New car dealers for a new purchase

[jgd3rd]

I am looking for opinions regarding Jenkins Auto Group. Considering buying a new Acura and looking for input regarding them or other dealers. If I do not buy a Acura, I am looking for advice regarding Honda dealers area including Claremont, Ocala, etc.Orlando.

[BrianL99]

I am looking for opinions regarding Jenkins Auto Group. Considering buying a new Acura and looking for input regarding them or other dealers. If I do not buy a Acura, I am looking for advice regarding Honda dealers area including Claremont, Ocala, etc.Orlando.

The company I work for is a franchised dealer for 13 different makes of automobiles. When I'm spending my money on an every day car, I'll only buy Infiniti or Acura. Good choice.

Jenkins seems to get mixed reviews on this site. As you probably know, your options are limited with Acura.

[pikeselectric]

Hi there! I have been with Jenkins Acura since I started driving. I have purchased 2 new Acura ILX models from Jenkins Acura and I have had 4 total Acura cars serviced at Jenkins. I love the people there! Brandon Bonilla was my sales rep, but he is now at Jenkins Mazda in finance, he can still help you throughout the Jenkins dealers. Also Danny Cowan is another good contact at Jenkins Acura :)

[Babubhat]

Ocala Honda was ok. J experience for me was the most unpleasant in my lifetime. Couldn’t leave fast enough

Your best option is to execute the buying process online or try Costco buying service. I never want to see a dealer again

[Topspinmo]

Why do you think they call them wheeler dealers?:eclipsee_gold_cup: Every car I brought new I had sneaking feeling I got taken somehow. Why? They won’t deal unless they get deal what they want. Most try waiting game hoping you will just cave in. IMO if can’t make deal in 20 minutes best to walk out. Ordering totally different prices are set little room to negotiate. Then comes problem when car arrives the new set of skinning starts with add ons.

[gatorbill1]

Try Autonation if you do not want to pay over MSRP - online is excellent

[justjim]

OP, all I can recommend is find a good salesperson wherever you go. I purchased a Subaru in 2023. Good customer service from Village Subaru (formerly Bill Bryan) on 441 in Leesburg. Unfortunately my salesperson has moved from the area. I think the salesperson relationship is the “key” to satisfaction with a car dealership. If someone can make that type of recommendation, that is where I would purchase my car. Good luck.

[ROCKETMAN]

I have leased 5 cars from Jenkins Hundia or Kia. When I go in I have a down payment in mind and monthly payment in mind. The first offer they give me is always something way to high. Then I tell them my limit and I always have gotten reasonably close. Service has always been first class.

[rsmurano]

I almost bought from a Jenkins dealer in Leesburg. The car was 3 months old and I test drove it, liked it, and told the salesman I’ll buy it. When he came back with the paper work, the out the door price was $11,000 higher. I told the salesman deal was off. He brought over the manager and the manager told me that he deals with people with money from the Villages and they add these certain packages onto the cost, 1 package was close to $8000, and the people buy these packages. This packages are a ripoff, and when a car dealer manager thinks he can apply any fictitious package because his customer is on the older side and have money is just wrong.

After this, I sent out requests to all dealers in a 300 mile radius and some a couple thousand miles away to give me an out the door cost for a specific vehicle, which these requirements. Out the door meant there were no extra costs if I was to buy the car. I get a wide range of prices. Then I got got down to the final 3 and they wanted the deal so they dropped the price more where the other dealer couldn’t match it. I drove down to Tampa, test drove the car, bought it with no increase in cost nor any conversation about do we want this extra package at closing.

[banjobob]

As usual if you are trading in a vehicle they try to lowball its value, have the trade-in detailed , check online retail prices for similar vehicles as your trade-in , remember mileage on a trade rules the price. Example we had a 8 year old Altima with less than 10,000 miles per year Jenkins offered $ 6000 on a new Rogue, I sold the Altima myself for $12000.

[LoisR]

Owned several cars from them. Great deals and great people. You can't go wrong.

