[SailCT]

Specifically looking for a really good used car dealer specializing in Subarus and/or 4runners

[nico7]

I have had good experiences with CarMax. You can search their whole national inventory for the exact car (eg, Subarus/4Runners) that you want. If you find it, and just need to see it in person, you can transfer it to your local CarMax to test drive. No obligation to buy, but if you do, the transfer fee goes towards your purchase. One of the best things about them is they have transparent standard policies/practices.

[Stylo]

I’ve heard good things about Dan Perkins for used Subaru.

[BeyondtheHorizon]

Originally Posted by nico7

I have had good experiences with CarMax. You can search their whole national inventory for the exact car (eg, Subarus/4Runners) that you want. If you find it, and just need to see it in person, you can transfer it to your local CarMax to test drive. No obligation to buy, but if you do, the transfer fee goes towards your purchase. One of the best things about them is they have transparent standard policies/practices.

carmax is a rip off. Just go on cargurus.com and compare multiple dealers. Carmax's non negotiable price is thousands higher than most dealer's asking price. It's amazing how people don't do their homework. If you want to overpay by thousands for a used car than carmax is great. And yes it's very transparent. You pay thousands over retail. You can walk into any dealership and pay less than carmax without even having to haggle, but carmax's marketing has led people to believe otherwise. In some cases you could get a brand new car(once incentives/low financing ect are factored in) for near the same price as around 2 year old vehicle at car max.

[nico7]

Originally Posted by BeyondtheHorizon

carmax is a rip off. Just go on cargurus.com and compare multiple dealers. Carmax's non negotiable price is thousands higher than most dealer's asking price. It's amazing how people don't do their homework. If you want to overpay by thousands for a used car than carmax is great. And yes it's very transparent. You pay thousands over retail. You can walk into any dealership and pay less than carmax without even having to haggle, but carmax's marketing has led people to believe otherwise. In some cases you could get a brand new car(once incentives/low financing ect are factored in) for near the same price as around 2 year old vehicle at car max.

I see your point if the object is primarily to save money -- cargurus.com seems like a good option. Keep in mind though that used vehicles from the Northeast, where the roads and sidewalks are salted for ice/snow (and we have saltwater as well) are likely to develop rust earlier. A used Connecticut car will be in worse condition, even if you can't see it yet, than one from an area with less/no snow. (Sun exposure also has a strong effect, so a garaged car is better.)

It's not a matter of not doing my homework. I purchased a rare vehicle (engine option) and selected my exact car from among the best examples (year/miles/options/price/history) available anywhere. I did extensive research on Autotrader, Cars.com, etc., and visited the only local dealer who had the vehicle, so I was aware of paying a slightly above average price for the vehicle I eventually purchased at CarMax. It was transferred for a reasonable fee from a CarMax 500 miles away, and then I got to test drive it before purchasing. It was more important to me to get the car that I wanted than the cheapest example I could find. If cheapest is "best," we just have different definitions.

I worked for a CT Ford dealership one summer and was instructed on how to pressure customers into buying. I've also been on the receiving end of those tactics when buying a used car. In those cases (both in CT), the sales person had no reason at all to care what happened after the sale. They didn't know anything about a used vehicle other than what was printed on the window sticker. Carmax has a standardized inspection/renewal process before putting cars on sale and a 5-day money-back guarantee and a 60-day limited warranty (in CT) after the sale.

To me, it is much more a rip-off to end up with a car that isn't the one I wanted, just because that's what is available locally -- although admittedly, I am an "enthusiast," not just someone buying transportation. I really felt great about getting the exact car I wanted... still do. Every time I look at my car, I think "I couldn't have done a better job at buying exactly the right car for me." I suppose the same could be achieved by looking around on Autotrader or CarGurus and then flying around the country to test-drive the individual vehicles you like... but rather cost-prohibitive and inconvenient.

[SeaDoo342]

Carmax will charge you 10-20% more for a car without a decent warranty and higher interest. Avoid!!!

