- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Buggy Bank
Category: Automotive Car Dealers Car Dealers [Edit]
2821 Shattuck Ave(between Stuart St & Oregon St)
Berkeley, CA 94705
Neighborhood: South Berkeley
(510) 848-3015
- Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun 9 am - 6 pm
About This Business:
We are excited to share with you one of the best Toyota and Scion showrooms in the Bay Area. Please stop by for a visually stimulating, fully… read more »
26 reviews for Buggy Bank
26 reviews in English
-
Review from Rainey S.
Tracy, CA
1/17/2011
This the BEST way to sell a car! Not only do you get a decent price for it...but you don't have to deal with setting times to meet people, wonder if you should risk letting them take the car alone and not come back...or to go with them and worry that YOU won't come back and all that jazz that our modern society has brought about.
Jerry and LeRoi are great...totally helpful and a pleasure to deal with...they were helpful with their assessment of my pricing and were happy to let me do a couple of minor repairs to the car on the lot while it was listed.
My car sold in just over a month...for $600 under asking price...and I was elated (though sad to see it go). I will recommend them to anyone...and if I have another car to sell...will use them! In fact...I've thought about "borrowing" the idea for another town! ;-) -
Review from teray g.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2012
Sold my stepdad's car here last year. It was an high-end vehicle and I was leery of meeting up with random people who wanted to test drive it.
I discovered Buggy Bank and I'm glad I did. I sold the car under two weeks, for a price I (and my stepdad) was very happy with, with minimal effort.
The folks over there are friendly and helpful. They charge a flat rate (around $300) to keep your car, and potential buyers can come check it out without you having to take time out of your day.
They ask for driver's license and hold on to a credit card before anyone can take your car out.
These days, lots of people on Craigslist are asking outrageous prices for their cars -- I mean, KBB price for a salvaged vehicle? Come ON! At Buggy Bank, the prices are mostly more reasonable, even for the nicer cars.
Of course, always do your research and have a mechanic check out the car before buying. I learned that the hard way, but that's another review. -
Review from Dave S.
Danville, CA
7/27/2011
I've had two 5-star experiences with Buggy Bank and am in the middle of a 1-star experience, so my 3-star review represents the average (rounding down for recency).
My first two cars sold quickly and seamlessly some years ago, but now the level of service has diminished quite a bit. It's not that my car hasn't sold yet (tough economy and we're holding pretty firm on price, so fair enough)...it's that I can't get them to answer the phone or return voicemails. They advertise that you can consult with them on activity and interest in the car (which influences pricing), but I literally can't get them on the phone and am faced with driving a 1-hour round trip to manage my listing (which is what I paid them for, right?). In my last voicemail I explicitly said I needed to speak with them because I had a buyer interested in the car (which I did, but they were low-balling), and received no response.
If I hear that there was some family tragedy that prevented them from answering the phone, I'll amend my review upwards. Otherwise, this will be my last interaction with Buggy Bank.Comment from brad g. of Buggy Bank 7/28/2011
We are in contact with Dave S. about this incident, but… More » -
Review from Luis C.
10/27/2010
I meant to write this review a long time ago. From the point of view of a car seller, this is an excellent service. It's a secure lot to display your car for sale - that deserves 5 stars. I wish there were more places like this. Most cars in good condition easily get a better price than trade-in value. The best deals get snapped up very quickly.
On the other hand, from the point of view of a car buyer, u need to do your homework before u buy anything. Some cars are in perfect condition, and some need a little cosmetic work or just meant to be used for transportation. Can be a great place to buy a used car for your kid, save $$ over a new car. Sometimes sellers moving out of town are willing to negotiate because of time constraints, people who don't need an extra car or need the money for whatever reason; while other sellers are simply too greedy and won't budge a cent.
i don't mind paying above blue book value if I can save money over dealership prices, for a similar vehicle. But I wouldn't buy anything that had dealership prices. Don't get attached to any car, if u cannot get the price u want - walk away.
Always check the car in person. Descriptions and photos are not enough. So u can see if clean or dirty (will need auto detailing), if smelly, or verify pristine condition. For example, once I saw a 2004 Mazda 3 with a few cosmetic scratches and a little dirty inside (probably used in a farm), but the car engine was in perfect condition, low mileage. And the owners were a little flexible with the price, so that was a good deal.
If u want the keys to check a car, BB will ask for your driver's license to add into their system. They'll need a credit card if u want to do a test drive.
One funny thing I realized a long time ago is that some people are really, really bad at parallel parking (scratches on tire rims and bumpers).
Look at the lines on the body of the used car, they should be perfect. Check if the paint color matches every panel, no changes in color hue. Any gaps or uneven spaces, or ripples on the reflection. All are indications that the car has been in an accident and later repaired. Avoid any car that doesn't disclose those details. Also avoid fleet cars and flood damaged vehicles.
