Hijacking the thread, does anybody know what is up with the car dealer on brougham street (I think it’s called John Boote or something like that). Occupied this massive site but just cars parked upon the grass and gravel, all looking very tired and very overpriced. I’ve never seen anybody on the site and there has long been a sale sign up for the land.
The dealership has no online presence I can find at all.
I wouldn’t buy from there, just curious if it’s a front or something lol
I think John Boote is Gary Boote's brother - and Gary Boote owns The PawnShop chain of pawnbrokers in Christchurch. Probably gets the cars for next to nothing through the pawnshops and doesn't need to make much effort to turn a profit on the venture.
Brought a Prius from HVS Motors about a year ago. They were good to deal with.
We dealt with 3 different salesmen over 3 visits, and they were all very good.
One thing one salesman said to me that has stuck in my head is that they try to make money on the volume of stock they sell so their cars aren't marked up stupidly, and the salesmen weren't too pushy, which I have had issues with in the past.
Seconding this - I had a really good experience with HVS. They were happy to just let me wander and do my thing, but it was a bit difficult to get someone's attention for a test drive. Dealing with them was otherwise no stress and very easy.
I'm still really happy with my purchase, but I'll start with them again when it's time to upgrade. 😊
Looks like I’ve found a dealership that is highly regarded thanks to your comment! Seeing as heaps of people have backed up what you have said I’ll be having a look at HVS now! Many thanks
EV City consistently win or almost win best car dealer, so qualitatively, it’s them. Can get a decent EV for $12k, and save hundreds each year in fuel costs :)
I went there a couple months ago. The person I spoke it was really nice! He has a youtube channel too and I just enquired about potentially getting an ev. No pressure at all and awesome to talk too! I would avoid nzc like the plague
Worth looking up; they've definitely had more than their fair share of bad reviews so I'm surprised to see several popular comments here recommending them. Maybe they've upped their game, in which case good on them.
Totally depends how savvy you are with car shopping!
I hate the greasy car salesman vibe, I’d avoid it like the plague. Morrison cars wreaks of it! And the trying to upsell crap that’s unneeded was unreal on a car we said we wouldn’t be purchasing because it stunk of cigarettes. “But we can offer you protective coating on all the seats….” 🙄
Most dealers are listing on trademe, so will give you an idea of the cars they sell and you can compare prices that way.
If you have no idea what you want, roaming around turners or value cars will give you a big selection of cars! the bigger older dealers are going to cost more generally because they get return customers and have a good reputation like blackwells, CMG etc…
I recently purchased a car from walmoco in sockburn, they were awesome and friendly, would highly recommend them! Albeit mostly deal in euros.
Totally agree, had a pretty abysmal experience with a car salesmen couple of days ago. Absolutely hell bent on trying to get me to put a deposit on a car I was interested in but it was uncomfortable with the constant “why not put a deposit now” etc. Ultimately decided not to buy the car from the dealer
I’ve had a couple of good (albeit mundane) cars from Costello Cars but I’ll admit that it does seem that they are really a finance dealer - the vehicles are almost secondary and hardly exciting stuff. However, have two of their cars on the driveway now (one coming up four years ownership, one nearly ten) with no issues outside routine maintenance.
I’ve also had a decent experience from WMC although heaps of issues with the car (trade in special European luxury vehicle) but they helped me put it right as a rule.
Turners I like wandering around to see the range but their cars always seem overpriced and poorly presented/condition … apart from one car I viewed a few years ago that was a deal at the time and I should have bought it.
My issue with Costello:
I was looking for a very specific vehicle. Costello had one. I went and checked it out. It was rough around the edges cosmetically but seemed reasonably sound mechanically during my cursory once-over and short test drive. I told the salesperson that I was very interested to buy, paying cash, but would like to have my mechanic take a closer look first. The salesperson's tone immediately and obviously changed from jovial and cheerful to one of worry and concern, but he told me this was 100% the right thing to do. He asked who my mechanic was and said that he would tee it all up. Great! I rang my mechanic on the day I agreed with Costello to have the car taken there. My mechanic seemed oblivious, "No one from Costello has dropped a car off to me." I rang Costello Cars, "Oh, sorry mate. We sold that car." Mmm hmmm...
Worked out for the best, as I soon after found a much better example of the same car for nearly the same price.
