ARS Powersports Okeechobee

[FishaHallic]

Put in my order for a 06 King Quad (black) from ARS Powersports Okeechobee and was wondering if any body had any dealings with them?  Thanks for any replies

[RL400]

We got our KingQuad there, and didn't have any problems (we delt with kelly, i think she left and went to the new ARS store)

BUT! Kawgirl recently had a problem there.

I've heard Kawgirls story and they were royally screwed. The owner did not stand behind a lie that the salesman told them in order to get the sale. They had a problem with their quad and the owner called Kawgirl and Shorcut the liar and wouldn't fix there problem under warranty. Thats it in a nutshell.

For Suzuki goto ARS Powersports. They are awesome!  www.arspowersports.com

THEY $UCK!!

She change her mind on them after they promise her a ext wty on there king quad. 4 quad and no problem with them

NOT... It was a little more involved that that.  Just don't believe everything they say...They LIE 

Read this for more information: http://www.atvflorida.com/forum/index.php/topic,8914.0.html

[kawGIRL]

Yup! Bought 4 ATV's from them and now I get $hit on They lied to us , Be carefull.  
The New ones should be awesome so you won't have to worry about anything.          Wish mine was black

I was told I was getting an updated KQ and when we checked the serial numbers I found out it was one of the old ones, so we called and they told us they did not know what we were talking about...."King Quads don't have any issues.... oh and don't believe anything you read on the Internet"  You can image what took place next.
Then we were promised and extended warrentee to make up for the problems and have not seen it yet  

[TRX450R_Racer]

I bought my 450R there. I am happy good price and they stuck to what I was quoted over the phone.

[MUDMONSTER15]

I am a member of F.T.R. and I know at least 50 people that have delt with them all having great experiences. When we bought there we payed dealer cost pluss tax and title one of the guys that I ride with works at a dealership and he can buy cheeper at ARS then at the dealership he works for.

[kawGIRL]

Yeah, Like I said before we bought 4 bikes from them to, had nothing but good to say about them ...... untill my last purchase 
Steve will admit he could care less about anybody that buys from him because he's the largest/by volume Suzuki Dealer in the Southeast. 

When we first meet him he told us he use to race dirt bikes and wanted to open a dealership for the everyday person without all the bullshit.  He was tired of all the rip-offs out there.  Don't even ask him a question now, he's too busy going out in his boat.  He hates ATV's and motorcycles now.

I have nothing against Eric.....just incase you might read this 

my 2 cents.....I guess I'm up to more like a dollar 

[bluesman]

iam confused.....tell me how YOU really feel???
 
     
     
               
        lol....just kidding thx for the info.

[FishaHallic]

I have changed my mind.  I think (not sure) I'm gonna go for a used raptor 660.  NOT because of what any one said about ARS but I just think I will get better use out of a sport bike.  There are alot of used 05 Raptor  and I can save around $2000.  Thanks for the replies

[OTOWN]

I have been reading this forum for a while, but this is my first time posting. The only reason I'm doing so now is because I can't stand it when someone is bashing people I have always had great dealings with(ARS Powersports).  I have bought a total of six units from ARS ranging from a LT50 to a Rhino 660 since they opened their doors in 1997.  They have always treated me great on prices no matter if it has been on units, parts or accesories. I have dealt with almost every person that works there in some way or another and can't think of a bad thing to say about any of them. I thinks its funny how someone can set at home on a computer and bash people but probably don't have the balls to do it in person. I hate it when someone talks behind a persons back!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In closing don't let one person pursued you on a decision. If you do a search under ARS Powersports you will find that the majority of people have had the same great dealing with this dealership that I have. My email is otownjim0926@yahoo.com if anyone would like to talk furter about the great service at ARS Powersports.

[Da_Mtg_Man]

I have been reading this forum for a while, but this is my first time posting. The only reason I'm doing so now is because I can't stand it when someone is bashing people I have always had great dealings with(ARS Powersports).  I have bought a total of six units from ARS ranging from a LT50 to a Rhino 660 since they opened their doors in 1997.  They have always treated me great on prices no matter if it has been on units, parts or accesories. I have dealt with almost every person that works there in some way or another and can't think of a bad thing to say about any of them. I thinks its funny how someone can set at home on a computer and bash people but probably don't have the balls to do it in person. I hate it when someone talks behind a persons back!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In closing don't let one person pursued you on a decision. If you do a search under ARS Powersports you will find that the majority of people have had the same great dealing with this dealership that I have. My email is otownjim0926@yahoo.com if anyone would like to talk furter about the great service at ARS Powersports.

Wow
Hey Shortcut or Kawgirl, Do you want to reply to this or should I?

