HOULTON, Maine — The quest to find that perfect used vehicle just got a little bit easier for residents in southern Aroostook County.
Priority Auto Sales officially opened for business on May 1. Ben Adams has returned to Houlton as the manager of the auto venture, which is connected with Houlton Power Sports. Adams was a manager for Houlton Power Sports, before transferring to the sister company, Scott’s Recreational Vehicles in Augusta.
“About a year and a half ago, I started buying vehicles wholesale from Canada and importing them into the U.S.,” Adams said. “I would then take them to auction and sell them to dealers. As time went on, I had some large dealerships who were customers of mine calling me on a regular basis looking for vehicles. Basically, I came to the conclusion that I could cut that part out and go straight to retail.”
Adams said he then started looking at where he could do such a business, and he decided a return to Houlton was just the right fit. Returning to Houlton was a big motivating factor, he said.
“Obviously with Houlton Power Sports right across the street, it was a perfect fit,” Adams said. “I looked at Houlton and thought there was a definite need. I thought the opportunity was just as good if not better here in Houlton.”
His approach to auto sales differs from the competition, he said.
“I wanted to go into this with a whole new mindset from what people are used to seeing,” he explained. “Our slogan is, ‘A new way to shop for a used vehicle.’ There are key components we are trying to go after. We are a low-pressure shopping experience. I don’t want to just sell someone a vehicle. I want to help them buy the right vehicle.”
Adams said he was invested in the Houlton area and planned on being in the Shiretown for the long haul.
“This is not just some pop-up business that is here and gone,” he said. “I moved back to Houlton … this is a long-term goal for me.”
Another thing that will differ with Priority Auto Sales compared to other dealerships is that every vehicle on the lot, and on the website, will have a price tag listed. Adams said there is nothing more frustrating for the shopper than to search a website and find a “call for price” indicator.
“I know why places do that, but It’s a huge frustration for shoppers,” Adams said. “Every vehicle, everywhere, every time. Our prices are great, so we have nothing to hide.”
On the trade side of things, Priority Auto Sales offers something other dealership do not, Adams added.
“Because of our relationship with Houlton Power Sports, we are actively going after the fact that we will take just about anything on trade,” he said.
“Snowmobiles, dirt bikes, campers, trailers, motorcycles, boats … if it has a vin, trade it in,” he said referencing the vehicle identification number. “If you have a boat or motorcycle sitting in the garage not being used, pair it up with a truck and trade them both in.”
Priority Auto Sales is a used auto dealership serving the greater Houlton area. The business also is the only registered importer from Canada in the state of Maine, according to Adams. The dealership carries a large selection of pre-owned inventory, from trucks to sports cars. All of the company’s inventory, including prices for vehicles, can be seen on its website at: www.yourpriorityauto.com/
Priority Auto Sales is located at 382 North St. and is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call (207) 521-5264.
