Planet Subaru

Reviews 3

TO

Tom Mikolinis

I am writing this review out of not only one satisfactory transaction with Planet Subaru, but two. I am a young professional out of college living in Malden, MA, and finally saved up enough money to finance my first new car. I had recommendations from friends about looking for a Subaru, due to their longevity and quality. I began my search without references, and resorted to online testimonies to find good places to start. Planet Subaru, while it is almost 30 miles away from Malden, had consistently good reviews, and I decided to send them an e-mail. I was responded to almost immediately, despite me not being able to drive down to Hanover for another 2-3 weeks from that point, and immediately had a good vibe and instinct about the dealership. I decided to take the drive down south to see what they had to offer. Upon my first visit, I was slightly prepared to defend myself, hearing horror stories of car salesmen attempting to unnecessarily upsell, lie, and swindle customers without car-buying experience. I wanted to try and hide the fact that I was a first-time buyer, and looked around the showroom and did my research. I then met with Nic, a salesman around my age, with similar views and concerns on a quality car without breaking my budget. Nic was very friendly and knowledgeable with not only Subarus, but was happy to offer me his thoughts on comparing the Impreza (my car of interest) to similar Ford and Toyota models. I decided not to do anything impulsive on the first visit, and told him that I would keep in touch. Nic e-mailed me following up, and said he was available for any questions. As I visited other dealerships during the day, I took in many factors. While the p was the primary factor on my decision, I knew that the dealership’s relationship with me would be important. The typical happy buy ensued, and I ended up purchasing an automatic 2014 Impreza, quartz blue. The car was very sharp looking, and I was happy. I had driven manuals up to this point in my life, and decided to try an automatic. Long story short, after driving in a variety of situations with it during my first two weeks… I hated it. I did not like how the car always pulled back, due to the Subaru’s perpetual all-wheel drive. With this being my first major investment, I wanted to be happy. I nervously contacted Planet and asked if there was any remedy that wouldn’t put me at a total loss. Planet handled my situation better than I could ever imagine, and it truly showed me that they are there for their customers, even after the first sell. I test drove more vehicles, and Nic helped me customize my own manual with cruise control and other features that I desired. Bob worked with me to trade in my car for a decent value (almost $17k after having it for two months and buying it for $19k before taxes and registration). I knew that I would have losses, but Planet worked with me to minimize them, and ultimately keep me as a satisfied customer. I later found that my rain guards I ordered for the car were not available after arrival, and Planet actually overnight shipped them from Japan at no extra charge. The Planet Passport program was also a huge plus (free tires and batteries for life, free car washes whenever you stop by). Planet consistently exceeded my expectations with exceptional service and perseverance, while never displaying any negative qualities assumed with the typical dealership that only cares about the one-time profit. I will continue to recommend them and consider them with future vehicle purchases.

