Thomas Kia of Highland

My experience with Thomas Kia of Highland was exceptional. I live on the north side of Chicago, and refuse to deal with Grossinger but did try to deal with another dealer closer to my house, Berw exceptional. I live on the north side of Chicago, and refuse to deal with Grossinger but did try to deal with another dealer closer to my house, Berwyn Kia, with no success. While in that dealer and getting no satisfaction with the sales experience, I decided to call Thomas Kia to check to see if they still had an Optima that I had seen advertised on their website earlier in the day. I spoke to Cheryl Gallo, the internet manager, who checked their system to see if the car was still there. The computer did show it, but she went the extra steps to physically see if the car was still on the lot and available before I drove all the way down there. It was, so I let her know that I was on the way! Upon arriving at the dealership, Rodrigo greeted me at my car and and then let Cheryl know that I had arrived. Cheryl soon appeared with a gracious smile and let me know that the car was a little dusty from the lot, so it was in the back being washed before I saw it. It came from the back shortly, and I drove the car with Cheryl and decided to go forward with the purchase. Most dealerships that I have dealt with in the past made negotiations while buying a car very painful. Everyone at the dealership was extremely pleasant, patient and friendly during this process. The negotiations took place with sales managers, Rodrigo and Frank, since this was an internet sale. At this point of the day and after the first dealership experience, I had a pounding headache and they were very patient when I didn't understand some of the calculations that I was being presented with. Cheryl was there the whole time though, putting me at ease. After arriving at figures that worked for both of us, the financial process was very quick and painless since the rate was figured in during the negotiation process. I think I was only at the dealership for about 2.5 hours from the time I drove in to the time I drove away with my 2013 Optima EX. With all this taken into account, I would definitely recommend Thomas Kia and would make the trip to buy a car there again. Cheryl is definitely an asset to the dealership. She was one of the most pleasant people that I have ever dealt with at a dealership. She was honest and up front from the first moment that I contacted her. If you are in the market for a Kia, definitely start with an internet quote from her first and I think you will avoid alot of the hassle that comes with buying a new car and she will make the process easy and painless. Oh, and if you are one of those people that keep their car forever (I am not), they throw in a lifetime warranty for the powertrain! More

I cannot thank Cheryl, Rodrigo and Ron enough!!! I would highly recommend this dealership! My son who is a recent college grad and had been researching new cars for a few weeks. He decided on Kia for sev highly recommend this dealership! My son who is a recent college grad and had been researching new cars for a few weeks. He decided on Kia for several reasons and visited quite a few dearlerships before going to Thomas. I can say without question, he was treated fairly, and most important with respect. I cannot say the same for the Kia dealerships in Illinois and we live in Illinois. Not ONE of the dealerships he went to informed him about Kia's grad program, with the exception of the folks at Thomas- thank you again Cheryl and Rodrigo! He was able to purchase a 2013 Kia Forte, with no hassles, no back and forth haggling over sticker price. In addition, their finance manager, Ron was extremely thourough and took his time explaining everything to my son. I will be back at Thomas in a few months for myself and I will definitely be calling upon Cheryl!!! Thank you Thomas Kia!!! More

I just purchased a 2013 Kia Optima. I walked in on a Friday night at almost closing with a horror story from another Kia dealership in the area. I told Katie the story and told her what my terms where a Friday night at almost closing with a horror story from another Kia dealership in the area. I told Katie the story and told her what my terms where and if she could get me there we would be good. They were able to get me where I wanted. I took the Optima home and was back in on Saturday to set up the paperwork. They were friendly and really met the quick timeline I needed. They also gave me a good deal on my trade in. The only quip (which isn't a big deal) is that they wouldn't send any information about the car's price, trade in value, ect electronically or would not discus over the phone citing "because of the law." But when it came to showing proof of my military service and residency they had no problem accepting it electronically so they did not have to wait 2 weeks until I was back in NW Indiana. Overall a great experience and will have no problem talking great about the wonderful experience. v/r Mike Spongberg More