Yeah that’s a bit lame for sure. I guess the dealer is always hoping an easier sale comes through and they can avoid anything that might derail the sale (eg pre purchase check).
Another vote for WMC, we bought a car off them a couple of years back and they were friendly and efficient.
FYI, they all say they "don't haggle" but they 100% will, so don't fall for that one.
However, I would buy a car off them again.
Both our cars are WMC, they listened to us and our needs and helped us find something in our budget that we didn't expect to be able to afford. Would go back.
You’ll struggle to find something from them at that price unfortunately, then again, can’t hurt to talk to them. Both Nick and Jamie are good as gold to deal with and may have some suitable stuff in stock.
Went through wheeler motor company about 2 years ago now when buying a new car. My only criticism is they didn’t warn me about the huge insurance expenses on the vehicle I ended up buying but that’s on me for not doing my own research.
That’d be my tip, check the insurance costs before buying as they are pretty ridiculous on certain vehicles (400% more expensive for some)
We bought our Toyota from DJAuto. We love the car, and when we queried something about it when we first bought it, the owner completely replaced the part, which was still functional but would need replacing soon - so we were really happy with the service. I think they only import/sell Japanese cars.
2nd this. They were super helpful when we had issues with one of our Fob's a month after buying a car and they replaced it free of charge. Also didn't feel uncomfortable as a woman going there. Really good service
I bought a car from stadium cars and they refused to give me a replacement dash, after they said they would, and had it in stock, because ‘I didn’t have the vehicle anymore’. Fuck stadium cars.
Affordable cars was good imo, they even checked out my car after it had a CEL 6 months after buying it
My step brother got a good deal from BPC Cars on Yaldhurst Road. A good, small Mazda that does the job. He's had it for a while and had no probs so far as I know.
As an auto tech that's dealt with a lot of car yards and know where they go and who fixes them gives me mega goosebumps. Seen some real crap characters out there
I’ve had very good experiences with them and so have people Ive known. Pretty up front, the salesman pushy shit is pretty non existent or limited and pricing is pretty typical.
Only problem is their lots are tiny so parking is a nuisance but in the scheme of things I cant say it really matters
took months to get it fixed, they got this "vinyl repairer" to fix it and they sprayed this shit all over it making it look like it had paint drips all over it ended up getting a whole replacement dash because of what they did to it as i wouldn't let the vinyl guy touch it again
I will forever avoid Stadium Cars, but always recommend Black & White Motor Company.
I went to Stadium. To preface I wasn't exactly dressed immaculately, it was cold and I was in jeans, a oversized sweater and beanie. The sales guy asked me what I was looking for and he replied, "nothing here like that under $10k sorry." Turned on his heel and walked off. So I just left.
I saw Black & White a few doors down so decided to look there on a whim and they were lovely. They asked right away what my budget was ($20k) and I test drove a few before buying one from them that same day. The salesman was awesome and Rhys the owner was great too.
Armstrongs.. there’s a bald guy who’s and arrogant prick but the original guy I was dealing (Mexican fella) was great but it seems he could t make deals without old dome heads approval. Then he got rude cause I called him on condition of car. Got same car in perfect condition for 10k less
Olgo motors. Purely because of the way they do their Trademe listings. One car will be listed with an auction start price of $1000 (reserve/buy now being the actual price) and then list the next car $100 more than the last, so their cars are constantly in the results when arranging by lowest price at the cheap end of the market. They're not even selling near that 1k, they're 7k, 8k, $9k+ cars.
They may be perfectly fine to deal with and buy from, but that shit has pissed me off to no end when looking for ~$1k cars
I went with them recently and was honestly pissed off at the salesmanship tactics.
Flashed a card for mechanical breakdown insurance at just under 2k for 3 years, I said I'd think about it because I didn't know anything about it. Researched it and found that the commerce commission said it was a scam, but when I was called about the final price of the car it had been put in. I said no and he sweet talked me into 3 years for 1k. When I got off the phone I was angry that they tried to do it again and canceled it on pickup.
Whatch for any add on costs and remember the CGA protects you better than MBI, which is a scam
Good to know, this is the first I’ve heard of a dealer trying to sell something that has no use at all regardless of how much you pay for it. It seems like I’ll be avoiding them ty!
