Finding a used car in New Jersey is honestly a headache. You’ve got the massive corporate lots that treat you like a number and the tiny, dusty corners of the street where you’re pretty sure the "sales office" is just a folding chair. Then there is Leonard Perry Motors 2, or at least that is what many locals call the second, larger expansion of the original Leonard Perry operation. Located at 945 Cedar Bridge Ave in Brick Township, it is the kind of place that sparks a lot of chatter on local Facebook groups and Reddit threads.
Some people swear by them because they got a truck when no one else would look at their credit. Others? Well, they have some things to say about the "as-is" nature of the game.
If you are looking for a glossy showroom with espresso machines and salespeople in tailored suits, you are in the wrong place. This is a high-volume, "Buy Here Pay Here" (BHPH) type of environment that specializes in keeping the Jersey Shore moving, even if your bank account has seen better days. It is important to look at what is actually happening behind the gates of Leonard Perry Motors 2 before you sign a five-year commitment.
The Reality of the Brick Location
Basically, the original Leonard Perry footprint started in Point Pleasant at 703 Bridge Ave. But the "2" in the conversation usually refers to the significant presence they built at the Cedar Bridge Avenue site in Brick. This spot is the powerhouse of their current operation. It’s where the service center lives and where most of the heavy lifting for financing happens.
When you walk onto the lot, you’re looking at a mix of everything. You might see a 2023 Nissan Sentra sitting right next to a 2003 Dodge Ram with 113,000 miles. They don't discriminate on age; if it runs and they can sell it at a price point that fits a budget, it’s on the line.
One thing most people get wrong is assuming every car there is a "lemon" just because it’s a BHPH lot. That’s a bit of a stretch. While some vehicles certainly show their age—like the 2008 Ford Edge or 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe often found in their inventory—the dealership also stocks late-model stuff like 2021 Kia Seltos or 2019 Ford F-150s. The real trick is knowing what you're looking at.
The Financing Maze: BHPH Explained
Let’s talk money. Leonard Perry Motors 2 survives on a very specific business model: Buy Here Pay Here.
If you have a 500 credit score or a recent "not-so-friendly" divorce, a traditional bank like Wells Fargo is going to laugh you out of the building. Leonard Perry doesn't. They are the bank. You make your payments directly to them, sometimes even weekly or bi-weekly, rather than sending a check to a third-party lender.
- The Good: You get a car today. You build mobility.
- The Bad: Interest rates in this world are notoriously high.
- The Reality: They are taking a massive risk on buyers that others won't touch.
Jimmy and Eddie, names that pop up constantly in customer testimonials, are the guys usually credited with "making it happen." There are stories of people starting from scratch after bankruptcy who managed to get a reliable SUV through this location. It’s a service, sure, but it’s a business service with a price tag attached.
What to Watch Out For
Is it all sunshine and smooth idling? Kinda, but not always.
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The BBB profile for Leonard Perry Motors 2 shows some friction. You’ll find complaints about "product issues" and the classic "I bought it and it broke a week later" stories. The owner has been known to respond personally, explaining that these are used machines. For example, in one public response, the dealership noted they upgraded a plastic part to metal to fix a coolant leak for a customer—basically arguing that they go above and beyond for what are ultimately "as-is" sales.
You have to be smart here. The advertised price is often the "bottom line cash price." If you are financing, that number changes. Also, many of these cars are sold "as-is." If you drive off and the transmission drops on the Parkway, you might be on the hook unless you purchased a separate warranty, which they do offer for an extra charge (often a 1-year/15,000-mile deal).
The Service Center Factor
Unlike some fly-by-night lots, this location actually has a dedicated service center (732-202-6877). They do the standard stuff:
- Oil changes
- Brake jobs
- Electrical repairs
- Suspension work
This is actually a huge point in their favor. If a dealer has their own lifts and technicians, it means they are at least inspecting the inventory before it hits the front line. It doesn't mean the car is perfect, but it means someone has looked at the undercarriage.
Why People Keep Going Back
Despite the occasional "lipstick on a pig" review on CarGurus, the place stays busy. Why? Because they fill a gap. In the current economy, used car prices are insane. Finding a decent work truck for under $15k is like hunting for a unicorn. Leonard Perry Motors 2 usually has about 40 to 50 cars available at any given time, ranging from high-mileage budget savers to relatively fresh trades.
The vibe is very "old school Jersey." It’s direct. It’s blunt. They aren't going to hold your hand, but they will try to get you into a seat.
Actionable Steps Before You Buy
If you’re heading to the Cedar Bridge Ave lot, don’t just wing it.
- Bring a Mechanic: Even if the car looks "clean," pay a local shop $100 to do a pre-purchase inspection. If the dealer says no, you walk.
- Check the "Cash" vs. "Finance" Price: Ask point-blank what the total cost of ownership is. Don't just look at the monthly payment.
- Read the Warranty Fine Print: If you’re buying a car with over 100k miles, the extra cost for the warranty is almost always worth it.
- Confirm the Title Status: Ensure there are no liens or delays.
- Test Drive Everything: Don't just go around the block. Get it up to 65 mph on Route 70. Listen for the hums, the clicks, and the vibrations.
The reality of Leonard Perry Motors 2 is that it is a tool. For the right buyer in a tough spot, it's a lifeline. For an uneducated buyer who doesn't do their homework, it can be a lesson. Be the educated buyer. Know your budget, know your rights, and don't be afraid to say no if the engine sounds like a bag of marbles.