Clarence Wimberly III

Review of autoPROS Columbia

Me and my family came upon AutoPros Columbia after...

Me and my family came upon AutoPros Columbia after looking online. We had been looking for some time and the reviews and line-up seemed to be a deal sealer for us. We are a military family and drove from JB Charleston to look at a 2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring which was in our price range. Me and the family arrived to the dealership Nov. 5th and we checked the vehicle out and test drove it as well. Our salesman, Chris was quick to tell us about the company and their emphasis on customer satisfaction. At first, there was some negotiating because our trade-in wasn't getting enough for what it was worth even though on KBB, it was quoted for more in good condition. The Mazda had some minor issues for example: the cup holder latch was broken, a missing rear light cover, the middle 2nd row seat belt wouldn't fasten, as well as it was missing the keyless ignition knob. Chris had informed us that the vehicle had just got there and needed to be serviced, but told us that everything would be rectified before closing, so we agreed to continue moving forward. Once the financing portion was completed, we drove home while the Mazda was being repaired. Now, it is Nov. 12th and we drive back up to exchange vehicles and drop off some paperwork. Before our second trip, I had called and text to check on the vehicle a few times and make sure the vehicle was good to go before we arrived on the 12th. The rapport was not as good as it should have been at this point, and it was disappointing because building an open-end relationship was important to us. When we arrived, the vehicle was still not complete, and I don't think anybody ensured the vehicle was done either, which would have been nice to know before we drove back up. The cup holder was still broken and the ignition knob had not been replaced. Also, they tried to sell us a 2012 model vehicle with just a key and without a KEY FOB! The service rep. was so quick to take our tag off of our vehicle, that he failed to ensure the Mazda was 100% complete. Chis apologized for the inconvenience and we went to the service department to get it right. At this point we were a little upset, and we were reassured that it would be taken care of again. Finally, we receive the vehicle Nov. 16th and the transporter, Gene was the most professional and kindest individual during this journey! He took the time to look over the vehicle with me, and once everything was good proceeded to "Thank me, for my service", as we shook hands and left. The only reason we rated the company a "three" was because of the poor rapport, time it took to get the vehicle(servicing), as well as the lack of knowledge on the vehicle being sold to us. We love our new vehicle, but wish the process would have went more smoothly. After looking at all the 4's and 5's we wish we had the same experience!