Stephen AutoMall Centre

first i am upset that i didnt see the reviews on Unilocal before going here. the bbb has an aplus rating for this place and there are websites that gave them 4to 5 stars and now i look here after i bought the car and i am upset. i bought a used 2005 toyota rav 4 fir
st it was 9000.00 and the loan they got us was crap and being that they got all these good ratings everywhere i trusted the
husband and i test drove the car and i pointed out a few things. the manager said that before it left the lot they wouod fix it and make sure everything was good, i made it clear i was on a budget and needed a car for long commutes. needless to say we signed the paperwork for the car and the car was oberpriced by ALOT the car kept shaking and we took it back 2 times. within the first week and a half of getting it. i dont know who they hire for mechanics or if they know what the heck they are doing but it has been less than a month and the stupid tire light is on and it still mildy shakes. if they tell you some bull like before you drive the car of the lot we are going to fix anything wrong with the vehicle. dont trust i am an idiot for even believing them screw the ratings they got from everywhere else. this experience with them sucked now i got to pay out if my own pocket and see if i could get it fixed, cause guess what the bucket car was sold as is. and even though it was as is and tried ti fix it, how many damn times do i have to go to the same place and compain about the same problem. and say take the time you need to fix it correctly and they rush itlnever again will i bring my buisnnes here or refer anyone i know

My late mom bought a new Toyota Yaris from these guys in 2010. The MSRPs of this car then ranged from 12,605 — $ 14,165, but her model was the cheapest — the 3 door hatchback. They charged her almost $ 17,000, and the out-​the-​door total was a little under $ 20,000. For the cheapest Yaris with no options.
Ok, so they got her. She was 82 then, so I guess she was fair game.
But the last little tidbit is that selling the car now in 2016, I learned that the whole driver’s side door and back panels were damaged at the dealership and extensively repaired. None of this showed up on a Carfax report since it was handled internally, but two independent appraisers both pointed out all the repair work.
The value of this car with 22,500 miles in terrific condition is $ 3,000.
There is no recourse for me here, but buy from this dealership at your own peril. You are warned!

It pains me to write this review because my first couple of experiences at this dealer were quite positive. But after my last ordeal, I have to share my experience.
I have a 2013 Suzuki Kizashi which boasts one the industries’ best warranties, 7/​100K on the powertrain, ³⁄₃₆ bumper-​to-​bumper. Back in July I noticed a leak under my vehicle coming from the bottom of the transmission housing. This was alarming as there was only 22K miles on my Suzuki at the time. Stephen’s Toyota is the closest authorized Suzuki service center to me (at over 20 miles away), so I paid them a visit. I indicated that there was a leak that appeared to be coming from the transmission. I had taken several photos on my cell phone and showed the service advisor. They quickly informed me that it was my oil pan leaking, not the transmission. They were able to get me right in and dropped the oil pan and resealed it. The next day I noticed the «splash shield» under the motor was never reinstalled and they had to order a new one. I had to make another trip there to have it installed.
Then early November, I noticed the leak was still there. I got under the vehicle and took more photos which looked just like the pics I took in July. On ¹¹⁄₄ I was back at Stephen’s. They informed me that it was gear oil and was the axle seal as they had to remove the axle for the oil pan work back in July. They had to order the part and it would take a day or so. I asked about a loaner/​rental as according to Suzuki’s website, one should be provided. The service advisor said that Suzuki does not because they are «under bankruptcy.» A quick call to Suzuki’s customer service and they indicated that as long as I’m under warranty and the repair will take more than a day, they cover a rental. Suzuki had to call Stephen’s to get me the loaner.
After replacing the axle seal, it was still leaking. They then did a dye test and it turns out the culprit was an input shaft seal which required the transmission to be removed. My transmission was low a quart of gear oil, which is almost half the entire capacity. There was never an oil leak from my engine, or axle; it was the input shaft seal the entire time. Additionally when I was showing my co-​worker the photos of the leak, he noticed the flywheel was exposed and said there should be a cover. I called Stephen’s and they assured me there was no cover. After some sleuthing on the internet, I confirmed there is a cover and called them back with the part number. The service advisor looked it up and verified it and said they must not have replaced it when they did the oil pan in July.
When following up on the status, I was continuously informed they kept getting the incorrect parts from Suzuki, due to Suzuki’s «bankruptcy.» After speaking with Suzuki Customer Service, they tracked what parts the dealer ordered and they concluded they were ordering the wrong parts.
I got the call on ¹²⁄₃ that my Kizashi was ready, almost one month to the day from my initial visit. Stephen’s had put 200 miles on my car. The gas tank was on empty. My car had not been washed and there is a good size door ding on my rear quarter panel. I could have easily gone back in with my complaints, but I just wanted my car back and to get home. It’s unfortunate what occurred because they were pleasant and apologetic. But I was genuinely put off by them constantly blaming Suzuki’s bankruptcy as the cause for the delay and them just throwing parts and making guesses as to where the leak was coming from. Bottom line, if they did the due diligence back in July and traced the leak with dye, then they would have known it was the input shaft seal and we would have avoided this entire debacle (and cost on their end.) I just hope that no permanent damage was done with the gear oil so low for so long.

