Best and worst used car dealers?

[GuyB]

I was wondering if any one has any information on the best and worst Car dealers in the Metro area?
Also is there a Oklahoma cunsummer whatch group?

[Oh GAWD the Smell!]

Used car dealers are stereotyped for a very good reason. They all suck. Coast to coast. I've bought a lot of cars from Florida to California and I've NEVER seen an exception to the rule.

Buy from an individual off of Autotrader or something.

I just looked for a specific car for close to a year before I found it. In Florida. I got down there and the guy was nice, accommodating, and the car was exactly as advertised. 1,200 miles of perfect paint and never been in the rain. I drove it home a couple of weeks ago and couldn't be happier. I'd looked forever locally at dealerships. They're slimy douchebags. Every one of them.

[GWB]

I was wondering if any one has any information on the best and worst Car dealers in the Metro area?
Also is there a Oklahoma cunsummer whatch group?

We had a really horrible experience with Fowler Toyota in Norman about three years ago. That place is full of crooks. Avoid them like the plague.

[Oh GAWD the Smell!]

We had a really horrible experience with Fowler Toyota in Norman about three years ago. That place is full of crooks. Avoid them like the plaque.

While I agree that plaque is something to be shunned, it's not hard to avoid. All you have to do is never win anything and/or brush your teeth.

[GWB]

While I agree that plaque is something to be shunned, it's not hard to avoid. All you have to do is never win anything and/or brush your teeth.

What are you talking about?

[jsibelius]

While I agree that plaque is something to be shunned, it's not hard to avoid. All you have to do is never win anything and/or brush your teeth.

And of course, remember to visit your dentist for regular cleanings every six months!

[GuyB]

And of course, remember to visit your dentist for regular cleanings every six months!

Also don't forget to floss!

[kevinpate]

I'm been obtaining cars for a bit over 30 years. Only one was purchased from a dealer's lot. It was a good car, a fair price, and though it's now seen better days, it's actually still in service. Can't say the same for the dealer though ... it's long since closed and become something else.

[GuyB]

Just to get this back on topic again does any one have a bad experience with a used car dealer or even a new car dealer?

[bretthexum]

Any of the Bob Howards suck. Crooks.

[oneforone]

I bought my pickup from Reynolds on NW Expressway. I loved the whole expeirence. I picked the cars to test drive. I narrowed down the choices. It was like buying from a friend or family member. I cannot count number of times I was greeted and offered a drink or snack.

After the sale, I recieved three courtesy calls, a free oil change and a thank you card from Dale Daniels.

I have went back for basic services time and again. Very low pressure and very professional. I just went Friday and the service representative offered to inspect my truck. He obseverd two services that needed to be completed. I chose one and not the other. He said Ok, as a courtesy we will put a reminder on your work order if you want to have it done next time your in.

[SoonerBent]

Obviously different people have different experiences at the same dealer. I've bought two cars from the Bob Howard group. Both went great. I called to see if they had what I wanted. When I got there they had what they said they had. They beat the price of other dealers and we were in and out in a couple of hours.

I recently bought a used car from Diffee. The asking price was a good deal so I wasn't even going to bother to dicker over it. When they came in the papers they had knocked $600 off the price on their own. Can't ask for better.

Bob Moore on the other hand. We tried to buy a Liberty from BM Jeep on NW Expressway. The salesman promised us the world for a very good price. When the sales manager got a hold of us he said nothing like that deal could be done. The price he came up with was ABOVE sticker for just the car, no add-ons. This was one of the cars we ended up buying from Bob Howard.

[CuatrodeMayo]

Bob Howard = shady
Diffee = especially shady considering they are advertised "christians".

I went to Norman Chysler Jeep Dodge when I was in school. Didn't even want to deal with me.

Reynolds Ford in Edmond was great when I bought a car there back in November. They were extremely helpful. I got such a good deal, that when my wife totaled in 3 months later, I made $2k on an $8k car. I have been looking for a car lately and went back there. Unfortunatly the experience was not the same.

