John Hall

I purchased my 2013 528i from McKenna. I have never bought a car or been to their dealership previously. Started by doing background research and figured out the features I wanted and got a sense for bought a car or been to their dealership previously. Started by doing background research and figured out the features I wanted and got a sense for a fair price. My basic decision rule was to pay close to invoice, minus any manufacturer incentives. The first two dealers I spoke with in South Orange County agreed to this. The problem was that they did not have the car with the exact specifications I was looking for. So I did a search of all LA Area BMW dealerships and was instantly impressed with the range, colors, packages and options McKenna had. On the second page of their web listings, I found exactly what I was looking for: Jet Black exterior with Cinnamon Brown Leather and loaded. Since this was a very rare combination, I immediately called the dealership and asked for one of their Internet sales staff and was connected with Joshua. Told him what I wanted. Told him my price rule and within a couple of minutes he got approvals and we had a deal. I arrange to pick up the car next morning after my kid's soccer game. I arrived at the dealership, which was about 1/2 hour north of where I live, and met with Phillip Nguyen, a second sales team member. Over the next 45 minutes, we completed paperwork. Easy. Efficient. No haggling. No one tried to up-sell me anything. Phillip was fantastic. When the paperwork, including financials and insurance verification, was done he spent nearly a full hour with me going through the car's functionalities. The 528 iDrive system (the brain of the secondary functions) is more like a late model small aircraft console consisting of multiple nested menus and controls. Without Phillip’s explanation and testing, I may not have been able to understand and use some of the important features. As follow up, Phillip called me twice in 3 days and asked if I had any questions and also reminded me to register with BMW Assist. We also arranged a follow up demo to answer my final questions like linking in the car with my garage door opener and getting the free XM Satellite contract. As a follow up, I sent an email to John Hall, who is the general manager at McKenna. Told him about my experience and noted how pleased I was with the transaction. I did come across a minor issue related to extended warrantee and extended servicing, which I am purchasing. I pointed this out to John and within a half hour there was a note from Danny McKenna (owner) who asked the team to immediately correct the issue. They did. I have to be honest, I love the car. Love everything about it. But the reason I am writing this review is because the ownership experienced was so materially enhanced by the remarkable transaction and follow up servicing and attention that I felt obligated to write this review. Not only am I looking to buy my wife's next car from them (McKenna multiple brands), but in all likelihood, I will drive my car to McKenna for servicing (which thanks to the extended servicing and warrantee I purchased is free for the next 7 years). Whatever you decide to buy, good luck. But if my experience was anything close to typical, I strongly recommend you consider this dealership. More

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I had a pretty frustrating experience visiting this dealer with cash on-hand ready to buy a certified pre-owned 528i. I test drove a beautiful car that had everything I wanted, including GPS (which is dealer with cash on-hand ready to buy a certified pre-owned 528i. I test drove a beautiful car that had everything I wanted, including GPS (which is a must for me). When I sat in the car, I asked the dealer why I did not see "Navigation" on the screen, and he said it's because the DVD is not in. OK, fine, I drove the car, loved it, and after a little back and forth, I was able to get a decent price. I have to say though that unlike other dealers I had visited, Adam would not negotiate the price with me, until *after* he got all my information, including social security, income, address, family information. That already gave me a bad impression of the place, but I wanted the car, so I stuck through it. I went to sign the paperwork with the finance folks. I was ready to put down $22K and finance the rest, but apparently, this particular dealership has a policy where they can only accept $5K on credit card, 5K on check, and the rest would have to be a cashier's check. Banks being closed (it was now 6:00pm on a Saturday), I had no choice but to finance the rest and put down $5K/$5K. The finance guy did not give me the time of day, rushing me through the process to get me out the door fast. I even commented to him that he made me nervous, and he didn't seem to care. I seemed like just a faceless customer to him, and quick sign these 100 documents, and don't ask me questions (although he did answer any questions I did have). In any case, the deal was done, I paid up, even though the customer experience wasn't there, or I should say despite of it, I had my new car. I reminded Adam to put the GPS DVD in 3 times before and after I signed all the paperwork. I go to get my keys, and Adam tells me the he made a mistake, the car did NOT have a GPS. The whole day was a waste!! I left very disappointed, all because the people working at McKenna try to rush rush rush, and don't give customers the time of day. My advice to them, slow down, and take the time to connect with your customers, in an honest, non-cheesy fashion. The whole time I was making the deal, I was wishing that car was at another dealership, where I had really connected with their sales guy who was very honest. In any case, thank you dealerrater, I am visiting a 4.9 rated dealer today (Steve Thomas BMW), who already on the phone were amazing, and have the car I want. Edit: I just bought my car at Steve Thomas BMW, you should read my review of the experience. That's what a car buying experience should be like! They even took a check for over 22K no problem at all ( I have a very high credit rating ). More

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