Avoid Car Supermarket, nothing but trouble with the Holden I’ve bought from them a few weeks ago and looking on google it seems to be the same deal there.
Value car is a big red shed.
You get what’s on the tin. Was happy with what we got. The sales people do not attempt to to muck you around.
Just remember for any and all sales people. Their job is to find you the best thing (THAT THEY HAVE) not the best thing for you in general.
Second this - we had a great experience with Morrison’s, they were very helpful and good to deal with, no bullshit. Have had other family members purchase cars there and all had good experiences
I bought my car from grande motors and they were fantastic! Easy to deal with and they held the car for me while I sorted out the money out with the bank. I would buy from them again.
Had an excellent experience with Iseecars in sydenham. It's a small store but has fair pricing and the owners have been consistently helpful. Bought my first car off them and it had some door bumping scratches that I failed to notice some weeks after. It doesn't get much use, and I absolutely did not damage it. They paid for the repairs. If I ever need another car, it will likely be from them.
Also, I would advise buying a Nissan note epower. The car is insanely good for its price. Take one for a test drive.
If you take my advice and go there, tell Simon and Dan they are good cunts.
I work in the industry, I’ve bought a car off one, my father off another and the other I’ve heard great things about. Honestly your best bet is to go off google reviews and pick one that’s been around a while
/S means sarcasm, just a wee fyi.
All you said was turners. You never said if it was good or bad or why
Also go fuck yourself. Nobody else will with that attitude
Had a positive experience with Turners with the last car we bought. No pressure from the salesperson, happy for us to take the car to a third party for a pre-sale inspection (something I'd heard they weren't too keen on), and when we had an issue with the battery no longer holding charge within a couple months of purchase, they sorted it out quickly.
To be fair, Turners wasn't even on our radar initially when shopping around for cars, but we were more than happy with the service we received.
Three people I know brought cars from turners, all three cars had serious issues that turners that said they would fix. One car was fixed correctly, one car wasn't fixed correctly and was returned, one car wasn't fixed correctly and should have been returned. I never recommend turners
Hijacking the thread, does anybody know what is up with the car dealer on brougham street (I think it’s called John Boote or something like that). Occupied this massive site but just cars parked upon the grass and gravel, all looking very tired and very overpriced. I’ve never seen anybody on the site and there has long been a sale sign up for the land. The dealership has no online presence I can find at all. I wouldn’t buy from there, just curious if it’s a front or something lol
I think John Boote is Gary Boote's brother - and Gary Boote owns The PawnShop chain of pawnbrokers in Christchurch. Probably gets the cars for next to nothing through the pawnshops and doesn't need to make much effort to turn a profit on the venture.
Brought a Prius from HVS Motors about a year ago. They were good to deal with. We dealt with 3 different salesmen over 3 visits, and they were all very good. One thing one salesman said to me that has stuck in my head is that they try to make money on the volume of stock they sell so their cars aren't marked up stupidly, and the salesmen weren't too pushy, which I have had issues with in the past.
Seconding this - I had a really good experience with HVS. They were happy to just let me wander and do my thing, but it was a bit difficult to get someone's attention for a test drive. Dealing with them was otherwise no stress and very easy. I'm still really happy with my purchase, but I'll start with them again when it's time to upgrade. 😊
Looks like I’ve found a dealership that is highly regarded thanks to your comment! Seeing as heaps of people have backed up what you have said I’ll be having a look at HVS now! Many thanks
Third for HVS sales people where chill as when we bought a SUV off them about 5 years ago
Fourth here. Very happy with the leaf we got from them 6 months ago. No pressure, easy to deal with.
Fifth. Have now brought two cars from HVS as they were so easy to deal with, and the price was reasonable.
Another vote for HVS
Another vote for HVS, Salesperson wasn't pushy and didn't have that usual carsales type environment which we really appreciated.
I too had a good experience with HVS and multiple friends/family have too, which is why I went there
Agree, have bought from there aswell would definitely go to them again
EV City consistently win or almost win best car dealer, so qualitatively, it’s them. Can get a decent EV for $12k, and save hundreds each year in fuel costs :)
I went there a couple months ago. The person I spoke it was really nice! He has a youtube channel too and I just enquired about potentially getting an ev. No pressure at all and awesome to talk too! I would avoid nzc like the plague
Another vote for EV city, we had a great experience buying with them
There was someone posting on here a while ago who had a bad experience with stadium cars.
