Decent Car dealership

[DD977GM2]

Hey All

Since I have a 5th one on the way, the Hot Little Hole and I are contemplating getting a damn mini van for toting the kids around and what not. I say get a 7 seat 4Runner since we rarely have all the kids together now. My oldest stays with her mom more then me. The 4Runner will give me peace of mind in the snow and mountain driving my wife does and also the longevity of having a Toyota. Not really looking forward to a minivan but it is on the possibilities list. We are just starting to look and price vehicles we are interested in and that can fit at least 6 , preferably 7 so we dont have to take 2 vehicles everywhere.

Anyone recommend a dealership or is a COAR15 member a salesmen at a dealership. Id go to them first if I could. We are not looking to buy until the fall FWIW. Just wanna get an idea so I know how much I have to work until then to get a good cunk saved up for it.
Im hoping for a vehicle no older then 2003, but depending on budget and what we find that can be changed up a bit.

Thanks
Gabe

[Mtn.man]

I hate Mini Vans.

Better to sell the kids and get a redneck girlfriend that likes BIG trucks

[mcantar18c]

Mine sees a crew cab with steps as a family car...

[Byte Stryke]

Jesus Brother...
you need a different hobby!
[ROFL1]

All I know is stay away from Rocky's or anyplace that does buy here pay here.
Best wishes

[Mtn.man]

Ah come on Rocky's is a Colorado Icon.
And a crew cab dually is a family vehicle.

I hate MiniVans.

[DD977GM2]

I woudl go for a crew cab if it seated 7 total, but they only seat 6 legally[NoEvil]

[alxone]

i got my jeep off craigslist and drove 100,000 miles before any problems .but its craigslist and i test drove over 80 similar vehicles before i found mine .
just my 2cents , good luck

[Irving]

Jesus Brother...
you need a different hobby!
[ROFL1]

All I know is stay away from Rocky's or anyplace that does buy here pay here.
Best wishes

Rocky's is looked up to by nearly all other dealerships for their selection and organization of their lot. Rocky's is no worse than any other dealership on the planet.

[stevelkinevil]

i got my jeep off craigslist and drove 100,000 miles before any problems .but its craigslist and i test drove over 80 similar vehicles before i found mine .
just my 2cents , good luck

Agreed. IMO there is no such thing as a good car dealership. They are all designed and staff trained to screw from word go. Skip em and buy an older vehicle from a private party. Sure you may have to fix it now and again but if you buy used from a dealer you'll be doing the same thing but making sky high payments on top of it.

[stevelkinevil]

Rocky's is looked up to by nearly all other dealerships for their selection and organization of their lot. Rocky's is no worse than any other dealership on the planet.

Seriously? I took a friend there a couple years ago and I have rarely seen a bigger den of thieves. Asking for money before test drives and many many other unscrupulous dirty tricks. And on top of that asking nearly 10,000 more than the car he was looking at was worth. That place is unbelievable. STAY AWAY!

[Gunner]

I have gotten 6 cars of craigslist in the last 3 years all have been good just have to look around

[Irving]

Seriously? I took a friend there a couple years ago and I have rarely seen a bigger den of thieves. Asking for money before test drives and many many other unscrupulous dirty tricks. And on top of that asking nearly 10,000 more than the car he was looking at was worth. That place is unbelievable. STAY AWAY!


You wouldn't believe the stories I've heard of car salesmen I've heard in the single year I worked for a car dealership. Rocky's is no worse than anyone else. That's how ALL dealerships are. Lakewood Fordland used to throw your keys on the roof to try and force you to buy their car.

Did Rocky's put your friends trade-in up against a tree or a wall and burn out the clutch while he/she was test driving their car? If not, then it's hard to say that they are the worst.

I'm not defending Rocky's. I bought my car from them recently, and paid WAY too much for it. Why? Because I was a total pussy and let them man handle me. You can't be screwed if you don't let it happen.

[Colorado Luckydog]

This thread is really cracking me up. It amazes me how many people really don't know shit about Dealerships.

