We drove down as soon as we could and managed to snag an absolutely pristine vehicle at a fantastic price. He worked with me over the phone to describe the quality and errors of the car, and even dropped the price after we discovered it had 3 different types of tires. After picking the vehicle up, we drove back down south a week later, dropped the car off to get a couple items repaired that we had agreed upon at purchase, and he lent us an absolute rocket of a Nissan 370z for the week.
THE EXPERIENCE:
-Price: Transparent pricing is what Palace Auto Center offers. Do they have the lowest price in the area? Probably not. My advice is always do your homework and figure out what kind of car you want (appliance, performance or fun etc.). This is even more important if you are getting it through a dealer from an auction.
1. Make appointment: Palace Auto is a small dealership. Although drop-in is welcomed, the wait might be long if you need to talk to Rob and he is helping other customers (it happened to me once).
As a novice to car purchase, I started from not knowing much about cars or what I want. After finding Palace Auto on Google I dropped in on a Saturday evening. I scheduled test drive for a MINI and a BMW coupe on a later day. At that point I didn't know exactly what I was looking for, and Rob was very understanding and willing to answer the questions I had.
BOTTOM LINE:
My wife and I drove over 300 miles one way to pick up a car from Rob at Palace Auto Center. Couldn't have had a better experience. We had been talking with Rob for a couple weeks over the phone after finding an Audi Wagon on his site. (first off they appreciate the wagon... how cool is that!?)
We got our car fixed, and almost a year later the car still drives like a total dream :)
Two weeks later after the new car had almost been totaled by some idiot hitting us, I called him up and he helped provide me information that I needed to provide the insurance company, in addition, to the providing valuation information on the car. Rob was a total life saver.
It is an unique experience dealing with Rob.It is pure joy.
2. As with all big purchases, do the homework. It's easier to pick on Rob's brain if you have rough idea of what you want.
My personal experience with Palace Auto Center and Rob (the owner) was very pleasant, which is something I've never felt while dealing with a dealer/agent until Rob. Among the ranks of real estate agents, bankers and car dealers whom I've interacted with, Rob struck a perfect balance between being personable and professional.
Thank you
They've just got great service, knowledgeable staff and are simply honorable people. We look forward to going back and purchasing another vehicle!
3. Find something you really like instead of just OKAY with. I'm happy that I said 'No' to a couple cars that were 'okay' to finally find the perfect one.
During the process I grew interested in Electric Vehicle, especially the BMW i3 model. I asked Rob if he could get one for me from an auction. Rob then told me about the Manheim highline auction that happens once a month in the bay area. He was very transparent about the fee structure. Rob educated me a great deal on how auction works and how to interpret carfax report etc. It was a joy to work with him and learn about cars from him.
I left the dealership with a 2014 BMW i3 REx and only 13k mileage, and paid under $19k. After a week of driving it, I decided Palace Auto Center is worth an honest review from a happy customer.
-Service: Palace Auto's service is what differentiates them from other Bay area dealers I encountered. Personally I felt very comfortable trusting Rob with making decision on my behalf on an auction. The trust was built through Rob's honest, straightforward communication and knowledge on cars. He didn't mind spending time educating me on cars and the used car market, which I found precious as I'm always curious about unfamiliar subject. Rob pointed out potential tire issue caused by having really thin tires on the BMW i3 after looking at the data for seconds. His information gave me direction on further research on the model's pro&cons. Rob apparently values how a customer feels AFTER the purchase.
I just got my 2009 BMW 750IL from this place and they are awesome Rob the owner and Todd the tech, I highly recommend this place. they will work with you until you are satisfied.
Let me start by saying google the VIN on any vehicle you might be interested in buying what you might see may shock you. Came here 3yrs ago to purchase an Audi A6 with Rob as he was showing me this car it had a nick on the hood - no problem I thought to myself. Rob said it was the only ding on this car and never had any collision damage. As soon as I looked at the rest of the car and test drove it with my parents I decided I'll take it. A few weeks into driving the car the check engine light came on took it back said it was just a simple misfire and had it fixed. A few months after that the check engine light came on again took it to my mechanic told me it had multiple misfire codes. Not trying to waste any time I went ahead with the repairs which was basically a tune up but the simple misfires turned out to be me needing to practically rebuild the engine as the timming chains, all four might I add, and their respective tensioners needed to be replaced. Looked on google and had found my car was from the east coast and was practically totaled by its previous owner, and around 90k these cars need those timing chains replaced.
I also made a last-minute change-of-mind on the morning of the auction day, which I texted to Rob and he did great in following through. By the end of last Wednesday I have the BMW i3 that feels brand-new and under my budget. The transaction was easy and it took another two and half days for detailing, inspection and window tinting.
4. Be upfront about expectations and concerns.
Advice to anyone going to Palace Auto Center:
Palace Auto Center is a US Car Dealer based in Pleasanton, California. Palace Auto Center is located at 7070 Commerce Cir, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA.
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