Garage Watch: Gerry Caffrey Motors Ltd, Suzuki Dealer.
106-112 Terenure Road North, Terenure, Dublin 6W
Wednesday September 02 2009
THERE is no doubt the Celtic Tiger ran around Terenure, but in the case of Gerry Caffrey Motors, it’s clear the garage opted not to adopt the ‘stray’ and instead did its own thing.
Hence, behind the forecourt one will not find a multi-storey glass tower, but an old-fashioned design which has kept in touch with today’s demands.
First impressions are important and what we initially saw at this outlet was a well-presented – and priced – range of about 20 quality used cars.
Among them was a beautiful 04 Mercedes C180 auto, with only 21,000 miles on the clock, for €14,500. Apart from the lovely 08 Suzuki SX4, with 13,000 kms at €14,400,06, there was a Suzuki Ignis (32,000kms) at €7,550. The mix included a tidy 05 VW Golf at €11,950 and a 05 Mini Cooper. A well-minded 07 Grand Vitara was priced at €18,950.
Before we entered the showroom we noticed two customer parking areas and a disabled space. The entry to the showroom is wheelchair accessible. Inside is small, three-car small, but bright, clean and open plan.
We noticed the wall mounted, well-stocked brochure stand, and around the walls hung many dealer plaques. We later learned that this Suzuki outlet won Dealer of the Year award nine times and came runner-up twice.
With a new black Swift, red Alto and silver XS diesel on display, they all carried details on individual display stands, including prices, CO2 levels, economy and the cost of road tax – nice touch.
Met by Alan Turner, we were invited to his desk when we enquired about the 04 Merc. Telling us its history, he said he would let us have it for €500 less on a cash deal. On other used models – Golf etc – we could expect up to €1,000 discount. He told us they also sold the new electric Verde Cargo van, which is based on the Suzuki Super Carry.
Mr Turner walked us out to see the Mercedes in more detail, offering a test drive. We declined, but before we shook hands he pointed us to the electric van, which can run up to 100 kms between changes and is priced at €17,995 plus VAT.
Maybe the future is electric. The present for the car trade is not, but this sort of garage stands the test of varying fortunes well.
Ratings:
Location/access . . . . . . . . . . . .8.5
Customer parking . . . . . . . . . 8.5
Signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Showroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Customer Facilities . . . . . . . . . . .8
Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Models on display . . . . . . . . . . .8
Deals offered . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.5