People will pay 150 % markup on a shirt and not think a thing about it but if a Dealership trys to make 10 % profit, they are thieves. It really does crack me up.

[ROFL1][ROFL2][ROFL3][LOL]

[Great-Kazoo]

buy a 1 year old or older vehicle so you don't take the vehicle depreciation hit driving off the lot. Most used vehicles are bringing as much as new due to the low overhead dealers pay to keep it on the lot. I will suggest a FWD (front wheel drive) vs 4wd as it requires less maintenance, better resale / trade in value than a 4wd AND with the right snow tires on it will pull you around all winter long, unless you drive in to a snow bank or high side it. I had an 86 (purchased new) dog mini that would go through anything. While there are advantages to a 4wd vs FWD IF you needed to sell it the FWD would be gone within the week, tops, vs trying to find that right buyer for the truck.

[Graves]

I had a great experience at Johnson's Auto Plaza when I got my pickup there back in May. I went to quite a few dealers when I found exactly what I was lookin' for there, they had some of the other dealers beat by $10k on this truck too. If I were to look into a family ride, it'd probably be a Jeep Commander.

[Byte Stryke]

Rocky's is looked up to by nearly all other dealerships for their selection and organization of their lot. Rocky's is no worse than any other dealership on the planet.


and I have watched them Liquid Nail a sideview mirror onto a car.
I was delivering Parts at the time...

[Irving]

Yep, just like every other dealership. I took my car to a mechanic and had it checked out first.

[jerrymrc]

I do have to say that we bought the wife's car from a small private lot. Now we had looked at a few of there cars before and they were lacking but we kept looking.

They were very low key and do no financing but at least it was not like the 20 other ones I went to. In the end we got a good deal on a great car. I will say that the transaction went well. I paid what I wanted to, they sold a car and it took only 30 min to do all the paperwork.

So I would say that if you know what you want and the vehicle checks out I would not hesitate to buy another from them.

In our case we were looking for a 2000-2003 Grand Prix and many we drove had issues even though they only had 70-100K. Found a 2 owner one that had been well taken care of. They even had a folder with all the maintenance receipts. This is not the norm but we looked for 4-5 months or better. $4700 out the door.http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/jerrymrc/guns117Medium.jpghttp://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/jerrymrc/guns118Medium.jpghttp://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/jerrymrc/guns120Medium.jpghttp://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/jerrymrc/guns122Medium.jpg

[Mazin]

Sil-tarhar in broomfield. Cannot say enough good things about them.

[Colorado Luckydog]

Sil-tarhar in broomfield. Cannot say enough good things about them.

Glad to hear someone say that. I'm one of the managers there.[Beer]

[spyder]

I was in the same spot, I picked up myself an 03' Volvo V70 XC. It has seats for all of us and is AWD. Oh, and the gas is better than either of the other two.

[gnihcraes]

I never thought I'd own a mini van, but yes, we bought one with a couple of little ones running around in 1999. Couldn't beat the price vs the hauling capacity. It was a dodge caravan, did us good through 125k miles. Other people didn't have such luck. I hear the Toyota Sienna is a good ride for a van. You might consider something like a suburban or yukon XL etc. Gas $$ will be high, but you can haul the family and do other things with it that a mini van might not be able to do.

Also talk to Colorado Lucky Dog, he might have good insight on the dealers and rides.

[Mazin]

Glad to hear someone say that. I'm one of the managers there.[Beer]

Hey you service dept helped me out more than i wish to state but next mustang or f150 i need im going back. I bought my wife a 06 mazda6 and even though the car was absolute crap your sales and service dept are top notch, its the last new car i buy with cash.

[MrPrena]

This thread is really cracking me up. It amazes me how many people really don't know shit about Dealerships.

People will pay 150 % markup on a shirt and not think a thing about it but if a Dealership trys to make 10 % profit, they are thieves. It really does crack me up.

