Thursday, May 31, 2012

Next Kia Sorento caught on the Ring

Courtesy of Autoblog

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Last year, the Kia Sorento took the honor of being the best-selling vehicle in the Korean automaker's stable. That pace has slowed somewhat in 2012, as both the Soul and the Optima push past the CUV for sales dominance, but the company's engineers are already hard at work on the next Sorento facelift.

Our spy photographers spotted the heavily camouflaged version of the tweaked crossover prancing around the Nürburgring. This is the second time we've seen the machine out in open air. As you may recall, the Sorento was last spotted romping around in the snow along with a few friends, including an Audi Q5 and a Mercedes-Benz GLK.

With those kinds of benchmarks, there's a good possibility the next-generation Sorento will offer significant improvements in ride and interior refinement. Word has it the next revision will also bring along a fresh fascia, complete with LED headlights, as well as a freshened rear valance with LED treatments of its own.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Kia Souls Dressed with Iconic Designer’s Signature Fashion Patterns

Courtesy of Kia Buzz

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Kia is sponsoring a fashion exhibition taking place in Seoul, Korea this weekend titled “La Vie En Rose,” a French expression that literally translates to “life in pink,” but symbolically means “the good life” when everything is perfect. The exhibition pays tribute to Korea’s very first female fashion designer Nora Noh, who held her first fashion show in 1956. The retrospective event aims to honor Nora’s career milestones that helped her become one of Korea’s most iconic designers.

Nora Noh

Photo Credit: Park Ji Hyuk via Elle Magazine

 

As a part of the exhibition, several Kia Soul ‘Art Cars’ will be decorated with Nora Noh’s signature motifs, patterns and designs. Check out some of these artsy and stylish Souls below:

 

Pretty nice huh? We wish La Vie En Rose much success!

 

 

 

How would you decorate your car?

 

Do you have a favorite fashion designer or brand who you would like to dress up your ride?

Thank you for this great review!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Total Car Score Names 2012 KIA Forte to "Top Cars for College Grads" List

Courtesy of Kia Media

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Total Car Score, one of the most comprehensive automotive ranking and comparison websites, has named the 2012 Forte sedan and hatchback to its "Top Cars for College Grads" list. This roster of over-achieving compact cars was released on the cusp of graduation season, as new college grads – along with their parents – look to purchase vehicles that are reliable and cost-conscious, while also considering factors including safety, fuel-efficiency, comfort and performance. Beyond praise for its styling, spaciousness, technology and interior materials, the 2012 Forte was found to be the most affordable vehicle among the cars selected.

"Forte's achievement of being named to Total Car Score's 'Top Cars for College Grads' list is validation that its low cost and abundance of smart, youthful characteristics make it a natural fit for young adults who are about to enter the professional world," said Orth Hedrick, director of product planning, Kia Motors America. "Furthermore, as the automotive marketplace becomes increasingly competitive with higher-quality cars, the Kia Forte is poised to succeed as one of the most well-built, well-equipped cars in its class."

Total Car Score provides a comprehensive auto rating system that lets car buyers and enthusiasts compare models from all automotive segments. The "Total Car Score" assigned to a vehicle is an overall industry assessment that combines quantitative car reviews from various major automotive authorities, including the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Kia Forte is one of the best compact car values on the market today," said Karl Brauer, chief executive officer and editor-in-chief of Total Car Score. "With standard features like Bluetooth®1 hands-free phone operation, a USB port for iPod2 connectivity and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty3, the Forte offers the technology and long-term quality today's college graduates seek in a new-car purchase."

Monday, May 21, 2012

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Caring for Windshield Cracks and Dings

Courtesy of Road and Travel Magazine

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Checking your windshield is important because a ding that occurs in spring or summer can cause a break in the winter. Most people drive more in warm weather and more driving means more vibration, which can cause a ding to expand into a cracked windshield.

Warmer weather also means running the air conditioning. "The shock of quickly going from hot to cold stresses a windshield and causing that ding to suddenly become a cracked windshield," says Jim Olson, director of national accounts and brand awareness for NOVUS® Windshield Repair.

Here are some tips if you have a ding or star on your windshield:

    Inspect the ding. If it has a cone shape, a circle deep in the glass or looks like a small star with points spreading out, have the ding repaired promptly. These are serious dings that can grow into a cracked windshield.

