Garage watch: Prompt service gets top marks in our hunt for a secondhand Merc
Alo Kavanagh Cars Mercedes-Benz dealer, Stillorgan Industrial Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin
Alo Kavanagh Cars Mercedes-Benz dealer, Stillorgan Industrial Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Wednesday March 31 2010
We first took a stroll around this garage forecourt and found a nice collection of used Mercedes Benz cars.
We saw specific customer parking but failed to find a disabled parking space.
The cars on display were priced and most were positioned behind a railing on view for passers-by.
We were in pursuit of a used new-shaped C-Class Mercedes Benz.
We saw one on the forecourt and entered the bright showroom to find out more.
Possibly because it was a Saturday, the reception area was unmanned.
This, nevertheless, caused no delay despite four other customers viewing and being dealt with. We were no time inside before we were met by a sales person.
We asked about a used car list, and he immediately went upstairs and printed off some. Telling him of our interest, he showed us a car on the list and invited us to see it.
This, indeed, was the vehicle we saw on display. The 08-D C180 C-Class was as new. Painted in Palladium silver it was obviously in pristine condition.
One previous owner and with only 22,000km on the clock, this was a Classic model with larger alloys and Artico leather.
The salesman said he knew the previous owner.
Inviting us back inside allowed us time to check out the showroom.
Three new Mercedes cars were on display; we expected more. Brochures were plentiful and price lists adorned a specific stand.
A well-kept single toilet was positioned to one side of the showroom, alongside a small customer waiting area. We also saw a nicely maintained kitchenette area.
The showroom itself was immaculate. and considering the cold outside pleasantly warm.
The used car list was comprehensive, showing 14 used cars varying in age from '05s to '08s.
The list gave details of the vehicles, mileage in miles and kilometres, colour, owners and price. It also highlighted cars on which deals had been agreed and were expected in soon. There were eight Mercedes in total on the list.
Telling the gentleman we would require to speak to a family member, we did not haggle on the €28,950 asking price. He gave us his business card.
We came away impressed, especially with the calibre of cars on display. We were kindly invited back.
I only wish that it really was to collect that used C-Class Mercedes.
RATINGS
Location/access . . . . . . . . .9.5
Customer parking . . . . . . . 8.0
Signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.5
Showroom . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.0
Customer Facilities . . . . . . .7.5
Customer Service . . . . . . . .9.5
Models on display . . . . . . .5.0
Deals offered . . . . . . . . . . .8.5
WE LIKED
Finding a selection of one previous owner cars (only one had two owners) with low mileage and in immaculate condition. A managing director who was supportive and helpful with our enquiry.
WE DISLIKED
Not finding a larger display of new models. The positioning of the new cars in the showroom and the absence of disabled facilities.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
We would deal at Alo Kavanagh’s because they focus on presenting cars of a genuine calibre.
- EDDIE CUNNINGHAM
Irish Independent