Basic tips:
- Research the car model and year, check for recalls.
- Check Kelley's blue book value just for reference. Most cars anywhere are priced a bit higher than that.
- Vehicles with over 100K miles, might need costly repairs in the future.
- Test everything (windows, doors, locks, trunk, wipers, radio, lights, signals, heater, A/C, seat adjustments, sunroof, etc.).
- If u see wheellocks, look for the unlocking nut (usually in the trunk).
- Check that all 4 tires have equal wear.
- Don't believe anything a seller says.
- Take the car to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection (fluid levels, engine mounts, brakes, leaks, etc.). This information is yours to use for bargaining - u don't need to share it with BB or anybody.
Ask the owner if he/she has: 2 sets of keys and keyfob remote (one set already at BB), plus the car manual (many new cars need a code for the radio/navigation system, after the battery is changed). Replacing a lost remote or getting an extra coded key might cost u $60 or more, so include that in your negotiations.
If u buy a used car, remember that u still have to pay sales tax, transfer title ($15), and car registration fees to the DMV.
Consider other costs (maintenance, insurance, repairs, etc.) when figuring out your budget.
Here's a useful link - Free CARFAX lemon check (VIN number):
http://www.carfax.com/...Listed in: Auto Service
-
Review from Joe B.
4/28/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I found my dream project - a clean '68 Mustang plain-jane coupe in outstanding cosmetic condition I'll call "Joan" after the character in Mad Men. You see, Carroll Shelby, the racing guru and brains behind the Shelby Mustangs, first scoffed at building a performance Mustang, calling them "just a secretary's car". This car was as close to what Carroll was talking about as any Mustang - 6 cylinder, no power steering, no power brakes, no a/c, but boy was she a knockout. ;-)
Jerry and (Donovan?) were a great help through the process - I seem to remember the main guy I communicated had a different name, (he was great) but I find a bunch of people here talking about Donovan, so maybe in my excitement my name skills slipped a little. Both were fair and informative in guiding me through the process, from initial inspection in the lot to test drive in the area to mechanic's inspection to finally making the deal. The car had more mechanical issues underneath than the gorgeous exterior would suggest, and I'll have to spend some money to make it a safe driver, but this beautiful coupe was worth it.
The previous owner was going to take BART back to Concord where he lives and I decided to give him a ride back so he could get to work on time and we could talk a little more about the history of the car.
Great experience - highly recommended! They take a lot of the hassle out of buying and selling a car at a reasonable price. -
Review from dan s.
11/26/2006
Great idea, another "gee, why didn't I think of that first?"
It probably works well because this is Berkeley.
Sure man, I'll trust you with this dude's car. Just need to see your license, and vaya con Dios for the next 20 minutes, man.
Yeah, try THAT in Manhattan.
I bet they get a lot of foot traffic from the Berkeley Bowl, and they have the advertising down to a system, as well as a good reputation (of course, they're impartial to the cars, so THEY won't screw you.)
I listed my car there and will report back with success or failure, but I think it's a cool concept.
UPDATE - my car sold in 18 days, excellent. No real complaints about Buggy Bank except that I think they need to expand their hours. 10am to 6PM are not times when most normal employed people can go car shopping. Granted, they are open Saturday and Sunday, but that's also when the area is busiest because of Berkeley Bowl.Comment from brad g. of Buggy Bank 6/27/2009
We hold the test driver's credit card. We have their drivers… More » -
Review from Sue K.
Berkeley, CA
7/14/2011
Recently had a couple of bad experiences at the buggy bank that are worth mentioning.
They post information on their web site and on the cars that is not accurate regarding the cars equipment. I went in to check out several cars because of what was listed on their web site and then found the car not to be equipped with what had been listed. When brought to the attention of the BB staff they first stated the owner had told them about the extras the car came with. After telling them the owner said the BB wrote the ad, they then said you can't go by anything listed you have to check it all out for yourself.
Why advertise something or anything if it is not correct??
In the end we bought a car that I thought had some important safety features that it did not have because I trusted in the ad.
Hope this helps someone else avoid this situation.Comment from brad g. of Buggy Bank 7/15/2011
Sue and her husband were looking for a car specifically that… More » -
Review from Terran O.
Emeryville, CA
2/25/2010
I know I'm kind of going against the grain on this review, but I'll explain myself.
I was a buyer looking at a Subaru on the lot. We found it online, and came down to check it out. The guys behind the counter seemed just a little weird to me. It's like since I didn't know their system and how exactly they operated that I really wasn't "good enough" for them. I'm not saying they treated me badly, just not nicely.
