Featured Dealership: Selling Cars in SoCal
Just last week some members of our marketing department flew out to Los Angeles to observe the filming of our new (hilarious) television commercials. (Editors note: stay tuned next month!)
To get the most out of our trip we stopped by a few DriveTime dealerships in the area to say hi, distract them from working and talk to them about what its like selling cars in the faster-than-life LA market. We decided to sit down with our General Manager at our Riverside dealership to get some insights on what exactly goes down in SoCal.
Fast Facts:
Address: 8341 Indiana Ave Riverside, CA 92504
Number of Employees: 13 wonderfully, awesome people
Profile:
1. What are the best things about living in Riverside, CA?
We are in the middle of everything fun to do in Southern California. We’re about half an hour away from the mountains, 45 minutes away from the beach, and just a little over an hour away from Los Angeles so there’s always something to do or somewhere to be!
2. What is the best part about working at DriveTime?
Seeing the impact of owning a vehicle, and the effect it can have in a person’s life, is something we did not know before DriveTime. We have genuinely been able to help change people’s lives by helping them drive off with a car! Also, the company has such high values and promotes integrity, transparency, and teamwork.
3. How would you describe the atmosphere/culture at DriveTime Riverside?
The atmosphere is laid back and yet professional. Everybody is trying to improve themselves and others. Feedback given and received is welcomed, from sales to management. It is so open and unique! Teamwork actually means something here and isn’t just a buzz-word that is tossed around. When dealing with customers, we also do our best to make sure they feel at home, which is the opposite of the ‘typical’ car buying experience.
4. Can you give us an example of a time when you went above and beyond to help a customer?
We recently helped a customer that took four separate visits, four different managers and two different sales reps to finally help drive off. There were no ego’s involved and everybody went out of their way to get the customer the right vehicle, even requiring two trips to another DriveTime lot to bring the vehicle back to Riverside. The teamwork and communication involved in coordinating all the details for this sale were immense and I feel this sale is what DriveTime in Riverside is all about.
5. What are the most popular vehicles on your lot?
Usually the Ford Fusion and the Chevrolet Impala are the most popular ones. Currently, everyone wants one of our fancy 2012 Hyundai Sonatas. Keep them coming!
6. What are the most common questions you receive from customers? (Editor’s note: Answers to these and many more can be found under our FAQ)
- What is my down payment?
- Can I purchase with zero down?
- Can you really approve me with my situation?
- What will my interest rate be?
7. What is one piece of advice you have for used car shoppers?
Make sure you research the company and the products before purchasing. Do not feel rushed by the sales people to make an impulse purchase. Because they are used cars, make sure you get warranty coverage for peace of mind.
There you have it, a quick look at life in Riverside and the awesome team at the local DriveTime dealership. If you are in the area and are looking for a quality used car, you can view available inventory at Riverside here. You can also schedule an appointment to test drive vehicles and discuss financing options with the sales advisors. We know LA is quite expansive, so if you aren’t in the Riverside area, you can check out our three other dealerships in the area.
I talked to Romeo @ their Inglewood lot about a vehicle, he knew I was coming from NorCal to visit my daughter ar college but he assured me the car was in excellent condition for a used car, I got there and a side mirror was attached with duct tape and the middle console was broken. A headlamp, brake light, wipers, battery and riming belt all were defective. ALL but the mirror were discovered after I drove the car home. One of his employees told me a “knocking” I heard was just typical of Range Rovers after an oil change, it would go away. It didn’t and then Romeo tried to say there was never any knocking that they have a mechanic that goes through their cars. IF I COULD VOTE ZERO STARS this dealer/Romeo would get a ZERO. HE IS A CROOK!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT BUY A VEHICLE from CARZ4TOYZ. I’m giving you an honest summation of this place avoid it. I tried to work with him to split some of the costs I’d incurred, he obviously said no. AVOID CARZ4TOYZ!!!!!!!
Hi Samantha – We would love to help you finance a vehicle through DriveTime if you are still searching for a vehicle. We recommend getting approved online then stopping into your local dealership to discuss your options!
I am not happy with the car I brought from Drive Time in October 2016 also need to file a report on other auto dealer and finance company that is working with the dealers who would I talk to thanks
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your review with us. I am truly sorry to hear that you are not happy with your DriveTime vehicle.
We stand behind our product with a Limited Warranty (LW) for the first 30-days or 1,500-miles at no additional cost. If the vehicle has a mechanical failure or falls below the safety guidelines from inspection during that time frame, we will warranty the repair. In addition, we also offer an optional extended protection plan known as the Vehicle Service Contract (VSC). The VSC is set up for 5-years or 50,000 miles and does not cover maintenance or cosmetic items. Please keep in mind that some pre-owned vehicles may show more wear than others depending on their usage both before and after the time of sale. If repairs happen to be non-covered they would be considered the cost of ownership. I am sorry for any inconvenience that may have resulted from unexpected repairs to your vehicle.
In regards to your question, I am not clear if you are referencing the DriveTime dealerships and the finance company Bridgcrest. If so, we would be more then happy to address these concerns.
Thank you again for your review and please know that we value all feedback, both positive and constructive. Should you wish to further discuss this matter, please reach out to our corporate Customer Relations department at (888) 290-0148.
Kindly,
DriveTime Customer Relations