Berlin City Toyota Scion

Reason for Visit: Sales (New)

I recommend this dealer: No

Employee(s) Dealt With: John Patten and Mark

My Review of Berlin City Toyota Scion:
On November 27, I went to the dealership with the intention of purchasing a new car. I was told that the color and trim I wanted was not immediately available and that they needed a $500 dollar deposit to locate the car. John and the sales manager told me that they would not be able to get the car if I did not give them the deposit, but that there was no binding contract and I could get the money back if things did not work out. I regret that I gave them the deposit with my debit card.

In the sales process, John had volunteered to me that the normal cost of the XM radio option was $800 but that they would let me have it for $400. Upon returning home, I got online to research the deal that had been offered and discovered that on the car I was interested in, the MSRP for the XM was $449 and the dealer cost was $359.

John left me a message to let me know that they could not find my choice of color and trim. Within 24 hours, I called and stated that we did not have a deal and requested my money back. I called again on December 4 to ask for my money. Mark (I think) called me to assure me that a request had been made for the return of my money. I have called and e-mailed several times. As of December 14, there has been no return of the money.

I would not buy a car from Berlin City if they were the only dealership in Maine. I feel ripped off, and want my money back. I bought a car from Lee Toyota instead and feel great about the low pressure sales. Ken Kay and the folks at Lee were fabulous.

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Reason for Visit: Sales (New)

I recommend this dealer: Yes

Employee(s) Dealt With: Ed Giroux

My Review of Berlin City Toyota Scion:
We recently (12/2008) purchased our new Camry Hybrid from Berlin City Toyota of Portland.

I struggle to come up with the right combination of words to help you understand the positive experience we had with purchasing our 3rd car from this dealership.

Portland Toyota can take kudos for not only having a good sales person (Ed Giroux) but also for working as a team. There was the effort of the team that brought it together. But due honor goes to Ed for effectively explaining the terms and not trying to pressure us into buying "today"!

My recommendation to any car buyer is to do your research, know what your trade in is worth (Kelly Blue Book is a good source and look for the Trade-In value; unless you are going to sell and warranty the car yourself, you shouldn't expect much more (likewise, depending on condition you shouldn't expect much less either); you should also have some idea what the dealer invoice price is (if you ask nice, the dealer may show you the invoice price). I beleive the dealer should make some dough on the new car (but not the sticker) and some on the trade in (but not below the KBB trade in value).

I think you will find that while there is a little going back and forth, they negotiate in an honorable fasion with a desire to sell you a car and make you a happy buyer.

Thanks all.

TnT

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Reason for Visit: Sales (Used)

I recommend this dealer: Yes

Employee(s) Dealt With: Ramzi Karam

My Review of Berlin City Toyota Scion:
I was in the market for a used Toyota, and knew pretty much what I wanted. To my delight, Ramzi Karam was the salesperson I found when I arrived at Toyota of Portland. I had dealt with Ramzi when I bought my last Toyota ten years ago, and was very satisfied with his help back then. Ramzi provided top notch customer service once again, was very friendly and did not waste my time. It was late in the day, but I didn't feel hurried or that I was inconveniencing anyone. There was no fooling around - we negotiated a fair price in no time at all. I highly recommend you ask for Ramzi Karam if you are in the market for a Toyota, and find your way to Toyota of Portland. You will not be disappointed. Lisa B.

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Reason for Visit: Sales (New)

I recommend this dealer: Yes

Employee(s) Dealt With: Ramzi Karam, Dean Harrison

My Review of Berlin City Toyota Scion:
I needed a new car and was interested in Toyota. I knew Ramzi Karam, and that he had sold Toyota/Nissan for many years. I tracked him down by calling his wife and found out that he moved from Prime to Berlin City of Portland. Ramzi was extremely helpful and he was very patient as I tried out a few different cars before finding the right "fit". The process went very smoothly, and everyone that I dealt with at the dealership were friendly, honest, and a pleasure to deal with.
When I told friends of mine that I was dealing with Berlin City of Portland, they supported my feelings because they too had bought a vehicle from them a couple years ago and have had nothing but excellent service. So I feel very confident that whatever I need for my vehicle from the day of purchase on... they will be there.

Thanks Ramzi & Everyone at Berlin City!

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Reason for Visit: Sales (New)

I recommend this dealer: Yes

Employee(s) Dealt With: Ramzi Karam, Dean Harrison

My Review of Berlin City Toyota Scion:
I needed a new car and was interested in Toyota. I knew Ramzi Karam, and that he had sold Toyota/Nissan for many years. I tracked him down by calling his wife and found out that he moved from Prime to Berlin City of Portland. Ramzi was extremely helpful and he was very patient as I tried out a few different cars before finding the right "fit". The process went very smoothly, and everyone that I dealt with at the dealership were friendly, honest, and a pleasure to deal with.
When I told friends of mine that I was dealing with Berlin City of Portland, they supported my feelings because they too had bought a vehicle from them a couple years ago and have had nothing but excellent service. So I feel very confident that whatever I need for my vehicle from the day of purchase on... they will be there.

Thanks Ramzi & Everyone at Berlin City!

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Reason for Visit: Sales (New)

I recommend this dealer: No

Employee(s) Dealt With: chris

My Review of Berlin City Toyota Scion:
I could not believe the tactics that this dealership tried on us. Playing games with the trade in, and playing the bait and switch game when we got to the dealership. uckily we figured it out before we signed on the dotted line, but not everyone does.

Buyer beware!!!

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