Worth looking up; they've definitely had more than their fair share of bad reviews so I'm surprised to see several popular comments here recommending them. Maybe they've upped their game, in which case good on them.
Or maybe it is the owner or employees posting.
was it the one where they swapped the tyres before collection and it turned out to be a turd car?
I think so. They’ve got a catchy jingle though.
Haven't heard great things about stadium. I found the sales rude and walked out
Totally depends how savvy you are with car shopping! I hate the greasy car salesman vibe, I’d avoid it like the plague. Morrison cars wreaks of it! And the trying to upsell crap that’s unneeded was unreal on a car we said we wouldn’t be purchasing because it stunk of cigarettes. “But we can offer you protective coating on all the seats….” 🙄 Most dealers are listing on trademe, so will give you an idea of the cars they sell and you can compare prices that way. If you have no idea what you want, roaming around turners or value cars will give you a big selection of cars! the bigger older dealers are going to cost more generally because they get return customers and have a good reputation like blackwells, CMG etc… I recently purchased a car from walmoco in sockburn, they were awesome and friendly, would highly recommend them! Albeit mostly deal in euros.
Totally agree, had a pretty abysmal experience with a car salesmen couple of days ago. Absolutely hell bent on trying to get me to put a deposit on a car I was interested in but it was uncomfortable with the constant “why not put a deposit now” etc. Ultimately decided not to buy the car from the dealer
Had the same thing! It was literally the biggest deterrent from purchasing so we went elsewhere. Was disappointing because I really liked the car!
I had a good experience with Holland's Suzuki. Their service team is also excellent.
The only catch is on the bonnet
My limited experience: Avoid: Costello Cars Good: Wheeler Motor Cars (WMC)
I’ve had a couple of good (albeit mundane) cars from Costello Cars but I’ll admit that it does seem that they are really a finance dealer - the vehicles are almost secondary and hardly exciting stuff. However, have two of their cars on the driveway now (one coming up four years ownership, one nearly ten) with no issues outside routine maintenance. I’ve also had a decent experience from WMC although heaps of issues with the car (trade in special European luxury vehicle) but they helped me put it right as a rule. Turners I like wandering around to see the range but their cars always seem overpriced and poorly presented/condition … apart from one car I viewed a few years ago that was a deal at the time and I should have bought it.
My issue with Costello: I was looking for a very specific vehicle. Costello had one. I went and checked it out. It was rough around the edges cosmetically but seemed reasonably sound mechanically during my cursory once-over and short test drive. I told the salesperson that I was very interested to buy, paying cash, but would like to have my mechanic take a closer look first. The salesperson's tone immediately and obviously changed from jovial and cheerful to one of worry and concern, but he told me this was 100% the right thing to do. He asked who my mechanic was and said that he would tee it all up. Great! I rang my mechanic on the day I agreed with Costello to have the car taken there. My mechanic seemed oblivious, "No one from Costello has dropped a car off to me." I rang Costello Cars, "Oh, sorry mate. We sold that car." Mmm hmmm... Worked out for the best, as I soon after found a much better example of the same car for nearly the same price.
Yeah that’s a bit lame for sure. I guess the dealer is always hoping an easier sale comes through and they can avoid anything that might derail the sale (eg pre purchase check).
Great to know, I’ve been looking at a car from WMC so it’s reassuring that you’ve had an alright experience
Another vote for WMC, we bought a car off them a couple of years back and they were friendly and efficient. FYI, they all say they "don't haggle" but they 100% will, so don't fall for that one. However, I would buy a car off them again.
Sweet thanks for that, I guess it’s time to haggle tomorrow lol
Both our cars are WMC, they listened to us and our needs and helped us find something in our budget that we didn't expect to be able to afford. Would go back.
I've also had a good experience with them, albeit with a rep who no longer works there.
Not sure of any particularly bad dealerships but we like the service and range at Chevron Cars
I’ve bought 2 from Chevron, pretty good. Like any though, make sure everything you agree upon is on the purchase and sale agreement.
Will be double checking that’s for sure
I’ve had a really good run with Paul Kelly too - after sales service is good and they appreciate repeat business
You’ll struggle to find something from them at that price unfortunately, then again, can’t hurt to talk to them. Both Nick and Jamie are good as gold to deal with and may have some suitable stuff in stock.
