720 Viking Drive East, Maplewood, MN 55117
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
The collection of reviews paints a dealership experience that is profoundly mixed. On the overwhelmingly positive side, a steady stream of customers sing praises about the people who helped them, the ease of the buying process, and the warmth of the atmosphere. A recurring thread is the standout performance of Tex, who appears in numerous posts as a knowledgeable, friendly, and patient sales associate who goes above and beyond for customers. Several reviewers describe Tex as "amazing," "great," "easy and simple," and "made the experience fun and easy." He is frequently paired with other staffers like Pete, William, and Stephen, who are also praised for their professionalism and helpfulness. The sentiment across these messages is that the staff were patient, explained things clearly, treated customers with respect, and kept the process smooth and stress-free. One reviewer even highlights Tex as someone who "stayed after to help us get our new vehicle," and another notes that Tex "explained everything in words that are relatable and understandable." Mike also receives high marks for his role in guiding customers through the purchase, with several reviewers calling him "friendly, professional, and incredibly helpful." Overall, these accounts describe DriveTime as a place where, when the right staff are involved, the car-buying journey can be quick, easy, and enjoyable, with many customers leaving with a new car and a positive impression of the dealership's culture.
Beyond the specific individuals who are repeatedly highlighted, several reviews emphasize the environment and process: a friendly staff, fast service, and a sense of being taken care of throughout the transaction. The tone in these endorsements is consistently upbeat - customers praise how the team listened, found options within budget, and helped them secure a vehicle they wanted. The recurring endorsement of Tex, in particular, suggests that for many buyers, the right salesperson can turn a potentially stressful experience into something straightforward and pleasant. The sense of a supportive team - Tex together with Pete, William, and others - also emerges as a key factor in why some buyers feel confident recommending DriveTime to friends and family. In this positive frame, the dealership appears to have created an approachable, transparent, and customer-friendly buying atmosphere that many customers remember warmly, sometimes even after the fact.
However, this positive narrative is sharply contrasted by a detailed, emphatic caution issued by another set of customers. One review opens with a bold warning to "STOP AND READ BEFORE PURCHASING FROM THIS ESTABLISHMENT!!!! DO NOT USE!" and proceeds to recount a troubling sequence around a 2018 Honda Accord LX with about 60,000 miles. The writer describes an experience that began with professional impressions but quickly devolved into concerns about the car's condition and the integrity of the buying and warranty processes. They allege that after purchase the car had numerous serious issues: front-end damage requiring multiple panels, a leaking drive-side strut, brakes that pulsate at highway speeds, uneven brake pad wear, and a misaligned steering wheel, among other problems. They claim the TPMS light remained on despite adjusting tire pressures, and they raise questions about the accuracy and transparency of the Carfax report (noting a single, minor accident listed). The review frames these problems as safety concerns that would undermine confidence in the vehicle and the dealership's assurances about reliability.
Compounding these mechanical concerns is a troubling account of how the warranty process was handled. The reviewer describes a complicated path through a national line and a warranty provider (SilverRock) that culminated in a denial of the claim. They allege tell-tale signs of miscommunication and delay - claims that a shop (Tires Plus) encountered issues with the warranty provider, and that when the customer pressed for answers, they were left with inconsistent information and a sense that the dealership was not fully facilitating a timely or fair resolution. The sentiment is that the vehicle's issues were not fully disclosed or appropriately addressed, with explicit statements that the dealership's promises about reliability and safety appeared inconsistent with the car's actual condition and with later warranty outcomes. The review also includes broader insinuations about ethics and integrity, suggesting a pattern of misrepresentation across the dealership's operations and a perception that some Cars on the lot might be misrepresented to customers.
The same review also references additional anecdotes about how interactions with the dealership could include aggressive upselling or questionable tactics, such as being told a key was "lost" to compel consideration of other vehicles or being pushed toward significantly more expensive down payments. The overall message is that, for this customer, the buying experience felt transactional rather than transparent, and the assurances about vehicle quality did not match the reality they encountered after leaving the lot. The reviewer underscores that this specific experience left them and their partner feeling unsafe and uncertain about the vehicle's long-term reliability, and they explicitly advise others to avoid engaging with the establishment.
Amidst the warnings, there are also notes about the campaign's fragility: one account describes a car lasting only six months before an engine failure at 107,000 miles, a development that amplified the disappointment and frustration. Another entry highlights ongoing safety concerns even when praising individual staff: a reviewer who appreciated Tex's help still hints at unresolved issues that would have given a different impression if not for the staff's professionalism. A few other testimonials acknowledge the post-purchase realities that can undermine the initial optimism - cars that may require significant follow-up work, or warranty responses that fall short of expectations, leading to disappointment despite earlier praise for a smooth purchase experience.
Taken together, the reviews present a dealership with a dual reputation: on one side, a compelling, people-centric sales experience driven by staff like Tex, Pete, William, and Mike - people who can make the process feel straightforward, friendly, and efficient, sometimes turning a new-car purchase into a memorable, positive moment. On the other side, a consequential caution about the condition and disclosure of vehicles, the transparency of Carfax information, and the reliability of post-purchase warranties. The most actionable takeaway for prospective buyers is clear: while there are many positive experiences tied to excellent service and a welcoming environment, there are significant concerns raised about vehicle condition disclosures, warranty handling, and after-sale support. If you're considering a purchase here, it would be wise to conduct thorough independent inspections, verify Carfax details, push for clear warranty coverage terms, and prepare for the possibility that the car you choose may require substantial post-purchase attention, depending on the vehicle's history and the warranty's responsiveness.
Shimter Assist Living is a fully furnished assisted living community located in Maplewood, MN. Our goal is to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for seniors who require assistance with their daily activities.
Our residents enjoy amenities such as cable or satellite TV, Wi-Fi/high-speed internet, and telephone services to stay connected with loved ones. Each resident has access to a kitchenette in their unit, allowing them to prepare light meals or snacks at their convenience. Housekeeping services are also provided to ensure the cleanliness of their living space.
We understand the importance of outdoor space and have created a beautiful garden area where residents can relax or engage in outdoor activities. As part of our commitment to wellness, we offer 24-hour supervision and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Our staff coordinates with health care providers to ensure that each resident receives the necessary medical care.
Dining at Shimter Assist Livg is tailored to meet special dietary restrictions or requirements. Our experienced chefs prepare delicious and nutritious meals that cater to various dietary needs including diabetes diets and special dietary restrictions.
We believe that staying socially engaged is essential for mental well-being, which is why we encourage resident-run activities and offer scheduled daily activities for our residents to participate in. Residents also have easy access to nearby cafes, parks, pharmacies, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals.
At Shimter Assist Livg in Maplewood, MN, we strive to create a warm and welcoming community where seniors can age gracefully while receiving the care they need.
Shimter Assist Livg is located at 720 Viking Drive East, Maplewood, MN 55117 in Ramsey County, Minnesota
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