Did some on-line research on the Hyundai brand and decided to check out AutoNation Hyundai 104. I was greeting in a friendly and professional manner by David Matsushima. He was quite helpful and sincere in helping me find the type of vehicle I was looking for. When I explained that I was not going to make a purchase today, that I was assessing the market and seeing what they had to offer, he did not pressure me; he did not try to “sell” me. In fact, he acknowledged my comment and asked pertinent questions about what I was looking for, what were my preferences, what was my budget, and so on. It was really a low key conversation that put me at ease and gave me a sense that he was going to work hard to meet my requirements. During the process, he introduced me to one of the Sales Managers, Mike. He too was genuine and helpful. Certainly he expressed his and the company’s desire to sell me a car, but it was not a pressure tactic. It was more of a thankful appreciation of my coming in and a bona fide expression of serving my requirements. All that was on a Monday. David did appropriate follow up during the week. In fact, he “found” a few cars that he felt met my needs and offered to get them to the dealership for a test drive. To which, I set an appointment on Friday, the same week. Prior to the appointment I received a professional and courteous phone call from another Sales manager, Zee. In a voicemail, he expressed in thanks for my interest in them, thanking me in advance for taking time to come in, and expressing his desire to meet me in person. I won’t say I was blown away by the communication, but I will say it was a cut above service call, and I certainly felt the team was giving me some attention. It was a good feeling: It wasn’t hounding or pressure filled. It really felt like they wanted to help me find what I was looking for and seemed to appreciate the chance to earn my business. I provide all of these details because I don’t know anyone that likes to shop for and buy a car. I know I don’t: It’s expensive, it’s time consuming, and I hate feeling like these guys are taking advantage of me. The long story short is: It was not like that at all with these folks. I never felt pressure. I did not get the “shyster” feeling from them. I felt like they were friends trying their best to help me find a car. Naturally they want to sell cars: That is their business. But, on that Friday when I drove a car, and when David and Zee did their job by asking what I thought, i.e.: Would I buy that car, I explained that there was one other brand I wanted to explore before making a decision. Instead of trying to convince me or alter my thinking, Zee asked what else I was looking at, and why I was looking at it. When I told him I wanted to compare the Hyundai to a Honda, he listened, acknowledged and asked if he had one, would I look at it. Again, I point out: I’m sure they want to sell Hyundais. Indeed, that’s what I was looking at. When they heard I was looking at an alternate brand, they did not try to persuade me otherwise, they did not question my desire, they did not try to “steer” me to Hyundai. They had discovered a “new” need of mine and simply asked if they could help with that. The point is: They did not want to “sell” me a Hyundai, they seemed more interested in serving my needs, helping me find what I was looking for. From there, we drove a few blocks to another AutoNation store and I fell in love with the Honda Fit that I drove. So, four days into my shopping, with David’s efforts in finding cars for me, I was ready to buy a totally different vehicle. While it was my decision, I also wanted to wife to see the vehicle before I bought it. When I asked David what I needed to do to hold it, he brought Mike over. Mike did not want a deposit, he did not want a signature. He asked if I was truly interested in the car. (Yes, I was.) He said he would hold it on the lot; not let anyone else see it/drive it, until my wife could come look at it later that evening. Very low key, and at the risk of sounding trite, very “down home”. Like doing business on a handshake. We set an appointment to do paperwork on Saturday, the next morning. It all went smoothly, and I got a great deal on a very good car. I gladly recommend this store to anyone in the market for a new or used car: They will work hard on your behalf. That has been my experience.
Phil Frank
Feb 11, 2017
