Car 1 — Local services in Archbold

Summary: Great customer service, but repair quality could be improved.

Positive: Chad was very nice and genuinely seemed to care about his customers. He was easy to talk to and even covered the $200 warranty deductible without being asked — which I really appreciated. The car is a 2010, so I understand older vehicles come with their share of issues. Unfortunately, the head gaskets were badly leaking, though the underside had been cleaned. Only discovered after putting a few hundred miles on it. After using dye during an oil change, I discovered the head gaskets were shot. My mechanic believes the previous owner likely knew and cleaned it before trading it in, and Car1 hadn’t had it long enough to have major leaking on the bottom before selling it.

Negative: I’m docking two stars only for the quality of the repairs done during negotiation. I’d recommend having a trusted mechanic look over everything before and after any work is done by their shop. A pre-purchased negotiated fix from Car1's shop was an exhaust leak I’d asked about was only covered with putty — I eventually had to replace that section of the exhaust pipe myself. Based on that experience, I wouldn’t return to their service department.

I do believe if I showed Chad the exhaust pipe I kept he would be upset with how it was repaired. He was upset when he found the brakes were down to their warning tabs and the shop hadn't caught it. *I in no way believe Chad or Car1 ownership were aware of the extent of issues this car had. *

Conclusion: This was my first big vehicle purchase, and I know every dealership has to make a profit. I took a risk on a 15-year-old vehicle and just wish I had gone elsewhere. I don’t believe the issues reflect the owners themselves — just the quality of the work from the shop at that time. Still, they were transparent with the Carfax, not pushy, and respectful with communication. Just make sure to do your research on the make, model, and maintenance history...

Great customer service! Clean vehicles! Amazing staff! We will go nowhere else for new to us vehicles and maintenance!

Car1 is a wonderful place of business with kind and sincere staff, both in the office and in the shop! We cannot praise them enough.

December of 2012 I was in a bind. My car had randomly and completely died. I was stranded at work here in Archbold knowing I needed to find a vehicle fast. A Car1 employee met me at my workplace and showed me what they had in stock! Never once was I pushed or pressured into purchasing a vehicle period, let alone above my financial comfort zone.

Their vehicles are always clean, like new. I cannot say that for the other lot I visited in town. (They showed me vehicles above my price range even though I refused to look at them. When they finally showed me a car in my range it was dirty and smelled like cigarette smoke!)

I felt respected at Car1 and we have taken our vehicles to Jamie for repairs and maintenance ever since.

Fast forward five years... My husband and I have two boys and I am a SAHM/Homemaker. We made the decision to become a one vehicle household. We called up Chad at Car1 and told him we would like to trade our vehicles for a 7 passenger. I told him I prefer leather with children, captains chairs if possible, and my husband would like backup assist. All of this on a low budget. We expected to wait a month or more and find something barely affordable or super outdated.

Car1 actually takes the time to search for the right vehicle for you and your family and your budget. They took the time to find us a vehicle that hit all of our preferences and then some, in our budget, and it fit our style as well!

Car1 goes above and beyond to make their customers feel happy, safe, and give them a comfortable buying atmosphere. This is how they roll, and this is how they will continue receiving...

To Whom It May Concern,

We’ve purchased vehicles from Car1 multiple times, and each experience has been exceptional. Most recently, I asked Chad—one of the owners—to help us find a specific vehicle that wasn’t on the lot. He went above and beyond, locating exactly what I requested: a clean car with no accidents, thoroughly inspected, low mileage and in excellent condition.

Chad’s kindness, along with the warmth of his staff, meant a great deal to my husband and me. The vehicle was shipped from North Carolina and arrived in just three days—a wonderful bonus. Chad ensured it had every feature I asked for, and by the time I returned home from Archbold to Defiance, he had already emailed me all the details about the car I had just purchased.

We wholeheartedly recommend Car1. Their service goes far beyond sales—they offer respectful, high-quality care through oil changes and mechanical work as well. Their honesty, attention to detail, and generosity with our trade-in have truly impressed us.

Thank you, Car1, for your integrity and outstanding service. God bless you all, and best wishes in everything you do.

Respectfully, Scott &...