[PLEDGER#76]

PLEDGER HERE,
I have bought A few quads from ARS and I deal straight with Amber now, I have not been lied to or had any dirty dealings with them and I also live
1 1\2 hours from there and still it is worth the trip!!!!!

[CAPT69]

It was a pleasure dealing with ARS Eric was the best

[kawGIRL]

Otown,

Not that it matters what you think to me, but all my talking has been done long before we made any posts on this site. I have held my tongue until this point and felt like venting our experience. This happened over six months ago, and in my opinion was one of the poorest displays of customer service I have ever seen. Suzuki of america also felt this way but said there was nothing they could do, but hoped Steve would step up and " do the right thing " but being the shallow materialistic individual that he is, he did not.

According to Steve we were to recieve an extended warrantee compliments of suzuki, but have no proof of this. He accepts no responsability for this matter in any way.

And in case no one noticed we have never mentioned the name of the person that was directly at falt in this matter, theirs was a lapse in attention to detail, The owners responsabilty was to make it right.

Anyone who know's or met me will agree I don't go around talking behind peoples backs. I hope that everyone that deals with ARS has great experiences, as our first four were, but if you ever have a problem that takes steve's attention GOD HELP YOU.

Jeff

[flmedic911]

Sorry you had a bad experience with ARS..I have bought many quads there...and am 100% satisfied.

[bluesman]

THIS IS WHAT THIS SECTION IS FOR!!!
 
 
       
          I WORK HARD FOR MY MONEY AND I WANT TO KNOW
         
            WHO HAS BAD AND GOOD LUCK WITH ANY COMPANIES.
         
 
             THANKS SUZI ILL KEEP AN EYE AND EAR OPEN WHILE DEALING WITH THEM

[kawGIRL]

Yeah, I figured if someone asked I would tell my story

We never told anyone NOT to buy from them.

As most of you know with over 1600 post and almost 3 years on this site I have NEVER...EVER... bashed anyone, and everything that was posted here has been said to Steve personally.

Later,
KG

[kawGIRL]

Oh I forgot...I had a few "Good" threads in the "The Good, Bad and Ugly" about ARS as some of you might remember for a few years now and instead of starting a "BAD" one about them when we had our bad experince I just deleted the good ones 

[Joedirt]

I am a salesman not for Suzuki , but I know you need to get everything in writing , the days of doing business on a handshake are gone......My line of work leaves very little room for error when I negotiate a deal....and EVERY Thing is in writing .....I have bought 2 bikes there and I would go back on Sheer cost alone...they have some of the best prices.....However I think it is a black mark on an otherwise stellar reputation.....I will make sure to get things the way I want prior to signing any paperwork ..That Is what I take from Kawgirls statement and I thank her for pointing that out. It is MY money and this kind of thing needs to be out in the open....Otown it seems you may have a closer affiliation with ARS and I am glad you had good dealings , but to bash someones Integrity/motives/courage like you did is uncalled for.

[bluesman]

MAYBE HE WORKS THERE??? HMMMMM

[OTOWN]

I had no intentions of slamming ones integrity/motives/courage. If I did do so I apologize. It was one of those days and I also had to vent. I enjoy reading this forum and hope to post alot in the near future. Thanks, Jim.

[kawGIRL]

I had no intentions of slamming ones integrity/motives/courage. If I did do so I apologize. It was one of those days and I also had to vent. I enjoy reading this forum and hope to post alot in the near future. Thanks, Jim.

Accepted

[reelcountry]

What are the good and bad serial number ranges?

[kawGIRL]

Not sure off hand, I'll ask Shortcut. But meanwhile if you do a search on ATV Connection or Highlifter it's there somewhere.

[reelcountry]

Thanks i will look for that.What is the the guys name that owns ARS? I'd like to know in case I run into him around town?Does he live in Okeechobee?
Thanks

[kawGIRL]

Steve Mitchum.

[Bigscrb15]

Well, My deal at ARS went very smooth!!!! I did not have the displeasure of meeting Steve, thank god. I dealt with his daughter(Amber) and the older finance lady. They were both extremely nice and helpful!! I couldn't be happier with the deal. Now, this might all change if I decide to call and buy an extended warranty through them.