[ROFL1][ROFL2][ROFL3][LOL]

YUP!!
+1

[MrPrena]

From Experiences

BEST EXPERIENCES:
-MB of Westminster
-Mountain State Toyota
-Gebhardt VW

Average
-Freeway Ford
-Longmont Ford
-Suss

[tmleadr03]

Hey All

Since I have a 5th one on the way, the Hot Little Hole and I are contemplating getting a damn mini van for toting the kids around and what not. I say get a 7 seat 4Runner since we rarely have all the kids together now. My oldest stays with her mom more then me. The 4Runner will give me peace of mind in the snow and mountain driving my wife does and also the longevity of having a Toyota. Not really looking forward to a minivan but it is on the possibilities list. We are just starting to look and price vehicles we are interested in and that can fit at least 6 , preferably 7 so we dont have to take 2 vehicles everywhere.

Anyone recommend a dealership or is a COAR15 member a salesmen at a dealership. Id go to them first if I could. We are not looking to buy until the fall FWIW. Just wanna get an idea so I know how much I have to work until then to get a good cunk saved up for it.
Im hoping for a vehicle no older then 2003, but depending on budget and what we find that can be changed up a bit.

Thanks
Gabe

Chevy Suburban (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cHaufA26B8)

Costs an average of 10K more but Expedition EL (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?lastBeginningStartYear=1981&num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=100&address=80013&marketZipError=false&make=FORD&model=EXPEDIEL&make2=&start_year=1981&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=4+wheel+drive&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=60000&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceASC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=priceASC&systime=&sownerid=88330&dma=DENVER_SE&rdm=1310048587637)

And my personal favorite, though hard to find under 100K miles the Excursion with the 7.3 (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?lastBeginningStartYear=1981&num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=100&address=80013&marketZipError=false&make=FORD&model=EXCURSION&make2=&start_year=2003&end_year=2003&min_price=&max_price=&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=4+wheel+drive&doors=&fuel=Diesel&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceASC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=priceASC&systime=&sownerid=88330&dma=DENVER_SE&rdm=1310048679735)

Though if you dont mind driving over 100 miles for the Excursion you can probably get it just under 100K on the clock.

[ghettodub]

I had a pretty decent experience with Planet Hyundai recently, which is where I got my Yukon. Jeff, the sales dude, was a good guy. Go Subaru West is a good one too. I have a friend at Go Toyota that I would deal with as well

Worst dealership I've dealt with: probably Go Subaru Arapahoe.

[Ranger]

the Hot Little Hole and I are contemplating getting a damn mini van

The "Hot Little Hole"? Wow. Of all these posts, that was the one thing that I kept thinking of each time I read a dealership recommendation was "I hope the Hot Little Hole approves". [LOL]

[newracer]

The last vehicle we bought we got from Boulder Nissan, the entire experience was great.

[Ed_S]

Bought my Jeep at Pollard Jeep in Boulder. Can't complain I got a great deal, no pressure or BS.

Now I'm just trying to convince the wife to get the 6.4L Hemi conversion on my Wrangler:)

[Ronin13]

The two places I've been recently for purchases (well one was me, the other my brother) was Best Auto Buy (I think) off Broadway in Englewood... and Automotive Avenues in Lakewood (6th Ave Frontage Road, exit at Simms/Union and head E). Both were really fair with pricing, didn't try to tack on abunch of BS, and weren't begging for a sale. Just never, ever, ever go to MedVed... they are crooks and don't really care about their customers because "everybody said go to medved."
I worked as a finance asst. manager at a motorcycle dealership years ago and know all the backend and unnecessary sales crap they try to sell you, so just make sure you know what you're doing when purchasing from a dealer and you should do fine.

[spartan1919]

My wife Alicia is the receptionist at Mike Shaw Subaru and my buddie Josh is a salesman there. We got a good deal on a 93' impreza with 98,000 miles and am 3rd owner for 2,000 and a 2003 Ford Expedition for 7,900. give them a shot if you choose.

