Saturday, January 14, 2012

Rimrock Auto Group, My adventures in purchasing a car!


A few years ago, I was finally reapproved for my disability claim. While I am not a huge fan of being on disability that does not mean I am too proud to take a hand up when it is offered and needed. Due to the fact my claim took so long to complete, I was awarded back pay. For those of you who might not know what that is, it’s when the government decides they owe you money because you were disabled the whole time they processed you. It couldn’t have been better timing for me, as my car had just died!

That may seem like a good and bad situation. Good that I was able to fix the problem, but maybe you would consider the need to go car shopping a bad thing. I guess in some cases you might be right! Alright, so in a lot of cases you would be right. You can’t argue with established history, at least not very well. I started my search with a local used car store, just to see what was available and in my price range. I hesitate to name the business because I don’t like to do negative reviews, however well deserved.

 I remember saying that I was there to browse and probably wouldn’t be making a purchase. The salesperson offered to take me inside and do a check on my credit so they would be able to match me up with a car I could afford. At this point, and as I think back I don’t think I ever did... I didn’t tell them I was paying cash up front in full.  They took one look at my score, sniffed in semi disgust and gestured for me to follow. Once we were back outside on the lot I was taken to a very beat up compact. I have nothing against compact cars even if I am a bit on the heavy side and I do have a sense of humor so I let him show me the car.     

The paint was peeling. That should have been a warning, and a gauge for just where I fit on their ideal customer meter. We opened the door, and the smell of "cat" hit me in the face making my eyes water. Still trying to be polite, even though at this point I was not the least bit interested I looked around the interior. The roof paneling was almost gone, and it had no shifter just a hole in the floor panel where one should have gone. This car was an automatic, and I am not quite sure how I was expected to drive off the lot. I suppose I was meant to find a screwdriver or perhaps stick my finger into the hole and pray I have the leverage to shift gears.

It was about that moment that I remembered my friend Steve owned a dealership or two. I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me sooner except that when it comes to friends I tend to focus more on their personality and their free time rather than bothering them at work. I called Steve up and he told me to come out and take a look at his lot. He didn’t mind helping me, even though he knew I wasn’t exactly going to be the wealthiest guy on his lot.

I went out to the Subaru store and found a salesman. Sadly, at this point, I don’t remember his name. I do however remember his friendly, welcoming attitude as well as his bright smile. My salesman was a kid in every sense of the word. He was a young guy just starting his life and career. Fresh out of training, I did my best to put him at ease so that he could help me more effectively. My credit score was not improving just because I crossed town to Steve’s lot. I was still not going to be able to get credit for much.

That fact didn’t faze my young salesman in the least. He actually wanted to help me find something for my kids to ride safely in. He looked a bit sheepish telling me that we might have to look at the used cars because of my score and I let him know that was just fine with me.

It was night and day between the two car lots that I had experienced. The first (NOT Rimrock!) dealership had been about making money. Fast and dirty, get the customers in and out seemed to be their mantra. While Rimrock wants to make money too as any business should they also have a policy of not selling anything they wouldn’t want to be seen in. Quality not quantity, banking on the repeat business of happy customers. This is a long haul company, not a short game like many of the other used car retailers.

After a lot of browsing, I settled on the vehicle voted ugliest car in America. Not because it was the only one I could afford, but because it suited my personality. We had found a car that matched my needs, my personality and my budget. I love my Pontiac Aztec. It may look odd on the outside, but inside is a comforting heart of gold. I have no idea who that sounds like, do you? I have that my Aztec, problem free for a few years now. The salesman made the difference by going above and beyond not just for his commission but for the happiness of his customer.

At one point, I would have told you that you can’t be a good person and a good businessman at the same time. I would have been wrong.

Let’s fast forward a few years, shall we? I am now sitting in Steve’s new Mercedes dealership. No, my writing is not good enough yet to be able to afford one of these beautiful machines. I did however learn from my purchasing experience that Steve and his company were the type of people that I would want to do business with. When I started my nonprofit company, I asked Steve to act as president. I know that he will watch the bottom line, but also watch for the best interests of the people he is there to serve.
I had been waiting to start our board meeting and I took a minute to write up just why you should bring your business to Rimrock Auto. It begins and ends with respect for their customer. Even if you are just a potential customer you matter to them.





The showroom is built around helping to put customers at ease. A large TV, in the comfortably furnished waiting area is just steps away from a coffee bar that could easily be imagined as having a barista staffed full time. The large windows give you a sense that this company has nothing to hide and wants to welcome you to look as much as you like. The care and attention to detail, and to the needs of their customers is nothing short of amazing in a world that has gone towards a do it quick mentality and a self serve staffing style.
If you are looking for a new or used car to purchase, and want to be treated like a worthwhile human being no matter your social standing or credit score, than I highly recommend Rimrock Auto. 

  Buying a car should be a good experience, not a headache and I think Rimrock Auto has found the Aspirin to take the headache out of the car buying experience before it even starts.    

  :Marcus Morris

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