Merchants Auto

Reviews 3

JO

Jolene B

I had been looking for a car most of the year. I have poor credit, but near the 600 pts. range. I was told everywhere Id need a cosigner or Id have ridiculous interest ratings. Cosigner was not an option. So down to the wire to find a car, my boyfriend and I go to Merchants to try our luck. We were sure Id at least qualify for the Buy Here, Pay Here program. Boy was I surprised! We pull up and we are greeted by Rich Interrante. We go to his desk and we start discussing why and what we are looking for. I forgot my pay stub but was able to get it after many tries on my phone and the company computer at his desk. The Free Wifi was a bit wonky. The link that they wanted wouldnt connect but the second one they had would. Yet the one they put posters up about was difficult to use. But I digress. So we look at cars on the Buy Here list, during the period before I had my paystub in their system. The first one was a Mazda 3 sedan. We went with Rich for a test drive. I loved it. No need to see another. Now the hard part. Getting financed. Steve Coimbria worked his magic, Rich said he was the best and he is. I got a loan through Ally bank for less interest and doable payments. I was in shock. I had a car. This all took place in about 2 and a half hours. Not the greatest time frame but in the end the results were fantastic! After paperwork was signed, a small voucher for $20 for gas at the Sunoco station, and the keys to my new car; my boyfriend and I go to the Applebees to celebrate. After that we decide to cash in the voucher since I had no money after putting a down payment on my new car. Turning in to the gas station I hit the curb. I pull up to a pump and check my car out. Only in my possession for less than 2 hours and I popped the tire. I know how to change a tire so, my boyfriend and I try to get it off. It wont budge. We tried everything. I call Rich back and both my boyfriend and I talk to him. he was busy but he tried to help us. My boyfriend knows he needs a hammer or mallet to get it off so back to the plaza and to K-mart he goes. Awhile after hes gone, Rich pulls up in a white Ford hatchback--my knight and his white steed!! He has a mallet and gets the tire off. I feel embarrassed and he was nothing but nice. He then helps me put the doughnut on. I tell him Im gonna get gas. He says hell take my tire and to meet him at the service area (we went earlier to make my first appointment, very easy). After cleaning up because of the grime of trying to get the tire off and getting gas, I make it back. I did a number on the tire. I popped it and apparently damaged the sensor in the tire. Luckily, the rim was ok. They replaced everything, free of charge. $200 worth and they kept their word on 30 day repairs stem to stern guarantee. Needless to say I am impressed. Not only did I get a car, I got great service! I will be recommending anyone and everyone who asks me!!!

ST

Steven McGrade

This was my 3rd vehicle purchased. Bought 08 Town and Country when the buy here pay here was in its infancy, a few communication hiccups but the process is top notch now. Brought my mother back this past November,( she has perfect credit), she was treated exactly the same as my wife and I who have less than perfect credit. This, reflects great credit upon everyone at this dealership. My wife an I just purchased a second vehicle last week again using the buy here pay here. Once again an outstanding experience. We have used Rudy for all three purchases and he is without a doubt one of the friendliest, personable men I have ever met. I sat down and read almost every negative review on this site that involved merchants. We are either very lucky to have had no issues in sales or, some of the negative reviewers are just never going to be pleased and tend to hear only what they want to hear or choose to hear. We have never experienced pressure or wasted time. Yes they do get all of your info in advance to qualify you, this is not a bad thing in my view. I dont want to be lead to believe I can afford something that I can not. Based on credit they will show you a list of suggested cars or cars that will fit what payments you stated you wanted. This was the case with my mother who had perfect credit. Just a way for us not to waste a salespersons time and for them not to waste our time. On all three occasions we were wrapped up and heading down 93 with a new car in less than 6 hours. Try that at any other dealership. As for the buy here pay here, it is also one of the best experiences I have had. Robin is willing to work with you as long as you communicate and meet the dates and times you say you will meet. Very flexible if something comes up that may prevent a payment being made on time, like anything else its all about the communication. Only have had 2 experiences in service, neither one was stellar. I brought my mother in for first free oil change today, I think they forgot we had an appointment. Vehicle sat for about 20 mins before being pulled in. The desk just seemed like utter chaos. 4 service writers and still lines of people waiting. My mothers service was completed within the hour and everyone I dealt with was very friendly. Over all I will never buy from another dealership.

LI

Lindsay Sheldon

I had my car die suddenly on me and I found myself in need of a car ASAP. I had heard ads for Merchants and decided that would be my first stop. I met Richard Roy at the door, and after talking to him about what I have driven in the past and what I was looking for, he brought up the 2016 Hyundai Accent to show me. I hesitated a little because Ive never bought the first car Ive looked at, but as the deals and advantages started piling on, I realized this was the car for me. Its the newest car Ive ever owned, with the fewest miles, and Rich made it fit my budget, even with all the extra coverage and warranties. I had a prepaid credit card as my down payment, and everything about trying to use it was going wrong. Richard jumped into action to help me sort it out, going online to find the phone number to call, waiting while I was on the phone with customer service forever, even suggested I try the ATM across the street and waited patiently. When all avenues failed, I knew Id have to come back the next day with my last car to drop off and finish up anyway, and he was so nice about it and sure that wed get everything sorted out. Then the next day, were finishing up paperwork and figured out the payment, and THEN- the tow truck guy was very late, didnt call ahead like he said he would, and we were left waiting again. Richard was again very patient as I tried to make more phone calls. I finished up everything with Scott Chavanelle, going over their coverage packages and the pages and pages of paperwork, and he was so nice and funny, it didnt feel like a chore at all. Finally my car showed up and Rich personally walked me over to the service entrance to make an appointment for my first oil change, and we stood around chatting before I left. Overall, what could have been a very stressful situation was made very comfortable, I didnt feel pushed into anything or talked down to, everyone I interacted with was very nice and welcoming. It was the best car buying experience I have ever had, and Ill definitely be recommending them to everyone I know.