    Don't touch a ding or attempt to repair it yourself. Without special equipment and training, you will only contaminate the damaged area, making repairs hard to complete.

    As a temporary measure, put a piece of clear tape, like packing tape, over the ding. This won't keep the ding from spreading, but will help prevent contamination.

    Don't wash the vehicle-especially through the car wash.  Soap and water can contaminate the spot and a high-pressure wash can cause the ding to expand.

    Driving a vehicle with a windshield ding causes vibration and exposure to the elements cause the ding to spread.

    Avoid slamming the car doors and don't close the doors with the windows rolled all the way up. The vibration or buildup of air pressure inside the car can cause the ding to spread.

    Don't run the defroster, heater or air conditioning on high settings.  Don't park the vehicle in the sun. Rapid changes in interior temperature or prolonged exposure to sunlight can stress and weaken the windshield.

 

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Meet the 2013 Kia Sorento

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The Kia Sorento's transformation back in 2011 accomplished a few notable things. It turned a trucky SUV into a carlike crossover, one without so much off-road talent but far more on-road fluency. It's put a lot of Georgians to work, overtime, building Sorentos just to keep up with its hot sales pace. And it's split its segment down the middle, overlapping so many best-sellers--Escape, CR-V, Edge, Equinox--that the Sorento's now an appealing alternative to at least half of the family-friendliest vehicles on the market.

The Sorento returns for the 2013 model year with no major mechanical changes, and just a few updated features. It remains a value-rich vehicle, even in base form, with all kinds of configurations and options--engines, transmissions, traction systems, seating--to appeal to almost any wagon buyer. It's all wrapped in good-looking, nicely detailed sheetmetal that doesn't play to outdated SUV cues, and doesn't go overboard on mimicking carlike shapes or worse, borrow from boats. Handsome in a middle-of-the-road manner, the Sorento's charm only dulls a bit when the plastics in the cabin undergo a tougher scrutiny. They're not shiny, and they're matched well--they're just not as lush as you think they'll be, with all the tight fits and spare lines.

Most Sorento drivers will want to leap instinctively for the top V-6 drivetrain, but there's a four-cylinder in the middle worth examining. It's not the base 2.4-liter, 175-horsepower four, though--skip that one and the manual that's only available with it. It's sluggish and dated, and delivers low gas mileage that's only offset by its low base price. The mid-range four, with direct injection, is up to snuff: it's a 191-hp four that spins sweetly enough, and delivers as much as 32 mpg highway according to the EPA's ratings, with a well-sorted automatic transmission and good handling that gives more weight to comfortable ride than to even moderately brisk cornering. Opting into the V-6 version is something we'd reserve for drivers who tow on occasion, or for those who regularly run the kiddie carpool and use all of the available seats.

The base Sorento comes out of West Point, Georgia, as a five-seater, and even for adults, those seats have ample leg room and good head room. The seats themselves are supportive--even better when they wear leather. There's a third-row offered on some models, but that bench is only for those under five feet tall, with the dexterity to jump into the way-back, and the distractions to ignore the low seating position. Cargo space is fine, mostly, but a seven-row model with the back row raised won't leave much room behind for any cargo.

Strong safety scores from both the Feds and the IIHS put the Sorento in good stead with the competition, as does the array of standard equipment--air conditioning, power features, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a USB port are present and accounted for on every version. If you get spendy, the SX offers standard navigation, leather, and has an available panoramic roof, but prices zoom past the $35,000 mark, at which point the Sorento runs into some bigger, richer hired hands--vehicles like the Ford Flex and Explorer, the GMC Acadia, and likely, the upcoming Nissan Pathfinder.

Source: The Car Connection

Thursday, May 10, 2012

KIA RACING OPTIMAS LOOK FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WORLD CHALLENGE PODIUM AT MAZDA RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA

Courtesy of Kia Media

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Kia Racing's two turbocharged Optimas continue their impressive debut season at the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on the Monterey peninsula for Round Five of the Pirelli World Challenge Championships (PWC). Michael Galati, driver of the No. 36 Infinity Audio Optima, is currently 5th in the Grand Touring Sport (GTS) championship battle at the halfway point of the 2012 season. Galati's 3rd place finish at Miller Motorsports Park gave Kia Racing back-to-back podiums but also earned a "reward" of 22 pounds of added ballast for the No. 36 machine to carry in Monterey.

