For nearly two decades Professional Auto Sales, located at 122 S. High School Ave., has provided Marion County with quality pre-owned vehicles with in-house financing and excellent customer service.
Owner Jim Saucier previously owned a landscaping business but decided to transition into the automotive industry in 2000.
“I got to the point where I couldn’t physically do (landscaping) anymore, and I was hunting something a little bit easier on my body,” he said. “I went with another dealer one time to see how it would be, and I enjoyed it. I always liked fooling with cars any way and have restored antiques and classics for years. That’s why I got in it.”
Saucier buys used vehicles from a pair of auctions in Hattiesburg, including Manheim Mississippi, as well as from individuals and a few wholesalers. While he doesn’t typically hunt particular makes and models, Saucier will when he recognizes a need.
“Some customers will come by and ask if I can find certain vehicles, and I’ll try to find them if possible,” he said.
Saucier said there is more competition today in the industry than there was when he started, and while it’s more difficult as a small dealership, he keeps up by offering financing options.
“I do in-house finance — buy here, pay here. I don’t check a lot of history like most of them do because I realize when most of them get to me I’m their last resort,” he said. “I just get a certain amount for a down payment. There’s different down payments for the vehicles depending on the price of it.”
A lot of Professional Auto Sales’s business filters through its website, www.professionalautosales1.com, which allows customers to view inventory, pictures of the vehicles and details and is updated regularly.
“We offer good prices on good used vehicles,” Saucier said. “If there’s something wrong with a vehicle, I make it right. That’s the only way to keep a business. I’ve lost money on vehicles, but when the customer left he was satisfied.”
What drives Saucier every day as he sets off for work is the customers.
“Selling to the customers and making them happy,” he said of what he enjoys most. “I like to satisfy our customers, and that’s why I’m still here. We have a lot of return customers, which is part of what keeps me going here in business.”
Tax season is one of the hottest periods of the year for car sales, but Saucier makes it a point to remain an honest salesman.
“A lot of dealers around tax time will hike their (prices) up and try to convince people they’re getting a good deal on it when they come down on (the price). To me that’s dishonest and deceiving,” he said. “I don’t do that. I have one price year round.”
Professional Auto Sales is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but Saucier will accommodate after hours for serious buyers. The dealership can be reached at (601) 736-2891 and would like its customers to know it appreciates their business.
Pictured Above: Professional Auto Sales owner Jim Saucier is pictured with a 2004 Ford F-150 STX, which is one of many quality pre-owned vehicles he offers. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
