A-1 Auto Brokers

I recently purchased a 2017 Ford Escape with 102,000 miles on it for $8000. This was the first time I’ve ever bought a car, and I’ll certainly never forget it. I’ve read that this dealership is a family owned business - and it really shows. Everyone at the dealership was extremely patient and kind. These guys really know what they’re doing - and they’re extremely fair in the way they do business.

Chuck was the employee that helped me out from start to finish, and it was an absolute pleasure meeting him and doing business with him. These are some really good folk down here at A-1 Auto, and I’m happy my money went towards supporting a local family owned business. You can tell the difference between a dealership that has no morals or values and a dealership like A-1 Auto where they truly put the customer first. Any time a friend or family needs a new car, I’m going to point them towards this place.

Don’t just take my word for it - talk is just talk, right? Actions speak louder than words. Here’s some examples of things that set A-1 Auto apart from the competition:

Firstly, these guys have free CarFax reports available for all of their vehicles on the website. Extremely convenient, and shows that A-1 Auto isn’t ashamed of their inventory. Dealerships with lots full of junk cars they’re trying to unload on some sucker would certainly never have free CarFax reports available on the website.

Secondly, they price their vehicles extremely fairly. Other car dealerships overcharge sometimes by thousands - these guys simply charge market value (or even offer the vehicle for less). I’m not sure if what I’m about to say is true, but this is how it was explained to me by someone not affiliated with A-1 Auto: Various regions of the USA use different pricing methods. One region might use KBB, one region might use Edmunds, one might use NADA / JD powers - ext. It was explained to me that down here in the south, car values are determined by using NADA / JD Powers. In fact, when I was applying for financing with Keesler, they determined the value of the car using JD Powers - so I find the above statement to be pretty accurate. That being said, these guys here at A-1 Auto price all of their vehicles according to JD Powers. Feels good to be paying actual market value for the car you’re buying, instead of trying to buy a car from a dealer that tries to overcharge like crazy.

Thirdly, and probably most importantly, these guys are EXTREMELY fair. They really put the customer first here at A-1 Auto. I knew going into this purchase that $8500 was an extremely fair price for this 2017 Ford Escape. After checking out the vehicle, I saw it needed three or four very minor fixes. I talked to Chuck about these minor concerns and asked if he was willing to let the vehicle go for $8000 instead of $8500 - Chuck really took the time to listen to what I was saying, and he agreed to the lower price. Just another example of how A-1 Auto puts the customer first. All in all it was an amazing experience and I’m so happy I bought my first car with A-1 Auto.

I got financed with Keesler FCU and it was an incredibly smooth process. I gave Chuck my down payment, then we signed the papers for the sale of the car. I then went to the Keesler branch right down the street with all my paperwork from the dealer and after they checked over everything they issued me a check right then and there. I went back to the dealership with the check and walked out the same day with my new car. It’ll be easy for you too!

I do have a suggestion on how you guys could get more business. People need cheap and reliable transportation, right? Maybe try stocking more low-cost car options? More cars in the $8000 range, maybe even in the $7000 range? Keep in mind lending guidelines - that most lenders won’t finance anything older than 8-10 years, or anything with more than 150,000 miles. So maybe get more low-cost options you’re sure banks will finance? I bet you guys have an entire demographic just waiting to be tapped into.

Thanks for everything Chuck!

Purchased a used vehicle from A1 this morning and was pleasantly surprised at the customer service and friendly staff. Chuck did a great job with the transaction. He was honest, matter of fact and never once tried to up-sell us, push extended warranties or other products one is normally bombarded with at some car dealers. The vehicle we purchased was in great shape and was fairly priced. Overall a great car shopping experience. I would not hesitate to do business with them again. Thanks for reading!

I bought a mini today and have been very anxious about buying a used car because of my last experience. Chuck has been very patient and personable with me. As with most used cars the sale is “As is” but they will check out any of your concerns after the sale. I find that buying a used car is a gamble no matter what and anything can happen as soon as you drive it off the lot. It just makes me feel better that they would offer to check it out after the sale. Most places would say that’s your problem sorry. The mechanic was very helpful to me as well. I researched and expected to get a first or second generation mini. No one has made me feel stupid they all talked to me like a human and explain led different aspects of the car I was not sure about. Again all my research was on the older cars and this design is different. I just bought my car today. If my attitude changes I will be sure to post an update. I do feel like these folks are ok though and my outcome will be fine.

Did a great job taking care of my son and I. Very happy and we will do business again in the future. 5 star all the way

I recently purchased my 2015 GMC Terrain from these guys. They are very friendly and have excellent customer service! There were plenty of very nice vehicles on the lot that were well taken care of. After purchasing my SUV, my battery seemed to be dead so I gave them a call and they replaced it almost immediately! I am very happy with my treatment there and my new vehicle! I strongly recommend doing business here. You won’t be disappointed!

We just want to Thank both husband and wife Barbara and Burt(owners) for being so honest and upfront about the purchase of our 2017 white Chevy Cruze. There was no pressure to purchase and Barbara made the transaction so seamless. Burt paid us a fair price for our trade In regardless of whether buying their vehicle or not and made us feel like family. We cannot stand big dealerships and their games with financing so Barbara explained the Credit acceptance terms and even advised us how to get a better rate financing down the road. Completely honest and our new gently used car is amazing and has been running like a dream. We also opted in for the warranty just in case and it’s definitely worth the peace of mind as all used cars are USED and cannot be predicted regardless of previous owners. This car is a gem and Thank you both Burt and Barbara for treating us like family and watching out for our finances. God bless you and yours. Sincerely Jesse and Lynn

Was very flexible and helped guide me in the right way for a good loan vehicle was also fairly priced

A1 is a great place to buy a car....never been easier. They are nice, polite, helpful, honest. I would recommend them to anyone. Go check Chuck out, very helpful
We liked them so much, we bought two Beetle VW's

Nutshell/TLDR/Summary: Being a first-time car buyer may be mentally debilitating during a pandemic and crazy car market, but don’t write off your local mom-and-pop car dealer thinking dealerships are the only way to go. They might surprise you and sell you your first car.

