Hi everyone, I'm an ex-employee from Republic Auto, the used car arm of Cycle & Carriage. Despite Republic Auto being a 70% owned subsidiary by C&C, it is being run in the most un-corporate way possible. If you have bought cars from them or are planning to buy one, let me just give you a summary of how to get the best deal possible, or what to look out for.
Quality of the Cars
Almost all the cars you get from Republic Auto comes from customers who trade in their cars through C&C. They keep the ones with a lower mileage, lesser owners for sale in the showroom, and the rest goes to the dealers outside. Are the cars repaired? Usually, yes, but with OEM parts. Are the cars repainted? The idea is to cut cost, sometimes yes, sometimes no. Usually, its just a polish.
Price of the Cars? Can I Bargain?
Of course you can bargain! DO NOT believe the $3000 or $5000 discounts that you see in the showroom, those are inflated prices to fool you. For Japanese cars, their margins are at usually $8000 - $15000 after the repairs at touch ups. For Continental cars, their margins are usually higher at $15000 - $50000, depending on the price. Sales executives usually have a bargaining power of up to $2500, and the sales director in the showroom may offer up to $10000 discounts depending on the model.
Is there any Warranty? What Happens When the Car Breaks Down?
For all Mercede-Benz models, they are offering a one year extended warranty at C&C Pandan Loop Workshop. Bear in mind that this is a limited warranty and not all the parts are covered and chances are they may tell you that it is wear-and-tear. Also, you will need to service your car at C&C and it's not going to be cheap.
For all other makes, there are no warranties. But to remember, Lemon Law would be your best friend here. In the 6 months period from the day you take delivery of the car, you may bring it back to their workshop to fix the issues. As their workshop staff are not experienced, you may make a few trips back. There could also be some arguments with the management as they will be very reluctant to fix your issues. (They run the business like a mom & pop store that you will find at Turf City, trying to cut all corners and not help the customers.) Most of the times, they will do a temporary repair or use an OEM part to fix it for until the Lemon Law is over, so, be very careful on this.
If they rejects me, how can I pursue?
This is the question people will have when it comes to buying used cars. First, always log a case with CASE. CASE will send a letter to them and you are supposed to bring the letter to them to negotiate a settlement. It will be a waste of time and it will lead to a long and troublesome repair experience.
My suggestion is that, if you are sure that they are liable, bring your car to an authorised workshop, fix it and claim them from small claims court. I have attended some cases on behalf of the company and I can assure you that the law protects consumers and not the dealers. The management at this company is more afraid of the courts of law, than their customers.
Other Advices?
I have the opportunity to see how other renowned used car dealers function and do look out for two things, assurance (in terms of warranty and branding) and also business practices and quality of the cars. If you are looking to buy a used car with lesser problems and better assurance, I'd suggest another authorised used car arm from a German brand that starts with a B.
Lastly, if you would like to know more, do PM me. Cheers.
Quality of the Cars
Almost all the cars you get from Republic Auto comes from customers who trade in their cars through C&C. They keep the ones with a lower mileage, lesser owners for sale in the showroom, and the rest goes to the dealers outside. Are the cars repaired? Usually, yes, but with OEM parts. Are the cars repainted? The idea is to cut cost, sometimes yes, sometimes no. Usually, its just a polish.
Price of the Cars? Can I Bargain?
Of course you can bargain! DO NOT believe the $3000 or $5000 discounts that you see in the showroom, those are inflated prices to fool you. For Japanese cars, their margins are at usually $8000 - $15000 after the repairs at touch ups. For Continental cars, their margins are usually higher at $15000 - $50000, depending on the price. Sales executives usually have a bargaining power of up to $2500, and the sales director in the showroom may offer up to $10000 discounts depending on the model.
Is there any Warranty? What Happens When the Car Breaks Down?
For all Mercede-Benz models, they are offering a one year extended warranty at C&C Pandan Loop Workshop. Bear in mind that this is a limited warranty and not all the parts are covered and chances are they may tell you that it is wear-and-tear. Also, you will need to service your car at C&C and it's not going to be cheap.
For all other makes, there are no warranties. But to remember, Lemon Law would be your best friend here. In the 6 months period from the day you take delivery of the car, you may bring it back to their workshop to fix the issues. As their workshop staff are not experienced, you may make a few trips back. There could also be some arguments with the management as they will be very reluctant to fix your issues. (They run the business like a mom & pop store that you will find at Turf City, trying to cut all corners and not help the customers.) Most of the times, they will do a temporary repair or use an OEM part to fix it for until the Lemon Law is over, so, be very careful on this.
If they rejects me, how can I pursue?
This is the question people will have when it comes to buying used cars. First, always log a case with CASE. CASE will send a letter to them and you are supposed to bring the letter to them to negotiate a settlement. It will be a waste of time and it will lead to a long and troublesome repair experience.
My suggestion is that, if you are sure that they are liable, bring your car to an authorised workshop, fix it and claim them from small claims court. I have attended some cases on behalf of the company and I can assure you that the law protects consumers and not the dealers. The management at this company is more afraid of the courts of law, than their customers.
Other Advices?
I have the opportunity to see how other renowned used car dealers function and do look out for two things, assurance (in terms of warranty and branding) and also business practices and quality of the cars. If you are looking to buy a used car with lesser problems and better assurance, I'd suggest another authorised used car arm from a German brand that starts with a B.
Lastly, if you would like to know more, do PM me. Cheers.
