Croton Auto Park — Local services in Town of Cortlandt

Just 5 months shy of my 50th birthday, I finally decided to treat myself and buy my FIRST new, NEW car. The 2013Chrysler 300 John Varvatos Limited Edition. Thinking about it while at work on Monday, I decided to visit two dealers after work to look at the car, get some info, and pricing deals and options. I live in Staten Island so I went to the dealer here, and on rt9 in New Jersey. The car was great in person and the experience at the dealers were ok, but was bummed when the car I wanted, with the options I was looking for, would be hard to find. Speaking with my brother later that night (9:30pm), he mentioned that before I do anything, I should speak with Vinny at Croton Auto Park. He said that he's had great experiences with him over the years in dealing with him. He said that he would get the ball rolling by texting him after our conversation with my info and the details of the car and options I was looking for. I hung up feeling good. Tuesday- brought a phone call with Vinny, along with several emails. In speaking with him, he told me that he had received my brother's text last night, and had been already working on trying to locate the specific car I was looking for this morning. He also quoted me a price that easily beat the other two quotes I received that didn't have the options that I was looking for. BIG plus. He was friendly, helpful, and energetic, I, was excited to say the least. Later that night, Vinny called stating that he had located the car I wanted...in Connecticut. He stated that it wasn't an issue and would pick it up from there. He took all of my info and requested that I send the required paperwork so that he could take care of it all. I sent it all on Wednesday and was more excited with the good news. It all seemed easier than I would have imagined it to be, almost too easy. Wednesday- Vinny calls stating the paperwork is through and done and the car will be ready for delivery to me in Staten Island tomorrow (Thursday). Being it's my first new car, I tell him that I actually would prefer to pick it up personally. From my effort, Vinny tells me that he'd save me even more off the final price. Another plus. Vinny informs me that Chris will be calling about other options and coverage that can be offered so that I can think about it before I pick up the car. Chris was helpful, informative, polite and never tired of the endless questions and concerns I raised. He was great. Thanks Chris! Thursday- The big day! I arrive at the dealership and am greeted immediately by Vinny. After a handshake, introductions to the rest of staff there, some conversation, and laughs, it's time to see the car...and it does not disappoint. Immaculate and detailed to perfection by the staff. After an informative demonstration by Carl (very helpful), I am ready to "drive it off the lot", and after numerous goodbyes and thank you's to and by the staff, I do so. I even received the stereotypical send-off wave from Vinny outside as I drove off. Awesome! In Summary: Could I have gone to a dealer much closer and avoided a 70 mile bus, to-the ferry, to-the train, to-the Metro North ride? Absolutely, but it wouldn't have been the same. The best price aside, for a difficult to find limited edition car, meeting Vinny and the crew of Croton Auto Park was a great car buying experience and much easier and friendly than I ever could have imagined. I know my review ran on a bit and a simple "It was a great experience" review would have sufficed, but because of how great of an experience Vinny and the staff at Croton Auto Park made it for me and my first time, it was well worth the time and effort. I will easily and gladly refer anyone interested, to them. Even if you're just thinking about a new car etc, get in touch with Vinny, you won't be disappointed, I guarantee it. Thank you guys, I...

I typically do not write reviews, but it's important that I report the facts about my experience with Croton Auto Park to protect future customers.

I came in on a Friday to check out a used 2010 Suburu Impreza with 112k miles. After the test drive I noticed that there was a leaking head gasket and water in the trunk.

I asked to have the car put on a lift to inspect the head gasket further and requested a compression test to make sure the engine was in good condition. They said no problem.

The sales rep comes back and tells me that to do a compression test I am going to need to put down a deposit first. I refuse. I asked again to have a mechanic take 20 minutes to do a compression test before I go ahead with the deal. He says no problem. He comes back 10 minutes later and says that we will have to schedule it for tomorrow. I say ok.

Next day I arrive in the morning, and we get the car on the lift. It becomes clear that the head gasket would need to be done on the right side ($900-$1200 job).

The sales manager is offering nothing to offset the cost of the head gasket repair, nor is willing to repair it at the dealership.

I then ask to have the compression test done and the sales rep says, "they don't have the manpower right now" to do it. This was after we already agreed to have it done when I came back in.

They quoted me at 6% for the loan and then told me that 7.99% was more likely. Business Manager comes back and says 11.99% is the best they can do. This was red flag #2, especially since my credit is over 700, but I was willing to overlook it if they could provide better value on the deal and offer some level of service that would provide me with a little more assurance that the vehicle was in good working condition. I really liked the car and was willing to make the concession on financing.

As I am driving down for the compression test Monday morning I call up the dealership. I speak with the service department and explain that we are scheduled for a compression test. The assistant says she will see me soon.

Within a couple of minutes, the rudest sales manager I have ever encountered calls me back saying they have already gone above and beyond going through the financing without a deposit. He also says that my sales rep forgot to mention that the cd player does not work either.

To have the compression test done I will have to put down a deposit, or there is no deal.

This is what I understand of their business model: snake oil sales + no customer service + shame = sucker buyer.

I ended up going to Curry Suburu and had a great experience with their used car specialist John. He is a professional salesman who provides more in value than he receives in payment. His service was authentic, communication consistent, and made me feel like I was...

I am amending my below review to a positive one. The dealership subsequently reached out to me regarding my below interaction and they explained the dealership's error which caused my below review. The dealership was open, honest and transparent concerning their error and therefore I change my recommendation to a positive one based upon how the dealership responded to the below.

I am very disappointed with this dealership's conduct. Specifically, on the day of my scheduled test drive. Test drive was scheduled one week in advance, after my initial visit. Dealership had been gathering info on my potential trade in that week. A representative called me 45 min before my scheduled time, as I was walking out the door to tell me they would not allow me to test drive the vehicle because it was an expensive vehicle and a few months ago on another test drive with another customer an accident occured to their vehicle. I asked when has that ever happened before then, they answered that they are not aware. Their reasoning is because it is an expensive car, $50k. There are plenty of other cars on their lot that have similar sales price. The rep, whom I am not naming here but could of, said that the only way I could test drive the vehicle is if we agree to a deal beforehand. I have visited numerous dealerships both factory and used and this has never occured. If this was their policy they should of told me the first day I visited. Obviously this was a tactic to put pressure on me because if indeed this was the case, they would have informed me from day one. I took my own time that week to research my purchase options so that I could be ready to decide what I wanted to do after the test drive and that now that time was wasted. Little did they know I was also looking at other cars on their sales lot to refer family members because of the warm welcome I received the first day. They have the right to do whatever they want to conducted their business but I am a man of integrity and professionalism and my review is for the way they tried to pressure me into a deal before I could test drive their vehicle. If they also were truly concerned of an accident, they could of asked for a deposit or other mechanism they felt comfortable with, they did not. The above comments are facts and anyone who reads this is free to draw their own conclusion. I am sure they will respond to this review thanking me and expressing their concern for potential car damage so they can salvage their reputation for the above conduct but at the end of the day I know and they know what truly occured based upon the above facts. They showed no professionalism toward their potential customer and therefore have...