[sdeikenberry]

A dealership is only as good as the people on the floor running it...regardless of who owns the enterprise. Over my lifetime, I've found doing my homework before I go in to look, understanding what a fair profit is, being willing to walk away, keeping it "only business,"not getting emotional, and not trying to become friends with the dealership staff works for me. Those things take away much of the perceived power dealership staff has in making the deal.

[retiredguy123]

As usual if you are trading in a vehicle they try to lowball its value, have the trade-in detailed , check online retail prices for similar vehicles as your trade-in , remember mileage on a trade rules the price. Example we had a 8 year old Altima with less than 10,000 miles per year Jenkins offered $ 6000 on a new Rogue, I sold the Altima myself for $12000.
In my opinion, if you are trading in the vehicle at a dealership, spending money for detailing is a waste of money. The dealer doesn't care if it's been detailed.

[vinricci]

Jenkins Beware
I sold my Honda Van to Jenkins Honda in Leesburg and they assured me that after paying off my loan balance I would receive a check in about 5-7 business days. A week went by and I decided to check with Honda Finance. They did not receive payment. When I went back to Jenkins to ask why they hadn't sent payment, they couldn't find any paperwork showing they had purchased my vehicle even though my van was posted for sale on their website. They made me fill out everything all over again. By this time my payment to the finance company was past due. Another week passed and still no money from Jenkins. Their Manager told me that they were waiting for the title and release of lien. Furious, I complained to Honda Corporate Headquarters. After calling Jenkins they discovered that the dealer not only had the title in hand but had sold my van without paying me. Finally, on May 17, almost a month after my first visit and numerous phone calls between Honda Corporate, American Honda Finance and the Better Business Bureau I was paid.

[vinricci]

They should be reported to BBB and Seniors vs Crime.

[capdad613Aa]

BUYER BEWARE..applies at that location.
the real slight of hand is when you get to FINANCING

[Djean1981]

When buying anything substantial, whenever possible leave the local area. You'll likely save lots of money.

[derkster]

I am looking for opinions regarding Jenkins Auto Group. Considering buying a new Acura and looking for input regarding them or other dealers. If I do not buy a Acura, I am looking for advice regarding Honda dealers area including Claremont, Ocala, etc.Orlando.

Steer clear of any Jenkins dealership. They are bait and switch operators and will hide costs from you until you see the final paperwork.

[retiredguy123]

Steer clear of any Jenkins dealership. They are bait and switch operators and will hide costs from you until you see the final paperwork.
When I buy a vehicle, I make the dealer an out-the-door, take it or leave it price. If they accept it, the final paperwork doesn't matter. I will write a check for the agreed amount or I will be gone.

[jwilde3rd]

Jenkins Acura gave me a quote on a new MDX that was ridiculous. I did not even try to counter. If you like the Acura product I would shop out of town and have maintenance done at their Honda dealer in Leesburg.

[Cindy619]

Last time we were shopping for a new car, we (unknowingly) went to Jenkins. They had a script to follow; took our keys, ensuring we could not leave. Three hours later, we finally left after we finally got our keys back. NEVER again.

[Indydealmaker]

I am looking for opinions regarding Jenkins Auto Group. Considering buying a new Acura and looking for input regarding them or other dealers. If I do not buy a Acura, I am looking for advice regarding Honda dealers area including Claremont, Ocala, etc.Orlando.
Jenkins are your typical dealerships. Test drive at the dealership, but buy online. No slime and less time.

[HJBeck]

would not do business with Jenkins again. Rude and try to stick it to villagers.

[maistocars]

I have nothing but good things to say about Jenkins Honda. Bill the Sales Manager took care of us in less than 90 minutes, which included selling current car to them and buying new. Best experience I've had buying a car ever. This happened 3 weeks ago.

[Birdrm]

Most auto dealers try to add all types of fees and add ons because they are pure profit, look closely at what is on the final contract and question everything that looks overly charged. the only addition charges I paid were about $200 for registration. then they tried to add this spray on ceramic coating for $500, I continually said no, no, no and they ended up doing the coating for $50. You have to be forceful and look at the contract before signing anything. If there is an item that you don't want to pay and they won't budge then walk out!