One huge disappointment to me, no CarFax reports. They only have Experian which is not detailed, and really is not a good source for used vehicles. So that was surprising. Literally EVERY used car lot I've ever been to has CarFax, but not this place.
You only get a 20 minute car ride, but since there are not salespeople hasseling you, that is really a positive trade off.
We took the car to a mechanic to have it checked out, and after paying $95 out of my pocket for my own information, found out the car had a lot of problems. (That's not Buggy Banks fault, I know.) But when we came back to turn in the key, the sleezeball tried to get us to give him a copy of the mechanic report, to which he has NO right. Buggy Bank, nor even the owner of the car are allowed to see that. I'm the one who invested my money and time to get that report, and they just wanted me to hand it over to them for free, which in my mind is VERY sleezy.
So I would have given this place a 4, since it's a nice and easy car-shopping experience, but trying to get his hands on the mechanic report knocked them down to 3 in my book.
But as with everything, you have to experience it for yourself.Comment from brad g. of Buggy Bank 3/24/2010
Buyers sharing reports with sellers may seem weird, but… More » -
Review from Simon the cat -.
San Francisco, CA
6/30/2010 1 photo
The Buggy Bank / 5 Start +
Buying a car at the Buggy Bank just could not get any easier!
No salespeople breathing down your neck
and playing 20 questions with you.
You walk around there lot. Find a car you like.
Take it for a drive. With nothing more than a drivers license
and a credit card.
And that is just what I did.
Saw it ,drove it and bought it.
It's that simple !
All without ever having to confront a sales person.
There is someone on the lot to give you the name/phone # of the cars owner.
I have nothing but good things to say about this place.
And the people who work there.
So here is there website.
http://www.buggybank.com
Thank's Buggy Bank , I love my new ride.
-Simon The Cat -
Review from Eva L.
San Francisco, CA
12/16/2008
my fiancee has been looking for a used car for a really long time, been on craigslist and all that. But he found the buggy bank on craigslist recently and noticed the good reviews on yelp. he saw a car there, got to drive it around for quite a while on his own, and just got the contact information for the owner. It was pretty simple, all he had to do was call the owner and he also got to negotiate the price.
Maybe we got lucky, the owner of the car was really easy to deal with. They just set up a date and time to meet at the Buggy Bank and that was it! They exchanged everything at location, the Buggy Bank let the previous owner and us the new owners know the next steps of things we have to do with the DMV etc. and we were on our way.
Overall, easy and good experience. The guys at the Buggy Bank were really down to earth nice people too! -
Review from Ryan H.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/1/2009
6 DAYS! They sold my car in 6 days!
They guys who work there are very helpful and facilitated all of the paper work and the entire transaction perfectly.
Next time I need to sell or buy a car, I'm stopping here first. -
Review from Bret H.
Brooklyn, NY
10/10/2008
Jerry and Donovan are princes among men. Yes, this is the best way to sell a car. Yes, the service is friendly and professional.
But let me also add, I sold a car through the Buggy Bank while at the same time moving to New York City. My registration and smog cert both expired after I left the state, and while the actual State of California told me there was nothing they could do, Jerry and Donovan had it ironed out in a couple of hours.
It isn't just service, it is service above and beyond what I thought was even possible. Truly a five star organization. -
Review from Harmony Rebecca J.
Los Angeles, CA
11/8/2008
I bought my car at Buggy Bank today. I'm thrilled with my new baby, so I want to tell everyone how they can do it, too. (Or sell their baby to some loving new parent.)
Buggy Bank is a vehicle display service. That means that they hold cars for sellers, and buyers can come in, look at the cars and test drive them without a salesperson breathing down your neck, telling you all kinds of stuff you either already know or really don't care about anyway.
When you're ready to have the car inspected, they will help you find a good mechanic and have the car sent over for you. It's really easy. Then when you are buying the car, the seller comes to meet you and BB makes sure everything is above board and smooth.
I would highly recommend buying a car this way. I love craigslist, but man, there are a million crazy scams out there just waiting to waste your time and devour your money. -
Review from Bryce N.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 3/25/2011
This is an excellent concept and excellent business. They're not quite on the leading edge of the technology... but that's ok. This is a pay to display lot that saves sellers hassle showing a car, and lets buyers poke around without pressure. I will use them again. I will recommend them to others. Located right next to Berkeley Bowl (green grocer).
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/22/2009
It's so low-tech it makes you wonder what's wrong. Nothing, in fact, is wrong. Friendly people,… Read more »
Comment from brad g. of Buggy Bank 6/16/2009
We normally alert buyers by phone, but if email works better… More » -
-
Review from M E.
Los Angeles, CA
8/24/2008
yay! i am a fan because i can go over there and test out a vehicle for 20 minutes! WITHOUT the hassel of some guy or dealer sitting beside me telling me how this ride is or how people love the car.
i can drive the vehicle in peace and be one with the car....
