Finding a car dealership that doesn't feel like a shark tank is, honestly, a massive win. If you’ve spent any time looking for a vehicle in Southeast Idaho, specifically around Rexburg or Idaho Falls, you have probably driven past Stone's Town and Country Motors. It’s one of those places that seems to have been there forever. People talk about "small-town service," but in the car world, that’s usually just marketing fluff meant to get you in the door before they hit you with a doc fee that costs more than your first car. But Stone’s is a bit different. They’ve managed to survive the massive consolidation of the auto industry where giant corporate groups buy up every family-owned lot in sight.
Why does that matter to you?
Buying a car is stressful. It’s likely the second-biggest purchase you’ll ever make. You want to know if the people across the desk are going to disappear the second your transmission starts acting up on Highway 20. Stone's Town and Country Motors has built a reputation on being the "hometown" dealer, specifically focusing on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM. But let's get into the weeds of what actually happens when you walk onto that lot in Rexburg.
The Local Legacy of Stone's Town and Country Motors
It isn’t just some random name. The Stone family has been a fixture in the Idaho automotive scene for decades. We aren't talking about a faceless CEO in a skyscraper in Detroit; we are talking about a business that grew out of the needs of a farming and college community. Rexburg is a unique town. You’ve got BYU-Idaho students looking for cheap, reliable commuters and local potato farmers who need a 3500 dually that can pull a house. Stone's Town and Country Motors has had to bridge that gap for a long time.
They started small. Really small.
The dealership grew because they realized that in a town like Rexburg, word of mouth travels faster than a Hellcat on a salt flat. If you screw over one customer at the grocery store, everybody knows by Sunday. This forced a level of accountability that you just don't find at the mega-dealers in Boise or Salt Lake City. They focus heavily on the "Town and Country" aspect—selling the rugged Jeeps for the Teton weekend warriors and the heavy-duty RAM trucks for the workforce.
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What the Inventory Actually Looks Like Right Now
If you go looking for a vehicle at Stone's Town and Country Motors, you need to understand their niche. They are a certified CDJR dealer. That stands for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM. While they have a pre-owned section that features everything from Toyotas to Fords, their bread and butter is the Mopar world.
The RAM Factor
In Idaho, trucks are a currency. Stone’s knows this. Their lot is usually heavy on RAM 1500s and 2500s. If you’re looking for a work truck, they tend to stock the Tradesman trims, but they also lean into the luxury Longhorn editions because, let’s be real, people like heated leather seats even when they’re hauling cattle.
The Jeep Culture
Rexburg is the gateway to some of the best off-roading in the country. St. Anthony Sand Dunes are right there. Yellowstone is a stone's throw away. Because of this, Stone's Town and Country Motors keeps a high volume of Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators. They aren't just selling "mall crawlers." They often have units already outfitted with the cold weather packages, which, if you’ve ever experienced a Rexburg winter, you know isn't a luxury—it's a survival requirement.
Used Cars and "The Budget Lot"
Honestly, the used market has been insane lately. Stone’s tries to keep a mix. You’ll see the high-end certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles that come with the factory-backed warranties, but they also keep a "Value" section. This is crucial for the student population at BYU-I. If you need a $10,000 sedan that just works, that’s usually where they put the trade-ins that don't meet the "pristine" CPO criteria but still have plenty of life.
Service and Parts: The Unsung Hero
Everyone focuses on the sales floor. The shiny lights, the "new car smell," the handshakes. But the real heartbeat of Stone's Town and Country Motors is arguably the service department. In a rural area, you can’t afford to have your truck down for three weeks because a part is on backorder.
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They run a Mopar Express Lane.
This is basically their answer to the "quick lube" places, but with actual factory-trained technicians. It’s designed for oil changes and tire rotations where you don't need an appointment. One thing people often overlook is that their techs are specialized in the complex electronics of newer Jeep and RAM models. If your Uconnect system starts glitching, a generic mechanic might struggle, but the guys at Stone’s see it every day. They also maintain a massive parts warehouse. This is a big deal for the DIY crowd in Madison County who just want to buy the OEM filter and do it themselves in the garage.