I’m so happy I didn’t waste my time driving over an hour to get to this place. I called about a car for two days and these people gave me the run around, seemed to have no idea what they were talking about, transferred me to 1000 different empty offices, then just never called me back with the info I had requested. Not sure why you would just completely dismiss a person ready to spend 15 000 at your business, but whatever. Got a better car from a much more reputable dealer anyway.

Went there and test drove a car back when I was looking for a new car to lease. I don’t remember who exactly I met with, but neither of the two people I talked to ever contacted me again after getting my contact info and with them knowing I was actively looking for a new car.
Their lack of interest told me all I needed to know, and I took my business elsewhere.

Ron is awesome! He’s helped my family before, and now it was my turn. I just graduated college and was looking to buy my first car. He along with my parents helped me choose and get a good rate. I my Corolla! Thanks Ron !

Excellent advise and service. As a new car owner, they were patient in helping me with each step. Bob Winner provided thorough explanations of of each consideration and required step.
Glen Nelson was friendly, personable, and honest about car purchase considerations (e.g. brakes felt funny, he pointed it out and addressed the issue immediately).
I purchased a pre-​owned car for an extremely reasonable price considering the mileage. Feel brand new!

I love them! I was able to get into a like new car-​it only had 3000 miles on it! They paid my other car’s loan off in full! The warranties I got are amazing, it’s 4 years later and they have me in a 2015 rental with no restrictions while my car is being repaired free of charge… I can’t say enough great things about Stephen’s. I won’t go anywhere else! Matthew and Artie rock! Thanks guys!

Overall completely satisfied with my purchase experience at Stephen Toyota. Joshua was great and there was no BS, which was big for me. I definitely recommend Josh and the team in Bristol.

I had a very good experience shopping here. I was helped by Jason Rivera. He was very helpful, friendly and I didn’t feel pressured at all. I felt like the team there genuinely wants to help you get the vehicle you want and will do whatever they can to make it happen. I also feel that they are honest which is a must when you’re car shopping. Highly recommend!

They ran my credit, they knew what I was looking to pay, I told them in advance that if there is nothing that they can do, after they pulled my credit, please let me know. They were really good at reassuring me that they can make it work. I go there to close the deal; they quoted me at 50% higher and double the down payment. I wasted 1 hour of my life that I will never get back with these clowns. Yusef, the salesman, was OK, but even him I think could have told me ahead of time.
Their cars might be good, but I can not speak on that.

If giving zero stars was an option I would give it. My wife and I went into this dealership to compare prices on a GMC vehicle. We walked into the showroom and no one acknowledge our presence for a good 20min. and I was standing directly in front of the sales desk. Once we finally met with our salesperson (we will call him M.) He proceeded to set up a test drive which we told him we did not need because we knew what we were looking for and had already driven it. He pushed us into wasting time on a test drive anyway. Once we finally sat to talk, M tried to push us to commit to purchasing tonight without providing a car, details or a price. We provided M with the specs of the car we wanted but he would not listen to what we had to say. Not to mention, he had no knowledge about the car or the incentives GM is currently offering. He just kept pushing to try and close a deal tonight and selling us what he had in stock. He never presented us with what our trade in value would be. Once we got him to hear us he spent most of the time talking with the manager leaving us to sit and twiddle our thumbs without even an offer for water. Once they said they could not find one color we were interested in (among 8 or so we said we would consider) in the make and model, they said they could not help and would not be providing us with any estimates. Hello! You spent all night trying to up-​sell to me, why not try finding me another color. After 2+ hrs of wasted time and no price estimates, we left. As a sales guy myself this place demonstrated very poor customer service. We will buy our car somewhere else.

Hell no– horrible experience here. This is the epitome of the used car dealer stereotype that exists. I had to threaten to call BBB on this business. The salesman was aggressive and screamed at me when I decided to take my business elsewhere. 2 days later that same salesman landed in the newspaper due to getting arrested– he was aggressive with another salesman, and he was arrested. This place is a damn circus.

Dang, can’t do 0 stars? Oh well…
If you’re looking to buy a used car, look elsewhere. I saw a car online, so I called them up to see if it was still available. They told me I had to make an appointment to come see it. Weird, but okay. I made the appointment, I had to take time off from work because Bristol isn’t exactly next door. I get a confirmation email from their online customer service rep AND the salesman the day before. I get down there 10 minutes early, wait around for half an hour, and finally the salesman comes out to greet me. Not satisfied. I tell him I’m there because I had the appointment to see this certain car. He says he’ll get the keys and we’ll take it for a test-​drive.
He comes back 10 minutes later. He says he can’t find the car. Let me reiterate that: HE CANNOT FIND THE CAR. You have a thousand vehicles in your stock and you LOSE a car?! No. They obviously sold it and wanted to save face. They then say, «BUT you might want to look at some of our newer models!» The ol’ bait’n’switch… That’s how they get you.
No matter how glitzy or glamorous they try to make their store, they will forever be «Stephen’s World’o’Wheels». If you’re looking for a used car, LOOK ELSEWHERE.

