Oakes Auto was built as a high-volume dealership and has continued to expand year-over-year since 2010. In 2014, Oakes Auto was operating out of a single building in downtown Merriam, KS. In 2016 Oakes purchased the building next door, moving its sales department and combining the two parking lots to make room for more inventory. Since the location didn’t have highway traffic visibility, Oakes Auto put a significant amount of its resources into digital marketing. Oakes knew without being tied to a vehicle manufacturer there was only one way inventory would be seen.
The investment in digital marketing including third-party sites, SEO, and social media as well as investing in a complex CRM and inventory management software was key to growth. By the end of 2016, Oakes Auto was again out of room for inventory and employees, and the company was spending a significant amount of money using outside vendors for vehicle reconditioning. In April 2017, Oakes purchased a building along State Avenue in Kansas City, KS with a full-service department. By adding service and parts to the business, the company was able to eliminate outside vendors and bring everything and everyone in-house. Also key to success was the company’s reputation. Oakes Auto wasn’t founded by a car salesman.
Oakes Auto was started by a car lover who knew the process of buying a car could be different. Oakes’ “no haggle” pricing structure and transparent buying process make customers continue to come back and refer their friends. In 2018 Oakes Auto was named DealerRater’s Used Car Dealer of the Year for the United States. In December 2018, Oakes purchased Jack Miller Kia in North Kansas City and rebranded the company, Oakes Kia. Oakes Kia is located at 2900 Burlington, North Kansas City, MO 64116.
In August 2023, Oakes purchased MainStreet Buick GMC located in Kansas City, Missouri, and rebranded the dealership to Oakes Buick GMC. Oakes Buick GMC is located at 3200 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64114. With this acquisition, Oakes Auto is now able to provide our customers with a wider array of vehicles and parts.