What clients say about Thrifty Used Cars & Tires in Bay St. Louis (MS)
David was such a great help. We showed up late had some issues and he stayed almost 3 hours to help me leave with a car. His personality is awesome and will crack some jokes with you to make you feel better. I recommend coming see thrifty or call and they will accommodate your needs.
Here is an educational checklist to help you—or anyone you share this with—navigate the process safely and systematically.
Phase 1: The "Vibe Check" (The Seller & Environment)
Before you even touch a car, evaluate the business.
• [ ] Sobriety and Professionalism: Does the staff seem alert and capable of explaining a contract? If they are impaired, walk away immediately—you cannot trust their word or their paperwork.
• [ ] Property Upkeep: Is the lot clean? If there are signs of neglect (like malnourished animals or piles of trash), it’s a strong indicator that they also neglect the mechanical maintenance of their inventory.
• [ ] Transparency: Are they willing to provide a Vehicle History Report (Carfax/AutoCheck) for free? If they hide the VIN or refuse a report, they are hiding a "lemon."
• [ ] Pressure Tactics: Do they use "today only" pricing or aggression to stop you from thinking? High pressure usually covers up low quality.
Phase 2: The "Ground-Level" Inspection (Exterior)
Walk around the car in broad daylight. Never inspect a car in the rain or at night.
• [ ] The "Penny Test": Insert a penny into the tire tread (Lincoln’s head down). If you can see all of his head, you’ll need $600–$1,000 for new tires immediately.
• [ ] Panel Gaps: Do the gaps between the doors and fenders look even? Uneven gaps usually mean the car was in a major accident and was "straightened" poorly.
• [ ] Paint Match: Look at the car from an angle in the sun. If one door is a slightly different shade, it’s been repainted due to damage.
• [ ] Fluid Leaks: Look under the car. Any fresh puddles? Green (coolant), Red (transmission), or Black (oil) puddles are deal-breakers.
Phase 3: The "Senses" Test (Interior & Engine)
• [ ] The "Sniff" Test: Does the car smell musty or like heavy perfume? This often hides flood damage or mold in the carpets.
• [ ] Cold Start: Ask the seller to let you start the engine while it’s "cold" (hasn't been running). Smoke from the exhaust or a loud rattling sound at startup indicates deep engine wear.
• [ ] Oil Condition: Pull the dipstick. If the oil looks like a chocolate milkshake, the head gasket is blown (the car is "totaled" mechanically). It should be amber or black.
• [ ] Warning Lights: Turn the key to "On" without starting. All dashboard lights should illuminate. If the "Check Engine" light doesn't flash on and then off, someone may have pulled the bulb to hide a fault.
Phase 4: The Test Drive & Paperwork
• [ ] The "No Radio" Rule: Keep the radio off. Listen for clunks over bumps or squealing when braking.
• [ ] Alignment: On a straight, safe road, briefly let go of the wheel. Does the car pull hard to the left or right? This indicates frame damage or bad alignment.
• [ ] Title Verification: Ensure the name on the Title matches the seller’s ID (or the dealership's license). Look for "Salvage" or "Rebuilt" stamps on the paper—these cars are worth 50% less than "Clean" titles.
• [ ] PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection): The "Gold Standard." Tell the dealer you want to take the car to an independent mechanic for a $100 inspection. If they say "no," you say "goodbye."
The "Golden Rule"
"If the deal feels too good to be true, you aren't buying a bargain; you're buying someone else’s expensive problem."
Go to a different dealership!!!!
I have done business with these people multiple times and even just paid off a vehicle and they still tried to low ball me for 1500 for me 2014 fiat 500 with air conditioning, runs and drives, blue tooth radio, back up camera. No broken doors or windows mid paint job literally just needs an axel and a new headliner and a paint job and after all these years of business I get disrespected and brushed off after having to wait over an hour to even talk to anyone. I am DONE with this place. And I've given them over 30 grand over the years. We deserved better better service and more help idc what it's tax season you don't get to use that as an excuse when you make someone sit there and wait for nothing. It's sad because I've recommended them to so many people so your welcome. Never again. Cheap, unloyal to repeat customers who have paid off multiple vehicles from them over the years. NEVER AGAIN!
