Stohlman Automotive

This is an edited version of my original post, made after all of the caveats to my recent car purchase from Stohlman Automotive were complete. Overall, Stohlman did a decent job working with me to broker a d all of the caveats to my recent car purchase from Stohlman Automotive were complete. Overall, Stohlman did a decent job working with me to broker a deal on a used car that fit my rather tight budget, but the customer service was not exactly stellar. My wife and I were short on time the day of our purchase and our sales representative, Lorenzo, was very accommodating with our schedule. We walked onto the lot knowing which vehicle we were interested in purchasing. A rather lenghty test drive (during which our sales representative spent the entire time on his cell phone) uncovered a major problem with the vehicle, however. The front rotors were very badly warped. The car also only came with one key, and expensive item for a VW. Realizing we wanted the vehicle, however, we got down to bargaining. This is where the the experience was not quite top-rate. First, I assume in an attempt to accelerate the deal, we were told that there were multiple parties interested in the vehicle from as far away as New York City - not likely for a used car of 2003 vintage that had only been on the lot for a couple of days. Second, we brought a print-out of the webpage advertisement, including asking price, and were told that the vehicle actually had two prices - the $2,500 more expensive "lot/dealer price" and the advertised "internet price," which was not avaiable to us if we purchased the car directly from the dealer and not via the web. I have a hard time believing someone would purchase a used car sight unseen and without a test drive - the advertisement only had a single stock photo of the vehicle in a different color. I took a lot to negotiate the price below the "internet price" even with our trade-in, which was valued at a whopping $2,000, about $3,000 under blue book value. I also inquired about the possibility of a warranty and was told that Stohlman did not offer a warranty for the particular vehicle I intended to purchase. In the end, Lorenzo agreed to replace the front rotors, have an additional key fob made and include a 3-month or 3,000 mile drivetrain warranty. He also threw in a detailing, but I always thought that was standard when you purchased a vehicle from the dealer. The purchase price ended up being pretty close to blue-book, even with our trade-in vehicle. I assumed that we would provide a down payment and then pick up the vehicle once the front brakes were fixed, the key had been made and the detailing completed. Alas, it was not to be. I was told that dealer policy prohibited them from keeping the vehicle on their lot once the purchase was agreed upon. If we wanted the car, my wife and I would need to take it off the lot that day - to drive into southern Virginia for a wedding with faulty front brakes. Furthermore, I would have to take a vacation day from work in order to bring the car back to the dealership the next week to have the agreed upon maintanence completed and eat into that 3,000 mile drivetrain warranty. Once we were in the actual purchasing office, the agent attempted to sell us a 3-year warranty for the vehicle! Basically, if we had purchased said warranty (which if you remember was "not available for our car") the price of the vehicle would have been back to the "lot/dealer" price. The following week I took the car in for servicing and the mechanics were fantastic. They replaced the rotors as promised, furnished me with a second brand new key and even provided documentation on the work completed. Unfortunately, there was not enough time left in the day to get the car detailed, and with the baby on the way, I will not be able to take another vacation day to have it done. Once the purchase and agreed upon maintenance were completed, I received email after email requesting me to write reviews on my experience, which I promptly did. Two weeks later, however, we still had not received the title or registration for the vehicle, which we had been told would arrive the week following our Saturday purchase. At this point, we were driving a car with no proof of ownership other than the purhcase price contract and license plates from our old car which were a week from expiration. I wrote multiple emails to Lorenzo and the Sales Manager, Jamie Dent, but did not receive any replies other than more requests to write favorable reviews about their dealership. In the end, I had to contact title person directly, on my own initiative, in order to have the paperwork completed. Only after we received the title and registration (four weeks after the purchase date) did I get a follow up email from Ms. Dent, which read, "At this point I passed your information and I believe you've already spoken to my Title Lady...Thanks." Not the best customer service, but the job did finally get completed due to my own diligence. All in all, we are very happy with our new (to us) vehicle. It just seems that as the customer, I was responsible for quite a bit more that I thought appropriate, considering it was my hard earned money going into their pockets. One reason I went to Stohlman Automotive was that my family has bought at least four, if not five cars, all but one a VW, from Stohlman's in my lifetime. If you are in the market for a new or used car, and don't mind doing some extra legwork that, in my opinion, should be addressed by the sales representative, then by all means, purchase a new or used vehicle from Stohlman. My wife and I managed to get a middle of the road deal on a great used car. While the customer service is lacking, rest assured that the service team is absolutely top-notch. More

