Buying a Used Car: Finding the Right Dealership

I want to buy a used car, headache and hassle-free. What is the best kind of dealership for me to check out?

Buying a used car doesn’t have to be a daunting task!

A used car not only saves you from spending hundreds of dollars a month leasing one, but also saves you on the price tag versus buying brand new. Whether for you or a new driver, used car dealerships aren’t always shady grounds for finding a quality vehicle.  Finding the right one, however, is going to take some homework.

When looking for a good used dealership, you want to research these key factors:

• Reputation/reviews – a bad review for a dealership (or any service or shop!) can impact your confidence in your purchase. Take some time to visit some shops in your area to get a personal feel for the staff and quality of the cars;
• Transparency – look for dealerships that show you the car’s report and repair history. Some cars come riddled with existing repairs and it is up to the seller to be up front as it is your right to know; and,
• Financing options or specials – most used dealerships can offer you an affordable financing option or specials on cars within a certain price range. Asking the dealership about payment options can help you gauge whether to sign with them or not.

Buying a used car that is about three or four years old can carry up to a 50% cut off the initial price tag.  The Internet is a great tool to help you determine which dealership you should choose by reading their reviews on Yelp, Google, or the BBB.  You can also search for vehicle history reports and cost of ownership reports on the specific car you want to buy. This research will come in handy when checking out a certain model and any maintenance requirements because some older models may have parts that are harder to find, which can put a serious dent in your wallet.

Photo Courtesy of SMcGee (https://www.flickr.com/photos/smcgee/309963177/)

Having a stellar credit score isn’t always a must, either. Some shoppers may be working towards clearing debt to improve their score and there are dealerships that are willing to work with all kinds of credit scores. Try searching for a dealership that offers sales specials on cars for under $10,000, as these dealerships might be more willing to offer you a financing option. Even though it might be best to buy outright, the idea is to head to the dealership armed with enough research to make a confident purchase.

In buying a used car, you might find yourself having to handle future repairs and any issues that come with it, so you’ll want to be prepared. If the dealership doesn’t provide a vehicle history report, you should run one of your own before heading out to purchase.  Sure, a throwback Mercedes sounds fancy, but do you really want to shell out thousands of dollars at a time just to keep it running?  Car facts are vital to the longevity of your vehicle so there is no such thing as knowing too much.

The bottom line is to study, seek and seal: study your local dealerships, seek the one that best fits your needs and, ultimately, seal the deal.

If you experience problems with the dealership after you buy a used or new car, we are here to help.  Call The Zeigler Firm at 770-580-9013 to set up a consultation.

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