I just purchased my 2013 Alien Exclaim with Premium Package, and they couldn't have been nicer. I wasn't looking for one with the Premium Package, but they gave me a great deal below dealer cost! When Package, and they couldn't have been nicer. I wasn't looking for one with the Premium Package, but they gave me a great deal below dealer cost! When I talked to Rodrigo over the phone, he said that he would hold the car for me, but they couldn't accept a deposit as it is against company policy. That made me nervous and made me think that they're just trying to get me in the door and get me into a different car. This morning I called to make sure that the car was still available, and they said they were holding it for me. They didn't throw any hidden fees at me and explained everything I had questions on. I bought the Premium Preferred Upgrade maintenance package that gives me oil changes, tire rotations, and such for 54 months at a great price! When I got to the dealership, they were washing the car and getting it ready. I don't know who "cleaned" the car, but the cup holders, middle console and inside of the doors had some dirt/dust on it. When I wiped my fingers in the cup holders, there was visible gray dirt on them. I did mention it to Katie who said she would have it taken care of, but it was forgotten in the midst of signing papers and what not. No biggie, but they should definitely talk to that porter on how to really clean. Kate was super nice and for being new, she was helpful despite not knowing some things. Steve, the Sales Manager was nice as well and matched my pre-approved financing. The financing guy was also pleasant and wasn't pushy about extended warranties. However, he didn't offer me the Premium Preferred maintenance package probably because I had turned down everything else but this I was actually interested in. They throw in 3 free oil changes when you buy a car anyway, but I thought the upgrade was worth the money. They offered to roll it into my financing, but I decided to pay for it outright. I was prepared to put money down, but it was not required, so I saved the down payment money so I can pay down my higher interest rate credit cards instead. There is no pre-payment penalty, so I plan on making extra payments to save on interest paid. I am in love with my Soul and am so lucky I found one! These babies are so hard to come by in the Alien color and options that I wanted. Thanks Thomas Kia!! More

The equipped Sportage I wanted was not available, so i appreciate my sales person Mary Kay was very professional she was not pushy, instead she immediately searched and found vehicle i wanted and held it appreciate my sales person Mary Kay was very professional she was not pushy, instead she immediately searched and found vehicle i wanted and held it for me. When it came in it was exactly what i wanted no more no less at a price the worked with my budget. The vehicle perfectly matched my needs without buying extras I do not want and that saved me thousands. That's why I felt it important to give this survey, most dealers only want to push what the have on the floor to make a sale now. This is a big purchase I make every couple of years, I want what I want not what a salesman wants to sell me if he doesn't have what i want. More

Will and Kevin get 10 points. They were great to work with. I think we got a good deal on the Kia we bought for our son! with. I think we got a good deal on the Kia we bought for our son! More

Sales manager was a rude jerk....then chased us into the parking lot with rude comments and eventually left telling us to know our #@% facts. Are you kidding me??? If I was Thomas I would fire him immediate parking lot with rude comments and eventually left telling us to know our #@% facts. Are you kidding me??? If I was Thomas I would fire him immediately!! More

financing not as stated. costs not appropiate added to total. car not cleaned. deceptive sense of trust provided to customer. really feel like I have been taken! total. car not cleaned. deceptive sense of trust provided to customer. really feel like I have been taken! More

Why I give Thomas Kia a high rating: There overall friendliness and knowledge of their products is outstanding. The 2 people I worked with was Sean and Mary Kay and I would recommend their service to friendliness and knowledge of their products is outstanding. The 2 people I worked with was Sean and Mary Kay and I would recommend their service to anyone that asked. Mary Kay keeps in contact with her customers, she will also stand on her head to work with you. I met up with another customer of Thomas Kia who had just recently purchased a Kia Soul from Mary Kay and several days later when I went into the store and mentioned this incident, Mary Kay remembered the buyers' name and the car they had been driving. So right then I knew that Mary Kay was more than a salesperson, she cared about her customers and listened to what they had to say. Sean is the store manager and also a great person to work with. He was helping my husband and I with car questions until Mary Kay finished up with her other customer. Mr. Thomas, I wish other businesses would have the good luck of such employees as you have. You should pat yourself on the back (and your employees) because a lot of businesses Do Not have the customer service as I found at your business. By the way, I just purchased the 2011 Kia Soul Exclaim and it's a dream. Thank You. Marilyn Hess More