Buying a car in the Atlanta metro area usually feels like a marathon you didn't train for. You're dodging aggressive sales tactics, squinting at fine print, and wondering if that "reliable" sedan is actually a lemon in a tuxedo. When you start looking at spots like MDJ Grayson Auto Sales GA, things get even more confusing because the name itself is a bit of a geographic puzzle.
Wait, is it in Grayson? Or Atlanta? Honestly, it's both—and neither.
The reality of this business is a lot more layered than a simple Google Maps pin suggests. If you've been scouring the web for a "Grayson" dealership, you've likely bumped into a mix of results involving U-Haul rentals on Memorial Drive and a dissolved LLC. It’s a lot to navigate. Let’s break down what's actually happening with this name and why your search for a car might lead you to a different street than you expected.
The Name Confusion: Grayson or Atlanta?
Here is the kicker. While the name says "Grayson," the primary footprint for MDJ Grayson Auto Sales GA has historically been centered at 1096 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. That is right in the heart of the city, not the quiet suburbs of Gwinnett County.
Why the name then?
It’s likely tied to the owner, Derrick Grayson, a figure well-known in local circles for more than just car sales. People often mistake this business for Grayson Motor Company or Beyond Cars, which actually are located in the city of Grayson. If you show up to Loganville Highway looking for MDJ, you’re going to be disappointed. You're basically looking for a needle in a haystack, but you're in the wrong hayfield.
What They Actually Do (and Did)
For a long time, this spot functioned as a triple threat. It was a used car lot, a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, and a car rental service.
Most people didn't go there for a sparkling showroom experience. They went because they needed a 15-foot box truck to move their apartment or a budget-friendly set of wheels. The U-Haul side of the business actually carried a decent reputation for convenience. On the car sales side? That’s where things got a bit more "wild west."
The Reality Check on Business Status
If you’re looking to buy a car from them today, you need to look at the paperwork. According to the Georgia Secretary of State, MDJ Grayson Enterprises LLC was officially "Admin. Dissolved" as of September 13, 2024.
What does that mean for you?
- Legacy Transactions: If you bought a car there recently and haven't received your title, you aren't alone. There are documented complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) from customers claiming they paid in full but are still chasing their paperwork months later.
- Service Availability: While the Memorial Drive location has historically handled U-Haul rentals, the formal "Auto Sales" portion of the business is, legally speaking, in a state of flux.
- The Union City Ghost: You might also see an address for them on Roosevelt Highway in Union City. This appears to be an older or secondary filing, adding another layer to the "Where are they actually?" mystery.
Why the Reviews Are a Rollercoaster
If you check out the feedback for MDJ Grayson Auto Sales GA, you'll see a massive split. It’s either "Raheem was a life-saver with my rental!" or "Stay away, I can't get my title."
There's rarely a middle ground.
The rental side of the house seemed to thrive on personal interactions. Customers often praised the staff for being "knowledgeable" and "accommodating" during stressful moves. But when it shifted to car sales, the tone changed. One customer, identified as Mr. L on the BBB site, noted he purchased a vehicle in early 2024 and was still waiting on a title by April.
That is a red flag big enough to cover a stadium. In Georgia, a dealership is required to provide the title within a specific timeframe—usually 30 days. When that stretches into months, it usually points to "floor plan" issues, where the dealer hasn't actually paid off the bank they bought the car from yet.
Navigating the Grayson Car Market
If you were specifically looking for a car in the city of Grayson rather than the MDJ brand in Atlanta, you have much more stable options. The local market in Gwinnett is actually pretty robust.
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- Grayson Motor Company: Located on Rosebud Road. They’ve been around for years and have a 5.0-star vibe on several platforms.
- Beyond Cars: Situated on Loganville Highway. They focus on a "no-pressure" environment and have a pretty wide inventory of SUVs and trucks.
- Atlanta Autos: If you want luxury (think Lamborghini or high-end Mercedes), this is the "Grayson destination," even if their main lot is over in Marietta.
Red Flags to Watch For Anywhere
Whether you're looking at a small lot on Memorial Drive or a massive dealership in Lawrenceville, the rules of the game remain the same.
First, never leave without a clear timeline for the title. If they say "it's in the mail" or "we're waiting on the state," get it in writing. Better yet, ask to see the title before you sign.
Second, check the business's active status. You can do this for free on the Georgia Corporations Division website. If they are "Dissolved," they shouldn't be conducting new sales.
Third, the "Dealership Inspection" is your best friend. Never, ever buy a used car in Georgia without taking it to an independent mechanic first. A "thorough inspection" by the guy selling you the car doesn't count. You want a third party to tell you if the frame is bent or if the transmission is held together by hope and heavy-duty grease.
Actionable Steps for GA Car Buyers
If you are currently dealing with MDJ Grayson Auto Sales or any dealership that is ghosting you on a title, don't just sit there.
- File a complaint with the Georgia Department of Revenue. They oversee motor vehicle titles and can put pressure on a dealer's bond.
- Contact the Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection. This is the "big stick" for unfair or deceptive business practices.
- Check the Bond. Every used car dealer in Georgia must have a $35,000 surety bond. If they truly scammed you, you can file a claim against that bond to get your money back.
- Verify the Location. Before you drive an hour, call and confirm the address. With names like "MDJ Grayson" operating in Atlanta, you could easily waste a whole afternoon in traffic for no reason.
Buying a car shouldn't feel like a gamble. By staying aware of a business's legal status and their actual physical location, you can avoid the headache of a "dissolved" deal. Stick to established lots with active registrations and clean title histories to keep your Georgia commute stress-free.