KC

KC Horigan

Heres a summary if you dont want to read my novel: AMAZING EXPERIENCE, HONEST, NO PRESSURE, EXTREMELY FAIR PRICE, PUPPIES, FUN. I drove to Planet Subaru thinking two things. 1) I wish I didnt have to get a new car (Mine was part of the VW TDI recall) and 2) I really dont want a Subaru. I had already test driven the VW Alltrack and loved it but made myself visit Subaru to at least compare it to another wagon option. The doors opened and I was immediately greeted. (This didnt happen at VW. My husband and I awkwardly stood in their lobby waiting for someone to acknowledge us). We met Scotty Forrester and he immediately offered us a coffee and brought us to sit down. On our walk to his desk we passed a puppy sitting by another desk as its apparently okay to bring your dog to work at Planet (major bonus points). Scott was fantastic and took his time explaining the differences in models. He was never pushy, extremely knowledgeable and completely honest. He encouraged us to test drive both the 4 & 6 cylinder models and we were allowed to go without him lurking in the back seat. Upon return, I told him I was shocked with how much I loved the car but I would not be purchasing today. I wanted to wait for my refund check to be cleared by VW first. He was beyond understanding. Again, no pressure at all which I could not say the same at the end of my VW test drive. (VW even hounded me after our test drive with phone calls and emails and hinted that their "loyalty deal" would be expiring soon to get us to decide more quickly). Scott gave me a packet of information and a business card for another co-worker since it was his last day on the floor (He is now working as a Business Manager there). Scott actually brought us over to Joe Harris so that we could meet him and feel comfortable working with a new face upon our return. About three weeks later we turned up again ready to buy. Joe was right at the front desk and actually remembered us and the car we were interested in despite the fact that we spent less than three minutes with him weeks before. Impressive, right? Again, we were immediately seated (not far from the same puppy as before!) and offered a beverage. After we let slip that we had limited time (infant at home), Joe made the smoothest and quickest transaction imaginable. Hes a Dad and totally understood. He listed a price that was beyond reasonable and we immediately accepted. This was a shock since my husband and I literally tried to strategize "bartering tactics" on our way to the dealership. WE DIDNT HAVE TO! The price they offered was amazing. The rest of the transaction was just as painless. We actually got to know Joe well and it felt like we had been friends for years. We laughed. A lot. For a process that I dreaded, we were actually having fun. Jaime McGuinness continued this laid back approach that Planet seems to have. She helped close the deal and help figure out our finance options. Not once did I feel pressured or uneasy about the decisions that I was making. Overall, this was one of the most pleasant experiences Ive had making a big purchase of any kind. I couldnt recommend the Planet dealership more. No one in my family or husbands family has ever owned a Subaru and I couldnt be happier with my decision and the location that I chose to purchase it from. Great people and a wonderful business.

GE

George Moses

I purchased two cars from Planet Subary in 2007, which I purchased at the same time. They are a 2008 Tribeca, and a 2007 Impreza WRX STi. These are two of the best cars I have owned. The sales process is very different from other dealerships, which is very refreshing. I worked with Deb Brewster, and the process was starting with the invoice price of the car and go up slightly, understanding that it is a business and they need to make some money. (Most dealerships start on the retail price, and go down as little as possible.) I was very satisfied with the price I paid for the two cars. Im sure they were also thrilled to be selling two cars in a single transaction. I have taken both cars to Planet for every service. First of all, I am very happy with how I am treated by every member of the service staff. Whenever I have an issue, the service person I work with listens carefully to understand my issue, and then works with my on resolutions. I really like the loaner car program. I dont always take a loaner car, but its nice to know its there if I need it. I saw another review saying they never have loaners available, but I have never experienced that. If I make an appointment ahead of time, I have always been able to get one if needed. I dont always take the loaner, because of the waiting room that Planet has with the office. I often take the first appointment in the morning, then I park myself in the office with my laptop, and get some work done. Its quiet and I enjoy this. This makes sense to me since I work in Cambridge, and I usually avoid the morning traffic waiting for the service to be complete. Planet offers tires for life on cars purchased from them. I have taken advantage of this numerous times, and its great. If you have replaced 4 tires on any car, I dont have to tell you its expensive these days between the cost of the tires and the installation. At Planet, they cover everything, I have paid $0. Soon after I purchased my STi, Planet changed its policy, and doesnt cover the STi for tires for life. However, they grandfathered me into the program, and have honored tires for life for me. I appreciate this gesture. I have also taken advantage of the batteries for life, although this is usually not much of an issue. I have done it once on each car, as the batteries went around 6 years old. Brett Quinn exemplifies customer service. I often arrive at Planet early on a day I go for service. If I know Im going to be early, I can let Brett know, and hell come in early so he can let me in and let me use the office to work. He has also worked with me on some repairs that have been in the grey area of being covered by warranty. I think they will try to explore every option to help a customer out that has an issue with their car. I can tell you that my next cars will be purchased at Planet.