Mr. David did amazing with the paperwork getting it done in a timely manner and Jeff did amazing giving me good advice on cars on the test drive helping me pick a good reliable car and not based on the price
I appreciate their greetings & service.. it was applausing & up front & kind hearted energy in their environment.. I love & enjoy if my car part needs to be placed on they with do the labor in the future .. respectfully, sending blessings
Amazing service, came out 11 at night to assist me with my purchase! Very friendly and polite. Highly recommend this dealership! David is MVP for sure! He was very honest and made the process super simple!
Great experience I showed up went on a test drive everything went great until I ran out of time to finish my paperwork and had to leave but the staff was so helpfully they stayed late to allow me to come back and finish up. Great place come check them out.
David was absolutely wonderful for my car buying experience he was in the pouring rain trying to get my car and i am so thankful for him he is amazing go see david
Went to find a cheap reliable car and dealt with David amazing car salesman keep us up to date on everything through the entire experience had an amazing experience with this place and will definitely be coming back yall go get a car
AMAZING EXPERIENCE ALL AROUND! It was easy and quick from start to finish. Angela Simms was extremely helpful and worked with us! Buying a car with 3 kids in tow is not easy on anyone but this was a truly enjoyable experience .
DO NOT PURCHASE A VEHICLE FROM THIS DEALERSHIP!!!!
If I could give a ZERO I WOULD!!!!
This place DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOU, THEY ARE ABOUT THE DOLLAR YOUR DOLLAR! I purchased a vehicle from here with my CASH APP CARD for payment. I paid on my vehicle faithfully. I ended up getting sick to the point I ended up in the hospital. I was down to 3 PAYMENTS, they didn’t even call they repossessed my truck. I owed $1280. My house was less than 5 miles from them, they charged me $500.00 to tow the truck. Total of $1850.00. I go to pay the truck off and they won’t take my card!!! Final payment MUST BE IN CASH!!! Mind you I paid for the truck with the card, made all my payments with the card. But no they refused. I begged and cried as my medication was in my vehicle when they took it. I went through hell, got them the cash. The man brings my truck back, parks it down the street, mind you it’s raining, parks it leaning the drivers side into a ditch full of water. My shoes got ruined, my feet soaked in cold ice water. I’m happy I get the truck back and they done went through my truck and TOOK EVERYTHING OF VALUE!!! Including my medication!!!! This all took place in 3 days.
They stole my stuff as if I was not coming for my truck. This DEALERSHIP IS THE WORSE AND THEY WILL TREAT YOU LIKE POOP! They don’t care and will sell you a lemon. Lady purchased a vehicle while I was stuck there. She didn’t even get up the street and her radiator pipe burst!!!! The cars on the lot are raggedy! Some of them still have trash in them, they are not clean in any form. You heard it here!!! Don’t EVEN CONSIDER THESE PEOPLE IF YOU KNOW WHAT’S GOOD FOR YOU!!!!
Do not buy from thrifty it’s not about anything but they can’t be trusted. He took my car from me and I wasn’t even behind he lied to the better bureau and all because he sold me a truck that had wires just wired up hidden all by the motor and the headlights wires were exposed I tried to fix the lights and it wouldn’t work Henry says I drove the car for two months but you should never sell people cars like this I lost my lawn business and I’m struggling. I contacted him and he told me that he would help me then said I was threatening him then blocked me. They also tried to say I had a repo which I didn’t. I feel
Every one should be aware I thought Henry was a good guy I’m not sure if I even talk to him but they were very rude and I just don’t understand why say your going to help me th en block me on Facebook then repo the car two days after please beware I will have pictures. He could make someone go into real depression because I really lost my lively hood as no one waits for you to cut there lawn and now I’m fighting for my life here are the pictures.
I got my Ford Fiesta in March of 2024. Now November 2025 my car is paid off 😁😁😁. The down payment is down payment. The payment is the payment. No fluff, no interest. My car was and still is great working condition. The vehicle had around 92,000 miles at the time of purchase. A few fixes here and there. My overall experience has been great.
