Just when you think nothing ever changes in the Valley a used car dealer opens up shop on Hwy. 60 in Barry’s Bay. Davis Motors is owned by Kim and Glen Davis. (pictured above with Sammy) Glen has been licensed as an automotive dealer since 2005. He has been coming here with his hockey buddies to stay at Sand Bay Camp since 1985. About ten years ago he introduced Kim to the area and she fell in love with it, so they sold their house in Toronto and relocated to Bowmanville to have a shorter drive to the cottage. Glen told The Current, “All the time I was thinking, why is nobody selling used cars up here?”
The couple feel there were not a lot of options around here for people to access affordable cars. Kim said, “We want happy customers, we want them to come back when they’re ready for another car. So we’re not looking to make huge money off of one sale. We’re just looking to make a relationship with the community.” She said Glen has always done business on the basis of personal referrals.
The fall has been spent setting up connections with Valley trades as they plan to keep it local as much as possible. Glen said, “If we’re going to live in Barry’s Bay, we’re going to run a business that’s going to be in Barry’s Bay where we live. Never even crossed our mind to go down to Bancroft or Pembroke, it was just about staying right here and enjoying our life.” Kim agreed saying, “It’s quality of life, a slower pace.” Glen explained, “I’m going to enjoy my life … I’m going to be outside, I’m going to play. I just love golf, and hockey.”
That said, both keep plenty busy. Glen drives the Zamboni at the arena part-time while Kim does administrative work for the Madawaska Valley Family Health Team. They source inventory for Davis Motors from all over, so when there’s a car to collect, they spend the time together. Glen explained, “We hop in our car, we close down unfortunately, but we spend the day together, we go for a drive together and see new towns and we pick up a car. Stop for lunch.” They emphasize, though, that they are always available by phone.
Doing business the traditional way
Glen explained his approach, “I encourage people before they buy to take it to their mechanic and get a third opinion, and then we figure it out from there. All cars need something fixed, so what’s a price we can come to that makes sense for them to buy the car. There’s no leaving a deposit before you take a test drive. It doesn’t work that way here. And it’s for my peace of mind as much as theirs.” Glen told The Current that for him it is all about condition — finding a good driving car. He said, “I love to sell them as is, so before you buy it take it to your mechanic. I love the old ways of doing business, I love to haggle. This is probably the last place on earth you can haggle.”
Just call
If no one answers the door at Davis Motors, they’re only a phone call away. Glen and Kim invite you to walk around the cars on the lot, kick the tires and call 416.732.1091 to arrange a time to meet.
