Craig Gates
Dealer Principal/Owner
Columbia Ford Kia
234 Willimantic Road, Route 6
Columbia, CT 06237
32 Reviews
Write a Review32 Reviews of Craig Gates
April 28, 2025
Wow! Awesome, incredible and fantastic! I can't say enough about this dealership. My car went is with an awful sound coming from the front of my car and a Awesome, incredible and fantastic! I can't say enough about this dealership. My car went is with an awful sound coming from the front of my car and a horrible grinding noise. Since I was local they have a new service where they come and pick up the car and drop it off when completed. This was so helpful and is another great service they provide. From the time my car was put in for service to the time it was dropped off I received messages and phone calls to inform me of the progress and repairs needed. What impressed me the most was the professional diagnosis of the repairs needed and gave me all the options to make an educated decision of what works for my safety, budget and timeline. No scare tactics, no pressure and didn't talk down to me. Just gave it to me straight. When I explained that I needed to be doing a lot of long distance trips they let me know what would be best for my situation. I agreed, they let me know the time frame and when my car would be completed. The communication was the best I have ever received in all my years of owning a car, truck or hotrod. When my car was delivered they were so nice, made sure I received my paperwork and let me know if I needed anything or had any questions to call them. I was so excited that I got in my car right away and it drove like a dream! Just like the first day I got it. Well done Columbia Ford Kia... well done. Thank you again for a job well done. More
Other Employees Tagged: Jake Gurzler, Joe Berube, Bobby Eskey, Eric Gates, Jimmie Bletsch, Mike Pahlas, Ilya "Eli" Belyi, Fernando Cruz, Jay Roderick , Dale Thompson, Ryan McCloud, Andy Caldwell
January 12, 2025
Columbia Ford Kia is so much more than just a great place to buy a vehicle—they truly care about the people and the community around them. Their dedication goes beyond offering excellent vehicles and service to buy a vehicle—they truly care about the people and the community around them. Their dedication goes beyond offering excellent vehicles and service; they actively contribute to the well-being of the local community through various foundations and charitable efforts. By supporting Columbia Ford Kia, you're not only investing in a reliable vehicle, but you're also supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around you. It's clear that their values align with the needs of their customers and the community. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to work with a company that genuinely gives back! More
Other Employees Tagged: Jake Gurzler, Bobby Eskey, Eric Gates, Mike Pahlas, Joe Brochu, Andy Caldwell, Ryan McLeod, Michael Devine , John Senick, Jay Roderick, Dale Thompson, Eli Belyi, Jimmie Bletsch, Dave Munkelt
October 02, 2024
Thank you Jordan Handfield for a seamless transition into a new car! Columbia Ford is always there for me! a new car! Columbia Ford is always there for me! More
Other Employees Tagged: Denny Gates, Eric Gates, Mike Pahlas , Jordan Handfield
May 20, 2024
I dealt with Ryan. Very knowledgeable and patient. even went back a few days after the purchase of my new Kia because I could not figure out all the technology! Very knowledgeable and patient. even went back a few days after the purchase of my new Kia because I could not figure out all the technology! More
Other Employees Tagged: Ryan McLeod
February 23, 2024
Ask about all approved finance options! ! We were approved at a 2 percent lower interest rate that we were not informed about. Only found out when the letter from the other bank arrived in t ! We were approved at a 2 percent lower interest rate that we were not informed about. Only found out when the letter from the other bank arrived in the mail. Of course, we received the song and dance from the dealer in which they said it must have been an oversight. I say either incompetence or it was done purposely (if the bank they used gave a bigger kickback). Either way we ended up having to refinance just to get the rate we initially were approved for. Someone should really look into these practices........This will unfortunately be the last purchase I make from a Gates dealership. More
Other Employees Tagged: Jake Gurzler, Denny Gates, Eric Gates, Dave Munkelt , Alisa Velasquez
January 31, 2024
Wonderful dealership. Friendly staff in the service dept. I've been working with Andy Caldwell for several years. I can't say enough positive comments about this dealershi Friendly staff in the service dept. I've been working with Andy Caldwell for several years. I can't say enough positive comments about this dealership. More
Other Employees Tagged: Bobby Eskey, Eric Gates, Jimmie Bletsch
October 12, 2023
Been doing business with the dealership for a long time. They are going downhill. Brought my 2021 Ford Explorer to them inside the 3/36,000 bumper to bumper warranty at 35,120 miles on the odomete for a bad They are going downhill. Brought my 2021 Ford Explorer to them inside the 3/36,000 bumper to bumper warranty at 35,120 miles on the odomete for a bad parking sensor. They couldn't get me in for 2 weeks. Arrived at the dealer with 36,044 miles. No mention of out of pocket costs and I show up to pickup the vehicle and I am told I am out of warranty. I also had an extended Ford warranty and they tell me I owe $100 for a part that should have been $0. Oh it gets worse. The service manager asked me where I bought the truck. I asked why? He said, "The front bumper was repainted.' I said, "I bought the truck here brand new." The sensor in question had a broken clip which happens to be located behind that bumper cover he said was repainted. Wonder how that got broken? IN the end after arguing with them for more than an hour they removed the cost. Don't count on them if your expecting good customer service. They are all about nickel and diming people to death. Ford Motor also would not help the situation and told me "Sorry your outside our bumper to bumper and your going to have to pay the $100 deductible." This will be the last Ford I every buy and last time I send anyone to this dealership. More
August 02, 2023
The staff at the dealership were very helpful and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this dealership to anyone. knowledgeable. I highly recommend this dealership to anyone. More
Other Employees Tagged: Eric Gates , John Senick
June 14, 2023
I had an excellent experience purchasing a car there. Tony was polite and professional and would definitely buy from again. Tony was polite and professional and would definitely buy from again. More
Other Employees Tagged: Eric Gates , Tony Mauro

