Best Car Dealerships: Tips in Choosing

We all love our cars, but the process of getting into your desired car is a nightmare to most of us. The idea of talking to those pushy salesmen, going through the long-hour procedure, and signing some fishy documents send shivers to our spine. We do not lack choices; based on the latest industry report of the IBIS World, there are more than 17,500 new car dealers in the US last 2021. It posted a 1.2% increase compared to the previous year despite the pandemic. With so many options, you are probably wondering how you can pick the best car dealerships.

• Know What You Are Looking For
• Research
• Years of Operating in the Business
• Comparing
• Customer Perks
• Evaluating the Facility
• Measuring the Quality of Service
• Financing Options
• Long-term Relationship
• Make it Fun

10 Factors to Consider in Choosing the Best Car Dealerships

How pleasant or horrendous your car-shopping experience is will depend upon the dealership that you will choose. Based on the survey released by Consumer Report, about 57% of car buyers are satisfied with their experience. About 10% of those who participated in the survey expressed their intense disappointment with the dealership. To guarantee a seamless and less stressful process, I will share some of the tips when I was looking for the best car dealerships near me.

1. Know What You Are Looking For in Car Dealerships

Start by figuring out the qualities that you are looking for in a great car dealership. Most people will prioritize at least three factors when evaluating if the car dealer is suitable for them.

• The Price- We don’t want to pay more than the actual value of the car we are purchasing. We certainly want to get our money’s worth. Once you walked out of the car lot, you want to feel like you’ve reached the best deal.

• Service- The quality of the service influences the entire experience that the dealership can provide. You want them to have superb customer service. If you think that you are getting an honest, transparent, and professional service, there’s a higher chance that you will trust them.

• Availability- We don’t want to go in a car lot with limited stocks in their inventory. They need to be fully equipped with the makes and models of the car that you want. Even if they promised to request a special order, this process could take a long time. You want the car to be physically present in the car lot on the date of your appointment.

2. Research!

If you are looking for the best used car dealership, then you need to do your homework. With the popularity of review sites and social media platforms, it will be tricky for a company to hide their shortcomings. You can always encounter a review highlighting the satisfaction or the disappointment of the client. We are now in the era of information where there is an incomparable level of transparency, which will significantly help you evaluate the competency of the dealership.

Resources That Will Help You Evaluate the Car Dealers

• Autosales Review- Different websites allow the previous customers of car shoppers to leave a review on their chosen dealership. It will help narrow down your choices. Autosales Review offers you an easier way to locate a dealership by searching based on your zip code or the model of the car you want.

• BBB (Better Business Bureau)- Any accreditation coming from BBB is an indication that the dealership is dedicated to conducting an ethical and fair business process. Each of the companies will be given a rating ranging from A+ to F. The rating will depend upon the number of customer complaints and how the dealers addressed the complaints to satisfy the client. The higher the rating, the higher the probability of enjoying a fair transaction.

 

3. Years of Operating in the Business

Yonkers Honda/ Flickr

To narrow down your choices of best car dealerships, look for someone who has been in this industry for quite some time. Remember that your business with them will not end after you completed the purchase. There will come a time that you will revisit them to have your car serviced. A car dealership with at least ten years of operational experience will have a better facility for your future car care need than newly opened car lots.

Their longevity is an indication of how successful they are in managing their business. Perhaps these companies have emphasized delivering ethical processes or have shown exceptional care and service to their client. Picking someone who’s been in the market for a while increases your chance of doing business with a dealership focusing on client satisfaction and the highest standard of practices.

4. Comparing the Car Dealerships

Mike Mozart/Flickr

When I was looking for the best car dealership near me, I want to make sure that I am getting the best value for my money and that there will be many options for me to choose from. Let us first remind you that the price should not be the sole reason to select a dealership. Nonetheless, it is still a crucial factor to consider. It is an originally time-consuming process, but you can simplify it by heading online. You can use Autosales Review to reach out to the dealership and ask them for a price quote.

It is also an excellent opportunity for you to gauge the responsiveness, customer service support, and range of available models in their inventory. Of course, there is a likelihood that you are looking for something specific concerning the options and add-ons. Be sure to state this when talking to their representative. A great car dealership is someone who can meet all your needs and demands.

5.Does It Come with Customer Perks?

