The Best and Worst New Car Dealers in Greater Providence
It’s not always about the bottom line for Rhode Island consumers when purchasing new or nearly new vehicles. It’s also the vehicle quality, the implied warranties, and the service buyers receive after the check is written.
Women and minorities, traditionally ignored by all spectrums of the auto industry, now prove to be an integral segment of the higher-end sales market. Rhode Island dealers recognizing their spending power, and opting to veer away from cultural and male-dominated themes in waiting rooms, respecting minority earning power, and behaving in a professional manner when dealing with others will discover their efforts translate to broader profit margins and greater customer loyalty.
Some of the best in Greater Providence:
Saccucci Lincoln Mercury of Rhode Island at 1350 West Main Road in Middletown offers a family atmosphere with low pressure sales. The business was begun by Michael Saccucci, a Providence native, when he returned from fighting WWII. The son of Italian immigrants, Michael wanted nothing more than to live the “American Dream” for his parents. Working first as a partner in Cummings Motor Sales, Michael bought the company – then the only Ford Dealership in Rhode Island – when its primary proprietor and founder passed away. The Newport Bridge took the dealership’s original site by eminent domain in 1967, and Mike and his wife Cora opted to move their business to its current site on Middletown Road. After Mike’s passing in 1983, Cora decided to run the business with her two daughters Barbara and Carol. The lot offers a broad selection of inventory and salesmen willing to stay late on a Saturday to assist a customer with a choice, or to help with a problem. The repair shop is efficient and reliable. Call (401)847-4737 to find out more.
Wigwam Saab at 915 Charles Street in North Providence began as an Indian Motorcycle Seller. It evolved into the second oldest Saab dealership in the United States in 1956. Bill Gregson and Tom Casey may have a small lot and showroom by comparison, but their sales staff is low pressure, and eager to help. Their personalized service is at its best, and the garage knows its stuff. Watch for weekly and Internet specials. In-house financing is available. Find them at (401)353-1260.
Paul Baily’s North Kingstown Dodge at 6600 Post Road in North Kingstown can’t do enough for you. Dennis there is really the fellow to see. Tell him what you’d like. If he doesn’t have it today, he’ll get it for you. He can find anything. Honest. Maybe he’ll even walk your dog, buy you a sundae, sing and dance for you. (Heck, he’s ever their webmaster)! In the end you’ll find just what you’re looking for. Call him at (401)884-3300. You’ll make a friend and buy a great car, too.
Some of the worst in Greater Providence:
St Angelo Buick at 500 Taunton Avenue in East Providence tops the list for their lack of customer service. The lot is poorly organized and difficult to negotiate. Two signs say “Entrance.” There is no “Exit” sign guiding visitors onto the busy Taunton Avenue rotary. It is unclear where customers checking in for repair work are expected to park. New customers are left to find their way into the building through a series of three small hallways without signs. There is no reception area. Those who work in departments interfacing with customers, including billing, do not know where customers should park, where they might ask for forms, or who they ask for information. The Customer Service Personnel at St Angelo prove to be surely and inefficient. The dealership is reluctant to handle cars still under warranty but not sold by them. Skip St Angelos, even for an oil change or a basic repair. Buy your car elsewhere – and save yourself the headache.
Hurd Chevrolet at 1705 Hartford Ave in Johnston isn’t a place you’d take your mom – or anybody who’s a minority. The ‘pit’ is set up so customers drive their own cars in and are forced to park inside the service line themselves. The Customer Service Reps sit at slightly elevated desks above their clients. They’re all guys – white guys – in their late thirties and forties – nothing too friendly about this if you’re not “one of them.” The pit is painted to look like a baseball diamond. This theme is repeated on the walls with even a lifelike replica of The Green Monster – not that there needs to be ballerinas in the outfield, but there’s a lot of testosterone happening here. The over-sized customer waiting room has a muscle car in its center and a giant TV, but not a lot of seats. Some folks are forced to sit in the “kiddie” room on busy days. On a test run, a fellow whispered (unsolicited) his wife won’t even bring her car in for service – he has to do it for her. The place has the feel of an out-of-control preschool. Long on promises and short on delivery, Hurd advertises loaner cars and a shuttle service for buyers if there is a need for an extended repair. Customers report, however, difficulty receiving any of these services – no matter how early in the AM they arrive. Instead, they’re conveniently offered a rental car from the site next door…arranged by, but not paid for by Hurd. “Smaller dealers can offer better service,” says Dennis Loomis there, the Service Manager.
Thrifty Car Sales of 2381 Post Road in Warwick does offer some good end-of-season deals on well-maintained rentals with low mileage – and most come with plenty of time left on their manufacturer’s warranties still in place. The dealership, however, has a reputation for trying to suddenly raise the price on the vehicle upon the day of delivery. Beware before you buy, and get everything in writing on the day of the deal – including the actual VIN number and mileage of the car you intend to purchase. Visit the Carfax website and check the free report to ensure the vehicle has not been in any major accidents or suffered any major repairs before you make your decision. Bring a ride home along, and make sure they stay until the deal is closed, the keys are in-hand (and maybe you’re driving off of the lot) in case something goes sour in the process. Watch for added catches in financing, including escalation clauses, opportunities to change interest rates, and higher buy-in fees on the contracts you sign that may not have been there on those you reviewed. (Maybe arrange for private financing, or buy for cash). Be sure to verify the VIN number and mileage of the car with those you recorded on the day you took your test-drive before you leave the lot to ensure you haven’t been given a similar looking car. Don’t be afraid to walk away from the deal if something doesn’t feel right, or if you’re unhappy with the terms or the price.
Knowledge is Power
Do your homework. A few simple bargaining chips can make a big difference in whether you pay too much, or a fair amount for any car. Knowing your market, especially in a small state like Rhode Island, can make all the difference between getting a good deal and getting a great deal. Don’t be afraid to go outside of your immediate area if it means saving more money. Traveling to Boston’s North Shore or to New York City to save $2000 on a $10,000 car is a well-spent effort. You may even discover those with satellite dealerships will bring a vehicle you’re interested in to you.
By showing local dealers what those in similar markets have to offer, you may discover they will match – or even beat – their competition.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to deal – and wheel!