"We've had a fantastic start to the Pirelli World Challenge season, and the rapid development and outstanding performance of the Optimas is a testament to the commitment and dedication of Kia Motors America and Kinetic Motorsports," said Galati. "Competing at a technical track like Laguna Seca will further challenge the Optima program – as will the 'reward' weight we've been given – but we feel we are coming to the track with the right package and are looking to turn some heads in Monterey this weekend."

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca features significant elevation changes throughout its 11-turn, 2.2-mile circuit. Because of this, both Kia Racing drivers will look to take advantage of the impressive torque generated by the Optimas' turbocharged 2.0L gasoline direct injected (GDI) engines to climb the hill to the famous corkscrew and pull them up the long front straight.

The No. 38 Infinity Audio Optima will be driven by Kia Racing's newest team member, Mark Wilkins, a 28-year-old native of Toronto, Ontario. Wilkins brings a wealth of talent to the Kia Racing team with experience in the American Le Mans Series, GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car series, Star Mazda Championship and Formula Renault North American Championship. His past achievements include wins in Daytona Prototypes and American Le Mans Series prototypes as well as numerous victories and podiums in other classes.

"Mark has been on our radar for some time, and we are extremely pleased to welcome him to the Kia Racing team at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca," said Russell Smith, co-owner, Kinetic Motorsports. "Mark is a driver who will continue to help us with the fast-paced development of the Infinity Audio Optimas as the season hits the midway point."

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Car Review: 2012 Kia Rio, affordable and worth consideration

Courtesy of The Washington Times

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It’s been totally redesigned for 2012 so for smart car shoppers looking for a bargain, the Kia Rio will be right up your alley. Competition with the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, and the Mazda 2 comes in neck-to-neck.

With a stylish design both interior and exterior, fuel goes far in this one and in the subcompact market, the Kia Rio is a looker. Another plus, the many features you get standard on this car and the options are standout too.

The 2012 Kia Rio comes in a sedan or a hatchback with four doors and trim levels include the base LX or the EX and the sportier SX.

The LX offers 15-inch steel wheels, power and heated mirrors, trip computer, tilt steering wheel, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, and a four-speaker sound system with all the goodies. You can also get the Power Package as an option on this trim with power windows and door locks as well as keyless entry.

Up one and the EX has the added chrome grille frame, upgraded audio, cruise control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a center console with sliding armrest, better upholstery and metallic cabin accents.

If you add the Convenience package you will get 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, power-folding outside mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Kia's "Uvo" voice-activated interface. 

The sportier SX has 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, dual exhaust tips, LED front accent and rear taillights and the optional SX Premium package comes with a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, leather seating, and heated front seats.

Under the hood the 2012 Kia Rio engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. With a six-speed manual transmission as the standard on the LX you can choose the six-speed automatic too. The EX and SX are only offered in the six-speed automatic version.

For safety, the Kia folks have included antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side and side curtain airbags, and hill start assist.  The Kia Rio also has disc brakes for excellent braking power.

The Rio's cabin offers good materials and quality, particularly when paying such an affordable price. The seats are comfortable with a number of adjustment options for comfort while driving and even the passenger position options are standout.

Of course, as in all backseat situations, the legroom in the rear is tight. The sedan has 13.7 cubic-feet  of trunk space, but you can lower the rear seats. On the hatchback you can haul enough to fit in the 49.8 cubic-feet that’s available.

Knobs and dials are easy to navigate and understand intuitively and the Kia’s Uvo voice-activated system is a real standout, keeping the competition on their toes.

It has a nice ride, quiet and comfortable, taking the curves and handling well on the road, so most likely your decision on this vehicle will be a matter of brand preference. Do consider it since all the major pluses have been thought through here for styling, driving, and both inside and outside comfort and safety.

Should You Need to Know: Even though it is a subcompact, taller drivers can still sit behind the wheel in the 2012 Kia Rio with ease.  Take into consideration the long warranty coverage that is increasingly important these days.