[ghettodub]

The two places I've been recently for purchases (well one was me, the other my brother) was Best Auto Buy (I think) off Broadway in Englewood... and Automotive Avenues in Lakewood (6th Ave Frontage Road, exit at Simms/Union and head E). Both were really fair with pricing, didn't try to tack on abunch of BS, and weren't begging for a sale. Just never, ever, ever go to MedVed... they are crooks and don't really care about their customers because "everybody said go to medved."
I worked as a finance asst. manager at a motorcycle dealership years ago and know all the backend and unnecessary sales crap they try to sell you, so just make sure you know what you're doing when purchasing from a dealer and you should do fine.

I'll add a +1 for Auto Avenues. They're a good place!

[spyder]

This is what kind of car I have a Volvo V70 XC. This one is a 2001 though for sale in Denver:
http://images.craigslist.org/3k83pe3oa5Y15V35P5b75a69a046e0ca41946.jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/3nd3k63m15V05Z05X3b7587ed386c5e301f5e.jpg
Mine has the 3rd row in it. I don't know if this one does or not, but they are listing it for a damn good price. Even if it doesn't have the 3rd row, you can pick em up cheap and put it in yourself.
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2477849816.html

[MrPrena]

I had a pretty decent experience with Planet Hyundai recently, which is where I got my Yukon. Jeff, the sales dude, was a good guy. Go Subaru West is a good one too. I have a friend at Go Toyota that I would deal with as well

Worst dealership I've dealt with: probably Go Subaru Arapahoe.

Jeff B?
He kicked me out of the dealership when Hyundai just opened.
I use to refer in average of 3 customers to Planet Honda , and received $100 per referral.
Their F&Is (Finance/Loan people) are full of idiots.

I now refer every Honda customers to Fisher Honda at Boulder.

[BigMat]

I'm just glad to hear someone else is thinking about a mini-van.

The wife and I have been thinking about one but too ashamed to admit it to anyone. The first one I looked at I nit-picked the hell out of just so we didn't buy it, even though I knew it was a good car. The things make a lot of sense, especially when grandpa is 6'4"

I personally liked the Honda minivan the most, and the VW was fine but the leg room was crappy up front.

[Graves]

My wife Alicia is the receptionist at Mike Shaw Subaru and my buddie Josh is a salesman there. We got a good deal on a 93' impreza with 98,000 miles and am 3rd owner for 2,000 and a 2003 Ford Expedition for 7,900. give them a shot if you choose.

Fuck Mike Shaw!!!!!!! *Buncha cock suckers.
I can't prove it but one of their employees stole my suby. Back when flat 4 was there I left it there after I killed the it was warranty but I opted for a dog box that was backordered. After um-teen calls and several weeks later, I receive a voicemail (conveniently as the service dept. was closing) saying that it was ready to go; come to find out the very next morning that my fucking car was stolen over night. Those MF'ers basically told me to go pound sand. [BooHoo][Bang][Mad][Bang]

[Ronin13]

Fuck Mike Shaw!!!!!!! *Buncha cock suckers.
I can't prove it but one of their employees stole my suby. Back when flat 4 was there I left it there after I killed the it was warranty but I opted for a dog box that was backordered. After um-teen calls and several weeks later, I receive a voicemail (conveniently as the service dept. was closing) saying that it was ready to go; come to find out the very next morning that my fucking car was stolen over night. Those MF'ers basically told me to go pound sand. [BooHoo][Bang][Mad][Bang]

It's my understanding that they're liable for that, since it was in their care on their property when it happened. They should compensate you along with, hopefully, your insurance if you have comprehensive coverage.

[rondog]

Quote:
Originally Posted by DD977GM2 http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?p=378569#post378569)
the Hot Little Hole and I are contemplating getting a damn mini van

The "Hot Little Hole"? Wow. Of all these posts, that was the one thing that I kept thinking of each time I read a dealership recommendation was "I hope the Hot Little Hole approves". [LOL]

Yeah, I bet she LOVES it when he calls her that!

But FWIW, my wife used to have a Kia Sedona minivan and loved it, never any problem in the snow. Now she drives a Kia Sorento and loves it too, we've had good luck with the Kia's. Even when we had this snowstorm, the Sedona got her around fine after all the deep stuff was plowed away. Yeah, there's a minivan in there somewhere....