[DJT279]

i know that i am new to this, but here are a couple of things, i would like to say and any one can take it how they want. i deal a lot with ARS POWERSPORTS and i know of kawgirls situation. the deal with the atv they are so upset about is a bearing inside the motor for the clutch of the kingquad. now suzuki does have a exteneded warranty on that part for any unit affected. if a problem occurs due to the malfuction of that bearing suzuki will fix it for free over the next. i think either a 4 or 5 year(s) time frame. why such a stink was raised over something that was guaranteed by the manufacture, i have no idea. the bike was already warranteed registered and titled to them so there was no way ARS could just take that atv back with out loosing roughly about $7000.00. now steve does get upset with aggrevating situations, but he has three bussinesses that he has to keep an eye on. that is why he pays his employees to take care of customers. if you have a problem, start at the bottom, not the top of the totem pole. (do you go straight to sam walton if you have a return at walmart?)

[kawGIRL]

Before you speak of something you should know the facts. We were out right lied to when we asked " before " we signed anything if it in fact was an updated model with the bearing on the reverse shaft. Not once but twice before we signed the papers we were told that the vin# was checked and it was updated, so I admit I made a fatal mistake and trusted the store manager.
I had no reason to believe otherwise as we had made several purchases there and were always treated well. I am still waiting for conformation of a full 5 year warr. that suzuki was providing according to Steve.
I won't hold my breath waiting for the warr. and I'm happy to say that I've steered a few potential customers to other dealerships and will continue to do so.

So DJT279 go back and tell your daddy "steve" he's the loser here not us.

Have a nice day ! Jeff

P.S. DJT279 I started with the person I purchased the atv from and was referred to the all mighty "Steve" by him, because if you really now "Steve", by his own admission, He's a micro manager and must have control of everything. And to respond to your Sam Walton analogy, If this would've happened at a Wal-mart, it would have been handled immediately and the salesperson would be working 2nd shift weekends cleaning restrooms.

[DJT279]

i do know the facts of what happened, i know all of that family personally and do a lot of business there. you were not " lied" to by any one at either one of the stores. your unit is updated, it does not have the bearing that you want, but it does have the right ecm and is covered by a five year warranty. and for your sake i am going to try to paste a small portion of the bulletin from suzuki for you. or you could have had the common sense to just call suzuki and get a copy for yourself. and i have also noticed that you have failed to mention that they drove all the way to miami to get your quad from another dealer so you could have one and apparently you haven't had any problems with your atv as far as that bearing goes. like i said before, this is just my opinion of the situation and any one can take it how they want. i just think it is wrong that you would "steer" your friends away from saving money because of your ignorance to understand that not everything can be handled to your perfection.
here is section of the bulletin to ease your mind, pay special attention to the last paragraph.............

SPECIAL 5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY COVERAGE PLAN
Overall, only a small number of KingQuads have experienced problems with the reverse idle gear
bushing. Suzuki recognizes dealer and customer concerns with this problem. We also recognize
the need to reassure current owners of early style King Quads so they can operate their
KingQuads with confidence and that KingQuads are fully backed by Suzuki’s limited warranty.
To remedy these concerns Suzuki has implemented a 5-year reverse idle gear warranty for all
2005 KingQuads. This extended warranty coverage will pay for all necessary repairs of the
reverse idle gear components. Coverage will include both parts and labor, for a period of 5 years
from the original date of purchase.
In order for the unit to qualify for the extended coverage an updated ECM must have been
installed prior to the original warranty expiration. This is a mandatory requirement.
Units which have no record of an updated ECM being installed will not be eligible for this special
coverage. It is very much in the best interests of all retail customers to install the new updated
ECM as soon as possible. Contact any customer you know who has not yet had an updated
ECM installed and explain the benefits of this extended coverage and arrange to perform the
update.

IMPORTANT NOTE
Approvals will not be made for modifying unsold units with the new bearing and shaft. Nor
will approvals be made for current retail owners who may request installation of the newest
bearing and shaft. As Suzuki has already supplied an updated ECM and a 5-year extended
warranty, special requests for a bearing and shaft update will not be accepted.

[Joedirt]

Do you work for ARS?....DJT??

[DJT279]

i do not work for them, but i have known the whole famliy over 15 years and spend more of my free time there than at home (and money). i have a 05 kingquad, and have a copy of that bulletin with all my other crap. i have bought probably about 13 dirtbikes/ atv/ motorcycles from them and i know the main goal for them is to make everyone happy, not only with their prices but any continuing service. they know you can not make everyone happy, that why it bothers me to see one person sit there at his computer and bash someone and deter his friends from going there. they probably deal with at least 4000 people a year and try their hardest to make every one of them happy and probably 99% of them are. if the GUY named KAWGIRL does not like them and had a bad time one out four and does not want to go back there, then so be it, but don't be punk and sit there and bad mouth people with his nose stuck in his monitor just waiting to attack

[Joedirt]

 You are taking this very personal, don't you think? This forum is a tool used to advertise and criticize , it is the nature of the beast. If you were selling ATV's and someone got a bad deal and there was an outlet for them to vent you should expect that there will be unsatisfied customers venting. It educates the rest of us on the pitfalls of any major purchase ATV or not. Calling someone a PUNK , is uncalled for and shows lack of class. I am sure your attitude does not reflect the attitude of the Company ARS you so vehemently are defending.

