Import Auto Stonington is a used car dealership in Stonington, Connecticut that specializes in imported vehicles

Import Auto Stonington operates as an independent used car dealer focused on imported makes — primarily Japanese brands like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Subaru, though inventory varies. The dealership is located in Stonington, a town in New London County on Connecticut's southeastern coast, roughly 40 minutes from Hartford and 90 minutes from Boston. Like any used car dealer, it buys vehicles at auction or from trade-ins, inspects them to varying degrees depending on the dealer's standards, and resells them at a markup.

The dealership does not manufacture vehicles or represent any automaker directly. It is a retail operation where you negotiate price, arrange financing through the dealer or your own lender, and handle the purchase as you would at any independent lot. The specific inventory, pricing, condition standards, and warranty terms are set by Import Auto Stonington alone and change constantly.

Key Takeaways

  • Import Auto Stonington is an independent used car dealer, not a factory-authorized dealership, so warranty coverage and service support differ from buying through an official brand dealer.
  • Imported vehicles often have lower purchase prices than domestic equivalents but may carry higher repair costs if parts are harder to source locally.
  • Before visiting any used car lot, run a vehicle history report using the VIN to check for accidents, title problems, and service records.
  • Have any used car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy, because dealer inspections vary widely and are not standardized.
  • Financing through the dealer typically costs more than financing through a bank or credit union, so compare rates before you agree to dealer financing.

How to research a specific vehicle before you visit

When you find a car listed on Import Auto Stonington's website or in-person, write down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — a 17-character code stamped on the driver's side dashboard and printed on the title. Run that VIN through a history report service like Carfax or AutoCheck. These reports cost $20 to $30 per report and show accident history, title status, mileage records, and previous owners.

A history report will not tell you whether the car runs well or whether the engine is sound, but it will flag red flags like a salvage title (the car was declared a total loss by an insurance company), a flood title (water damage), or a lien (someone else owns it legally). If the report shows multiple owners in a short time or a jump in mileage between records, ask the dealer directly why. If the dealer cannot or will not explain it, that is a reason to walk away.

Check the current market price for that make, model, year, and mileage using resources like Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides. These tools show what similar cars sell for in your region. If Import Auto Stonington's price is significantly higher than the market average, you are paying a premium — sometimes justified by condition or low mileage, sometimes not.

Why imported vehicles often cost less upfront but may cost more to maintain

Imported cars, especially Japanese brands, typically have lower used prices than comparable domestic vehicles because there are more of them in the used market and they hold value differently. A 2015 Honda Civic may sell for $2,000 to $3,000 less than a 2015 Ford Focus with similar mileage, even though both are reliable. That price difference reflects supply, not quality.

However, repair costs can swing the other way. Parts for common Japanese imports are widely available and affordable, so routine maintenance is often cheaper than domestic equivalents. But if you need a transmission or a specialized component, a local shop may have to order it, adding time and sometimes cost. Dealership service for imported brands is often more expensive than independent shops, so factor in where you plan to have the car serviced.

Before you buy, research typical repair costs for that specific model and year. A 2010 Toyota with 120,000 miles may need a timing belt replacement soon — a $500 to $1,200 job depending on the model. If the dealer has not done it and the price does not account for it, you are absorbing that cost after purchase.

What an independent mechanic inspection reveals that a dealer inspection does not

Import Auto Stonington may claim the car has been inspected, but there is no legal standard for what that means. One dealer's inspection might be a walk-around and a test drive. Another might include a compression test, fluid analysis, and a full suspension check. You have no way to know without asking, and even then, the dealer has a financial incentive to downplay problems.

Before you commit to buying, take the car to an independent mechanic — not a shop affiliated with the dealer. Pay $100 to $200 for a pre-purchase inspection. The mechanic will put the car on a lift, check the undercarriage, test the brakes and suspension, run a compression test on the engine, and scan the computer for fault codes. This inspection often uncovers problems the dealer missed or chose not to mention: worn brake pads, a failing alternator, transmission fluid that smells burned, or rust in the frame.

If the mechanic finds significant problems, you can negotiate the price down, ask the dealer to fix them before you take the car, or walk away. Many buyers skip this step to save $150 and end up spending $2,000 on repairs within the first month. It is the single most important step in buying a used car.

