Getting Bang For Your Buck At Sports And Imports

By Rochelle Karina

In today’s economy, more and more people are looking to find better value for their money. One option is purchasing a used car rather than a brand new one. While in years past, that may not have been an attractive option, with today’s availability of manufacturer’s warranties and certified pre-owned cars, buying used is a sure way to, as Gus Kurtz of Sports and Imports puts it, “get more bang for your buck.”

Kurtz is the owner and President of Sports and Imports on Fort Smallwood Road. A Pasadena native, he places high value on community. Kurtz has been in the car business since 1982, then there came a time when he felt he wanted to work for himself. He turned to Pasadena because he wanted to be close to home. “This is where I was born and bred. I just like the ‘Dena.”

Sports and Imports opened its doors in 1990 and now has locations in both Pasadena and Glen Burnie offering over $1 million in inventory. “We’re interested in long-term business,” explains Kurtz. “We want to be your car dealer for life.” Kurtz continues, “We take a professional approach to business. We have a great attitude and a willingness to help people with their automotive needs.”

Kurtz is particular pleased to talk about long-term salesman and Vice President Jimmy Hill. “He’s our number one sales man. Jim’s been with us since the beginning and probably sells more used cars individually than any other dealer around. It’s all because of his ability to connect with people and the community.”

The commitment to community is obvious; the company’s walls are plastered with recognitions from a wide variety of local teams. “We’ve supported every one of Chesapeake’s and Northeast’s sports teams, cheer and all the other local sports teams,” Kurtz shared.

Kurtz believes the internet has changed the used car business, for the better. “Twenty years ago,” he explained, “you couldn’t shop for a car from the comfort of your own home. Now you can. It has become 70 to 80 percent of our business, and I expect it to increase. There is steady growth in the used car business. New cars are costing more and more. With warranties carrying over with the cars, it makes sense for people to save money.”

“I think we’re all in this together,” Kurtz continued. “I’m ‘Dena born and bred and most of our market is here. If you live here, chances are you will know someone who has done business with us. It’s about trust. The market is what it is, and the next few years are going to be interesting.”

“There are a lot of neat cars out there,” Kurtz continued. “They get a little bit of age, and they become more affordable. People get a lot of bang for their buck.”

Sports and Imports is located at 8890 Fort Smallwood Road in Pasadena, and can be reached via phone at 410-360-8600, or online at www.sportsandimportsonline.com.