McGrath Lexus of Chicago Chicago IL Review

Background
I recently found myself in need of a new car. It was a no-brainer (after owning a Lexus for 10 years) that we would buy another one. Our Lexus was the most dependable car we have ever owned. In 10 years it was in the shop for 1 day. Wow!!

My husband and I decided to go back to the McGrath Lexus dealership in Chicago where we bought our first car. We had such a good experience the first time around (and for subsequent service and free car washes!) that we would of course go back there.

Starting our search
We visited McGrath Lexus on a weekend and had a lovely woman (Angela) help us look for a new car. She was very friendly, warm and anti-high pressure sales. Just the way I like it. However, it was a bit frustrating to me that the staff could not find the keys to the cars I wanted to look at, so my ability to sit in (and drive) the cars was really hindered. 

I also found it a little annoying that we kept looking at cars on their internet site. Okay, I AM an internet person, but when I go to a dealership, I want to touch and feel the car and narrow down my search. And, as irrational as it sounds, I expect the cars to be pretty close by. I can look at the cars myself online!   

After about 2 hours of trying to see cars, I left the dealership and told Angela to call me with some cars to come look at when they have the keys. My kids were with me and our patience was running thin. Angela was on it-- I knew she would be.  

Later that afternoon I headed to Woodfield Lexus to check out more cars. While they had a good selection and I could easily sit in and test drive the cars I liked, it was sooo obvious going there that McGrath was where we wanted to buy our car. The staff at McGrath is professional, upstanding and all around service-oriented. It just felt better-- even if I couldnt get into the cars as quickly. 

Note to self: Buying patterns have really changed. You should really look online first to see what cars you like. Then, call ahead to the dealership to have those cars ready. They are not really prepared for buyers like me-- who casually want to drop in and peruse the cars to see what they are interested in.

On Monday (they are closed on Sunday), I got a call from Angela with an update. I appreciated the follow-up on the cars I was interested in. We had a couple of calls and I was scheduled to go there and look at 6pm.

I went in Monday night to look at the cars she pulled for me. I also ended up looking at some other cars as well.(My husband decided he liked a sportier car!!!) The cars were ready when I arrived. (and there were keys!!!) Once I found the car I wanted, Russ -- her colleague-- helped me out. He was really great. He told me all the features of the car, helped me understand the upgrades, compare the car to others and ultimately negotiated with me. He knew all the tricked out features that any guy would love. This was especially important since I was shopping alone. I cant say enough good things about him.

The negotiation
The negotiation was a little trying (but arent all negotiations?). The bottom line-- they have a sticker price and an internet price. And, they dont negotiate down on the "internet price". They claim it is their most aggressive price so that they can compete nationally. Translation: there is about $1000 or so wiggle room and not much more.

Because it was late at night and we were all tired and hungry, I didnt have much patience to negotiate or read through paperwork. I was also trying to negotiate a trade in (which of course I didnt have with me) so that is where I focused. Being the honest person that I am, I told them the exact condition of my car, but they were a little uneasy about valuing the car "site unseen". I can totally understand (reasonable business practice), but there was no way I was driving home and back to get my car that night. It was too far. Afterall, I have small kids and tons of crap in my car. I would have to clean it out, etc. And, I bought my car there and had it serviced there for almost 10 years. Seems like a no-brainer that they should take my word. I also had my vin # so that we could pull up a report.

So, we negotiated the rate of the car (site unseen) and agreed that I would bring my car in during the morning before work. I appreciated the McGrath team trusting me. I didnt do them wrong. I was honest...and upfront.  Speaking of honest, when I got home I realized that McGrath had charged me $500 more by accident (although I did sign the deal!) I told them when I arrived the next morning and they definitely understood and worked with me to get credits so that I didnt have to redo all the paperwork. I guess trust goes both ways.

Extra Perks at McGrath Lexus
McGrath Lexus service is exceptional. After dropping off my trade-in this morning, we created an "I OWE" document where they agreed to fixing all kinds of small things on the car I just bought. They also drove me to my office. I scheduled a time to drop my new car off for the "improvements" and they will give me a loaner. I can also take the car in at any time for car wash (although the wait was 3 hours on Saturday!) McGrath Lexus in Chicago has a cafe with pretty decent food, a kids play area, a changing table, a small putting green, flat panels, comfy chairs, etc. They also have a product specialist that was pretty great at giving me a tutorial of my car at 9pm!!! And, they were able to offer a great financing rate-- beating even USAA.

Bottom line on McGrath Lexus Chicago is that they have a great team, they are customer service oriented and they are all about making exceptions. I have been a McGrath client for over 10 years and likely another 10 more.  I would not buy a Lexus from another company.