Hudibern Nissan was so-so. Same for Smicklas Chevorlet (who supposedly own BH).

[CuatrodeMayo]

Bob Howard = shady
Diffee = especially shady considering they are advertised "christians".

I went to Norman Chysler Jeep Dodge when I was in school. Didn't even want to deal with me.

Reynolds Ford in Edmond was great when I bought a car there back in November. They were extremely helpful. I got such a good deal, that when my wife totaled in 3 months later, I made $2k on an $8k car. I have been looking for a car lately and went back there. Unfortunatly the experience was not the same.

Hudibern Nissan was so-so. Same for Smicklas Chevorlet (who supposedly own BH).

I'll update my Smicklas review:

I bought a used vehicle from that dealership 2 days before I made the above post. After much pain and suffering we came up with a price that worked for my budget, then went off to financing.

During the course of our discussions, my wife brought up the fact that two weeks before, we took delivery of a vehicle before the financing was finalized with the assurance that it would be no big deal to the deal approved. I was told at that other dealership, that worst-case scenario, I would have to bring the vehicle back. Supposedly this was highly unlikely. What would probably happen is that I would have to come back and re-sign. Well the worst case scenario came true for me. I was told that 3 months on the job was not long enough, even though I had just graduate college.

Upon hearing our story, the finance guy proceeded to assure us that wouldn't be the case this time. Upon our instance, he left the room and returned telling us the loan was approved and the bank only needed to verify our address and my job. I though that sounded good (1st mistake) and proceeded to finalize the deal. I paid the $700 down payment with my debit card and took delivery.

Two weeks later, I got a call telling me I needed to come back to the dealership and wouldn't tell me why. I as you can probably imagine, he told me I couldn't keep the vehicle. I asked when I can get my down payment back, and he told me I will get a check in 4-5 days. I left the dealership with no money and no vehicle (2nd mistake, I should have just told them I won't turn it in without a check).

This was last saturday. I called the dealership yesterday to inquire on the status of the check. I didn't really get an answer, but they promised to call back with the info I needed. So I get a call today from the finance guy and he tells me his is putting in a check request from corporate offices in Houston. He then told me it will take 2 weeks to process. I wonder if they would have forgotten about it if I hadn't called?

I need to buy a car and I need that money back to do it. I suspect it will take even longer, if at all. Can they do this to me? I am so frustrated and I want my money back.

[oneforone]

I'll update my Smicklas review:

I bought a used vehicle from that dealership 2 days before I made the above post. After much pain and suffering we came up with a price that worked for my budget, then went off to financing.

During the course of our discussions, my wife brought up the fact that two weeks before, we took delivery of a vehicle before the financing was finalized with the assurance that it would be no big deal to the deal approved. I was told at that other dealership, that worst-case scenario, I would have to bring the vehicle back. Supposedly this was highly unlikely. What would probably happen is that I would have to come back and re-sign. Well the worst case scenario came true for me. I was told that 3 months on the job was not long enough, even though I had just graduate college.

Upon hearing our story, the finance guy proceeded to assure us that wouldn't be the case this time. Upon our instance, he left the room and returned telling us the loan was approved and the bank only needed to verify our address and my job. I though that sounded good (1st mistake) and proceeded to finalize the deal. I paid the $700 down payment with my debit card and took delivery.

Two weeks later, I got a call telling me I needed to come back to the dealership and wouldn't tell me why. I as you can probably imagine, he told me I couldn't keep the vehicle. I asked when I can get my down payment back, and he told me I will get a check in 4-5 days. I left the dealership with no money and no vehicle (2nd mistake, I should have just told them I won't turn it in without a check).

This was last saturday. I called the dealership yesterday to inquire on the status of the check. I didn't really get an answer, but they promised to call back with the info I needed. So I get a call today from the finance guy and he tells me his is putting in a check request from corporate offices in Houston. He then told me it will take 2 weeks to process. I wonder if they would have forgotten about it if I hadn't called?

I need to buy a car and I need that money back to do it. I suspect it will take even longer, if at all. Can they do this to me? I am so frustrated and I want my money back.

