Pilson Auto Center of Charleston

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Penny Shinholster
a month ago
If you re looking for a good used vehicle and need an honest person to sell to you, I highly recommend Michael Howell! I co-signed on a truck for my son and he loved the truck! Unfortunately, he was in an accident and the vehicle was totaled but we will be back to get another vehicle! Michael will be our go to guy!

  Keith Gudeman
2 months ago
Purchased a truck from here 2 days ago. Check engine light came on already after taking a road trip. Also discovered that the horn and windshield washer doesn't work either.The purchasing of the truck was very smooth with no issues. Michael was our sales person and highly recommend talking with him.I'm leaving 1 star for now until my service appointment which will be day 6 of owning the truck.10/31/ 23, went to the service department today. They gave me back my keys and said the managers had to talk about it. And they would call me. I asked if they was going to call me today, he said probably tomorrow. Then I had to ask why the check engine light was on. It's on for the catalytic converter. No mention of about the horn and washer pump not working. I will update again once I get a phone call.11/2/23 so 10am comes and I decide to give them a call to see what's going on. Kyle looked up my information and told me parts have been ordered. I said ok and asked why no one has called me to let me know what was going on. He didn't have an answer for me so I asked to talk to the boss. I'll admit, I get hot headed at times especially when there's a failure to communicate so I was most likely rude on the phone. The service manager (Josh) got on the phone and proceeded to tell me that they have ordered all the parts needed for the truck. Great! Service manager was rude on the phone and I'm sure I was as well. But that doesn't give him the right to be rude to customers.11/14/23Received a text message this morning from Josh stating that the parts for my truck arrived and to call or text him back to set up an appointment. I texted back. A couple hours went by so I called and ended up getting voicemail and left a message, I also texted again. Around 4pm I get a call back from Kyle and we got an appointment set up for this coming Monday.11/21/23Went and picked my truck up today, I figured everything would be fixed. They got the new catalytic converter and windshield washer pump fixed, unfortunately the horn still isn't working. They informed me that there was something wrong with the fuse block for the horn and their looking for a replacement. So now I wait again for them to call me when they have the part.12/13/23I called back on the 11th to find out about getting the last thing fixed on the truck, the horn. Talked to Dillon and he said Josh was as lunch and he'd have him call me. Never got a call back. On the 12th I called back and got to speak to Josh. He didn't know what was going on with the part for my truck. He told me he would check into it and call me back. Let's just say I never heard back. I guess I'll give them half the day to call me before I call them back. We're almost at 2 month now dealing with these issues.1/10/2024 I dropped my truck off at the service department yesterday (1/9/2024) to get the horn fixed finally after I was told they was having issues getting the fuse block. I get a phone call from them saying that they had gotten the wrong part for my truck. It happens, they told me that they could get the correct part from Indiana. I just don't understand how all of the sudden they have the correct part in stock, when just a few weeks ago they was having issues getting the part because of the automotive workers strike.Got a phone call at the end of the day today saying the part didn't fix my truck.1/12/24Got a phone call today, they think it's a wiring issue. Hopefully it's figured out soon.1/17/23 finally got my truck back. Everything seems to be working as it should. They inspected for a leak I was concerned about and an oil change for free. That was nice since I was expecting to pay for those. Thay made things right unfortunately it took several months but I'm happy. Remember to check everything when purchasing a used car, it's used don't expect new. Come if you need a vehicle ask for Michael Howell. He'll make sure everything gets taken care of.

  Kim White
2 months ago
Great Experience purchasing my new car! Randy McDonald is excellent! He never rushed me, made sure I had all the information to compare and find the right vehicle for me, communication was excellent through the entire process, and even checked in after final purchase was completed! I highly recommend Randy and the entire Pilson s Charleston Experience.

  Tucker Denton
a month ago
Told Michael what vehicle we were looking for. Not long after he had a vehicle that was exactly what we wanted and he made the buying process painless and enjoyable. Would recommend Pilson of Charleston, Michael and Scott to anyone.