[Lisanp@aol.com]

The Jenkins Jokers are the worst! I have bought two cars from Hyundai/Genesis of Central FL in Claremont and they are one of the finest dealers I have ever done business with! As an aside, my Hyundai is by far my favorite car that I presently own out of 4 - two of which are high end German autos.

[JoelJohnson]

Went to look at a Subaru in Orlando, wife wanted to stop at Jenkins Honda to look at a CRV. The first one we saw wasn't much different from our 2008 CRV, so we were about to leave when a 2024 CRV EXL just came off the truck. After looking at (never test drove it) we spent several hours talking to the salesman and coming up with a price. At the end he came up with a price, which was within our budget, but my wife wanted to ask for $500 less. We went to the manager and said that the price was as low as he could go. My wife said "well, we might as well go look at that Subaru". Suddenly the manager said in a loud voice, and said "Just sell them the car!"
We drove the new car home that day. Did we get the best price ever? No. Did we get a fair price? Yes.
Are we happy with the car? Very much so.
Had our first oil change at 1,000 miles (just to ensure there were no particles left over in the manufacturing process).
We are hoping to get at least the same miles on this car as we did on the 2008, 170,000.
Our daughter has the 2008 now and I expect that it will go beyond 200,000 miles.

[tophcfa]

When I buy a vehicle, I make the dealer an out-the-door, take it or leave it price. If they accept it, the final paperwork doesn't matter. I will write a check for the agreed amount or I will be gone.

That’s the only way to do it. Nothing gets me out the door faster than taking about how much it costs per month, who cares. The all in 100% cost to drive away the vehicle is all that matters.

[BrianL]

I am looking for opinions regarding Jenkins Auto Group. Considering buying a new Acura and looking for input regarding them or other dealers. If I do not buy a Acura, I am looking for advice regarding Honda dealers area including Claremont, Ocala, etc. Orlando.

We purchase a new Subaru in July. We shopped at one of the Jenkins Auto group dealerships, they are excessively high on prices. You can get the service done anyplace; however, it would be good to shop around if you're going to spend the money for a new vehicle. We ended up purchasing at a dealership in the Tampa Bay area. Their price, prior to any negotiations was over $5,000 less than Jenkins. Look at the dealerships in the Orlando and Tampa area before going with Jenkins.

Good luck with the new vehicle shopping.

[collie1228]

When our neighbor bought a new Hyundai from a local dealership and paid over $3K over sticker for the privilege of buying the car from that dealership, we decided to check out other alternatives for our new car purchase. We bought a new Hyundai Tucson from an upstate New York dealership at the sticker price (no premium) and drove the new car home. The deal was very clean, and the paperwork done for us with a NY temporary plate which was easily converted to a FL registration after our return.

[genobambino]

Stay away from Plaza, everything is way over priced, I won't even look at their ads in the Sun newspaper

[lawgolfer]

Last time we were shopping for a new car, we (unknowingly) went to Jenkins. They had a script to follow; took our keys, ensuring we could not leave. Three hours later, we finally left after we finally got our keys back. NEVER again.

After finishing law school and waiting 6 months for the results of the Bar exam, I worked for a small dealership. The sales manager was a 25 year veteran of the industry and had cut his teeth at Mission Chevrolet in Daly City (San Francisco). He would regale me with his stories of sales tactics. One of the best was to get the keys to the buyer's car for, ostensibly, taking a test drive to determine its value as a trade-in. He couldn't have cared less about the car's condition and would have a man drive it around to the back, park it, and leave it. He'd then have the driver throw the keys on the roof and blame him for taking off for lunch with them in his pocket when the customer tried to leave.

The door from the outside of the building to the several small sales rooms had a one-way lock. You could walk in, but could not walk out. The small sales rooms were equipped with a microphone. If there were two people, husband and wife or parent and child, he would leave to "take the offer" to his manager, go to another room and listen to the buyers talk about the car and what they could spend, either in total or by the month. He'd then return with a figure that was a small amount less than what he had heard, either in total or for the monthly payment. That slightly smaller amount almost always worked to close the sale. If necessary, he'd add 3, 6, or 12 months to the number of payments to get the monthly amount reduced.