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An excellent way to separate the best used car dealerships from the rest is by analyzing the customer perks. It is mainly their selling point and a way to attract new clients in the market. Perhaps you should be looking for a company that comes with some of these fantastic bonuses.

• Car Washes- We all want our car to stay sleek and clean. Based on the recent study, about 8 million vehicles are being washed daily at different facilities. Looking for one who offers a complimentary car wash service could save you a couple of cash.

• Free Loaner Car- For those purchasing a car covered with a warranty, this feature will help you avoid inconveniences and hassles when getting your vehicle serviced.

• Pickup and Drop-Off- This perk will be desirable for those who have a hectic schedule. It helps simplify your whole car-buying experience. You should always consider this if you are in the market to look for your next car.

• Free Tire Rotation and Oil Change- A few car dealerships will offer some standard maintenance service for free. We can’t deny how desirable these perks are; however, you should be cautious if their service department recommends repairs that you don’t need. Check your manual and follow the recommended schedule. Properly maintain your car and be alert to strange noises or vibrations to avoid being caught by surprised repairs.

6. Evaluating the Car Dealerships Facility

s-8500/Wikimedia

At this point, you have probably considerably narrowed down your list of best car dealerships. You are now preparing to visit their car lot and evaluate them further. Upon your arrival, it will be difficult for you to miss the state of their facility. It would be best if you looked at the condition of their car lot and building. Do they have a clean waiting area or lounge area? Are they keeping their bathrooms tidy? Are they properly maintaining the structure?

We mentioned before that your relationship with your chosen dealership does not end after the purchase. You will return to the car lot several times, and if the environment is unpleasant, you will dread the day you need to visit the dealership. Moreover, if the place is adequately maintained, there is also a good chance that the parts and cars are clean and in excellent condition.

 

7. Measuring the Car Dealerships Quality of Service

Wokandapix/Pixabay

When I was choosing the best car dealership near me, I need to select a company that has reached an excellent balance on the services they provide. I want them to have an attentive staff who will be responsive to all my questions. If you choose a company that will not provide you with the assistance you need, you will immediately lose your temper and patience. Nevertheless, they should not sound aggressive, condescending, or pushy. While we understand that this is still a sales industry and they make a living by completing transactions, feeling the pressure from those salesmen is not an exciting experience.

8. Do the Car Dealerships Offer Financing Options?

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You should be aware of how you will pay for your next car. Whether you will need to seek the help of a lender, though the conventional bank loan, or if the dealership offers a financing option makes a huge difference. When you visit the dealer’s website, you should be able to tell the type of loans they offer and their requirements to qualify for it. A great car dealership should have a transparent and clear policy. Their people should explain it to you thoroughly, and there should not be any last-minute changes. They should also be flexible to accommodate your current financial standing.

9. Think Of Your Relationship with the Car Dealerships As Long-Term

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Before you chose ‘the one’, you should remind yourself that it will be a long-term relationship. There will be many instances in the future where you will have to interact with each other. Depending on the financing option of your car, you will have to return to complete the payments. You will also perform your car maintenance and repair at your chosen dealership to prevent any mechanical problems and ensure that your car is in tip-top condition.

If you choose the best used car dealership, choosing them for your future car needs will expedite the entire process. As you are evaluating these companies, consider if you can develop a professional relationship with them or not. They should not simply be the best choice for now, but for the years to come.

10. Finally, Look for the Car Dealerships Who Can Make It Fun!

EdZbarzhyvetsky/deposit photos

It is not uncommon to hear horror stories from consumers in the car market. There’s a chance that you have experienced those disappointments first-hand. I have my share of dealing with some of these terrible people, so when I was hunting for the best car dealership near me, I prefer someone that can make the process fun and exciting. I want a relationship that is more than just transactional; it should be informative. I advise you to do the same. You should feel like you have finally found something special, and you are looking forward to doing business with them.

The idea of investing a large amount of cash on a car is already stressful, and you don’t want to feel more anxious while you are going through the necessary steps. You can immediately tell this the moment you show up at their car lot. You will notice the vibrant personality of their staff. Transitioning to your new car would become a joyful life-changing event if you managed to find one.

There are thousands of dealerships in the car industry and finding the right one could be a daunting experience. Looking for some qualities aforementioned will help you highlight the best car dealerships. Keep our reminders in your mind, and you are on your way to establishing a relationship with a company that can treat you better and meet your demands.