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Review content:
I had hoped my 8 year old Chevy nightmare would make it until spring. Unfortunately the cash ineligible clunker made it clear that wasn't a wise move. So I spent a hypertension inducing week visiting nearly every major dealership in the Portland Metro looking for a replacement.
Let me tell you, looking for a bargain when dealers have visions of Cash for Clunkers dancing in their heads is useless.
In frustration, I decided to broaden my search a bit, and visit some dealers to take an actual look at other vehicles, and see what might fit our needs other than my long-coveted Sienna. I wound up at Kia where Emir Filipovic did a great job learning about my requirements, showing me what was available, and we quickly zeroed in on a Sedona.
We didn't come to terms that day, partly because I'd broken my own cardinal rule about going in prepared, partly because my job is to know what a good deal is and accept nothing less, theirs is to make the best profit possible. Doesn't matter whether you're talking Wall Street or Main Street, that's how sales works.
I came back two days later, having done my research, and made my terms clear. My new offer was considerably lower than my initial impulse-driven terms. This is where this dealership shines. Most get very offended in situations like this (particularly when negotiating with women) and will let a fair deal walk out the door, or worse, insult you and argue, rather than just push pride aside and do the deal.
Both Emir and Sales Manager John Pelley took the high road, made sure the deal was right on their side, and made it happen. They swallowed pretty bitter pill with more grace, class, and professionalism than I have EVER witnessed on a dealer floor (my dad was a GSM, I grew up in the business, so that's saying something).
That, ladies and gentlemen is what I like to call integrity. There is precious little of it in this business. Without it, you are on your own, caveat emptor is the rule. They aren't going to hand you a cream-puff deal (nor should they, that's the buyers responsibility) but if you do your research, there is no better dealership in the Portland Metro.
Once the deal was made, we were handed over to the capable hands of Jeff Salisbury, who made the endless piles of paperwork that buying a car requires a fast and entertaining process.
The folks here will treat you with respect. After the week I've had, I can tell you that's hard to find. It's clear that integrity is an important value from the top down at this dealership, but they are human, just like the rest of us. If you happen to have an experience that you don't feel right about, ask to speak to the sales manager, tell them what's wrong, and ask for another salesperson. Sometimes it's an issue of fit, but the management here is top rate. Something as simple as working with a different salesperson may be what it takes, and is certainly a better choice than going to another dealer. As I said above, in Portland/Vancouver, you won't find a better dealer than you'll find here.
Pros: Best customer service
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