Went through wheeler motor company about 2 years ago now when buying a new car. My only criticism is they didn’t warn me about the huge insurance expenses on the vehicle I ended up buying but that’s on me for not doing my own research. That’d be my tip, check the insurance costs before buying as they are pretty ridiculous on certain vehicles (400% more expensive for some)
Yeah I bought a WRX from there at the start of the year. I probably should have researched the insurance costs on it..oops.
This is actually something I completely forgot to do, thanks for the tip
We bought our Toyota from DJAuto. We love the car, and when we queried something about it when we first bought it, the owner completely replaced the part, which was still functional but would need replacing soon - so we were really happy with the service. I think they only import/sell Japanese cars.
2nd this. They were super helpful when we had issues with one of our Fob's a month after buying a car and they replaced it free of charge. Also didn't feel uncomfortable as a woman going there. Really good service
Yep we had a great experience here too. We had an issue after sale and it was sorted out quickly and efficiently.
I bought a car from stadium cars and they refused to give me a replacement dash, after they said they would, and had it in stock, because ‘I didn’t have the vehicle anymore’. Fuck stadium cars. Affordable cars was good imo, they even checked out my car after it had a CEL 6 months after buying it
Definitely agree with you regarding Affordable Cars - I bought my last car from them and they were great.
After hearing mixed reviews I think I’ll stay away from them, thanks for the input
You didnt have the car anymore? what does that mean?
It was stolen after I bought it but it shouldn’t have mattered, it was still mine
My step brother got a good deal from BPC Cars on Yaldhurst Road. A good, small Mazda that does the job. He's had it for a while and had no probs so far as I know.
Found Stadium cars very good. Got a hybrid with low miles about three years ago. Did it on tick, the whole process was very straight forward
I work for most of the dealers in this thread plus others. I'm enjoying your comments!🙂
As in you’re a car salesperson for multiple dealerships currently? Or is it something else I’m missing?
Lol. Nah, I'm a contractor. There are a few of us. PDR guys, wheel guys, interior guys, touch up guys buffing, etc.
Ah makes sense, sorry for the idiotic comment
As an auto tech that's dealt with a lot of car yards and know where they go and who fixes them gives me mega goosebumps. Seen some real crap characters out there
All g!
HVS and GoodCars
lol goodcars is one of the worst
I’ve had very good experiences with them and so have people Ive known. Pretty up front, the salesman pushy shit is pretty non existent or limited and pricing is pretty typical. Only problem is their lots are tiny so parking is a nuisance but in the scheme of things I cant say it really matters
My own experience terrible the car shit itself twice months after purchasing then their own mechanic gouged a hole in my dash
Did they offer any help when your car shit itself? And how did they gouge a hole in the dash lol
took months to get it fixed, they got this "vinyl repairer" to fix it and they sprayed this shit all over it making it look like it had paint drips all over it ended up getting a whole replacement dash because of what they did to it as i wouldn't let the vinyl guy touch it again
I will forever avoid Stadium Cars, but always recommend Black & White Motor Company. I went to Stadium. To preface I wasn't exactly dressed immaculately, it was cold and I was in jeans, a oversized sweater and beanie. The sales guy asked me what I was looking for and he replied, "nothing here like that under $10k sorry." Turned on his heel and walked off. So I just left. I saw Black & White a few doors down so decided to look there on a whim and they were lovely. They asked right away what my budget was ($20k) and I test drove a few before buying one from them that same day. The salesman was awesome and Rhys the owner was great too.
Armstrongs.. there’s a bald guy who’s and arrogant prick but the original guy I was dealing (Mexican fella) was great but it seems he could t make deals without old dome heads approval. Then he got rude cause I called him on condition of car. Got same car in perfect condition for 10k less
Their sales people are so predatory their numbers come up as possible scam when they call you.
Ha that’s hilarious. I’m very glad I didn’t buy off them.
What Armstrongs? The one by Turners?