I took my wife’s 2004 Corolla to Stephen’s April 2013 for an air bag recall — first time ever to this dealership. I too found the signage on their property very poor — didn’t know where to turn, where to park, or even which door to enter. After walking inside it wasn’t much better — just pure luck that I made the right turn and stopped at the right desk. Friendly reception and they finished the recall work in a short time. I also requested an oil change which cost a few bucks less than where I usually go in Hartford — that was nice. While that was being done, as usual the environmental filter behind the glove compartment was checked. They said it was dirty and would cost $ 57 to replace — I passed on that — $ 57 sounded way out of order from what I could remember from a previous replacement (they quoted the same price to others in the waiting area).
A few days later, I bought the filter retail for $ 18 and change, and installed it in 10 minutes. Very simple procedure that I got from an internet video — an experienced technician I’m sure could change it in two minutes max. That means that Stephen’s was trying to charge about $ 40 for about 2 minutes time to change this paper filter. I sent them an email over their website for an explanation. A lady wrote to me twice, even a follow-​up, to be sure that another lady had contacted me with an explanation. Of course as you can guess, I never heard from the lady who was going to explain the rate they wanted to charge.

I’m so disappointed in how the service has gone so bad here. The language they use so openly here is atrocious and clearly indicative of an angry miserable bunch. What is it you are so mad about that you treat customers and employees so badly? It’s so clear that the employees here are all so unhappy. When is the last time the owner did anything meaningfully nice for you guys? This is not the type of place I want to shop at and it will be a long time before I return if I ever do! Time for new management and sell it to someone who will clean this dump up!

Careful of the bait and switch! I’d give them zero stars if it were an option. This review is based entirely on a recent experience. My son was looking to replace his current car with a newer model. He did a lot of searching for the right model and found one at Stephen’s Auto Mall in Bristol. It met all his requirements (i.e. low mileage, reasonable cost, make and model he wanted, etc…). He called to find out more about the car on Saturday morning, mostly to see if it was still there so we could go and see it and take it for a test drive. The salesperson said yes, it’s here, it’s a beauty… Would you like to make an appointment to see it? My son said sure; let’s make it for 60 minutes from now as that’s how long it will take me to get there. The salesperson said great, looking forward to seeing you. Off we went to Stephen’s with my son being preapproved for his loan and the title of his old car in hand…
When we got there, the first person we spoke to knew nothing of having the make/​model car we were looking for. After a couple calls, he sent us to speak with another salesperson that basically sent us to yet another salesperson in another building. When we met the third person, he brought us into his office with a big smile and sat us down only to say the car was sold yesterday. He asked if we’d be interested in seeing X… X being a newer car, different make and model, more money. I asked why he allowed us to drive an hour to get there just to find out the car was no longer available… he couldn’t answer and didn’t even offer an apology. I asked to see a manager, not that I thought they could do anything but more for the sake of ensuring they knew this was bad business practice and that I wasn’t happy about driving an hour, specifically after we asked if it was still available only to find out it wasn’t. He introduced me to the sales manager… another person that didn’t even acknowledge any wrong doing or offer any apologies. All he said was I can’t produce the car now, would you be interested in X?

I told him how disappointed I was and that I hoped he knew this was bad business… again, no apology. On the way home, we found a similar car to the one my son was looking for at a location 60 minutes from our house in the opposite direction… In the end, it worked out better for him as the car we subsequently went to see after the fiasco at Stephen’s was much nicer and my son bought it. However, it wasn’t without the displeasure of dealing with the morons at Stephen’s Auto Mall… Never Again! I can only imagine how poor the service is after you buy something from them… Buyer beware!

Last summer my boyfriend bought a 2000 Acura TL. Fast forward to this year. The transmission is shot and needs replacing. They initially quote him $ 2400 for either a repair or rebuilt tranny installed, including labor. Two weeks later the guy changed his story and claimed he the $ 2400 was without labor and it would be $ 3200 with.
Needless to say that was the end of his business relationship with them

I had purchased a Toyota from this dealer about 4 years ago. I consistently went to them for servicing and was never disappointed. I felt that the work done was quality and it was always ready when they promised.
Because I lived alone, if the work would take several hours, they would actually drive me home and then pick me up later when it was finished. I have never experienced a deal/​service center with such courtesy.
The oil changes can take a little longer than 30 minutes like other car places tend to promise, but that’s ok.
Their waiting area has television, coffee and chairs. They are located next to a home depot so you could always browse there if you feel so inclined.