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/snow/DSCN0076.jpg

[Rooskibar03]

I'd like to think I work at a great dealership, but I'm sure there are folks out there who would disagree. Unfortunately it's not the type of store that's going to have minivans in our preowned inventory so I can't help you out there.

Actually much like any business establishment you are going to have plenty of love/hate customer service stories. The trouble with a car dealership is generally the emotion level is higher for a large purchase so you tend to get more vocal clients.

In your case you are looking for a specific type of vehicle, the Internet is your friend. Find it online, email the Internet guy and set up a time to go inspect the car. Depending on the dealership you will generally have an easier time working with the Internet guy since you can establish some sort of relationship before you walk in the door.

[Inconel710]

Well, if you come down to Colorado Springs, Ferguson Chevrolet on Academy Blvd. treated us fairly last year when we bought our '98 2500 Extra Cab. We did our research on line and had a good idea of what we wanted and what they had. Paying cash didn't hurt either and we were up front with the salesman about not wanting any BS. Their service department is excellent - they'll price match any shop in town on routine stuff like oil changes.

[DD977GM2]

My wife Alicia is the receptionist at Mike Shaw Subaru and my buddie Josh is a salesman there. We got a good deal on a 93' impreza with 98,000 miles and am 3rd owner for 2,000 and a 2003 Ford Expedition for 7,900. give them a shot if you choose.

Screw Mike Shaw. The Tribeca we had had the front paint peeling off. So they repainted it with a 3rd party body shop. Thus on their part invalidating the warrenty. It wasnt painted right and started peeling bad again and would not do anything about it even though the Tribeca was less then 18 months old. They are fucking crooks. Especially the guy John the service department manager.

[MrPrena]

Well, because of 1 bad experience at a dealership with 1 sales/service/mgr doesn't mean dealership is wacked. I've seen some good dealerships hired a wrong person, and replace them immediately too.

I did have few bad experiences from few dealerships, but most of them made it right.

However, few dealerships DID SCREW my referral $$ intentionally.
(usually in order to get a referral, purchaser must mention the referree's name multiple times to sales AND MGR).

Most of them makes a honest mistakes. Gebhardt VW accidently made my 15k/yr lease to 10k/yr lease. I told F&I immediately about this after I signed. He was thanking me for his mistake. He said he could've got in trouble for it.
When we drove off the lot with the new VW lease, we thoguht we forgot something.
Gerbhardt VW accidently forgot to collect our downpayment on a lease. :D
We came back in right before foothill , and told the sales & Fiance guy about it.
Just an honest mistakes. :)

[mjbealer]

I have had good experiences with several places, sill ter-hard was good to me then I worked there in their service department 10 years ago, and I recently bought a car from omera and that was good too. I also have a minivan that I got from medved and did not care for them. I took their word that the vehicle had service records of everything done to it maintenance wise. The trans took a crap 3000 Mike later, and just 2000 miles out of warranty, no record of service, so warranty voided. But aside from that the van has run strong for 125k longer and counting. I have hauled plywood, and all kinds of stuff with it. Not too bad, but then again it is still a minivan with a cherry license plate...[ROFL3]

[Mtn.man]

Did I tell ya I hate MiniVans.

[alan0269]

Screw Mike Shaw.

I would have to agree on that. PM coming your way.

[spartan1919]

Sorry they did you dirty. was only trying to help.

[MED]

There is a great experience and a nightmare story for every dealership out there. Inspect the car you want and roll the dice; look for quick turnarounds on carfax as this is often a sign of a mechanical issue. I usually prefer private sales from the original owner.

I use my ’01 Yukon Denali XL as the family cargo vehicle and winter transportation vehicle when needed…I have a commuter car as well so I don’t drive it every day. The Yukon has 132,000 trouble free miles, and I expect another 100,000 or so before I rebuild it. My brother wasn’t so fortunate with his last of four 4-Runners…120,000 miles equals two burnt valves and many hours of cussing from me as I pulled it apart and fixed it for him. He was pretty impressed with them until his last one where he actually put some miles on it.