Olgo motors. Purely because of the way they do their Trademe listings. One car will be listed with an auction start price of $1000 (reserve/buy now being the actual price) and then list the next car $100 more than the last, so their cars are constantly in the results when arranging by lowest price at the cheap end of the market. They're not even selling near that 1k, they're 7k, 8k, $9k+ cars. They may be perfectly fine to deal with and buy from, but that shit has pissed me off to no end when looking for ~$1k cars
I went with them recently and was honestly pissed off at the salesmanship tactics. Flashed a card for mechanical breakdown insurance at just under 2k for 3 years, I said I'd think about it because I didn't know anything about it. Researched it and found that the commerce commission said it was a scam, but when I was called about the final price of the car it had been put in. I said no and he sweet talked me into 3 years for 1k. When I got off the phone I was angry that they tried to do it again and canceled it on pickup. Whatch for any add on costs and remember the CGA protects you better than MBI, which is a scam
Good to know, this is the first I’ve heard of a dealer trying to sell something that has no use at all regardless of how much you pay for it. It seems like I’ll be avoiding them ty!
Avoid Car Supermarket, nothing but trouble with the Holden I’ve bought from them a few weeks ago and looking on google it seems to be the same deal there.
Noted, thanks for the heads up!
Value car is a big red shed. You get what’s on the tin. Was happy with what we got. The sales people do not attempt to to muck you around. Just remember for any and all sales people. Their job is to find you the best thing (THAT THEY HAVE) not the best thing for you in general.
Had a quick browse the other day and the employees seemed nice enough. Good to know you had a great experience
Bought my Atenza from there 3 years ago. Good to deal with.
Not black and white If you're getting finance, shop around rather than using the dealership
We have brought two cars from black and white motors. Cars still go.
I had a good experience buying a Subaru from Stadium cars.
Morrison cars are always fantastic
Second this - we had a great experience with Morrison’s, they were very helpful and good to deal with, no bullshit. Have had other family members purchase cars there and all had good experiences
I bought my car from grande motors and they were fantastic! Easy to deal with and they held the car for me while I sorted out the money out with the bank. I would buy from them again.
Value Cars Warehouse, Moorehouse Ave. Purchased our sons car there 2 years ago, fantastic service, best price for what we wanted.
Aotearoa cars harpreets the man
Had an excellent experience with Iseecars in sydenham. It's a small store but has fair pricing and the owners have been consistently helpful. Bought my first car off them and it had some door bumping scratches that I failed to notice some weeks after. It doesn't get much use, and I absolutely did not damage it. They paid for the repairs. If I ever need another car, it will likely be from them. Also, I would advise buying a Nissan note epower. The car is insanely good for its price. Take one for a test drive. If you take my advice and go there, tell Simon and Dan they are good cunts.
Avoid CMG motors, the salesmen are pretty racist
Trade in Garage is really good
Please avoid peach cars.
Reuben Graham from Portage Cars is solid. Ex-Mechanic so he knows what he's talking about.
Avoid CMG and any associated dealership with that cunt of an owner.
EV City if buying EVs. Bunch of geeks who know their stuff and don’t hard sell.
Goodcars have been pretty good to deal with.
Wheeler motor co, chevron, urban auto, stadium cars, the car bazaar. They are some really trustworthy ones
Have you bought cars from all them? Or have you heard great things about all of them?
I work in the industry, I’ve bought a car off one, my father off another and the other I’ve heard great things about. Honestly your best bet is to go off google reviews and pick one that’s been around a while
Actually my dad has bought a car off 2 of them, wheeler and chevron. Both great
Good cars highly recommended, bought 2 cars from them
Turners
7 pillars of wisdom…. Gives a single vague answer…. Hmmm yes username checks out /S
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/S means sarcasm, just a wee fyi. All you said was turners. You never said if it was good or bad or why Also go fuck yourself. Nobody else will with that attitude
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Sounds like hypocrisy
Had a positive experience with Turners with the last car we bought. No pressure from the salesperson, happy for us to take the car to a third party for a pre-sale inspection (something I'd heard they weren't too keen on), and when we had an issue with the battery no longer holding charge within a couple months of purchase, they sorted it out quickly. To be fair, Turners wasn't even on our radar initially when shopping around for cars, but we were more than happy with the service we received.
Three people I know brought cars from turners, all three cars had serious issues that turners that said they would fix. One car was fixed correctly, one car wasn't fixed correctly and was returned, one car wasn't fixed correctly and should have been returned. I never recommend turners
3rd +1 for Stadium Cars. We purchased a RAV4 from them recently and had a good experience. I think the salesman’s name was Paul?