Cloninger Ford of Hickory

A trusted member of your team, and a dear friend of mine, once shared with me his deep desire to change the negative reputation that car dealerships often have. He spoke passionately about his commitment to once shared with me his deep desire to change the negative reputation that car dealerships often have. He spoke passionately about his commitment to earning the trust of customers. I truly believe he is doing his best to achieve that. Unfortunately, our experience was far from what he would have hoped, and I’d like to explain why. My wife and I, along with our two dogs, were among those devastated by the historic hurricane that ravaged Western North Carolina. Thousands were displaced, and many lost their lives. We, too, lost everything. Our 5th-wheel RV, which had been our temporary home while our house was being built, was completely submerged. All we had left were the clothes on our backs, our dogs, and our 2021 2500 Silverado. In the aftermath, we scrambled for shelter, often relying on the generosity of friends and family. Hotels were full for miles—from Statesville to Charlotte—leaving us without a stable place to stay. After losing our RV, we decided to trade in the Silverado, no longer needing a vehicle to tow a home that no longer existed. I reached out to my friend, who kindly connected us with Mike Davis, Sales Manager at the Hickory location. I made it clear from the start that we were in no position to haggle. We had neither the time nor the emotional energy for the usual back-and-forth of negotiating. When we arrived, Mike paired us with a new salesperson, Jacob Ritz (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550736910932), who mentioned that he, too, had been displaced, which we initially took as a sign of understanding. But as the conversation progressed, he began sharing fears about looting and social unrest, which quickly made us uncomfortable. We had already endured so much; we needed compassion and efficiency, not stories meant to heighten anxiety. We selected the first truck he showed us, eager to move forward as quickly as possible. But when he returned with the trade-in value and price, it was far beyond what we expected, even though I had made clear we were a referral and had lost everything. His response was disheartening. Leaning in, he said, "Look, I’m in the same boat as you." At that moment, my trust in the process began to unravel. It was clear that Jacob didn’t grasp what it meant to be truly displaced—homeless, with no certainty of where we’d sleep that night. After nearly three and a half hours, we were still negotiating, our dogs growing restless, and our patience wearing thin. In a last-ditch effort to close the deal, Jacob said something that stunned me: "I need to look after myself in this deal." It felt like a betrayal. We weren’t just customers trying to buy a truck; we were a family in crisis, hoping for a bit of grace and understanding. The finance department made things even worse. Despite telling them repeatedly that we didn’t want an extended warranty, they persisted, and then they tried to offer us an inflated interest rate, even though my credit score was over 800. I was exhausted, but I knew enough to push back. Eventually, they agreed to a fairer deal, but by then, the damage was done. I had lost faith in the dealership's ethics. In the end, we signed the papers, but not because we trusted Cloninger Ford. We were simply too worn out and desperate to find a place to sleep. My dreams that night, though, were not of gratitude toward your dealership but of the sense of betrayal I felt, and the hope that no one else would have to go through what we did. More

Disappointed in the extra money I had to o pay $250. To get radio fixed the truck was advertised with Apple CarPlay and blue tooth neither worked and I was told by sales manager and service manager that To get radio fixed the truck was advertised with Apple CarPlay and blue tooth neither worked and I was told by sales manager and service manager that it would be fixed free of charge John the sales associate was very good to work with. The 3 star rating only reflects management. Sincerely Greg Proffitt More

Great prices, great people. I drive past local dealerships to get to them; friendly, knowledgeable and get you the vehicle you want. Not a bunch of people sitting around doi I drive past local dealerships to get to them; friendly, knowledgeable and get you the vehicle you want. Not a bunch of people sitting around doing nothing or hawking you down either. These folks are working hard! They have customer service down pat and have helped us with four vehicle purchases. I wouldn't go anywhere else. More

We were happy with the tunnel cover installation! Kept the schedule and showed us how to operate it! Kept the schedule and showed us how to operate it! More

Real pleased with the whole process. Dewey knew his stuff and explained things well.Got a fair price with very little hassle. Dewey knew his stuff and explained things well.Got a fair price with very little hassle. More

We took our son in to help him establish a relationship with a respectable dealership. Cloninger Ford has been our goto for a few years now. And they, once again, did not disappoint. From the time we walke with a respectable dealership. Cloninger Ford has been our goto for a few years now. And they, once again, did not disappoint. From the time we walked through the door, our sales rep (Michael Joseph) took a complete and total interest in my son's desire. He never tried to change his mind or pressure him into purchasing anything other than what he truly wanted. At the end of the day, he had helped my son to purchase his first new vehicle. Completely satisfied, my wife and I were reminded why that our next vehicle, like our last couple, will again be purchased at Cloninger Ford Hickory. It's just better there! More

When I arrived at the dealership, the salesman that I was supposed to see was not available but another stepped in and took his place to help me. I told him why I was there to look at the car and it was very supposed to see was not available but another stepped in and took his place to help me. I told him why I was there to look at the car and it was very helpful, the vehicle is pulled around for my inspection and the test drive went perfectly. The sale went very smoothly, and before long I was off my new vehicle. Although I did to my mechanic, looked it over very carefully there was no major problems except for one minor one which was the oil pan or gasket where skip plate interferes had to be replaced. More

Overall solid experience. Not a lot of negotiating and I respected that. I love my new vehicle. Overall very responsive to my needs. Greg responded quickly. Not a lot of negotiating and I respected that. I love my new vehicle. Overall very responsive to my needs. Greg responded quickly. More

Mt F150blpokz great runs great I like it very much I would buy it again would buy it again More

Great staff. I walked into the dealership at closing time and Monica was walking out to go home for the day. She asked me if I needed help And didn’t even hesitat I walked into the dealership at closing time and Monica was walking out to go home for the day. She asked me if I needed help And didn’t even hesitate to turn back around and put all of her stuff back reset up her computer to help me look what I was looking for. After a little bit of research, she found the truck of my dreams and helped me take it home that same night! Will definitely be coming back to get my wife something in the future! More