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First time I visited the dealership. I knew what ...

First time I visited the dealership. I knew what I wanted, had VIN numbers in hand, and an appointment scheduled. I was met at the door by an amped-up, slick-dressed corporate carnival barker who had been assigned there for a few days on his way to Detroit. He was polished and knew all the tricks of the trade. He reminded me of the guys who stand outside the clubs on Bourbon Street trying to steer you inside. He was fun to watch but way over the top. Make an appointment with a specific sales rep.

Ask for Remi. He works in internet sales and is a straight shooter. We negotiated in a nondescript showroom of a different building. If you're accustomed to the used car lots on Dixie Highway you'll find this place to be nice enough. If you're used to Kings AutoMall or Performance dealerships, then you may not like the setting. Incidentally, I saw no female sales, service or finance reps. It was a male-dominated culture with all the banter, but they were respectful to everyone.

I was looking at two used commercial vehicles but one had been taken by another dealer just minutes before. The other was a stripped down cargo van with 300 miles added by the dealership. When we opened the rear doors, the inside looked like a barn. If you've bailed hay you know how the dust and chaff settles everywhere. The dealership had used it to haul straw and never cleaned it. I was amused until I saw a $900 up charge for an Environmental Protection Assurance Package (EPAP), which I was told is on all of their vehicles. This is a 12 month warranty covering paint sealer and "interior care". Consider the interior care required of a stripped out dirty straw hauler - two upholstered seats. They offered to lower it to $300.

The negotiation process is like most other dealerships employing the same tactics. It's like cleaning a sewer drain. There's a fair deal on the other side if you cut through all the dealer BS in the process. Besides the EPAP up-charge, they will try to up-sell you extended warranties or certify your used vehicle for an extra $1,000. Cashing out takes about an hour. Mark Postallian was a good guy and very helpful.

When prepping the vehicle they forgot to reattach the antenna. I didn't notice it until I turned on the radio while on the road. I had to drive back to the service department. After failing to locate the antenna, they had to scavenge one from another vehicle before sending me on my way. That was another hour of my time spent for someone's lack of attention to detail.

Another pet peeve is that a second key is now considered an "accessory". It takes a week for them to order and an hour to fit to the vehicle. I wasn't charged for it, thanks to a seasonal gift promotion, but will have to make another appointment to get it. So I will get another chance to interact with the service department and give them a fair shake.

12/28 post script: 4 weeks after buying my vehicle, I was told that my second key had not even been ordered. During this time I had called and emailed my service advisor who did not reply. I called the parts department and talked to Tagg who was very helpful. Overall, not impressed with this organization's lack of communication.

2 stars....

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