehicles we were considering and make a good comparison. He was very aware that the vehicle we were interested in represented a substantial amount of money and deserved an informed decision. My spousal unit has had the privilege of being able to purchase vehicle in the past from dealership owners, general managers who are personal friends and for the past 30 years has never had to actually go to the "salesman" and get information, and God forbid the "little room" with the boxing gloves. Chris gave us a new and refreshing experience in purchasing and looking for a vehicle. When we decide which vehicle we are going to purchase we will be coming back to Chris if it is the Lexus. There is no other salesperson in the store that I will go to, only Chris. Because of Chris's approach and honesty we have already made a preliminary decision to purchase the Lexus ES300h. The other dealerships will have to really do the unexpected to get our business at this point. If Lexus of Portland's service and the rest of their team is as friendly and open as Chris, then they have made us a new and life long customer.Renee Raglione and spousal unit