How to Spot a Good Used Car Dealership
Posted Monday, May 22, 2023
Choosing the right dealership can make or break your experience of buying a new or used car. You want to find one you can trust. One who genuinely cares about matching the right car to the right person instead of making a bigger sale.
Here are the signs to watch out for when choosing a dealership:
1. Vehicle History
When a dealership introduces you to a potential car, they should share all the information about it. There should be no blank spaces in the history of the car.
You see, nothing is worse than buying a car that's been through flood damage or was totaled by a previous owner. Buying a used car is a serious business; look for a dealership that understands that.
As time passes with a car, it gets some problem or the other. If not, it has routine maintenance checks and services. Everything gets recorded in what's called the car's service history.
Any car dealer could buy and sell a car to you, but a good one would also secure the car's service history. They will let you know what that car has been through so you are well aware of what you're getting yourself into.
2. More Than a Dealership
You want a dealership that's more than just a dealership. When we say that, we mean you want to find a dealership with value-added services.
A dealership could have its own car accessory or detailing shop. It could have its own repair shop or even a car rental service. Getting more things from one place is better than going to different places. If you want your car repaired or detailed, wouldn't it be great to take it to the dealership you bought it from? All the best dealerships dabble in more than just selling cars.
3. Large Inventory
A sign of a good dealership is a large inventory. You don't want to go to a dealership with little to look at. You want to go to a place with lots of variety.
You may have chosen the car to buy while surfing online, but you never know until you see it. A dealership with a large inventory will have plenty of different options to explore.
When you have so much to choose from, a dealer will help you decide which car is right according to your needs. You might end up leaving with a car you didn't expect at all but one that checks all your boxes.
If the dealership only has one type of car or only deals with certain vehicles, you'll only benefit from going there if you want that specific kind of vehicle. You can go to a sports car dealer if you strictly want a sports car.
However, if you're unsure and want to peruse sports cars, luxury sedans, and SUVs, you're better off someplace that has them all.
4. Payment Plans
Not everyone can buy a car in cash. Most people need financing to be able to afford a car. A good dealership understands that and helps its customers get car financing.
Some even have their own financing plans you can get pre-approved for. This way, you can make monthly payments and drive your dream car without it breaking the bank.
A sign of a poor, untrustworthy dealership is that they aren't upfront about prices, interest rates, and payment schedules. They just want you to sign up for one quickly. You want a dealership with flexible and transparent payment plans to choose from.
No Question is a Stupid Question
If a sales rep at a dealership doesn't entertain your questions, you're better off looking elsewhere. No question is stupid when you're buying a car. A car is a huge investment. Not everyone is an expert on cars. Customers may need to ask some very basic or complicated questions. The staff at a good dealership is trained to answer all questions politely and to the best of their knowledge.
5. Reputation
Does the dealership you will choose have a good reputation in the community? Most successful dealerships are well-known throughout the community, both locally and online.
If they do right by their customers, word will definitely spread in the community. Don't waste time at a dealership no one has heard of or without any reviews. Look out for online testimonials and reviews, and ask around town about a dealership to vet them.
If the dealership has any other services like painting or detailing, check reviews for them as well. They should have glowing reviews for every facet of their business.
6. Customer Comes First
A good dealership values the happiness of its customers above all else. They would treat your kindly and politely, show you whatever you want to see, and answer all your questions.
If you're tilting toward a certain model, they will give you a discount or make you a good offer. However, they won't pressure you to buy it right away. If you ask them, they could hold that offer for a couple of days so you can think about it and decide at your pace.
On the other hand, an untrustworthy dealership would try to trick you into buying something right away. They will pressure you by giving you a deal that sounds good but give you no time to think about it. You don't want to waste time at a dealership that values making a sale over your happiness.
The dealership should prioritize helping another customer over making a sale right away. If they don't, they will try to manipulate you.
Conclusion
The signs a dealership is a good one are obvious if you know where to look. Don't miss out and strike a deal with an untrustworthy dealership. These are the signs of a good dealership. Montana Affordable 4x4s & Auto Sales check everything on the list. Check out our impressive inventory if you're looking for an affordable used car.