For young men, he said that dropping a hint or two about gaining status among his friends and how he might "get lucky" with the girls were the two best sales pitches. Selling "undercoating" was one of the biggest money makers. He could get $150-250 for having tar sprayed on the underside of the car, for which he paid $25 to a small shop in the Fillmore district. Installing after-market radios, only AM in the early days, later AM/FM and later still 8 tracks, was a big money maker as were after-market floor mats.

Later versions of the "undercoating" scam were the "paint sealant" and then "ceramic" polish. Currently, it is "Nano" sealant or "graphite" sealant.

In my career, I represented many auto dealers at the behest of their insurer. Those are stories which will curl your hair.

[zmannscz]

I am looking for opinions regarding Jenkins Auto Group. Considering buying a new Acura and looking for input regarding them or other dealers. If I do not buy a Acura, I am looking for advice regarding Honda dealers area including Claremont, Ocala, etc.Orlando.

In January, I went to Autonation in Sanford. Bought a new Acura RDX with no added on “Market Adjustment” dollars anywhere. They don’t believe in that.
Love my car!

[LianneMigiano]

Totally agree "Jenkins beware". Had an issue with paperwork and financial charges they made when I went to purchase my leased Hyundai Accent... NEVER AGAIN will I buy there.

[Babubhat]

Totally agree "Jenkins beware". Had an issue with paperwork and financial charges they made when I went to purchase my leased Hyundai Accent... NEVER AGAIN will I buy there.

You have better choices. Start with Costco buying service. Now have a baseline price to shop.

Chevy Dude and others on YouTube will reveal insider tricks of the trade. The finance person is the profit center. NOTHING a salesman says is binding. The contract rules. Out the door price is all that matters. Say it over and over until they have a headache . Do it before closing and keep them all night. Floor manager will not let them go home.

Salesman are disposable to the dealership. Must produce or be gone

Chevy Dude - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCziwLfSSPLWc8bp02Pc5azg)

[Blueblaze]

I wouldn't buy another car from Jenkins on a bet. I was an idiot for putting up with the nonsense they put me through on the one I did buy. After paying $1000 over book for a 2020 Sorento, they tried to chisel another $500 out of me for a spare key, claiming that the previous owner (their own lease!) hadn't returned it, as if that was my problem. And then they tried to claim that a Kia dealer didn't have any replacement keys (actually, the key fob that passes for a key these days). I was forced to sit in their stupid waiting room, which I refused to leave, until they either provided the key (which I pointed out was in the contract), or returned my money and canceled the sale. While I was suffering this indignity, I made sure to tell every customer that came in about this stupid scheme, until they finally relented (6 hours later!), and the sales manager walked up to me and dropped the key in my hand, without a word of apology or explanation.

This happened at the Crystal River Jenkin's Kia. I assume the rest of them must be run the same way. I've seen a lot of crooked BS from car dealers in my 70 years, but that one takes the cake.

[Limey]

Get out of Florida to buy any new car, you can get it serviced anyplace, oh, and avoid Jenkins at all costs with all of their ficticious add on's.

[cjrjck]

If you are a cash buyer you hold all the cards. You can call around to competing dealers and get their best drive out price on the vehicle you want. This way of dealing is much easier since COVID. Last purchase in 2021, I contacted 5 dealers, 3 in Florida and 2 in Georgia and the best price I got by several thousand dollars was at Phillips in Leesburg. I was willing to go to Orlando and Atlanta. There were no surprises. The drive out price was the drive out price.

[BrianL99]

After finishing law school and waiting 6 months for the results of the Bar exam, I worked for a small dealership. The sales manager was a 25 year veteran of the industry and had cut his teeth at Mission Chevrolet in Daly City (San Francisco). He would regale me with his stories of sales tactics. One of the best was to get the keys to the buyer's car for, ostensibly, taking a test drive to determine its value as a trade-in. He couldn't have cared less about the car's condition and would have a man drive it around to the back, park it, and leave it. He'd then have the driver throw the keys on the roof and blame him for taking off for lunch with them in his pocket when the customer tried to leave.

