Good car dealer. Yes, there is one

It had to happen at some time; in fact it was a forgone conclusion. It was just a matter of when. A love affair that had lasted fourteen years and travelled over 300,000 kilometres had to come to an end. After spending every day together, when the end comes it is emotionally devastating and life changing, bringing tears to the eyes. Having washed, serviced and polished every week (perhaps everyday) without fail, endless nipple greasing, eye watering, wrist snapping, nut tightening, and tyre inflation, the time had come. 

The divorce was surprisingly easy; no monumental court case, just the simple signing of an online document at Highbury Automotive, Burwood, and it was gone. I’m sure I saw the dipping of the headlights as the ink dried. An unknown man came, placed a cold plastic sheet over the warm butt indented drivers seat and without a word he took my friend away to be consigned to the market looking for a new and more youthful (and dare I say smaller) butt to fill the void; to continue the nipple greasing and nut tightening; to become its new lover. 

My friend had never broken down, never left me in the wilderness, never abandoned me. All the thrills we had flooded back to me in an instant: traversing Big Red, travelling the outback tracks, crossing deserts, never missing a beat. Good bye my friend, my pride and joy, my 1997 Nissan Patrol GQ, the best off road and towing vehicle of its generation will live in my memory for ever. Have a good retirement, my friend.

Call me fickle but the sense of emotional downturn was forgotten in an instant as my shiny new (previously owned) soon to be best friend was presented to me. The Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6; the prime example of British design and European know how. A majestic black with tan leather interior, high off the road, with torque to die for. The ultimate modern towing vehicle with just the right amount of sophistication as not to confuse (easy at my age), and heralded in reviews as having the best overall ability for its manufactured purpose.

Now, I am not one who enjoys the thought of dealing with car dealers – particularly new car dealers – who I’m convinced revel in the undermining of buyers, coming from over top, and making buyers feel inferior and lacking in knowledge. This was my experience with all the main Land Rover dealers in Melbourne; an awful experience but, being convinced this was the vehicle for me, I persevered and thankfully my search was repaid ten times over. 

I found an independent dealer who, from my research, I discovered was the largest independent dealer for Land Rover in Victoria, at Highbury Automotive in Highbury Road Burwood. It was by chance that I found them: I had just left another car dealership after having a torrid time attempting to be sold a product exaggerated out of all proportion. I was feeling pretty annoyed with dealers when I spotted what I considered to be the finest display of Land Rovers I had ever seen. 

Now this is not intended to be an advert for a car dealer; far from it. But lets face it, how many time have you found a good car dealer? Therefore having done so, I believe the experience is worth documenting and sharing. In Milton Seferis, the principal of  Highbury Automotive – a genuine family business – I found an honest person, true to his word, who knew his product from front to back . As a bonus he, as did his family, also happened to be extremely likeable. 

I found my car inside his establishment. I test drove the vehicle and made up my own mind after independent  tests that found no fault with the vehicle. Milton displayed a knowledgable confidence in every one of his vehicles. The complete process of purchasing was a good and comfortable experience with eyes wide open and no hidden unknowns.  

I am so pleased with the vehicle, and Milton has been a man of his word and gone out of his way to answer numerous questions about the Land Rover for my benefit. I purchased the vehicle to continue our travels around Australia and to ensure my confidence in the vehicle, I have had the vehicle serviced to my requirements and expectation by the staff at Highbury Automotive at a price that other dealers could not offer. Other dealers are always well over priced.

My previous loved friend has found a new friend and appears happy. The new owner, from the ‘P’ plates, appears to be a member of the younger generation and I know will have years of enjoyment. Perhaps we shall meet again at some distant outlying place and reminisce. 

As for me, in my Land Rover Discovery 4 I have found a friend who will carry me to where I want to go with the bonus of finding a friend in Milton Seferis who will ensure I will get there safely in a reliable manner without any drama. 

As a retiree who loves to travel like thousands of others who travel thousand of kilometres each year relying on the motor vehicle I would be interested to hear if anyone else can match my great experience at Highbury Automotive.