Miles Per Gallon: The Kia Rio EX that I drove came in with 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

CostThe cost of the Kia Rio EX I drove had a price tag of only $18,345, enough to put a smile on any thrifty car shopper’s face.

Friday, May 4, 2012

We absolutely love hearing from our amazing customers!

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"I have been using the service department for my Civic because Commonwealth is on my way to work. I have been given excellent service even though I did not buy my Civic there. I decided to trade in my Civic and wanted another Honda since they are quality vehicles. I didn't shop commonwealth last, I shopped it first and bought a CRV. The salesman, Grant, was very professional and got me the deal I wanted. Everyone i have dealt with at Commonwealth has been very helpful and I love my new CRV. I will always recommend Commonwealth to anyone who is looking for a new car." - jpizzano

"What a great experience, from start to finish. Professional, courteous and friendly. I will recommend Commonwealth Honda over and over again. I love my new car and look forward to returning for service and maybe even buying another new Honda Civic for my husband." - Jeanne J.

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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Kia Motors America Announces Record April Sales

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Strong Demand for Optima, Soul and Sorento Leads to Kia's 20th Straight Monthly Sales Record; Annual Sales Up 22.2 Percent

Kia Motors America (KMA) has been the fastest growing car company in the United States over the past five years, and the brand's strong momentum continued with best-ever April sales of 47,550 units. Kia has achieved 20 consecutive monthly sales records thanks in large part to continued high demand for the brand's two U.S.-built* products - the Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV built at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) - as well as the ongoing popularity of the Soul urban passenger vehicle. Sales of the fuel-efficient 2012 Rio subcompacts, which can deliver up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway, increased 55.6-percent over the same period in 2011.

"Our record April performance is the latest illustration of how far the Kia brand has progressed as we continue to attract new customers with our unique value formula of world-class design, outstanding fuel efficiency, premium features and cutting-edge technologies," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "KMMG recently was named 'Large Manufacturer of the Year' by the State of Georgia, and the plant's success is a major contributor to our growth. With more new products and technologies set to arrive within the next year, we will continue our efforts to raise consumer awareness and consideration for the Kia brand and our full lineup of stylish and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia - KMMG - is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. - the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan. Kia's value- and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

SOURCE: marketwatch.com

We truly appreciate your great recommendations!

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"This is my second time buying a car here. Great people. Great service and the price is always right! The Internet pricing through Iris was helpful so we didn't have to come in numerous times." - C2miele

"We had a wonderful experience at Commonwealth Motors! Ainsley did a nice job sharing informationa about the Honda Accord that we were looking to purchase. He didn't pressure us! We were able to take our time look around and then get the answer to questions we had. He was respectful and considerate!! Thanks so much for the positive experience. We love the new car!" - Aimee & Paul P.


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Keep up the great work Bob and Shaun!

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"Bob McLean and Shaun Berryman must have to go the the Chiropractor every day for bending over backwards for their customers! Just purchased a Sorento (which I love) and they could not possibly have done a better job. There was no pressure and Bob took time to show me every detail of the car and has followed up numerous times to make sure everything is going OK. The service mananger has even called to say "Welcome to the Commonwealth Kia family" ! I will tell everyone looking for a Kia or any other vehicle to go see Bob and Shaun!" - Kabbott

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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Kia Motors' U.S. Corporate Campus Honored With "Good Design is Good Business Award" By Architectural Record

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Custom-Built Facilities for the Fastest-Growing Auto Brand in the U.S. Recognized for Contribution to Quality-of-Life, Community Outreach and Sustainability - Kia is one of eight companies to receive a 2012 "Good Design is Good Business Award" celebrating architecture as a vehicle to enhance a company's bottom line - The 21.7 acre Kia corporate campus - a $130-million investment - was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, the first firm to receive Architectural Record's Good Design is Good Business Lifetime Achievement Award

Kia Motors America (KMA), the fastest-growing car company in the United States(1), celebrates another prestigious architectural accolade, as the KMA Corporate Headquarters and state-of-the-art Kia Design Center America (KDCA) in Irvine, California have been honored with the "Good Design is Good Business Award" by Architectural Record. In its 15th year, the award celebrates architecture as a vehicle to enhance the company's bottom line and the architect/client collaborations responsible for them that prioritize quality of life, community outreach and sustainability to achieve their goals. Judging parameters included sustainability, work environment, employee recruitment, retention, performance and productivity, branding, culture, development of new work tools, and space for amenities like exercise facilities. As part of the honor, Kia's corporate campus will be featured in the May issue of Architectural Record.