  Garett Kemper
2 weeks ago
Charged me $170 for a diagnostic Then quoted me over $1100 of labor to fix the timing. Then it turns out my timing wasn't off the cam sensor was bad and the turbo is failing. So they were wrong in the first place thank goodness i didnt pay them to fix the wrong thing

  Felicia Cooper
2 months ago
Go to Pilsen's in Charleston Illinois. If you are looking for an automobile. Ask for Mike. He is terrific and he will do everything in his power to help you. I have to say that Pilsen 's in Charleston is the only place that my whole family will purchase a vehicle. And Mike is amazing. He really does care about each one of his customers. Thank you so much Mike and Everyone who made are dreams come true.

  tony mathias
3 months ago
I have known Michael Howell for years. He is very knowledgeable with his products and inventory. I would highly recommend him. Ps..Tell him Big Tony sent you!

  Mary True
3 months ago
Mike Howell is our go to guy!! If you're needing a new vehicle, or just wanting to upgrade and treat yo self to a new ride, don't hesitate to call on Mike!! He's kind, he's funny and he'll make sure to get you what you're lookin for! Plus, he makes ya feel like a part of the family!! Go see Mike at Charleston Pilson's today!!

  Jeremy Hill
3 months ago
Have bought several vehicles from Pilson's. My salesman Mike is a longtime family friend and made the process easy and as pain free as a car deal can go.

  Joshua Henne
2 years ago
Amazing people that are truly sales professionals that care about every customer and their individual needs! I have purchased many vehicles in my lifetime, and never have I had better service then at this dealership!!! People can say anything they want, but at the end of the day this group will take care of you 100% and make everything work the way it should from the start of the deal all the way down to any service required. You can t find a better group of people to get the job done!!

  Michael Reddick
3 months ago
Michael howell has been the most honest , professional car salesman I ve ever dealt with and look forward to doing more business with him next time !

  Missie Morley
6 years ago
I love Pilson Auto Center! This is the 3rd vehicle we've purchased from them and I'm pretty sure this is the only place we'll be buying vehicles from in the future.The staff is so friendly and they work so hard to get you into a vehicle that actually works for you, they don't just go for the quick sale. The do what they can to help.I just got a 2017 Jeep Patriot from them and I am in love with it! They did great. My husband worked closely with Brayden (sorry if that's not your name or the incorrect spelling) to get the best deal for us!They're all amazing! If you go there, tell them we sent you!

  Tina Williams
3 months ago
Pilson has always been a great place to do business with. Michael Howell works very hard to satisfy customers!

  Sarah Stein
10 months ago
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Brian was the salesman that greeted us on the lot. I immediately explained our complicated financial situation and our need for a new vehicle. He never made us feel bad about the position that we were in and he was willing to help from the beginning. I feel like over the two weeks that we went back and forth to get this purchase done, Brian and the others involved at Pilson in Charleston went above and beyond for us. We will 100% be buying from them again in the future and I will recommend them to family and friends.

  Cindy Gress
3 months ago
I purchased a Ford escape from pilson auto center and couldn t be more pleased with Jim Javen, and all the help with the staff I received.

  Ronny Smith
7 months ago
Stay away service department horrible warranty sucks. $148 diagnosis fee then warranty won t cover Repair and they charged me $18 for shop supplies for a bad radiator hose and radiator cap. Save yourself, the grief find a good local mechanic.

  Ted Barnhart
9 months ago
I purchased a 2011 Chevy HHR on Friday July 1 from this dealership. From the start of contacting them they were more than stellar Brian G . Was my salesman in all my 65 years I have never i mean never such a comfortable feeling .From the salesman to shop they did what was asked . But here is where they shine above every Monday I drove to EffinAs on the way back I smelled gas I pulled over sure enough it was leaking . As they were closed I had to use a local mechanic. In Newton bottom line is they reimbursed the whole cost of repairs! 416.50 so I want to say this they are the best if looking for a car please give them a chance Ted Barnhart one satified customer .

