I recently purchased a 2010 Honda Fit. I had done research beforehand and had requested quotes from several area dealers. The Internet department at Auto Park Honda was easily the most responsive (thanks Henry Meador!) and through a series of e-mails over two days, we had pretty much done all the necessary discussions and negotiations such that I was able to come in to the dealership to take a test drive and then conclude the paperwork.
When I got to the dealership, one of the managers who had followed my discussions with the Internet department, assigned me to a salesperson who had been briefed on the communications up to that point.
The salesperson, Seth Mauseth, could not have been more responsive to my needs. He did not try to go back and re-negotiate or equivocate on any of the previous negotiations or decisions. There was no "good cop, bad cop" routine of, gee, I don't know if my manager will let me do that. Everything was a "can do" attitude.
He was able to bring out the exact car I had negotiated virtually and let me take a test drive to make sure that the Fit actually fit me! The paperwork including financing through Honda, credit check and all, was accomplished smoothly and efficiently. During periods of waitiing for paperwork, I had great conversations with Seth such that the time passed very quickly. In short, I actually enjoyed buying a car ftom Seth!
When I met with the finance person for final signatures, I was offered several different aftermarket options and extended warranties, all of which seemed reasonable, but there was absolutely no hard sell.
This was probably the most enjoyable car buying experience I have ever had - good to know this is still possible in this day and age. Thank you Auto Park Honda!
more