[BeyondtheHorizon]

Originally Posted by nico7

I see your point if the object is primarily to save money -- cargurus.com seems like a good option. Keep in mind though that used vehicles from the Northeast, where the roads and sidewalks are salted for ice/snow (and we have saltwater as well) are likely to develop rust earlier. A used Connecticut car will be in worse condition, even if you can't see it yet, than one from an area with less/no snow. (Sun exposure also has a strong effect, so a garaged car is better.)

It's not a matter of not doing my homework. I purchased a rare vehicle (engine option) and selected my exact car from among the best examples (year/miles/options/price/history) available anywhere. I did extensive research on Autotrader, Cars.com, etc., and visited the only local dealer who had the vehicle, so I was aware of paying a slightly above average price for the vehicle I eventually purchased at CarMax. It was transferred for a reasonable fee from a CarMax 500 miles away, and then I got to test drive it before purchasing. It was more important to me to get the car that I wanted than the cheapest example I could find. If cheapest is "best," we just have different definitions.

I worked for a CT Ford dealership one summer and was instructed on how to pressure customers into buying. I've also been on the receiving end of those tactics when buying a used car. In those cases (both in CT), the sales person had no reason at all to care what happened after the sale. They didn't know anything about a used vehicle other than what was printed on the window sticker. Carmax has a standardized inspection/renewal process before putting cars on sale

To me, it is much more a rip-off to end up with a car that isn't the one I wanted, just because that's what is available locally -- although admittedly, I am an "enthusiast," not just someone buying transportation. I really felt great about getting the exact car I wanted... still do. Every time I look at my car, I think "I couldn't have done a better job at buying exactly the right car for me." I suppose the same could be achieved by looking around on Autotrader or CarGurus and then flying around the country to test-drive the individual vehicles you like... but rather cost-prohibitive and inconvenient.

This really sounds like a marketing rep for car max. They've actually been on sites posting when a bad article showing how they are overpriced .

All dealerships tell you they do the inspection process. I wouldn't trust carmax nor a dealer. That being said, most of the time everything is ok, but I take it to a mechanic for an inspection before purchase. I don't care about salt on roads since I'm not changing my brakes/suspension components myself. It basically just makes things a pain in the ass under the car to work on. But that will happen within a few years of northeast driving yourself anyway. I'm not planning on keeping a car for 30 years to worry about rust on chassis from being driven in the northeast. I don't care about "rare" vehicles and neither do 99 percent of consumers. Do you know how many accords/camry's/nissans/fords carmax probably sells at grossly inflated rates? Carmax gets a ton of cars from auction like any other dealer and of course trade in. The idea they have "better" cars is laughable.

Oh yeah and consumer reviews of carmax are horrific as well

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/carmax.html

[Stylo]

There’s also something to be said about Certified Pre Owned warranties from the dealer. I find those cars are usually in the best shape, and nothing beats that warranty.

The Carmax extended warranties are good, but you pay for it.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Stylo

There’s also something to be said about Certified Pre Owned warranties from the dealer. I find those cars are usually in the best shape, and nothing beats that warranty.

The Carmax extended warranties are good, but you pay for it.

I agree and have bought a couple certified used cars from dealers. A few years back though I bought a new car because as BeyondtheHorizon noted, I got almost as good of a deal on a brand new car with incentives and low financing. The key is you must do your research. Jay

[nico7]

Originally Posted by BeyondtheHorizon

This really sounds like a marketing rep for car max.

Nah, I just love my car. After 5 years. And there wouldn't have been another way for me to buy it. I have no affiliation with CarMax and my auto sales job was just a summer gig ten years ago. I am in biotech R&D...

Since the OP asked about Subarus and 4Runners... Watch out for 2WD 4Runners -- they exist and are cheaper Also, terrible in the CT snow (I previously owned one). The ride in a 4Runner is pretty harsh... It is a truck chassis, same as the Tacoma. Think about a Highlander, if you are not driving off-road.