Red flag for me on not only cars is when they advertise all over the place non stop, like the one that started advertising in the Sun paper. Tells me they aren't selling much of whatever there selling, I steer clear of those.

Did you also know Consumer Reports rates cars/trucks by what manufactures pay up front?
If they pay big bucks for ads in their magazine , CC rates their wares much better then average.

What ads?

Are you sure you are referring to Consumer Reports? The magazines that I get do not have any ads, and I understand that they do not even accept free products to review. They buy them.

I have had EXCELLENT sales AND service with Phillips Toyota in Leesburg. I haven’t been looking since before COVID shortages. But check them out, I’ve been dealing with them for 20+ years. They weren’t high pressure and I always felt they were fair. Good luck and put on your Big Boy YODA pants. 😀

As much as I dislike consumer reports, and their total anti business bias, I don't think they accept ads from companies.

I just purchased a new Corolla Cross from Deluca.
 

My suggestion is to research the make, model, and trim level on the specific vehicle you are interested in purchasing. I built the vehicle on Toyota web site and submitted my build to several Toyota dealers in the region requesting an out the door price. In addition, I priced what my current vehicle would sell for. Once I compiled my information, I arrived at what I thought was a reasonable offer for the vehicle. DeLuca worked very hard to meet my offer and we came within $500.00 of that offer. They even agreed to deliver the vehicle. I would recommend this dealer.

Here is the lowdown -

First stay OUT of Orlando
Second Autonation isn't bad you have to watch them though. What they don't get you on price they'll do it in the F&I room.
If you have a bank like NavyFed or USAA they have a 'help' service it's worth about 500 net value in the end.
If you are buying Toyota check lexus depending on your model you can end up within 5000 and get far more services out of it.
DeLuca isn't all that bad
Stay out of Daytona, Melborne, and mostly anything south.
Lastly - if you are not buying new - check that carfax in detail. and DO NOT trust that they certified the car.... doesn't mean anything anymore.

I meant their ratings in their magazine, not ads.

Are you saying that Consumer Reports accepts bribes for better ratings?

I'm confused. Are you saying that Consumer Reports sells high ratings to the highest bidders? How do you know this?

So Consumer Reports ratings are based on the manufacturer bribes. Wow, that’s a huge accusation. How do you know this?