Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Car Buying & Selling Experts in Ithaca
Founded in 1959, Automotive Consultants has been a family-owned cornerstone of the Ithaca community for over six decades. We specialize in providing unbiased automotive guidance, acting as your personal consumer advocate whether you're buying or selling a vehicle. Our no-pressure approach prioritizes education, ensuring clients make informed decisions aligned with their needs. As New York State's only independent new car dealer, we offer access to any make or model at wholesale prices, backed by transparent processes and dealer-certified pre-owned vehicles. Our commitment extends beyond the sale through comprehensive support including financing, insurance, and post-purchase assistance.Recognized by the Chamber of Commerce, we maintain our reputation through honest service and community-focused values. With over 60 years of combined experience, our team delivers expertise in vehicle valuation, financial packaging, and automotive needs assessment. We guarantee satisfaction through free appraisals, top wholesale payouts for trade-ins, and a pledge to help even if it means referring clients elsewhere. Located at 217 Elmira Road, we serve Tompkins County with weekday hours from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday availability.
Services
Vehicle Sales
Car Appraisals
Financing Solutions
Used Car Certification
Wholesale Pricing
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1959 with 60+ years of local automotive expertise
- No-pressure atmosphere focused on consumer education
- Access to any vehicle make/model at wholesale pricing
- Dealer-certified pre-owned vehicles with inspection transparency
- Chamber of Commerce member serving Tompkins County community
Associations and certifications
- New York State Qualified Dealer #7011463
Services
Vehicle Sales
We offer access to any new or used vehicle make/model at wholesale prices. Our independent dealership status eliminates brand affiliations, allowing unbiased comparisons. Every purchase includes factory warranties and optional extended service contracts through CARS Protection Plus.
Car Appraisals
Professional free appraisals determine your vehicle's actual cash value. Accepted by banks and insurance companies, our evaluations form the basis for immediate top-wholesale-dollar offers. The process includes assistance with state/insurance refunds for sold vehicles.
Financing Solutions
Customized financing packages through local partners like Tompkins Trust and CFCU Credit Union. We help compare financial options before vehicle selection, with free credit applications and no purchase obligation during qualification.
Used Car Certification
All pre-owned vehicles undergo our independent certification process. Buyers receive detailed condition reports and may have vehicles inspected by personal mechanics prior to purchase, ensuring complete transparency.
Wholesale Pricing
Direct wholesale pricing on all new and used vehicles without dealership markups. Savings apply to both purchases and lease transactions, with vehicles delivered serviced and ready for immediate use.
People
Bill Card
Owner
Third-generation automotive expert with 30+ years of dealership experience. Leads the family business founded in 1959, maintaining its original mission of unbiased consumer advocacy. Specializes in vehicle valuation and financial packaging.
Questions
How can Automotive Consultants help with car purchases?
We provide unbiased vehicle comparisons, wholesale pricing access, and personalized financing solutions while maintaining complete transaction transparency.
Are there charges for your automotive services?
All counseling and appraisal services are free. Vehicle pricing includes only applicable taxes and registration fees with no hidden costs.
Do new vehicles maintain factory warranties?
Yes, manufacturer warranties apply to all new vehicles purchased through us as we're a New York State Qualified Dealer.
Why choose an independent dealership?
Our lack of brand affiliation allows objective comparisons across all manufacturers while maintaining access to factory warranty programs.
What financing options exist for buyers?
We partner with multiple local lenders to create customized financing packages, including pre-approval options without vehicle selection commitments.
Reviews (7)
Jaykip L.
Apr 29, 2022
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Very pleasant experience, and love our new vehicle! I've been driving it around for half a year now and no issues at all, very excellent service. Bill was very kind and got straight to the point. No frills, no up-selling, just pure honesty and that's what I call good business! Would definitely purchase another vehicle again from this establishment.
Sean Ronnenberg
Feb 18, 2022
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We worked with Jeff on a Toyota Prius that just came in, and couldn't be happier with his customer service. He went above and beyond to make sure the car was ready for us to check out since we were coming from the Rochester area. The price and quality of the vehicle were both very good, and appreciate the honesty we found here. We didn't end up purchasing due to a private circumstance, but I would absolutely recommend and use Automotive Consultants in the future. Thanks guys!
Thao Ly
Jun 14, 2021
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I sold my car here last month. It was very convenient. They provide great service. The whole process took less than an hour. When you agree on the price and provide the car title, they will give you a check so that you can cash at the bank near by before leaving your car to them. I guess you can get a bit higher price if you sell on craigslist or other online market places. But if you want a safe, quick, and seamless transaction, I highly recommend this car dealer.
Bryan Joseph
Apr 24, 2021
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I bought a 2017 Audi Q3 from Bill and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. It was the first time I met him and it felt like I've known him forever. He was more than willing to work with me for a final price and made sure the car was exactly for me. They took very good care of me and made sure my monthly payments were affordable. I highly recommend checking these guys out! Great people down there!
Danielle Eiseman
Mar 30, 2021
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Bill and Jeff are really great to work with. My friend told me to go there and I was not disappointed. They had the exact car I had been searching for and at a fair price, it was inline with what I had researched. They were friendly, helpful, and made sure everything was inspected before turning the keys over to me. After my test drive I noted a concern with the brakes. Bill had them inspected and were replaced!
Bill was super patient while I sorted out banking and loan issues. He even helped me find the right people to work with for the loan and let me know if there are ever any issues with the car I should come straight to him for help. Buying a car from Bill really emphasizes the power of local relationships and the importance of community. I will definitely send people your way!
Bill was super patient while I sorted out banking and loan issues. He even helped me find the right people to work with for the loan and let me know if there are ever any issues with the car I should come straight to him for help. Buying a car from Bill really emphasizes the power of local relationships and the importance of community. I will definitely send people your way!
Melissa Pope
Dec 28, 2020
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We recently bought a car through Bill Card at Automotive Consultants in Ithaca. I have never felt so taken care of in a car buying experience! Every step of the way, we felt very confident that we were getting the best deal and the best customer service. We learned so much about the car buying process, which was very helpful especially during these uncertain times when every industry is affected by Covid.
It's a priority of his to get his customers a quality, reliable car, and he makes sure of that. We knew we weren't going to get the run around, or risk buying something that wasn't as reliable as it appeared. Bill is an excellent communicator and made us feel like we were his only clients. He made the whole process very smooth and easy, while getting us exactly what we were looking for. I highly recommend Bill Card and Automotive Consultants for your next car purchase! They will take care of you like you are family - which is a really great way to buy a car :
It's a priority of his to get his customers a quality, reliable car, and he makes sure of that. We knew we weren't going to get the run around, or risk buying something that wasn't as reliable as it appeared. Bill is an excellent communicator and made us feel like we were his only clients. He made the whole process very smooth and easy, while getting us exactly what we were looking for. I highly recommend Bill Card and Automotive Consultants for your next car purchase! They will take care of you like you are family - which is a really great way to buy a car :
Collin Lieberman
Apr 13, 2020
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Bill and Jeff are possibly the only honest car salesmen out there. Bill helped me find the right car and make an informed decision, even though I ended up opting for a lease. He is genuinely helpful and enjoys guiding buyers towards smart decisions, rather than pushing them into a sale. He clearly prioritizes building customer relationships. His desk is usually a mess, but don't let that fool you. his cars and his intentions are spotless. I highly recommend you give him a call.
