This was a classic "Jekyll and Hyde" dealership - Brian M
This was a classic "Jekyll and Hyde" dealership experience. If you visit, I highly recommend asking for Michael in Sales or working with Sha in the BDC—they are fantastic. However, be extremely warned about the deceptive tactics used by the Sales Manager (Houssine) and the Finance Manager (Alstofo).
THE GOOD (The Frontline):
Our salesperson, Michael, was patient, kind, and transparent. He went above and beyond, even washing the vehicle specifically so we could inspect it for a potential sunroof leak we were concerned about. Sha in the BDC was also responsive and helpful in setting up the appointment. They deserve 5 stars.
THE BAD (Management & Finance):
Unfortunately, the deal turned sour once it reached upper management.
Negotiation Games: Sales Manager Houssine initially refused to honor the $500 coupon prominently advertised on their own website/listing, claiming the car was "too good a deal." I had to use third-party market data just to get them to honor their own advertisement.
The "Fee Shift" in Finance: This is the major warning for buyers. I negotiated a strict Out-The-Door price remotely. My estimate showed roughly $655 in Government Fees. When the actual state fees came back much lower ($441), Finance Manager Alstofo did not pass those savings to me. Instead, he quietly added new "Electronic Filing" and "PTA" fees to the dealer profit section to absorb the difference.
Deceptive Tactics: When I tried to review the contract, Alstofo actively tried to separate us—attempting to walk my wife to the cashier to pay the down payment while I was still trying to read the terms. When I caught the fee change and pulled out a calculator, he became hostile, refused to explain the line items, and even mocked me as "Mr. Chat GPT" for asking if the warranty covered known manufacturer defects.
THE VERDICT:
When we challenged the hidden fees, management threatened to "blow up the deal" over the small difference, banking on the fact that we were out-of-town buyers who had driven hours to get there. We paid the extra fees to end the standoff, but it was a predatory move.
Advice: Work with Michael for a great test drive, but verify every single line item in Finance. If the tax numbers change, ensure they don't add "junk fees" to keep your money.
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