Lia Toyota of Colonie

Why do car dealerships have such a bad reputation? Hint: Mike Verbanic, pre-owned sales manager at Lia Toyota of Colonie is an example. I went to this establishment all the way from Westchester County to Mike Verbanic, pre-owned sales manager at Lia Toyota of Colonie is an example. I went to this establishment all the way from Westchester County to negotiate a 2016 Toyota Camry hybrid. According to Cargurus, where I saw the car, it was $643 above market value; the dealer put a price of $17,991 on it. So I used the site’s IMV of $17,348 to make a realistic offer of $16,700. If they advertise on Cargurus then they must know how it works. James O’Donnell, who I personally think is a respectable and decent salesperson, had told me over the phone that the best price available was $16,991. By the way, the internet representatives also did a good job on gathering information from me so a sales specialist could reach out to me. To be fair, most dealers are competent at doing this. Since I had traveled there from a distance, I politely asked to speak to a manager to see if he would get closer to my offer of $16,700. That’s when captain Mike Verbanic came over to sink a ship that up to that point had been sailing normally. If addressed properly, I was ready to pay that price. Again, it was a 138 mile trip. His first words: “Why this car?” I answered: “Because I like it.” Then he started saying what a great color this is! At this point I slightly laughed. Mr. Verbanic didn’t take this well and confronted me about it! Parisian blue is a color that nobody buys! That’s exactly why I wanted that car. There are thousands of white, black, and silver Camrys on the road. So I wanted something different. Allow me to digress for a second, please. I once informed one of my students that we don’t directly elect the president and his reaction was: “What the f***?!” When Mr. Verbanic belligerently addressed me, like my student, I thought something similar: “What the h***?!” So I allowed him to finish and simply left. An anecdote: In September of 2019 I went to Lia Toyota of Rockland with a retiring co-worker to purchase a 2019 Toyota RAV4 hybrid. We were looking for a $2,500 discount at least. The team there would not budge on the price because the car was selling well, everybody wanted a limited hybrid, and so on. In the end, they agreed to a $500 discount on a $37,000+ vehicle! We walked out immediately and got the car elsewhere with a $3,200 discount. I don’t really write reviews unless I have to because, by now, I know how the car business works. But at least in this case I have managed to address two birds with one stone. In essence, these cases show that the apples don’t fall far from the tree. Avoid Lia Group stores. In the case of Mr. Verbanic, the dealership’s own page show that he has a 2.8 rating from customers! William Jr., Michael and Vincent seem like talented and smart guys. So it begs the question: Why do they allow these things to happen? It is my understanding that they run the business now, not Mr. Lia. Gentlemen, customers are important to a business. More

Austin Wark was awesome, super easy to deal with, communicated well and made the process smooth. He also made sure that I had all of my questions answered before I left and was completely satisfied w communicated well and made the process smooth. He also made sure that I had all of my questions answered before I left and was completely satisfied with the experience. 10/10! More

this is the 2nd vehicle I have purchased at Lia Toyota and I couldn't be more pleased! Greg Stevens was great to work with and looked out for my interests through out the process of the trade in as well a and I couldn't be more pleased! Greg Stevens was great to work with and looked out for my interests through out the process of the trade in as well as the purchase. Much appreciated !! More

I have purchasing vehicles from Kermit Salfi for over 15 yr. Kermit always provides me with excellent service. He's very personable, knowledgeable and professional. That's why I always deal with Kermit. yr. Kermit always provides me with excellent service. He's very personable, knowledgeable and professional. That's why I always deal with Kermit. More