Nobody Wants To Buy A Lemon!

September 29, 2015
Nobody Wants To Buy A Lemon!

Nobody wants to buy a lemon, but how do you avoid ending up with one?  You’re not a mechanic, and you can’t really drive one around with you while car shopping.  Let us share a recent used car inspection experience at Team Ryan Automotive with you.


A customer came in one morning asking if we do general vehicle inspections.  He had just purchased the vehicle and wanted to make sure it was safe before it was given to his son.  We road tested, hoisted and inspected the vehicle to find some really bad news.  This car was is such bad mechanical shape that the cost of repairs to get it safe were almost double the blue book value of the vehicle!  We brought the customer out to the shop and showed him everything we had found while explaining why each component needed the work we recommended.  He took a few pictures, but did not really know where to go from there.  Having just spent thousands of dollars on a vehicle only to find that is was in fact a lemon, our customer and his wife were very upset.   They thought their only option was to fix as much as they could afford and drive the vehicle hoping it would not break down.


We explained that there were other options in this case, and after a long conversation the customer left armed with pictures and information to have a discussion with the used car facility.  A meeting was scheduled at Team Ryan Automotive later that afternoon.  We hoisted the vehicle one more time and went over everything again for both the customer and the owner of the used car facility.  They then had their own conversation which resulted in the dealer buying the vehicle back from the customer for the full purchase price!


While Team Ryan Automotive did not make nearly as much money as we could have, this was by far the best possible outcome for the customer.  It’s not all about the money.  It’s about treating people right.  It’s about fixing cars right.  This is what we do here at Team Ryan Automotive.


Oh, and one more thing.  If you are really close to buying a used vehicle, we recommend a pre purchase vehicle inspection.  If a vehicle is being sold “as is no warranty” and dealer will not let you take the vehicle to get inspected by someone you trust, be very cautious of moving forward with a purchase.  Nobody wants to buy a lemon.

By Shara Ryan January 2, 2026
As we head into the new year, we are kicking things off with exciting news for the Sugar Hill and Suwanee community, because Team Ryan Automotive is officially in town! Since opening our doors in 2015, Team Ryan Automotive has proudly delivered exceptional service and trustworthy repairs in Buford, GA (Gwinnett County) and Cumming, GA (Forsyth County). Today, we are excited to bring that same level of care, expertise, and community commitment to drivers in Sugar Hill and Suwanee with our newest location at 820 Brogdon Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024. Did you know that it's possible to be in Sugar Hill city limits while having a Suwanee address? That's exactly where our Team Ryan Automotive Sugar Hill / Suwanee location is positioned. A Meaningful Transition This new location represents a special passing of the torch. After 26 years in Gwinnett County, John and Lori of J & L Automotive are retiring and entrusting their previous customers to be taken care of into 2026 and beyond by Team Ryan. As a husband and wife team, John and Lori built their business on trust and care. Those same values continue with husband and wife team Dan and Shara of Team Ryan Automotive, making this transition a natural fit and a continuation of a strong local legacy.
By Shara Ryan December 31, 2025
Auto Repair You Can Trust for Every Driver Every driver has different needs, but whet her you’re commuting in a family SUV, managing a fleet truck, driving your first car, or serving the community as a first responder, you deserve an auto repair shop that puts honesty, safety, and expert care first. At Team Ryan Automotive, serving Buford, Cumming, and Sugar Hill / Suwanee, our family-owned shop is built on one promise: Your car. Your needs. Our expertise. For Parents & Family Drivers Your vehicle carries the most important passengers in your life. From school drop-offs to weekend errands, we help keep your car safe and reliable with: Oil changes and fluid checks Brake repairs Tire rotations and alignments AC repairs and multi-point inspections At Team Ryan Automotive, we believe trust starts with transparency. That’s why we never hesitate to walk you out to the shop and show you exactly what’s going on with your vehicle. Seeing an issue firsthand helps ensure clear communication and confident decision-making. We also use Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) to keep you fully informed. Each inspection includes: Photos of your actual vehicle Clear descriptions of any recommended maintenance or repairs Honest explanations—no pressure, no surprises You’ll always know what your car needs and why. For Young & New Drivers A first car should come with confidence. We offer: Clear explanations Honest recommendations ASE-certified diagnostics No pressure. No confusion. Just a trusted mechanic you can rely on. For Contractors & Fleet Drivers When your truck is your business, downtime isn’t an option. We provide: Fast diagnostics Brake and suspension repairs Tire services and alignments Routine fleet maintenance We help keep your workday running smoothly. For First Responders & Essential Workers We're honored to support our community heroes with dependable, transparent auto repair you can count on, every visit, every time. Our team has the experience and equipment to service a wide range of vehicles, including: Vehicles up to 15,000 pounds Sprinter vans Emergency and service vehicles Dually trucks and work vehicles Why Drivers Choose Team Ryan Automotive? Family-owned and operated ASE-certified technicians Honest diagnostics, no upsells High-quality parts and repairs Lifetime Warranty on most services Convenient online scheduling Whether you’re searching for auto repair near me, oil change in Buford, or brake repair in Cumming, Team Ryan Automotive is here for you.
By Shara Ryan November 30, 2025
Team Ryan Automotive was proud to partner with the Suwanee Library to host a free Car Maintenance & Safety Workshop, designed to help drivers of all experience levels feel more confident behind the wheel. Led by Dan Ryan, co-owner of Team Ryan Automotive and a 25-year ASE Certified Master Technician, the program combined education, live demonstrations, and hands-on learning for our Buford and Cumming communities. Before the event began, Liam and Aidan welcomed families outside the library, handing out toy cars and inviting children and parents to join in the fun. The Suwanee Library staff treated us to a special behind-the-scenes tour, including a peek at the famous bouncy book drop bins that keep returned books safe from damage! What We Covered Participants gained practical knowledge and real-world tips, including how to: Select the right engine oil for their vehicle Use a dipstick to check oil levels accurately Change a tire safely and keep the right tools on hand Assemble a vehicle emergency kit for road safety Identify the qualities of a trustworthy auto repair shop and what to expect from professional service. Throughout the session, attendees asked great questions and shared their own experiences. A line quickly formed after the presentation, as community members stopped by to get one-on-one advice from Dan and the team. Continuing the Mission At Team Ryan Automotive, we believe that knowledge empowers drivers and strengthens our community. This event was a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do, educating, supporting, and serving our neighbors with honest, reliable auto care. Thanks to everyone who came to the event! We’re excited to share that the library has already invited us back for another session soon. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for details on the next community car care workshop in Suwanee!
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