Whether new or used, purchasing a car is a crucial financial investment as much as an emotional one (70% of car owners develop a sentimental attachment with their vehicles over time). If you’re like most people, you might have had to save up for some time to meet the considerable finances required for your dream car. However, you should be careful not to let the excitement of getting a new car lead you to rush and make misinformed decisions, especially if you’re a first-time car owner. With so many car dealers in the market, choosing one you can trust to be fair and honest can be daunting. You can visit our Newton dealership for diverse vehicle models.
So, how do you ensure that the dealership you choose is the right one to provide the car you need at the most competitive price? The discussion below will highlight vital factors you need to consider before committing yourself to a particular car dealership.
Tip 1: Consider your Financing Options
How do you intend to pay for your car? This should be the priority before setting out to identify your dealership of choice. The dealership you choose should accept your financing options. It can be frustrating to identify a dealership and find your car of choice only to find out that they can’t accept your financing terms. Whether financing through a bank or seeking dealer financing is crucial and can make a huge difference. The good thing is that you can check out the financing options of your potential dealership on their website as you go through it before committing yourself.
Tip 2: Do your Research
Shopping around for your car of choice is a process requiring you to do your homework well. You’ll need to gather and evaluate relevant information about various potential dealerships as you narrow your way down to your preferred one. The good thing is that the internet has simplified this process and made it possible to identify trusted auto dealers in a given area. You can scour through the websites of potential dealerships while comparing their offers and terms from the comfort of your home.
Tip 3: Look at Contact Details and Hours
While this may seem obvious and an awkward thing to look at, there’s more than meets the eye. A reputable dealership has nothing to hide and will be more than glad for their customers to call them anytime about any query after sealing the purchase. Consider it a red flag if you can’t seem to find their full contact details. You should be able to find several numbers and not just one, along with their operating hours for relevant departments.
Tip 4: Check Out their Inventory and Compare Prices
Inventory in car dealerships changes frequently, and it’s crucial to be sure that your car model of choice will still be there when you’re ready to buy. Explore the inventory volume across various dealerships and their pricing to help you weigh your options. Also, check the inventory turnover to grasp how they constantly bring in new vehicles. This will help you understand how long you might have to wait for more options.
Tip 5: Inquire about their Longevity
After narrowing down your options and still finding yourself split between some dealerships, another great thing to consider is their longevity in the business. How long they have been in the business speaks volumes about their business management skills. Remember that you’ll likely have a long-term relationship with your dealership, and your purchase won’t be your last visit there. You’ll need your car to be serviced or repaired by the dealership at some point. If they’ve been in business for a while, chances are you’ll always find them there whenever the need arises.
Tip 6: Assess the Facility
If you still have some dealerships on your list by this time, it’s time to assess their facility through an in-person visit. Drive down to each facility and pay attention to everything from the moment you arrive. Look at how each facility is maintained and, more importantly, how their staff interacts with you and the impression they leave. Sometimes it can be hard to know the nature of people you’re dealing with until you interact with them one-on-one. The engagement should make you confident enough to make that purchase.
Owning a car is a huge investment akin to welcoming a new family member. Like any major investment, you would definitely like the car to serve you and your family’s day-to-day travel needs in the best way possible. To achieve this successfully and avoid potential future problems begins with choosing a trusted and reputable dealership near you. The factors discussed above will guide you settle for the right dealership in your locality.
