Top 6 Tips for Finding the Right Dealership for a Used Car
There are several reasons you may be looking for a used car. Your family might be growing, your drive could be getting longer, or you’re just ready to find something new. Whatever the reason you’re looking for a used vehicle, there are certain things you should look for in a dealership.
The quality of an automobile is only as good as the used car dealership it’s bought at. So, if you’re ready to upgrade your ride, check out these quick tips on finding a dealership in your town.
1. They don’t hide the price
The price tag you see in the window isn’t the total cost of your used vehicle. There are often extra fees added in when you’re ready to pay. Some salespeople will skirt around the issue or convince you that several prices are standard in the industry. That’s the sign of bad business, and it’s best to look for a different car dealership.
Reputable car dealerships are always upfront about extra fees, so you’re never surprised by the price when you start to sign paperwork. They also offer warranties and affordable prices, so you can protect your car as soon as you drive off the lot.
2. The car you’re looking for is on the lot
When you look online at a used car dealership’s inventory, you expect to see that car on the lot. So, it can be rather disappointing when you take the time to visit a used car dealership to find out that you can’t test drive the car you want. Used car dealerships focus on customer service, keep track of their inventory and take a vehicle off their website once it has been sold.
If a car dealership doesn’t have the vehicle you want in stock, they can either find it on another lot, notify you as soon as it appears in their inventory, or help you find another vehicle that suits your needs and fits your budget.
3. Taking the car for a test drive is easy
It’s not a secret that the best way to know if a used car is right for you is by giving it a test drive. While most used car dealerships have their protocol for test drives, it should be easy for you to inspect a used car and get behind the wheel.
If a used car salesperson is making it difficult for you to drive a vehicle or trying to distract you from inspecting the outside of the car, they might be hiding something. The best car dealerships are always ready for a test drive because they stand behind their vehicles and are ready to move them off the lot.
4. They’ll take your trade-in at a fair price
You need the money from your trade-in to pay for your next car, which is why it’s essential to find a car dealership that gives you a fair price for your old vehicle. Research your vehicle to know how much you should be offered for a trade-in. It’s important to keep reasonable expectations. Used car dealerships are not your average car buyer and can find everything wrong with your vehicle, affecting how much money you get for your trade-in.
It is another process that should be simple. So, if the car dealership you’re working with makes trading in your vehicle difficult, it’s time to find somewhere else to purchase your car.
5. Reviews don’t lie
Some review websites are filled with spam and useless information. However, reputable websites have helpful and honest reviews about the used car dealerships in your town. They also contain helpful information like operation hours, accessibility, and locations. You can even follow used car dealerships on social media to learn about specials and hear customer testimonials.
Not sure where to begin? Search “used car dealership near me,” and you’ll find several locations along with reviews. Just make sure you’re checking multiple review websites to ensure the information you’re gathering is accurate.
6. They focus on customer satisfaction
The most important thing about a used car dealership is that you’re comfortable with the car buying process from start to finish. That means you are rushed into purchasing a car that is out of your budget, you’re allowed to take multiple test drives, and you have the opportunity to take your potential new vehicle to get a second inspection.
When a car dealership makes you feel like buying a car isn’t about the sale, it’s about the customer. You know you’re in the right place.