The "Rexburg Tax" and Pricing Realities
Is Stone's Town and Country Motors the cheapest place on earth? Probably not. You can always find a "loss leader" ad at a giant dealership in a major metro area that looks cheaper on paper. But here is the catch: those big city dealers often tack on "market adjustments" or mandatory "protection packages" the second you sit down.
Stone’s tends to play a straighter game. Because they rely on repeat business from the same families year after year, they can’t really afford to play the "hidden fee" game. Their pricing is competitive for the region, and they often have access to specific regional incentives that apply to Idaho residents. Plus, you have to factor in the cost of your time. Is it worth driving four hours to save $200? Usually, the answer is no, especially when you consider that a local dealer like Stone’s is more likely to help you out with a loaner car when you’re in a pinch.
Financing at Stone's: What to Expect
They work with Chrysler Capital, which is the standard move for a CDJR dealer. This is where you get those 0% APR or 1.9% APR deals you see on TV. However, they also have deep ties with local credit unions like Beehive Federal Credit Union or Westmark.
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This is a pro tip: Local credit unions often have better rates for used cars than the big national banks. Because Stone's Town and Country Motors has been around so long, they have established "indirect lending" setups with these unions. This means you can get the credit union rate right there at the dealership without having to drive across town to sign papers at the bank. It streamlines the process significantly.
Common Misconceptions About the Dealership
A lot of people think that because it's a "Town and Country" shop, they only deal in trucks and SUVs. That’s not true. While the Idaho landscape favors big tires, they carry the Chrysler Pacifica—which is arguably still the best minivan on the market for families—and the Dodge Hornet for people who want something smaller and punchier.
Another myth is that "small dealers don't have the inventory." In the post-2020 world, inventory has been a struggle for everyone. However, Stone’s has a "dealer trade" network. If they don't have the specific color or trim you want on the Rexburg lot, they can usually pull it from another partner dealer in the region within 24 to 48 hours. You aren't limited to just what’s sitting on the asphalt when you pull in.
Navigating the Buying Process
If you’re heading to Stone's Town and Country Motors, go in with a plan.
- Check the Website First: Their online inventory is usually updated in real-time. If a car is "In Transit," it means it’s on the truck but not on the lot yet. You can often put a deposit on these to snag them before they even land.
- Talk to the Service Manager: If you’re buying used, don't just talk to the salesperson. Ask about the inspection report. Stone’s is generally transparent about what they fixed before putting a car on the line.
- The Trade-In Value: They use KBB and Black Book values, but they also look at the local Idaho market. A 4WD truck is worth way more in Rexburg than it is in Phoenix. Use that to your advantage if you’re trading in a clean 4x4.
- Winter Prep: If you buy in the summer, ask about winter tires or remote start installs. They can often roll these into the financing, which is a lifesaver come November.
Why This Dealership Still Matters
In an era of online car buying where you click a button and a truck drops off a vehicle, Stone's Town and Country Motors represents the old-school way of doing things—for better and sometimes for worse. You still have to talk to a human. You still have to negotiate. But you also have a physical place to go if things go wrong. You have a person whose name is on the building.
For the community in Rexburg and the surrounding areas, it’s about more than just metal and rubber. It’s about a business that sponsors the local high school sports teams and understands the specific needs of an Idaho driver. Whether you need a heavy-duty RAM for the ranch or a Jeep for the trails, they’ve positioned themselves as the experts for that specific lifestyle.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
- Pre-Approve Your Credit: Before you walk in, get a quote from your local credit union. It gives you leverage and helps the finance team at Stone’s know exactly what they need to beat.
- Test Drive on Highway 20: Don't just circle the block. Take the vehicle out on the highway to check for wind noise and alignment, especially with Jeeps.
- Ask About the "Stone's Lifetime" Perks: Inquire about any specific local service "add-ons" they offer to repeat customers, as these are often not advertised on the national brand site.
- Check the Build Sheet: On new RAMs and Jeeps, ask to see the original window sticker (Monroney label). This ensures you aren't paying for "dealer-installed" accessories you don't actually want.
The automotive world is changing fast, with electric vehicles and online sales threatening the traditional model. Yet, places like Stone's Town and Country Motors stay busy for a reason. They understand the local terrain, both literally and figuratively. If you treat the process with a bit of prep work and a clear idea of your budget, you'll likely find that the "small town" reputation is more than just a slogan—it's a better way to buy a car.