While looking for a used Toyota Tundra, I came across a 2004 with less than 35000 miles. At $17,900, it was listed at $200 above high bluebook price, which although high, would indicate a vehicle in excellent condition per KBB standards. The pictures presented on the dealer website showed a vehicle in beautiful condition. According to the Carfax, it had been obtained by the dealer at auction, so I was curious as to why such a vehicle would have been auctioned. Since my daughter and fiance live much closer to the dealer than I, they agreed to check out the vehicle in person. I only wish this review could include the pictures they sent. There was so much rust and corrosion everywhere that it appeared the truck had either been in a flood, or driven into the ocean. This was definitely not minor salt damage from winter roads. The spare wheel was so rusted, it would have been unusable. This dealer will be lucky to find a sucker to buy this truck at any price. Carfax had very few important facts regarding the condition of this vehicle, and all of their assurances with their fine print guarantees were absolutely worthless.

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After finding the vehicle I wanted on line at central motor sales , I spoke with the salesman Mike. I live and hour away . I went to my local credit union and secured a loan for the vehicle . On Wednesday I informed mike that I would be there on Friday to purchase the vehicle and that I had my own bank financing . Wednesday night at 5:18 pm Mike text me and tells me that he just sold the vehicle and Sorry . I went through the trouble of seeking the best finance rate nad would be there in two days . What the heck . Bad public relations , and customer care I would say forget about it . I was looking forward to buying this vehicle and taking my wife to the premium outlets while there . OH well , Thanks alot Central Motor sales . Jim Annese in CT .

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I found Eliot, Mike, and Dan to be interested in selling me the car I wanted in good condition with the best warranty possible.
They made every effort to accommodate. I left feeling I had made a good deal with an honest man.
To prove that point, occasionally a car does not behave perfectly. The timing belt slipped after I had driven the car 340 miles (through no fault of the Central Motor Sales) and the engine seized, requiring a new engine. Eliot and I worked out a very satisfactory deal to me but I am certain it was not the best deal for him. He was wonderful.
I would not hesitate to send someone to them to buy a car.
You will enjoy working with all the guys.

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I found the car I was looking for at Central Motors online. The car clearly needed work done, but we agreed on a fair price. I was told that they would do the work only after I committed to buying it. They had the work done on the vehicle--- new front axles, front brakes, control arm bushings, etc. - all front end work.

Within 5 miles the oil light comes on. I brought it to my own, highly trusted mechanic (Arborway Auto in Jamaica Plain - these guys are great!)... they inform me that I have a "major oil leak." This leak is directly under the engine, dead in the front end of the car. How could their mechanic miss this while spending all this time there, in the front end of the car? I got to look at the leak while it was on the lift at my mechanics - oil was everywhere. I called Central Motors and they said bring it back. I did, left it with them, took the commuter rail back to Boston. A few days later I get the car back-- originally I was told "there is no leak, he just did a bad job cleaning up after working on it." Then I'm told "it was a loose screw on the manifold." 2 weeks go by, I return to my mechanic, they confirm it is still leaking. I bring it back to CMS. This time they take the car to a BMW dealer in Rhode Island and have the work done. Turns out it was a leaking oil pan gasket. Not a huge repair in the end, but the process was ridiculous.

In short - CMS buys vehicles at auction (like most car dealers), does the minimal amount of work on them necessary and sends you on your way. Would I recommend them or not? Not sure. If you are looking for a specific vehicle and they have it, then you decide. But I would strongly recommend you take it to your own mechanic - preferably before you buy - and see what they say. CMS outsources all of their mechanical work and clearly the guy doing it is sub par at best. Or he is great, informed them of the leak, and they chose not to fix it due to the increased expense. I was told at the beginning that their mechanic had "carte blanche" to do what was needed. Either way there is a major gap in quality control.

I was also called "dude" and "man" way more often then my name or even "Sir." Not a huge gripe, but given the bs that I had to go through and the expense of my mechanic as well as 3 or 4 commuter rail rides it started to get on my nerves. I will also note that aside from the major oil leak the car also had a handful of smaller issues - door trim coming off, a loose radiator guard, missing undercarriage skid plate, and a useless windshield wiper.

As another aside, I've had the car about a year now and am looking to sell it because the quality just isn't there like it should be. Not a reflection per se on CMS at all, maybe I just got a slightly thrashed BMW...

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