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Frankfort Auto Haus
Caring for the classic customers
By Marilyn Olson
Special To The Herald News
Everybody wants to drive the cars that Kevin Lantry drives. That's because he never sells any car that he hasn't already driven, and would not drive.
The owner of Frankfort Auto Haus specializes in lightly used, unique vehicles.
"We specialize in cars you can't get any place else," Lantry says. "We sell lots of sports cars, convertibles and specialty trucks like dualies and four-wheel-drive trucks."
The Auto Haus offers many foreign cars, such as Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar and Porsche, as well as the best American cars and trucks. Lantry's phone message says the business carries "classics to modern day muscle cars" and a look at the lot supports the statement. Bright shiny convertibles invite test drives and are parked next to tough trucks just aching to go off road.
"I personally test drive and buy every car we sell," Lantry says. "As owner, I'm always accessible and I take a personal interest in every deal."
The Auto Haus backs every vehicle it sells, offering up to a seven year, 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty backed by G.E. on eligible vehicles.
"We have customers coming back to buy car after car from us," Lantry said. "Several customers have bought 10 to 15 cars from us."The business has been operating since 1978 in four locations in the Frankfort/Tinley Park area. When the Auto Haus moved to its new location at 19915 S. LaGrange Road, Lantry says everyone thought he was crazy to "build in the middle of a cornfield." But now, six years later, he is being joined by Dominick's and other businesses.
Lantry says he is happy to be able to do business in the community he grew up in. He was a 1972 graduate of Peotone High School and grew up in the rural area south of Frankfort. He began in the car business in 1974 in Chicago Heights where he was in sales and used car manager for a Dodge dealership. The Auto Haus sells more than 1,000 vehicles annually and has more than 100 vehicles in inventory on average.
"If a car has a problem, we either fix it or we wholesale it," Lantry says.
The car business has changed over the years, Lantry notes.
"Used cars have become more expensive so you have to make sure you get a good one," he said. "But cars last longer now. They are built better and don't rust out as fast either."
Financing a vehicle has also changed. The Auto Haus arranges financing for more than 90 percent of the vehicles it sells.
"We have many financing options at very competitive rates, and you can finance a car for up to 84 months now," Lantry said.
Lantry is also active in the community. He is a member of the Frankfort and Mokena Chambers of Commerce and the Frankfort/Mokena chapter of the American Cancer Society. The Frankfort Auto Haus also sponsors serveral youth baseball teams.
Name: Frankfort Auto Haus
Location: 11915 S. LaGrange Road. Frankfort
Sales: More than 1,000 used cars and trucks annually.
Inventory: More than 100 used cars and trucks on average.
Fact: Owner Kevin Lantry personally test drives and purchases every vehicle the business sells.
Fact: The Auto Haus specializes in classics and modern-day muscle cars. Foreign sports cars, convertibles and the best of the American cars and trucks are offered for sales.
Fact: In business since 1978, the Auto Haus has been in four locations in the Frankfort/Tinley Park area. The business moved to its present location six years ago. It was the first major business to open on LaGrange Road between Mokena and Frankfort.
Fact: The Auto Haus has numerous finance options and cars may be financed for up to 84 months.
Quote: "I only sell cars I would drive. In fact, I test drive and purchase all the vehicles we sell."
-Owner Kevn Lantry