PRO:
leave your info and drive off for a few min
CON:
people who dont clean their car before they drop it off!
then maybe you should use something better to get rid of dog hair. thats just grossComment from brad g. of Buggy Bank 3/24/2010
The cars are all washed twice a week and now we don't allow… More » -
Review from Fillup F.
Martinez, CA
8/27/2011
They promise to sell my car, took my money & I got the car back with a dent in it. Waste of time.
Comment from brad g. of Buggy Bank 9/1/2011
We have asked Fillup to come back to see if there is… More » -
Review from Nousha V.
Huntington Beach, CA
6/4/2009
If you want to sell your car, DO NOT waist your time. Just go and see Jerry, they are so knowledgeable and honest. They tell you exactly how much the car will sell for and how long it will take. Less than a month your car is sold and you can do whatever you want with your cash.
-
Review from jen d.
1/13/2010
We just found a nice deal here and Jerry is very helpful. They have a printout of all the important info and they also set up times for test drives, to take it to your mechanic, etc. It's much more reliable than waiting for flaky people on CA Craigslist ads to get back to you and you don't have to drive all over the Bay Area to check things out. You still need to do your research, haggling, etc though because the owner is selling it NOT Buggy Barn.
-
Review from kimball L.
Oakland, CA
10/19/2008
I sold my car in 4 days. It was so easy. They take care of it all, keep the car clean, deal with DMV and title transfer, and manage the viewings. All I had to do was negotiate the price with the buyer and it was done. GREAT DEAL!
-
Review from sasha c.
San Francisco, CA
10/14/2006
The only way to sell a car without having to deal with morons never coming over or if they'll come back after the test drive. Just let Buggy Bank deal with it.
-
Review from Kathy M.
San Francisco, CA
5/13/2010
I recently sold my car through Buggy Bank and the experience was fantastic and virtually stress-free from start to finish. For women out there that don't feel comfortable meeting strangers off Craigslist, this is the best alternative I can imagine.
The employees who helped me patiently explained every detail of the process and really made sure I felt comfortable at every step. It was great because I'd never sold a car before and was super nervous! They helped me price it appropriately and even organized the detailing of the car (it cost an extra $100 or so, but the car came out looking like new).
The best part? My car sold for close to my asking price in LESS than 24 hours!! -
Review from bill d.
Berkeley, CA
4/22/2008
On the one hand, it really sucks sitting around all day Saturday waiting for people who don't show up to test drive your car. It is much more pleasant dealing with people over the phone and meeting them for the first time as they hand you a check.
On the other hand, the cost for handing over your keys at the Buggy Bank is $400 smackers. Also, they have a website but the main marketing they do is to post an ad to craigslist for you. In my case, I brought the car in Wednesday and they didn't get my ad up 'til Sunday night. Then after the ad expired, they didn't manage to get another ad up for a week. That's two weekends with no ad. People shop for cars on the weekend. So I didn't feel like I got a whole lot for my money but I suppose for some people even one time on a test drive with some tweaker getting your car up to 60 on a side street then doing a "brake check" is too much.Comment from brad g. of Buggy Bank 6/27/2009
We allow extra time to sell equal to the lost time on ads… More » -
Review from John M.
Sacramento, CA
2/4/2010
An awesome place to buy a used car!! No pushy salesmen to deal with but lots of cars to choose from.
-
Review from Christopher S.
Santa Barbara, CA
12/26/2008
Great idea and very helpful service. I bought a car from here after visiting for a while and finding the right deal. Everything went smoothly and the prices are real-world controlled and not marked up like used car sales lots usually are.
-
Review from Niko V.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2006
you just have to love the buggy bank. it's basically a parking lot where owners can display their used cars for sale and potential buyers can view them and even take them for test drives. they've beefed up their team there, and they operate a pretty tight ship.
i've both bought and sold a car there, and both times the experience was both quick and efficient.
the buggy bank is such a great concept, very berkeley, and you can find some great deals there, cheaper than buying a used car from a dealer and easier than having to trawl craigslist's listings of private sellers. owners leave their keys in the office, set a price, and then forget about their cars, until a buyer expresses interest. then you conclude the transaction as normal.
i bought my first-ever car here, and then proceeded to drive it into the ground on trips up to tahoe, where it finally died at the summit of donner pass. oh, the memories. -
Review from leah r.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2009
the buggy bank takes a lot of the pain out of selling your older car. i was pretty sure no one would want my late 90s chevy sedan, but instead it sold after only a week at the buggy bank! jerry is FANTASTIC! he helped me price my vehicle reasonably and then facilitated the paperwork for the sale. i would absolutely recommend the buggy bank for those trying to sell a car without the hassle of craigslist.
