Well-Known Dodge and Jeep Dealership Shuts Down Permanently as Owner Reflects on ‘Challenging Choice’

A WELL-KNOWN car dealership announced that it will be closing its doors in the coming weeks.

The heavy decision came after management realized certain car models were not selling as well in the community.

Phil Long Dealerships announced that it will be shuttering its Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Trinidad, as reported by The World Journal.

The dealership management came to this difficult decision after considering the evolving needs of their clientele.

“It was a challenging decision, but one that we believe is essential for our continued focus on providing the right vehicle brands to this community,” stated Mark Perez, General Manager of Phil Long Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

“I want to thank our customers for their support. My team and I appreciate their business and the relationships we’ve built,” he added.

Phil Long Dealerships is known for stocking a diverse selection of vehicles for its community to choose from.

In December 2021, the automotive group actually purchased the dealership, which is soon to close, from Cooke Motors to broaden its existing vehicle offerings.

Phil Long Dealerships has been in business for over 15 years, serving the people of Trinidad, Las Animas County, and its surrounding communities.

The dealership first opened Phil Long Toyota in 2009 and then established another branch, Phil Long Ford of Raton, a year later.

Both auto shops have been recognized for their commitment to their customers and competitive sales.

Despite their track record, the trusted dealership decided to close its Phil Long Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram this summer.

Consumers have a couple of weeks before the shop closes for good on June 1, 2025.

Those who are looking to buy new vehicles from Phil Long Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can do so between May 22 and May 31.

The store is offering customers special liquidation prices that will be hard to pass up.

Store management also notes that drivers can receive standard maintenance and repairs until the dealership closes permanently.

What to do if a dealership closes

If you recently bought a car or motorcycle from a dealership that suddently closed, you may feel anxious about how that affects you.

When financing a new car or motorcycle or needing warranty repairs at an authorized dealership, an unexpected closure may lead some to feel they’ve run out of options or to worry that their vehicle will be repossessed.

If you’re in a situation that sounds like that, here are a few things you can do after receiving an official notice:

1. Notify the bank hosting your loan of the closure to make them aware. If the financing is done through the dealership itself, it’s important to contact the dealership or your salesperson to ask how to keep up your payments. Many dealerships will send the lien (the title and registration that will only be released to the buyer after the debt is paid) to a financial institution to keep.
2. If the dealership cannot be contacted through traditional means, most states allow drivers to apply for the title and registration through the DMV.
3. If you leased a car from a dealership that went out of business, instructions should be sent as to which dealership to bring your vehicle to when the lease expires. If not, contact the dealership.
4. A factory warranty through the manufacturer will be honored at any other authorized dealership. However, an extended warranty through the dealership may not be honored at other repair shops, so it’s important to seek that information from the dealership as soon as possible.

Source: Consumer Law Group

Once the shop shuts down, customers will be redirected to Phil Long Toyota for any auto services, including customers’ leases, warranties, service orders, and additional account management.

If your local dealership is on the verge of closing, there are important steps drivers should take to protect their own vehicle and personal information.

Drivers should first notify their bank of the closure to ensure they have a backup plan for keeping up with the necessary scheduled payments for any existing loans.

Dealerships across the country are closing down or consolidating their operations in smaller, less profitable locations.

The rise of online car sales and the shift towards electric vehicles are also impacting traditional dealerships.

With President Trump’s looming tariffs, automakers, consumers, and dealers are still adapting to the uncertainty of the industry as a whole.