David was amazing and fun he brought us through the process easy and even sang throwback songs that made me think of my childhood he put a great mood in the air 10/10 recommend
In response to Henry: If your office isn’t disorganized then how come every time we call or come there to get our title, your workers can’t find it? And once we leave, on our two hour drive home, they conveniently find it. Yet instead of placing it where they can easily get to it next time we get out that way, they lose it again. Then since it was their fault, and we live so far away they promised to mail it. That never happened. Every time we call or go there your staff is very rude, as were you when my wife called and spoke with you. All we want is our title. So yes. Your business is very unprofessional. The only decent person working there is Angela.
Majority of the staff very rude and unprofessional. Office is extremely disorganized. They can never find titles and have been holding ours for months without releasing it. Will never buy from them again and will recommend friends and family or anyone trying to buy a used car elsewhere.
Financed a car with them . & I was sold a lemon. it broke down on me in traffic the second day of me having it . they had me pay out of pocket to have it towed to them cause it wouldn’t crank . They claimed they had fixed it but didn’t and wouldn’t let me get a refund or another car off the lot. The business is sketchy . The car I received was definitely thrifted . Please do not waste your time or money doing business with them ! Some of the reviews on here are fake as well!
This company is a rip off. They don’t offer vehicle repair service on their vehicles. My client have a 201- Acura. The amenities are roaches, no air conditioning and all the lights have popped up on the dash.. All of them. She’s a 18 year old college student that needed a reliable used vehicle to get to work and school. It’s everything but reliable.
HONEST REVIEW - BEWARE BEFORE BUYING!
IF I COULD GIVE 0 STARS I WOULD!
I would not recommend purchasing a car from this dealership. The staff were unprofessional and often talked over me instead of listening to my concerns. Their attitude came across as rude and dismissive, and it felt like their only goal was to make a sale rather than provide honest customer service. I also noticed that vehicles which had been repossesses were being resold at the same price as before, even with additional milage. This raised serious concerns about transparency and fairness.
Overall, my experience was VERY disappointing, and I would advise others to look elsewhere for a vehicle .
Please be careful dealing with thrifty. These people are very rude, inconsiderate and a get over. If you’re traveling from Louisiana to find a car PLEASE DO NOT BUY FROM THRIFTY, seems like that’s who they mess over the most, the people from Louisiana. Before purchasing a vehicle from them please make sure you do your research. They are very disrespectful. Horrible at handling business!! You have to wait to get a license plate, they don’t send over the paperwork on time. They’re horrible people to do business with. They have been reported!! I have to give them a 1 star to post but 0/0 DEFINITELY DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE TO PURCHASE FROM THEM.
The customer service here is TERRIBLE ! It’s nearly impossible to have a proper conversation without being interrupted, EXTREMELY unprofessional. They tell you one thing, then completely contradict themselves later. No one ever seems to know what’s going on, and the overall experience feels chaotic and disorganized. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone. Judging by the way the “owner” responds to reviews, that unprofessional attitude clearly starts from the top.
Easy and quick. Didn't expect it to be such an actual pleasure to have money over to someone for a car. Best experience I've had yet. Highly recommend using them before anyone else.