I would call the media right now. If they get a TV station rattling their chains you can bet that check will be in your hands in as little as a few hours.

You can blame the financial market crisis on this. Lenders gave out too much money to people that clearly could not or would not pay them back.

From hear on out you can guarantee only people with good credit are going to get loans. Anyone with credit issues will be forced to deal with dealerships that do their own financing. The days of good credit, no credit, bad credit sales are long gone.

[CuatrodeMayo]

I would call the media right now. If they get a TV station rattling their chains you can bet that check will be in your hands in as little as a few hours.

You can blame the financial market crisis on this. Lenders gave out too much money to people that clearly could not or would not pay them back.

From hear on out you can guarantee only people with good credit are going to get loans. Anyone with credit issues will be forced to deal with dealerships that do their own financing. The days of good credit, no credit, bad credit sales are long gone.

Thanks for the info. Yea. I've just about figured out that out. I'm just taking what I would be paying for insurance and a payment into savings for a few months. I have my first kiddo on the way in December, so I'm kinda under the gun.

I would contact the media, but I can only image they get these kind of shady dealer calls all day long.

[TaoMaas]

I would call the media right now. If they get a TV station rattling their chains you can bet that check will be in your hands in as little as a few hours.

When it comes to the consumers vs the car dealers, TV stations won't do squat for you. They're not about to bite the hand that feeds them. It's a cryin' shame because, as I told the owner of one of the locals when we were discussing this exact subject, "You want your viewers to be loyal to you, but how can you expect them to stick by you when you cover for businesses that are screwing them over? If you want them to have your back, you've got to cover theirs."

[jsibelius]

I'm a little behind with my comments, but I'm gonna dive in anyway...

Cuatro...I know it's after the fact, but a good idea is to NEVER use financing through a dealership. By giving them your $$$ info, you're letting them know how much you can afford, and they'll move/not move accordingly on the price. I tried it once about 4 years ago when I was going to buy a GTO, and when my stuff came back, they wouldn't back off trying to sell me a Corvette for twice the money...Nor would they budge on the price of the Goat.

Go to your bank and get preapproved. You may give up a point or two in interest, but the headache you'll save at the dealership will more than make up for it. Don't tell them what your loan is for...EVER...You negotiate on the price of the car, and what you're willing to pay. Once that is settled, your bank give the funds to them directly. If they back out...They've got to contend with your bank because THEY hold the lien and the dealership can't intimidate them.

Not that any of that really helps you at this point. That really sucks man. Wish I could help you out.

I agree you should get preapproval from a bank, but I disagree with the idea about not getting financing through a dealership. I don't think I would go with financing through one of those buy here, pay here dealers, but a reputable dealer gets financing through the same banks you do, and you can use your preapproval as leverage to get a better deal. It doesn't matter what know I can afford. Because you can let them know you're going to walk away if they don't meet your demands. If they think you're willing to walk, they'll cave. I did this back in 2003 and I just did it again a few months ago. The only reason they'll do what they did to Smell is when they know you REALLY want that car - or if for some reason they know you can't easily go find one somewhere else because it's somewhat unique.

Banks in Oklahoma, I think, are being affected by all this financial crisis.

Today, I went to refinance my car and put in the college student loans to pay them all together at the FNB in Del City. Despite my stellar payment history on the car, I was rejected, because credit was ruined in the past.

Well... CareCredit didn't have a problem to approve me for $5,000 credit line, which $1,000 is used to save Furrball's life.

I guess I'll continue to pay Express Credit Auto, the place where Interest outweighs the Principal.

If those are Stafford Loans, you do NOT want to mix them with other debt. Although they will continue to haunt you forever until they're paid, there are distinct advantages to having actual student loans, like the ability to put them into deferment and forbearance when you can't pay. Once you refinance them with other debt, I believe they become just another debt, with collection agencies harassing you if it ever gets to that point. Also, student loans look better on your credit report than other kinds of debt, so they actually help your credit score a bit.