We wanted to say how positive our car-buying experience at this dealership was - especially thanks to Abe, our salesperson, and his approach and knowledge. He definitely let us know so much about the car at this dealership was - especially thanks to Abe, our salesperson, and his approach and knowledge. He definitely let us know so much about the car we ultimately bought, and he managed to do it without our feeling pressured in any way. He's been in touch via e-mail and has continued his relationship with us even though the sale was completed - a new experience for us with any salesperson. Jaime Dent, Gen'l mgr. was a definite positive presence, as was the team we experienced at closing. We would enthusiastically recommend the Stohlman dealership based on the persons with whom we dealt. They have continued to include us in new owner meetings and have made us feel that there are friendly, knowledgable people to whom we can turn for information and service. More

I visited this dealership to purchase a new vehicle. The sales managers were very friendly, very informative and willing to work with you. I was looking at both new and used vehicles and ended up purchasi sales managers were very friendly, very informative and willing to work with you. I was looking at both new and used vehicles and ended up purchasing a used vehicle. More

Jordan Raport made my buying experience seamless and pleasant. I would buy a car from Stohlman and Jordan again and would recommend them to anyone looking for a Subaru. pleasant. I would buy a car from Stohlman and Jordan again and would recommend them to anyone looking for a Subaru. More

Previous Subaru owner (from a different area) so didn't need to be "sold" on Subaru. I called ahead on a Saturday morning. When we arrived, Anson was with another customer but was courteous about complet need to be "sold" on Subaru. I called ahead on a Saturday morning. When we arrived, Anson was with another customer but was courteous about completing his work with them, and catching up with us after we had the chance to browse and look for a while (which we wanted to do). He was very professional about juggling a few different tasks even while we were there. The biggest thing I appreciated was how he was always willing and able to find exactly what we were looking for or thinking about, instead of trying to talk us into something that would be easier to find. Working with the finance manager (Don) was also very low pressure. Easily my best car-buying experience to date. Will definitely recommend the dealership and Anson to other people. More

I have only the highest praise for the sales consultant, Anson Lee Sam, who helped me find my perfect car -- a Subaru Impreza. Anson was everything that a customer could ask for in a sales consultant: he Anson Lee Sam, who helped me find my perfect car -- a Subaru Impreza. Anson was everything that a customer could ask for in a sales consultant: he was polite, friendly, professional, attentive and understanding. He didn't try to sell me more than I wanted, but he helped me buy what I asked for. My respect for Anson is boundless. He is a credit to Stohlman Automotive which is a company of professionals selling a wonderful machine -- Subaru. Without a doubt I recommend that every prospective Subaru customer discover for themself the polite, friendly professionalism of Stolhlman Automotive, and, if you are as fortunate as I was, you could find yourself sitting in front of a person whom I am proud to have done business with, Anson Lee Sam. More

Scott Maynard was honest, knowledgeable and as helpful as someone could be. My husband started the negotiation with Scott on the internet. He never told us anything that wasn't true and kept all his promis someone could be. My husband started the negotiation with Scott on the internet. He never told us anything that wasn't true and kept all his promises. We live 4 hours from the dealership and he had everything ready for us when we got there so we didn't have to waste time sitting around. The finance guy (I'm sorry I can't remember his name) was also the best - very knowledgeable and didn't waste time. By far the best car buying experience my husband and I have ever had and we've bought a lot of cars! We will be back and we tell everyone about Stohlman! More

This is my second time around with this dealership.....very "user friendly" .... no high-pressure sales tactics !! Staff is obviously well trained with emphasis on customer service in all dealership.....very "user friendly" .... no high-pressure sales tactics !! Staff is obviously well trained with emphasis on customer service in all departments. Very efficient and professional. Would recommend to anyone! More

I would definitely recommend Stohlman Automotive Group and their salesman, Nora Sokhon. Nora worked hard to find the particular used VW model I was seeking. He proved very informative about the product, d and their salesman, Nora Sokhon. Nora worked hard to find the particular used VW model I was seeking. He proved very informative about the product, did not try to oversell, and was communicative without being pushy. Their Business Manager, Christinia, was very patient in describing the various service plans and clearly knows her business. More

USAA MEMBERS BEWARE! Salesperson did not deduct amount from USAA Price Protection Certificate - claimed he did. The General Manager Michael Rusnak) is the owners husband. Owners husband would not answer from USAA Price Protection Certificate - claimed he did. The General Manager Michael Rusnak) is the owners husband. Owners husband would not answer my emails and I reported them to USAA to stop referring servicemembers there. UPDATE - MY ISSUE WAS RESOLVED BY TOM GUZULAITIS THE DAY OF MY REVIEW. USAA DISCOUNT WAS REFUNDED. More