If I could give less than 1 star for ADAM I would . I bought my truck July 4th of last year - had a very initial pleasant experience until today August 23rd. I have never once missed a payment - their payment secretary Dennis knew I owned a food truck and was extremely busy and every 2 weeks would text me when payment was due and I would pay no questions asked. Is that required of them ? Absolutely not but it was great customer service and with how hectic and busy my life is it was a Godsend. All in 2 weeks time we had an axel break on my food truck, steering column break on the truck from thriftys ( only mechanical issue it has had since purchasing by the way and nothing they could have done to prevent so no I'm not bashing about the quality of my truck at all ) , and then the hot water heater busting in my home flooding it . All within 2 weeks time on top of running my own small business and taking care of my elderly disabled mother on hospice care. I did not realize I had missed 2 weeks of payments with everything going on - in turn my ringer off while at work and my voicemail gets full quickly so there were no voicemails nor any calls made to my husband's phone saying we were up for repo. When we called and the repo guy was taking my truck I honestly thought we were being ROBBED because I cannot even fathom not paying my truck note on purpose - something I need to make money for my family. It was a mistake , an accident on my part for not realizing i had missed 2 payments with everything going on and Dennis apparently getting fired at the end of July so I wasn't being contacted about payments through text anymore . I immediately called and paid $2000 to pay off the truck free and clear and was told by ( Christy ) who was extremely kind and helpful that she spoke with the repo guy and he was willing to be paid the repo fee by us and deliver our truck back to us the same day but noooooooo ! After speaking with ADAM the most rude and unprofessional human being I have ever had to deal with in my entire life he said on the phone to me " this is not my problem , this was no accident, I could care less about your sob story I don't have to do a damn thing to help you - you can contact us Monday - Thursday during business hours and pay the double repo fee " mind you when the repo guy dropped my trailer he didn't leave chocks - damaged the jack by dropping it on a 3 inch block and has it teetering leaning on its side . I'm sure HENRY is unaware of how Adam is running his business when he's not there. If I was told my manager was treating my customers like this I would be mortified. I'm going to pray for Adam cause there's no way someone should be that miserable and rude . 0 stars for thriftys. I will be there first thing Monday morning to get my now paid off truck back and pray that Adam isn't there because the way he treats people and ruins there day for no reason other than " because I can " is a test from the Devil himself. - Natalie
**Edit ** 8/29 . Monday I went and paid $1000 for the repo fee and the other 2k to pay my truck off. The office workers said they couldn't find the key to the title room that they would either mail it or meet me with it . I called today ( Friday) and was told by Christy that Adam is holding on to it ? For what reason I'd really love to know when it's PAID off other than he is having a bad day. I understand you had an immediate loss in the family and I am but at this point you are causing mental distress and harm to others for no reason. Mind you noone will give me the owners number nor will he respond to this review. Monday I will be seeking legal action because this is illegal and completely uncalled for .
Amending my original review. My buying experience was easy enough, David was great… however on the 3rd day I started experiencing mechanical issues. They wanted me to pay to bring it back so they could fix it. The car can’t be driven and towing would be very expensive. When I got it it was filthy. The car is beautiful, I saw the potential so I bought it . I really like it. I just want it to run. I wish they had been more accommodating with a vehicle that I haven’t even had a week. I’m disappointed. They probably lost a returning customer.
buying a 2010 red Suzuki equator later foumd our car was wrecked from the junk yard paid our deposit and two extra payments paid our taxes
We got behind two payments
At midnight our money cleared but we were blocked so the next morning we tried calling thrifty .when a the repo man showed up he was making racial slurs that we do not like .. The we tried to get the number and.address to the tow company and qas told serval times we had to go to their lot bring 50.00 in cash..we were like why come there and most of all why come tonyou all and bring you guys 50.00.. And what was the money for they said it was a gate.fee.. Ok lets see here a gate fee for tall or the tow company.. They said the tow company.. Now remember i was begging them now for three days for the number and address so why come to tyem with cash when it was told it was for the tow company.. Hmmm a tow company with no name or address and my car wasnt even at the dealership is what i was told ok then hello..
Everything i was told and promised was a lie.. Keep commutcion open which i did they new i was on disability got paid once a month oh thats fine they said the payments will fall out the same no they didnt but i stayed constally in contact with my lady who takes the payments and let her no when i could make them i was faithfully just to have them take.my car.righr out.from me tried to make my paymentnthe friday night before hmmmm for some reason not sure but i was blocked out the syatem or they were having issues either way i had to wait til next day which was sat and they didnt ooen til 10 so at about 7 that morning they were hauling my truck down the road.. So what im trying to tell anyone please dont trust these people.. The night i was there getting my truck they were bragging on making that day 200.000 just for that day and then talking about how some customors just wouldnt stop being aggravting so they blocked them.. I wish to god i wouldnt have went there so please people dont make the same mistake i did they cant be trusted..
Very accommodating and patient. Stayed late for me to purchase a vehicle after I got off work the day before a holiday. Quick and easy buying experience. Never felt pressured like I have before when purchasing a vehicle. Highly recommend.
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