  Littlehowell01
3 months ago
Michael Howell is someone who I highly recommend seeing if you are looking to buy a car

  Keyla Baird
10 months ago
Buyer beware this place sells junk cars with warranty that doesn t cover anything. I consigned for my daughter a car in October and it has had issue after issue . They sold her a lemon and hardly anything is covered under the warranty she bought that was supposed to be anything under the carriage. I took my first review down after they fixed her car once but it was like pulling teeth now she is having more issues. College kids shouldn t have to pay 13k for a vehicle that might only last a year. I have bought several cars here in the past and will never go back.

  Paul Mcdonald
8 months ago
Had my jeep in for an oil change. They picked it up and dropped it offEverything was good but when they dropped it off I had an anti-freeze leak and it's never leaked before. They gave me a loaner and now I'm waiting to see what can and will be done with my leak

  John Rickett
a month ago
Very rude. Told me if I didn't like the price go somewhere else. Poor MANAGEMENT.

  Matthew Mueller
a year ago
A picture says a thousand words. Hour plus, 110$ later and I'm out of oil. Must have caught em on a bad day

  Donald Smith
a year ago
It is a good place for service of your vehicle but you should check out their online coupons to try to save money on the service. They do not accept appointments for oil changes so you must just drive in and wait for your vehicle to be serviced. Sometimes the wait might be 45 minutes or an hour so it is not always convenient to just stop by. I do recommend you give them a try next time you need your vehicle serviced.

  Don Smith
a year ago
If you need your vehicle serviced there, then check out their web page for specials otherwise you will be paying a lot more than is necessary. Staff are friendly and attentive to your concerns about your vehicle And I have never had an issue with their service. They do not allow appointments for things like oil and filter changes although it is not unusual in my experience to wait 45 minutes or more to get your oil changed.

  Samuel Durick
2 years ago
I purchased a Lifted Sherrod 2021 Ram Bighorn several months ago. The truck is fantastic! Best part of the purchase was the sales personnel. Don t hesitate to ask for Matt Kramer. He will make your best deal happen!

  Emma Bunt
2 years ago
Salesman are very nice and will try to work with you. Only issue was after a couple of days the check engine light came on and within a week of check engine car stopped working properly and there was supposedly 5 things wrong with it and only 2 of the 5 were covered under wearenty. Wish they did a better check on the car but the sales process was very smooth in my experience

  Michael Johnson
2 years ago
Great experience. I live in Birmingham, AL and found a used car at Pilson in Mattoon, IL. I talked to Terry McFarland and he gave me the details and sent a video. Terry was very helpful and honest. I stressed that before I made a 450 mile trip, make sure the car was as described and everything worked. He assured me it was up to par. He was right. It was everything I expected. I purchased 5 cars from long distance and I must say this was my best experience. Great facility and nice people. No surprises. Refreshing. Keep up the good work!

  Tyler Stennett
a year ago
Brian purchased my lease from me. I was 20k miles over my lease contract, and ended up making money on the vehicle. Brian was great to work with and had a family-minded attitude.

  Sherie Skaggs
2 years ago
I put money down on a jeep. It was still advertised online and at a cheaper price. Would not honor cheaper price. Randy just kept saying it was a mistake. We made 2 4 hour round trips to purchase this vehicle and they did not even fill the gas tank for us. Very poor customer service as far as I'm concerned. I cannot believe that the price would have been lowered $500 without their permission. Buyer beware

  Chelsie Decker
3 years ago
RUN!They tried adding thousands and thousands of added warranties onto our car deal and got caught in a lie. I told them we only wanted GAP Insurance. They told me the BANK had stipulations and required this specific warranty which in return would make our monthly payment go up over $50 a month. We simply did not want this warranty nor pay for it. When I asked who our lender was and asked if they could send me documentation from this lender that they are requiring this such thing they flat out told me they had no documentation to give. Then calls back and says It s actually not the bank requiring this it is us . If we wanted to do away with it they would need more money on the down payment. Mind you.. they even called the BANK to see if they could work out a better deal and calls back saying The bank is showing us some love and lowered it to such and such . They told us they are at a loss with the deal and needed more on the down payment. Watch for those added warranties and don t be afraid to ask for documentation! We did not take their deal and ran.