[05greengriz]

Let me just say that if Kawgirl and Shortcut said they were lied to, THEN THEY WERE LIED TO. They are two of the most generous and nicest people I have ever met. And if the phrase ARS SUCKS comes from either 1 of them, then I will believe the statment and tell others that inquire about ARS.

[Da_Mtg_Man]

Let me just say that if Kawgirl and Shortcut said they were lied to, THEN THEY WERE LIED TO. They are two of the most generous and nicest people I have ever met. And if the phrase ARS SUCKS comes from either 1 of them, then I will believe the statment and tell others that inquire about ARS.

Well said Griz,I know Shortcut and Kawgirl very well and one thing they are not is liars. I believe their story. Would I buy from ARS? Don't know. I would be VERY cautious if I did however.

[kawGIRL]

Thank-you Art  and Joe 

OK DJT279.
So I guess you know a lot here "THIS IS KAWGIRL" and I am FEMALE!
When Shortcut post’s he sign’s Jeff below his post.

First of all the only reason I have ever said anything about ARS is when someone asked my option, and I told them about it in the "Good Bad & Ugly"  that’s what it all about Bud!    I/we held our tongues about the situation for 6 months waiting for the all mighty "Steve" to do good, I guess my fate in him was WAY WRONG!    For 3 years I told everybody I knew looking for a Bike or ATV to buy from them, I sent a lot of business their way.
The day we got MY K/Q was a Saturday morning, we called Eric at ARS but he was out on sick leave so we spoke with Amber.  She said they did not have any in stock and to call Chad at Riders Advantage in Sebring.  So we did and was told that they had 3 K/Q’s 2 reds and a green.  We were already on the road headed that way so we were there within 1 hour…..Humm how could they drive to Miami and pick up one before we got there?  YES these bikes were left overs from a shop in Miami BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT SELL THEM! They had the old bearing in them.  And everybody knew it, so they pawned it off on us, after we asked "Was this one of the the new ones with the new bearing?"  CHAD SAID YES!
We expressed our dilemma with Suzuki of America and they spoke with Steve and hoped he would make things right.

As far as the promised extended warrantee goes...Steve said he would do this for us to make up for the problems you might say…. and have not seen it yet, and I' not talking about the one you posted….It is suppose to be a 4 year bumper-to-bumper, like the one they try to sell you when you buy the bike. 
So we waited 6 months and called 4 or 5 times and we never have seen it.  If Steve would have keep his word with that I/we never would have said a thing.  I bought my bike in June and waited till December before I ever posted a thing.  And I did not start the post “FishaHallic“  asked if anybody had any dealings with them.

SO why are you even bringing this up AGAIN? All of this was back in December and I’m sure whatever I say here I know I could never hurt ARS’s Business in the least, so are you bringing the subject back up so it is fresh in everybody's mind what a A$$ Steve is or what? 

There has been posts recently about ARS and I just ignore them.  But since you dug up one of ours up it is a different story buck-o.



 

P.S. I'm so glad Eric is now working at Gilbert Chevrolet  I hope he is happier now 

[05greengriz]

Right on Kawgirl!!!! What she said^^^^^^^^^^^


Steve you need to man up and make this right.

[bluesman]

SUZI    JUST REMEMBER WHAT RON WHITE SAID!!!!
 
 
 
                 {YOU CANT FIX STUPID}
 
 
                                         THANKS FOR HELPING US OUT
 
                                                                            BLUESMAN

[Clutch]

i do not work for them, but i have known the whole famliy over 15 years and spend more of my free time there than at home (and money). i have a 05 kingquad, and have a copy of that bulletin with all my other crap. i have bought probably about 13 dirtbikes/ atv/ motorcycles from them and i know the main goal for them is to make everyone happy, not only with their prices but any continuing service. they know you can not make everyone happy, that why it bothers me to see one person sit there at his computer and bash someone and deter his friends from going there. they probably deal with at least 4000 people a year and try their hardest to make every one of them happy and probably 99% of them are. if the GUY named KAWGIRL does not like them and had a bad time one out four and does not want to go back there, then so be it, but don't be punk and sit there and bad mouth people with his nose stuck in his monitor just waiting to attack

tell then to make it right maybe your buddy is the punk, fix the damn quad, dealers in florida get a premium for there quads, they should be able to fix problems