Merchants Auto

Wonderful Experience I had been considering trading in my 2007 Town and Country before she was up for inspection again in January -- but was planning on taking my time to I had been considering trading in my 2007 Town and Country before she was up for inspection again in January -- but was planning on taking my time to drive a few vehicles and really look at my options. I walked into Merchants not planning on signing for anything, but thought that I would check out what they had. I had looked at their website the day before (great and informative site on the vehicles with lots of pictures) and saw a newer T&C that I thought MIGHT foot the bill, but never thought I would buy it. I am partial to the stow n' go seating, but went in with my list of what I definitely wanted on this vehicle, knowing full well that I did not have an urgent need for anything. I wanted a newer year model with low mileage, a roof rack, leather seats, power seats, and Sirius XM -- for certain. I was trading in a basic model Town and Country with nearly 148,000 miles on it that had been very good to us for 5 years, but the rust problems due to rural NH living had taken its toll on the underside of the door panels which need to be repaired every January for inspection. I had no idea what the trade-in value would be -- and since I still owed almost $6,000.00 on it, I wasn't sure that a deal would be made I walked in and met with Mike Amburg who after hearing my thoughts showed me to the 2013 Pearl Blue Town and Country (or as I call her Crystal) -- I think that he knew that I would be swayed by the incredible amount of luxury in this minivan. Back-Up Cam, Navigation, Blue Tooth and handsfree phone sync, Powerful sound system, DVD Entertainment System, Leather -- more power ports than I could ever imagine, stow and go roof rack (we have a canoe), Sirius XM, -- I can even listen to the something different than what the kids in the back are! So anyway -- the van had me at HELLO. He showed me to another 2011 T&C, but it was not even CLOSE to this van. We went for a drive. It was very smooth, and felt like a luxury car. Then it was time to talk turkey. I am a 40 year old teacher and mom who is NO good at the haggling, not sure if I am getting duped sales stuff. I am impatient, and cut to the chase. I don't like waiting, am very busy, and knew that I could walk away and be fine for another year with the 2007 I had, though I knew the trade-in value would continue to go down (or that's what I was told). The feather in my cap was unexpected. I was named 2013 NH Teacher of the Year, and it just so happened (and I had no idea) that one of my student's fathers is a general manager at Merchants. He came over and informed Mike of my accolades and that I was to be treated well -- like family. Mike worked with Adam Secore to get me to what I think is a solid deal. Because I have good credit, my rate was low, and I did take the bumper to bumper (though my husband wasn't so sure about that move...). Because I needed to get to a rehearsal and was running WAY behind, I rushed through the signing (I know -- bad move, but I had to go.) I am still not sure if the numbers worked in my favor or not, but I left in the loaner after making my appointment for my first oil change (which is free). They also do inspections free every year (very cool), and their oil change rates are great -- and include cleaning and fluid top offs every time. Anyhoo -- drove home in the loaner car set to pick up the new van the next day. I told Mike that I needed to pick it up by 3 as I had rehearsal at 6 and we live almost an hour away. He called me the next morning and gave me the status update on my van. They were giving it the big once over to check for any issues and they even did a glasscoat on the van so it is super pretty. (I AM a girl, after all...) Mike called again to let me know that they were running ahead of schedule and that I could pick her up around 2:45. I arrived at that time, and he was waiting with paperwork in hand with the knowledge that I needed to go. After a photo or two, we were on our way. He called quickly as I forgot my EZ pass in the loaner -- so I doubled back to grab it. Pulled the newly dubbed Crystal out of the lot and didn't stop smiling. I don't know if I paid what I could have -- could I have haggled more...was I taken advantage of? I will never know. I DO know that I felt comfortable, didn't feel pushed, feel that I was treated respectfully and I absolutely know that I am in love with this vehicle. It is the nicest I have ever owned -- and I think I deserve it. Any rushed decision was totally my part -- Mike would have taken a lot more time with me, I am sure of that. I am just a very busy person (as we all are) and it is a challenge to hang around a dealership with a rambunctious 4 year old! Thank you Merchants -- I look forward to continuing to do business with you through service and in the future. More