Financing through the dealer versus financing on your own

Import Auto Stonington will offer to arrange financing for you, usually through a captive finance company or a bank they work with regularly. This is convenient — you sign papers at the lot and drive away — but it is almost always more expensive than financing on your own.

Before you visit the dealer, check your credit score using a free service like Credit Karma or AnnualCreditReport.com. Then contact your bank or credit union and ask what rate they would offer you for a used car loan. Credit unions often have lower rates than banks, especially if you are a member. Write down the rate and the term (36 months, 60 months, etc.).

When the dealer quotes you a financing rate, compare it directly to what your bank offered. If the dealer's rate is 2% higher, that difference costs you hundreds of dollars over the life of the loan. Dealer financing is worth using only if the dealer is offering a promotional rate that beats your bank's offer — which is rare for used cars.

If you finance through the dealer, read the contract carefully. Some dealers bundle add-ons like extended warranties, gap insurance, or paint protection into the loan without making it clear. You can decline these add-ons, and you should unless you genuinely want them.

Understanding the title transfer and registration process in Connecticut

When you buy a car in Connecticut, the dealer is responsible for transferring the title to your name and handling the paperwork with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This process typically takes 10 to 14 days. You will receive a temporary registration that allows you to drive the car legally while the permanent registration is processed.

Before you leave the lot, verify that the dealer has the title in hand and that it is clean — meaning no liens or other claims against it. If the title is held by a lender (the previous owner financed the car), the dealer must pay off that loan before transferring the title to you. This is standard, but confirm it in writing.

Connecticut requires all vehicles to pass an emissions inspection before registration. If the car was registered out of state, the dealer may handle this, or you may need to schedule it yourself at a state inspection station. Ask the dealer who is responsible before you leave the lot.

What warranty coverage you get and what you do not

Connecticut law requires used car dealers to provide a limited warranty on vehicles sold for more than $1,500, unless the car is sold "as-is" and that is clearly stated in writing. The warranty typically covers major components like the engine, transmission, and drivetrain for 30 days or 1,000 miles, whichever comes first. It does not cover wear items like brakes, tires, or batteries.

Import Auto Stonington may offer an extended warranty for an additional cost — typically $500 to $2,000 depending on the term and coverage. These warranties are sold by third-party companies, not by the dealer, so read the fine print carefully. Some extended warranties exclude certain repairs, require you to use specific shops, or have high deductibles. Compare the cost to what you might spend on repairs over the same period.

If you buy from an independent dealer like Import Auto Stonington rather than a factory-authorized dealership, you will not have access to manufacturer recalls or factory service bulletins. You can still have recalls done at any shop, but you lose the convenience of going to an official dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy from an independent dealer or a factory-authorized dealership?

Independent dealers like Import Auto Stonington often have lower prices because they have lower overhead. Factory-authorized dealerships offer longer warranties and factory service support. If you want the lowest price and do not mind using an independent mechanic for repairs, an independent dealer works. If you want peace of mind and factory backing, pay more at an authorized dealer.

What does "as-is" mean when I see it on a car listing?

As-is means the dealer makes no warranty and you are buying the car in its current condition, problems and all. Connecticut law allows this only if it is clearly stated in writing. If you see as-is, assume you are responsible for any repairs needed when ready after purchase. Have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you buy.

Can I return a car to the dealer if something breaks a week after I buy it?

No, unless the problem is covered by the warranty the dealer provided. Once you drive the car off the lot, it is yours. The limited warranty covers major components for 30 days or 1,000 miles, but wear items and problems that develop after that are your responsibility. This is why the pre-purchase inspection is so important.

What should I bring to the dealer when I am ready to buy?

Bring a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and proof of income (pay stub or tax return) if you are financing through the dealer. If you are financing through your own bank, bring a pre-approval letter. Bring a checkbook or be prepared to wire funds for the down payment. Do not bring more cash than you are comfortable losing if the deal falls through.

How do I know if the mileage on the odometer is accurate?

The vehicle history report will show mileage records from previous inspections and service records. If the current mileage is lower than a previous record, that is odometer fraud — a crime. If the mileage jumps significantly between records, ask the dealer why. Consistent mileage increases over time are normal and expected.