Honda of Columbia

Hassle-free car buying, great staff, very good experience. I recently purchased a new 2017 CR-V LX from this dealership, and let me tell you, it was by far the BEST car-buying experience I've had. For a few I recently purchased a new 2017 CR-V LX from this dealership, and let me tell you, it was by far the BEST car-buying experience I've had. For a few months now, I was looking for a Toyota Tacoma--something functional that would work as a vehicle, but also do the job carrying things around as needed. I went to the Toyota Dealership (Dick Smith), and dealt with a very nice man who did a great job of assisting me. That being said, I slowly realized that the fuel-economy of the Tacoma wasn't what I was looking for. Not to mention, the vehicle wasn't as powerful as I expected for the price. So, I started researching other options. This lead me to look into the Compact SUV's, and into the Honda CR-V. Over and over I kept seeing that the CR-V was hands-down the best reviewed (http://www.caranddriver.com/honda/cr-v , http://www.consumerreports.org/2017-honda-cr-v/2017-honda-crv-review/), safest, and roomiest of this vehicle category (in comparison to the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV-4). Realizing that it would still provide me about 4 ft. of trunk space, well, I was willing to sacrifice the extra foot that the Tacoma provided in the bed for a better, much more efficient vehicle (in function as well as price). Initially, I went to Midlands Honda (somewhat competitor to Honda of Columbia) to look at the 2017 CR-V's. While the salesguy was okay, it just felt like he was disinterested in selling me a vehicle after I told him I wasn't going to purchase that same day. Because of that, I went to CarMax, and found a nice salesman and a pretty good deal on a used (though I really wanted new) 2016 CR-V EX-L (leather interior). Though the deal was good one...I was iffy on the vehicle being used. I had the salesman ship the vehicle from one of their other locations, and I left their dealership expecting to return a few weeks later, to look over the vehicle, and purchase it after its arrival. While I waited, I decided on a whim, to call Honda of Columbia, because time and again, their reviews were better than Midlands'. That's when I spoke to Justin Smith. Let me say, Justin was INCREDIBLY helpful from the get-go. He immediately listed for me several great prices on NEW CR-V's that beat not only the CarMax deal, but also the deal that the salesguy from Midlands Honda had offered me (though the Midlands guy really wasn't that helpful with pricing). Justin was friendly, and when I told him I didn't like to waste time, he was to-the-point and just offered me some great internet prices that he emailed me to look over. After working with Justin over the phone and via email, I realized that Honda of Columbia was the place I would be purchasing my CR-V. I promptly cancelled my order from CarMax, and arranged to come into Honda of Columbia to test drive the CR-V with Justin. Unfortunately, a change in schedule prevented Justin from being present the day I went to do the test drive. That day I worked with a nice young man, named Ethan Godwin. Ethan was VERY knowledgeable with regards to the CR-V and all of its features. It was a very good test drive, and I learned a lot more about the vehicle thanks to Ethan--which made me feel confident that the CR-V was what I truly wanted. Though I wasn't going to purchase that day, Ethan was quite professional in making sure that I followed-up with Justin (and didn't take the sale), since he had been assisting me from the start. After following-up with Justin a few more times, I got all my finances ready, and worked with him and Business Manager Seth Nortey (Mr. Boston!) in finalizing the deal and purchasing a new CR-V LX (after doing some research, I realized I didn't need the extra features of the EX nor the leather of the EX-L). I must say that Seth was a funny, and good family man that offered me a really sweet deal on the extended warranty and Car Care plans...plus his Boston accent can't be beat! Even if I do pull for the Yankees and Knicks! We at least agreed on the potential/storied past of the Dolphins! I know this was a long review, so I thank all for reading this--if you made it this far. I just want to say, that after driving the CR-V for a little over a month, I'm in love with it. It's already proven itself functional with me hauling mini-fridges, furniture, and other things in it's awesomely spacious cargo area. The vehicle has already proven itself to me in just this short time span. Of course, it's brand new, so it performs like a dream, but I also feel confident that the Honda brand is a good one that will last, plus the warranty and Care Plan make me feel confident that Honda of Columbia and its folks will have my back throughout the life of the vehicle. Unlike other car buyers, I plan to keep this vehicle for more than 10 years, so I think the plans I got will keep me in good working order throughout that time--and beyond if need be. I want to thank Justin Smith again for providing me a great experience, for being to-the-point, but still jokey and friendly...without being a cheesy "used-car-guy". If you ever choose to purchase a Honda vehicle in the Midlands area, forget Midlands Honda, the only choice is Honda of Columbia. These folks will treat you right! --Gabriel Lopez More