The door from the outside of the building to the several small sales rooms had a one-way lock. You could walk in, but could not walk out. The small sales rooms were equipped with a microphone. If there were two people, husband and wife or parent and child, he would leave to "take the offer" to his manager, go to another room and listen to the buyers talk about the car and what they could spend, either in total or by the month. He'd then return with a figure that was a small amount less than what he had heard, either in total or for the monthly payment. That slightly smaller amount almost always worked to close the sale. If necessary, he'd add 3, 6, or 12 months to the number of payments to get the monthly amount reduced.

For young men, he said that dropping a hint or two about gaining status among his friends and how he might "get lucky" with the girls were the two best sales pitches. Selling "undercoating" was one of the biggest money makers. He could get $150-250 for having tar sprayed on the underside of the car, for which he paid $25 to a small shop in the Fillmore district. Installing after-market radios, only AM in the early days, later AM/FM and later still 8 tracks, was a big money maker as were after-market floor mats.

Later versions of the "undercoating" scam were the "paint sealant" and then "ceramic" polish. Currently, it is "Nano" sealant or "graphite" sealant.

In my career, I represented many auto dealers at the behest of their insurer. Those are stories which will curl your hair.


Tales from the 60's & 70's, are always topical in The Villages.

[Djean1981]

Exactly. Leave the villages area for car purchases and save $$$.

[banjobob]

Strange response I have our Nissan Rogue serviced in Leesburg Jenkins Nissan and have never been sales pitched for anything . Maybe other Jenkins brands are more aggressive.

[retiredguy123]

After finishing law school and waiting 6 months for the results of the Bar exam, I worked for a small dealership. The sales manager was a 25 year veteran of the industry and had cut his teeth at Mission Chevrolet in Daly City (San Francisco). He would regale me with his stories of sales tactics. One of the best was to get the keys to the buyer's car for, ostensibly, taking a test drive to determine its value as a trade-in. He couldn't have cared less about the car's condition and would have a man drive it around to the back, park it, and leave it. He'd then have the driver throw the keys on the roof and blame him for taking off for lunch with them in his pocket when the customer tried to leave.

The door from the outside of the building to the several small sales rooms had a one-way lock. You could walk in, but could not walk out. The small sales rooms were equipped with a microphone. If there were two people, husband and wife or parent and child, he would leave to "take the offer" to his manager, go to another room and listen to the buyers talk about the car and what they could spend, either in total or by the month. He'd then return with a figure that was a small amount less than what he had heard, either in total or for the monthly payment. That slightly smaller amount almost always worked to close the sale. If necessary, he'd add 3, 6, or 12 months to the number of payments to get the monthly amount reduced.

For young men, he said that dropping a hint or two about gaining status among his friends and how he might "get lucky" with the girls were the two best sales pitches. Selling "undercoating" was one of the biggest money makers. He could get $150-250 for having tar sprayed on the underside of the car, for which he paid $25 to a small shop in the Fillmore district. Installing after-market radios, only AM in the early days, later AM/FM and later still 8 tracks, was a big money maker as were after-market floor mats.

Later versions of the "undercoating" scam were the "paint sealant" and then "ceramic" polish. Currently, it is "Nano" sealant or "graphite" sealant.

In my career, I represented many auto dealers at the behest of their insurer. Those are stories which will curl your hair.
LOL. None of those tactics would work on me. I use KBB.com and Edmunds.com to determine the fair value of a vehicle, and I won't pay for any dealer installed options or dealer fees. One of the first things that I tell the salesperson, is that I will not sit in his/her office, or in the manager's office. Bad idea, especially if you are a couple. I do all discussions on the lot, or in the dealer's lobby. Also, I don't think I will ever trade in a vehicle again at a dealership. You can get a better price somewhere else, like Carvana or Carmax.

[Wschuler]

Jenkins auto sold me a used jeep with a blown motor after reseting the fault code. they told me they would replace motor with new motor, 3 months later they tried to give me the vehicle back with a junk yard motor, 32k for a used vehicle with junk yard motor, buyer be wear, they sold my friend a van and screwed him over as well

[kkingston57]

I am looking for opinions regarding Jenkins Auto Group. Considering buying a new Acura and looking for input regarding them or other dealers. If I do not buy a Acura, I am looking for advice regarding Honda dealers area including Claremont, Ocala, etc.Orlando.