Maybe you could try to refinance just the car? Somewhere else. You know...State Farm has a bank. They really like trying to get people to finance their cars through them. I don't know if they do that for people that don't carry their insurance, but maybe they do. It seems like they would have a vested interested in financing and refinancing cars, particularly.

[GWB]

Man, that really sucks. Sorry to hear this CM. You asked it they could to this to you, well, they did it to you, so yes they can. But the good news is, they cannot keep your deposit because they approved you and then backed out of the deal. Yes, they have a right to do that, but they should have told you in writing that there was that possibility. I suggest that you keep a record of each person (get their names) you've talked to and write down the date and time that you spoke with them. This is important in the event that you have to take them to small claims court (highly doubtful). It's always to your advantage to keep a record like this.

I seriously don't think you have anything to worry about. Personally, if it was me, I would talk to the General Manager of the dealership and let him know what transpired and see if he can move things along a little faster for you. It's important that you get him on record telling you specifically when you can expect to get your refund. I really believe you will get your refund. It's too bad you gotta wait so long to get it, but hang it there, it will work out.

[ultimatesooner]

I bought my truck from Reynolds ford and had a good experience, took my cousin back there when he got back from Iraq and he had an equally good experience

we had to get an attorney to get out of a deal with Bob Moore mazda when they sold a her a new car that wasn't exactly new

[oneforone]

I have head great things about Diffee. A buddy of mine went out there right after the Tornado hit their dealership last year. The truck had a few minor scratches (the scratches buffed out when he had the the truck detailed) They took 10k off for the damages, gave him another 5K in factory rebates. When it was all said and done he got a 30K truck for 15K which turned out to be 12K after trade.

Carmax is pretty good dealership as well. My sister and a coworker bought thier cars there. They let you look. When you want to do a test drive all you do is grab a salesman. They even offer add ons like DVD players, in car gaming systems, CD Changers and Alarms. All the cars are in new condition or better. The majority of thier stock is 15K and lower.

[Lurker34]

Last vehicle I bought was from Marc Heitz. Pretty good experience. (as good as car buying can be) Also bought from Bob Moore on the Expressway. I was told to stay away from Edmond Hyundai. Won't be much of a problem. I was never planning to buy a Hyundai anyways.

[fire121]

Last two vehicles came from Ebay and Craigslist. Before that, Marc Heitz in Norman gave me a pretty good deal without all the B.S.. Knippelmier in Blanchard is well known for not doing all the "games". Still, buying from an individual is the way to go. With digital cameras and video its almost like being there. I was doing research on a plumbing co on Ripoff Report: By Consumers, For Consumers and was surprised to find some interesting post regarding David Stanley.

[kmf563]

I've always had good luck with Bob Moore Audi and Bob Moore Jeep Chrysler. They let me test drive alone, they didn't treat me like a stupid girl, and they always gave me a reasonable price for my trade in and the car I was buying.

I almost punched a guy out at the Fowler Dodge on I-240. Total douchecock.

I recommend doing your homework first no matter where you decide to go.
I always do the following things to make my purchase a little smoother -
1. Shop around on a Sunday, no carsalesmen at all to bother you
2. Find a few cars you would like to test drive
3. Go home and pull up the blue book value, carfax report, and any comparable pricing for cars of the same make and model for sale around town.
4. Make an appointment to go testdrive the specific vehicle you are interested in and take the information you found from the internet with you.
5. Do not give them any information about you until you are ready to make a purchase. They do not need your social security number for you to test drive, they don't need anything at all. They either go with you or they take a copy of your drivers license if they let you go alone.
6. Make sure you check out everything on the car - stereo, brakes, look for rust especially under the cab and around the trunk seams, heat AND air regardless of the weather, look for cracks in hoses/belts, tires, corrosion around battery, mileage, interior wear, hail damage repair to the body, and anything else you think of. Tell them you want your mechanic to check it over. If this makes them uncomfortable, move on to someone else.

[JBuzz7373]

Stay away from Edmond Hyundai. Horrible. Just horrible.

Diffee has been wonderful.