My recent experience purchasing a 2022 Subaru Crosstrek from Sid Dillon Buick of Lincoln was mixed. I ultimately secured a good price on the vehicle, but there was significant confusion along the way regarding its certification status.
I was initially under the impression that the vehicle might be Subaru Certified Pre-Owned, due to previous research. Upon further clarification, I found that it came with the dealership certification. There is a difference, and I want to make the distinction known. The dealership offers a 1-year bumper-to-bumper (with many exclusions, as is typical) and a 2-year powertrain warranty.
Our salesperson, DeJuan, was helpful and patient throughout the process. Blake was professional, although firm on the initial pricing, which is understandable. However, the finance manager, Ahmed, became dismissive after I declined the offered extended service contracts.
There was a slight delay in finalizing the sale after the paperwork was completed, but it was eventually resolved.
Overall, while I'm happy with the vehicle and the final price, I want to emphasize the importance of clarity in communication when it comes to vehicle certifications. I would advise all buyers to confirm in writing whether a vehicle is certified by the manufacturer (like Subaru CPO) or the dealer, as the warranty coverage can differ significantly. Don't make assumptions, and get all warranty details in writing before you sign.
Update: So, after I put up my initial review, things shifted a bit. DeJuan, the salesperson, really stepped up. He got the Crosstrek cleaned up and ready to go, and even went the extra mile by delivering it right to my door. Blake, the sales manager, kept me well informed and insured I get high quality service, which smoothed out the final part of the process.
However, I still feel it's important to share some key takeaways for anyone considering Sid Dillon Buick of Lincoln:
Subaru Purchases: If you're specifically in the market for a Subaru, I'd strongly advise you to seek out a dedicated Subaru dealership. Sid Dillon, being primarily a Buick dealership, simply cannot offer the same level of expertise and support for Subaru vehicles. You'll miss out on the genuine Subaru Certified Pre-Owned program, which comes with specific benefits and guarantees. Additionally, they won't be able to fully assist you with setting up and utilizing the mySubaru services, which are designed for Subaru owners. And, naturally, the warranty options available through a Subaru dealership are likely to be more comprehensive and tailored to the brand.
Trade-ins: When it comes to trading in your current vehicle, be prepared for a potentially disappointing offer. Even when I presented them with solid evidence, including comparable quotes from reputable sources, they remained unwilling to offer a fair trade-in value. You'll likely find that you can get significantly more for your trade-in elsewhere.
Warranties and Financing: Don't automatically assume that the warranties and financing options offered by Sid Dillon are the best available. Take the time to shop around and compare offers from other providers. You'll almost certainly find more competitive rates and terms by exploring your options.
While the delivery and final paperwork were handled smoothly, the overall experience was far from ideal. It was a bit of a rollercoaster, with some high points and some definite low points. I'd recommend doing thorough research and approaching them with caution.
And to reiterate, Ahmed, the finance manager, has not attempted to contact me or address the issues I raised in my initial review.