We bought an MDX from Jenkins in 2020. Had a good experience but have heard horror stories about them especially when cars were in demand. Overall they have treated us well. Worst part for us is that they are 30 miles away. On the bright side we have a Mercedes chassis RV and closest MB dealer is 60 miles away and we did have to get warranty work performed by them.

[BobnBev]

Stay away from Plaza, everything is way over priced, I won't even look at their ads in the Sun newspaper

I hate the pictures of the three stooges. One more reason to not buy from them.

[olgeezer]

I am looking for opinions regarding Jenkins Auto Group. Considering buying a new Acura and looking for input regarding them or other dealers. If I do not buy a Acura, I am looking for advice regarding Honda dealers area including Claremont, Ocala, etc.Orlando.

you only do business with jenkins if you hate money

[suzm16]

We just bought a new Honda from Jenkins Honda in Leesburg. Our salesman was Bill Gleason. I can honestly say it was the best car buying transaction I've had ever. We were in and out within two hours, got the car we wanted for the price we wanted to pay and received a great trade in value for our old car. Bill made the difference in the transaction, as he was knowledgeable about the car we were purchasing, and did not go through the whole rigamaroll that you usually get in car dealerships. Highly recommend him and the dealership!

[rgtz28]

Just bought a new 2023 RDX from Fountain Acura in Orlando. Great deal. Ask for Vince Regidor.

[justjim]

We just bought a new Honda from Jenkins Honda in Leesburg. Our salesman was Bill Gleason. I can honestly say it was the best car buying transaction I've had ever. We were in and out within two hours, got the car we wanted for the price we wanted to pay and received a great trade in value for our old car. Bill made the difference in the transaction, as he was knowledgeable about the car we were purchasing, and did not go through the whole rigamaroll that you usually get in car dealerships. Highly recommend him and the dealership!

What I was talking about in post number 7! A good salesman can make the difference.

[jimbomaybe]

I am looking for opinions regarding Jenkins Auto Group. Considering buying a new Acura and looking for input regarding them or other dealers. If I do not buy a Acura, I am looking for advice regarding Honda dealers area including Claremont, Ocala, etc.Orlando.
I too have been looking to replace my 2008 Honda CRV with a 2024 hybrid, the supply situation is such that the seller has all the leverage, my thinking is in 3 to 6 months things will be better, the dealerships will of course take full advantage of the situation to separate you from as much money that they can, I was so disgusted with the predatory , manipulated way I was treated I sent a letter to the CEO of Honda America asking what they do to protect their customers from their point of sale representatives who use abusive sales tactics, who have such contempt for the customer, as of yet I have received no reply. The issues dealing with "dealerships" is not just a Honda problem but industry wide, the best experience I had was at LOVE HONDA, in Homosassa. with Matthew Fansler, we were not able to come together on price,supply/demand and will check back in the future, but it was a much more straightforward , honest approach, good luck

[BobnBev]

They say Honda headquarters in Clermont is the best place to buy a Honda.

[JohnN]

Ocala Honda was ok. J experience for me was the most unpleasant in my lifetime. Couldn’t leave fast enough

Your best option is to execute the buying process online or try Costco buying service. I never want to see a dealer again

Thumbs down on Honda of Ocala. Fine car (Accord) but the sales experience was not good.

[AMB444]

When I bought my new car last year I used cars.com

Also can search for used cars.

Just put in your make, model and location and it will come up with available cars in the area you wish to purchase from.

Also can refine parameters to include other specifics like mileage, options on the car, etc.

[Babubhat]

As Remo in Casino said, Why take a chance ? Do NOT hand any dealer your drivers license. You risk an credit check before anything has transpired

Costco buying service is your friend

[jpvillager]

IF YOU ARE A SNOWBIRD: I am a Florida resident in the Villages. Had a trade-in and bought a new Honda CRV near Rochester NY at a trusted dealer. They had a third party that for $100 took care of Florida sales tax and registration in a timely fashion. All is good.

[jgd3rd]

Thanks for everyone who furnished info. I purchased a new CRV from Headquarters Honda thru Costco program. Ali was the rep who was most professional!