A couple of years back there was a horror story on TOTV about how dishonestly a buyer was treated at Phillips Toyota. Because we planned to buy there, we looked into the story, found enough truth to it, and as a result bought elsewhere. From answers to the post, it sounded like other buyers also boycotted Phillips Toyota. Can’t remember the name of the OP, but I’m sure you could find it doing a TOTV search for “Beware Phillips Toyota” or something like that. Definitely worth taking into account. Maybe the old OP will post again?

Just went through that a few months ago for the 2nd time around here. Each time the results were the same. Best thing is to decide exactly what you want, send dealers an email listing exactly what you want. If you have a trade in they'll ask for the info on that (VIN # etc.). We found the local Ocala/Leesburg dealers averaged $3-6,000 higher than many others outside of the area. The locals ones also tried to get us the buy something we really didn't want on a vehicle, or drop off something we really wanted (I.e. wanted AWD new 2020 Honda Touring but they only had a 2WD and tried to sell us on that). We found our vehicle in Jacksonville, no fuss no hassle and $6,100 less than local. The out of area dealers locate the exact vehicle you want....and trade off one of their vehicles with other dealers. We also found out that with the Ocala/Leesburg dealers.......they may have different names, but the actual ownership is all the same but they won't tell you that. Also, some of the add ons such as door edge trimming, upgraded interior floor maps etc were provided by dealer at no extra charge (the local dealers were charging). Once you purchase you can use local dealer for all service and warranty work. Yes, it's nice to support local businesses........but not when buying cars. Don't worry, the local business gets your money through service. Good luck and regardless where you buy, hope you get what makes you happy.

have had the opposite experience with phillips. ended up buying at sullivan in ocala. buick is having great deals currently. employee pricing and additional 5500 off. check out dealer web sites many list the price of the car after the discounts

Not George Nahas
 

We have had good luck with Cecil Clark Chevrolet in Leesburg and Phillips Toyota in Leesburg. I will never buy from George Nahas Chevrolet. I took a brand new Corvette there for warranty work and they did over $1500 worth of damage to the car and sent it to Wayne’s Auto Body for repair who made it worst. I had to take it to another body shop to have it repaired. The Service manager at George Nahas told me that I was not his customer since I didn’t buy the car there. He was right, I will never be his customer.

I will tell you one place not to buy is Sullivan Cadillac in Ocala. Bait and switch and other underhanded techniques.

i shopped for a car 2 years ago near the villages. went to several differant dealers to lease and found there prices surprisingly high.
had to go to ocala to get reasonable lease prices. the price on my honda from dealer in Ocala was $185 per month lower for the same car.
I would travel a bit to buy a car

Right now due to Covid Bill Bryan is not doing hot dogs and popcorn but coffee, soda, water, hot chocolate is all still available at no charge.

Not true at all. I work for Bill Bryan we gave three locations and are not affiliated in any way with the other dealerships. Stop spreading falsehoods.

I encourage you to watch the You Tube video by “The Homework Guy.” Great advice on how to buy a car, avoid dealership shenanigans, and save money.

Lexus of Orlando. They sell good cars.

First go to several dealers to find what car you want. Then send an email to every dealer of that brand within 100 miles telling them exactly what you want, and what discounts you may qualify for such as military or student or repeat buyer. Ask the dealer to reply by email with the total final cost including any fees, taxes, registration etc. You then have an "out the door" final cost. Print out the email and take it to the closest dealer and ask if they are willing to match the lowest cost, or call and ask.

If they say "no" get up and leave. You may get chased into the parking lot when it is decided they will take the loss and have you as a happy customer.

As to selling your used car if that is in the plan, you'll get the most if you do it yourself but that is a nuisance. Next option is trade in when you buy the new car... if they don't make a profit on selling the new car, they will low-ball you on the trade to make the profit on that re-sale. A third option is to use the instant cash offer on kelly blue book, kbb.com Be completely honest with the condition of your car and you will get exactly what is offered. You can do this before going to your dealer to see how much less they are offering.

Or you can do it the easy way and use a dealer you like, trade your car there and pay their cost. It may mean a couple thousand dollars more but save all the time and trouble. YMMV

I have used Phillips on 442/27 in Fruitland Park. Good people, not high pressure. Ask for Fred.
Off lease only are wrecked cars fixed up...buyer beware. We went and checked, many have salvage titles.

Mullinax Ford. No dealer fee and no bs.

toyota. lots of choices and trouble free

I suggest you read the newspaper for ads. Lots of them.
That said, I bought a new Hyundai Elantra in late April and the deal was 72 month interest free. Good deal plus I like the car a lot. Jenkins Hyundai of Leesburg.