Representing a total investment of $130 million, the 21.7 acre campus was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. The 239,000-square-foot modern glass and steel main structure features two administrative office and research buildings connected by an expansive entry and vehicle display area topped by executive offices. Other common spaces are organized around the light-filled public space that links the entry to a 36,000 square-foot reflecting pool and views to the hills beyond. The state-of-the-art, 100,700-square-foot U.S. design center features a covered entry and extensive design and modeling studios, workshops and presentation rooms. Both buildings are integrated with landscaping and parking areas to create a cohesive campus prominently visible to drivers on the adjacent Interstate 5.

KMA was one of the first companies in Irvine to voluntarily install an eco-friendly bioswale system in its parking lot to remove silt and pollution from surface water runoff. The landscaping features drought-resistant plants, and reclaimed water is used for landscaping irrigation and toilets. SOM provided full-service architecture and interior design. The team also included Nabih Youssef, structural engineers; MEP engineers; Tom Leader, Landscape architect, and PBQA, lighting designers. The property is managed by RiverRock Real Estate Group, Inc.

"As the fastest growing automotive brand in the U.S. Kia is committed to providing cutting-edge vehicles with world-class design, and our Corporate Headquarters and Design Center reflect that same philosophy," said John Yoon, vice president of human resources/administration and general counsel, KMA. "The corporate campus symbolizes innovation through leading architectural design, as well as Kia's ongoing commitment to the U.S. market, which has led to our record-breaking sales and market share increases."

The campus also features a state-of-the-art workout facility with the latest equipment and with exercise classes offered to employees during the day, as well as an on-site cafeteria and lunchroom. The Multi-purpose room found in the lobby area also is available to community groups as a meeting or event function space when not in use by KMA.

KMA and KDCA previously were recognized with "The Outstanding Building of the Year" (TOBY) award for corporate facility from the Orange County chapter of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), an Award of Excellence from the American Institute of Architects' Orange County chapter (AIAOC), and also recognized on the 2009 International Architecture Awards List, presented by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and Metropolitan Arts Press Ltd.

Exemplifying "Good Design is Good Business," Kia's U.S. sales are up 31.8 percent year-to-date, while March marked the brand's 19th straight monthly sales record with 80 percent of sales in March, including vehicles that achieve more than 30 highway miles per gallon(2).

"Kia Motors' U.S. corporate campus proves that thoughtful, rational design can be a powerful engine for business growth and talent retention," said Brian Lee, Design Partner, SOM. "The project exemplifies SOM's commitment to provide our clients with high-performance design that adds value to their brand and expresses their corporate identity."

Architecture and design has become a top priority for leaders of business and industry looking to rebrand, boost productivity, and attract customers. The Architectural Record Good Design is Good Business (GDGB) Awards program honors the architects and clients who best utilize design to achieve such strategic objectives. For more information, visit: Architectural Record.

Kia's Unprecedented GrowthKia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality(3) and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking(4). Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia - KMMG - is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. - the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan(5). Kia's value- and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

SOURCE: marketwatch.com

Thank you to our amazing customers for writing us these great reviews!

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"FAST SERVICE, ONLY WAITED 30 MINUTES FOR OIL CHANGE TO BE COMPLETED. GOOD PRICE WITH COUPON FROM DEALERSHIP. I WILL RETURN TO COMMONWEALTH AGAIN FOR SERVICE." - KJHARLEYBABE

"From the time I got there, Martin was professional and great. No waiting, excellent customer service from the beginning to completion.  I would certainly recommend Commonwealth Motors for service of your vehicle.  I recently purchased a tire, had I known they had this service, I would most definitely have gone there." - Frances

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"I was looking to lease a Chevy Cruze. I negotiated with 2 other dealerships and came down to what I thought was me best pricing. Just before I was about to head my local dealer, I respond to Commonwealth because they had sent me an e-mail. After one call, Commonwealth they put me into a better car for the same money. We signed papers that afternoon." - Eric

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