Automobile En Direct was extremely disappointing
My experience with Automobile En Direct was extremely disappointing and stressful.
The finance representative became rude and aggressive when I started asking questions about the fees being added to the purchase agreement. At one point, paperwork was pulled from my hands while I was trying to review and understand the charges.
The dealership initially attempted to add over $5,000 in additional fees and products that were never clearly explained or properly agreed upon. These included protection plans, insurance products, and other add-ons that I repeatedly stated I did not want. When I refused these services, they suddenly started backing away from previously agreed-upon terms regarding the vehicle price reduction and winter tires.
What bothered me most was the pressure tactics. Multiple employees were sent in one after another to try convincing me to keep products and services I had already declined. The atmosphere became very uncomfortable and intimidating simply because I wanted transparency and answers before signing anything.
I would strongly recommend never blindly accepting the added insurance products or protection plans without fully understanding them first. If you do choose to purchase any add-ons, negotiate the vehicle price BEFORE discussing the insurance or protection products. Otherwise, they may simply reduce the add-on price instead of actually lowering the cost of the vehicle itself.
Also, be cautious of the approximately $600 “one-month dealership coverage” product. In my opinion, this was not clearly explained and made very little sense for the cost. They may mention that it includes a TAG tracking system, which could potentially help lower your insurance premium with your personal insurer, but customers should still carefully evaluate whether it is truly worth the price.
I would also avoid the nearly $4,000 protection package tied to the extended warranty unless you fully understand exactly what you are paying for and have compared it against alternatives.
Another important recommendation: secure your own financing through your bank or credit union before visiting the dealership. In many cases, dealerships can increase the interest rate above what the lender originally approved. This can happen at many dealerships, but based on my experience, customers should be especially cautious here.
Customers should also know that they are allowed to walk away. Do not let anyone pressure or intimidate you by leaving you sitting alone in an office for long periods while employees discuss things elsewhere. Until the final paperwork is completed, payment is made, and insurance is finalized, you still have the right to leave and reconsider the deal.
The dealership constantly promotes itself as “open, honest, and fair,” but that was not my experience at all. I strongly encourage anyone purchasing a vehicle to ask detailed questions, read every document carefully, secure independent financing beforehand, and never allow themselves to be pressured into products or agreements they do not fully understand.