I don’t write reviews often whatsoever. An experience has to be either really good or really bad for me to write one. Otherwise, I just leave a rating. In this case, it was the former, and I left the lot with my first ever car purchase.

Now, let me add some context. I got in a car wreck roughly 6 months ago with my nephew and dog, which are the two beings I love and cherish the most on this planet. Thankfully no one was hurt, but my car was totaled. I started the hunt with a huge learning curve since it was my first car buying process on my own and my folks didn’t teach me much growing up about cars if at all. That paired with getting rides, working two jobs (basically 7 days a week), a pandemic and a terrible market, I had my work cut out for me.

Enter in 6 months later after 1. buying a car that was still in transit only for the car to come in bad condition and not be able to be sold to me ultimately, 2. buying another car, which was ironically the ONLY one I didn’t take to a mechanic beforehand, only to return it within the week due to finding out it had various electrical issues with suspected flooding, 3. multiple salesmen talk down to or flirt with me, and 4. multiple occurrences of cars being online or on the lot when I call but actually already sold, not on the lot due to transit or way worse condition than stated when I arrive.. Needless to say, I was burnt out.

Now, the good stuff. I had already been to A-1 Auto Brokers a few months prior to test drive a Kia Soul, but it didn’t work out. Nonetheless, it was a pleasant experience. So, when I saw TWO Honda Civics online, I went the very next morning and started inspecting the two Hondas when Chuck greeted me. I told him I would not be a customer unless I was able to get it checked by my mechanic. He stated it was more than okay, encouraged me to take my time and was nothing but transparent and helpful from the beginning. At one point we related on plants, so I half joked when I told him if I bought a car from him, I'd bring him some plants haha. Chuck was very personable. Pleasantries aside, I only was interested in the Honda Civics, but I didn’t want to test one and maybe miss out on the other, so he let me take BOTH of them to my mechanic in Gulfport. One of was more promising than the other, so when I came back, I leveled with Chuck on finding a fair price and ran some things by their mechanic, which ultimately helped me feel confident in taking it off the lot. In the end, Chuck got me what we both wanted at the end of the day: a good experience buying and selling a car.

The owners were very sweet throughout the process too. They respected my decision to work with just Chuck, were considerate of covid precautions, and shared stories about their furbabies. Because of their hospitality, I went the extra mile like they did for me and followed through on my ‘joke’ I had with Chuck throughout the day and went home to repot some plants. I added that I would bring my dog for his animal loving bosses to pet too. I showed them I was serious when I came later to pick up my car with some aloe vera and my yorkie, Cooper. Granted, my dog was coming regardless, because I am that animal owner that shares my wins with my furbaby, but I definitely wanted to treat Chuck for helping out a young adult that has struggled and needed a break from all of the hardship.

It may not be the car I wanted or the scenario I first envisioned (vanlife dreams haha), but I am beyond grateful during such trying times and the peace of mind going forward. Not everyone has the car to borrow to shop around whenever, time to shop leisurely, money to spend carelessly, etc. So, them being respectful of my time and energy means a lot. Truly thankful for A-1 Auto Brokers and recommend them to everyone searching for a car.

This guy was Awesome! There were a few obstacles that aroused but it was no challenge to Mr Chuck. He helped us overcome it all. Now my son/fiancé is walking NALL driving away in their 2014 Hyundai Sonata TODAY! Thanx alot!

Absolutely, recommend A-1 Auto Brokers. Charles and Barbara are very helpful. I was nervous about getting a used vehicle. But the vehicles they have are gently used and they have something for every budget. No credit or bad credit? They will work to get you an approval. I wasn’t hassled or felt like I was being pushed into any certain vehicle. Charles (Chuck) listened to me and the things I wanted/needed in a vehicle and showed me what would work for my budget, and was very patient while I took my time driving and looking. Don’t waste your time going anywhere else, A-1 is the best on the coast.

Chuck at A1 did amazing with getting me in my new 2017 Toyota! He is nothing short of an amazing automotive dealer and I urge you to buy your next vehicle with him!!

Nice vehicle nice and friendly people to deal with. 5 stars in my book

I purchased a Chevy Malibu and i couldn’t be happier. I was treated fair and they were open and honest to deal with. Ill be back when my fiancé needs a truck

Very happy! This is the 2nd vehicle we have bought from them!

Fast and friendly service. Very nice people and quality vehicles

I've been dealing with them for nearly 10 years and they have always had my back. The quality of service is beyond reproach. I'll never buy a car anywhere else. They bend over backwards to help whenever they can.

Very friendly, family owned small business owners. No pressure atmosphere which has definitely earned my business. It’s rare to find a used car dealership today that demonstrates integrity such as A-1.. 👏🏻👍🏻

Chuck is amazing! I went and saw him for my new car and he went above and beyond to help me with everything and meet all of my needs in such a fast timeframe.

Let me start by saying, Chuck was amazing. He spent a few days working a deal with me over the phone. I put in so many applications and talked to so many dealerships, none approved me. Chuck didn't give up and he got me in a beautiful 3rd row seat vehicle, with little down and not so good credit. I am so happy I found this place. Chuck really worked a miracle! Thank you so much!!!