Staff Writer
A new car dealership has opened in Caribou with a combined 30 years of experience in the sales business.
Hilltop Motors, aptly named for its location, is on U.S. Route 1, just north of the Star City near the Caribou-Presque Isle boundary line. The owners are Scott and Charlene Pike of Mapleton.
The Pikes want to offer customers a “comfortable” place to do business.
“People like the mom and pop atmosphere,” said Scott Pike, who has been in vehicle sales for about 20 years in the Central Aroostook County area.
Formerly, North Country Auto operated a dealership in the facility. However, when the dealership closed and the building became for sale, the Pikes purchased it. Scott Pike had managed the Caribou business for North Country and wanted to own his own business.
“It was time,” said Charlene Pike. “It was something (he) wanted to do for a long time.”
Joining them is another former North Country employee, Joe Dunn of Caribou, who will work in sales.
The firm plans to offer late-model vehicles, including pick-up trucks, SUVs, cars and vans. Pike said that between 35 to 40 cars at any one time should round out their inventory.
Even with three car dealerships in close proximity to each other, the Pike said that there is a market for all.
“People will always need vehicles,” said Charlene Pike.
What will set Hilltop Motors apart is the ease of doing business with them, including taking care of the customers after the sale. Although there will be no on-site mechanic, Scott Pike said that he and his staff will help set up appointments with Rod Wardwell, a vehicle repair shop on Hershel Street in Caribou.
The dealership also plans to offer various insurances and extended warranties for interested customers. A basic warranty of three month or 3,000 miles is offered on every vehicle sold, according to Pike.
The sales staff also is interested in helping customers find what they’re looking for in a vehicle.
“We’ll stay nimble enough to find out what they want,” said Pike.
Inventory comes from car auctions throughout New England, which the owners attend themselves to check out each vehicle they purchase for resale in Aroostook County. Currently, some of their in-stock inventory is being checked over and cleaned in preparation for sale, Pike said.
The ownership has agreements with various local banks, such as Katahdin Trust Co. and the County Federal Credit Union. They also work with Bangor Savings Bank and have sub-prime lending programs that will fit most credit ratings. They will not have a credit-builders program, Pike said.
Hours of business have been set for Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. A website, www.hilltopmotorsinc.com is scheduled to be online soon, where customers will be able to view a photo and description of each vehicle. The business’s phone number is 493-HILL (4455).
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
SCOTT AND CHARLENE PIKE, of Mapleton, left and center, opened Hilltop Motors on U.S. Route in Caribou. At right is salesman Joe Dunn.
