What to Expect When Shopping at a Used Car Dealership
Posted Tuesday, Apr 11, 2023
Walking into a used car dealership can be an exciting experience as you run your hands along a wide variety of pre-owned cars. But going to a used car dealership isn’t just about test-driving a vehicle you like and signing on the dotted line. It pays to be prepared ahead of time so the process can be a smooth experience for you.
The better prepared you are, the faster you'll be able to drive off in your vehicle of choice.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying from a Used Car Dealership
1. Preparation is Key
It’s easier to have the salesperson make a vehicle selection for you since it is expected that they will have in-depth knowledge of the product lineup and features. They’d be able to provide a car that fits your specific needs. In reality, some salespeople know the cars inside and out, while others are new recruits.
This is why it is important to walk into a used car dealership while you’re fully aware of your goals and how much you can afford. Not having a grasp of the fundamentals could cause you to spend too much time - and a lot of money. The last thing you want to do is allow the salesperson to upsell a car that you don’t need or convince you into a pre-owned vehicle loan that costs thousands per month.
So, walk into the used car dealership fully prepared. This way, you’ll be able to save time – both for yourself and the salesperson - if you already know what you want. Bonus points if you already have a list of other pre-owned vehicles that you’re comparing. The salesperson will treat you like a serious customer.
And what better way to do your research than to look at in-depth reviews and news on the internet? Visit online forums where users discuss the pros and cons of owning specific vehicles, especially their experience of buying pre-owned. Users may also discuss their recent experiences with specific used car dealerships and important details such as the down payment they made and monthly interest rates.
You may also want to look up important data about each pre-owned vehicle, such as fuel–economy and safety ratings. Use online calculators to learn how long you might be on the hook for monthly interest payments. Once you have all the necessary information, you can then eliminate some cookies based on the collected data.
2. Research the Used Car Dealership
Now that you've researched the pre-owned car and price, it’s time to look up the used car dealership. As is true for any business, used car dealerships thrive on positive customer reviews and word-of-mouth advertising. If clients have had good and bad experiences with a used car dealership, you will probably learn about them from review platforms online.
This doesn't mean that online reviews are always accurate. Both positive and negative reviews can be faked to create a misleading perspective of the used car dealership. Consider looking up reviews from as many online platforms as possible. The information will help you learn what you're walking into.
3. Get in Touch with the Used Car Dealership
Chances are that your initial contact with a used car dealership will be through an online form. You will be asked to provide essential information, such as your phone number and email address, so that a representative can reach out to you. Or you could simply visit the used car dealership's website and dial their listed number.
Be wary of work hour timings before you dial in though because most used car dealerships operate during certain hours of the day.
You can schedule a visit to the used car dealership and also get to test drive the car. It may be possible to negotiate the car’s price online, but it may be necessary to walk into the dealership for in-person negotiations. They may be more effective.
And while it may appear that the salesperson wants to maximize profit without any constraint for your experience, this isn't always the case. In fact, most used car dealerships have your best interests in mind.
You can also make big savings by trading your old car for the pre-owned vehicle of your choice.
4. Walking into the Dealership
Once you walk into the dealership, you will soon be greeted by a salesperson eager to help you. The salesperson may ask for your contact information so they can confirm you are who you say you are. They will then give you a detour of the wide range of cars, answer your questions, and take you on a test drive.
We recommend writing down all your questions on a piece of paper so you won’t forget what to ask.
5. Test Drive the Car
Test driving the car is crucial because it will reveal any glaring flaws that the salesperson failed to disclose. You should pay attention to small details, such as whether it’s easy to enter in and out and whether you can move the seat into a driving position that feels comfortable.
Ideally, you should have enough headroom and legroom for yourself. The seat should feel comfy after a few minutes of driving. You should also test the backseat cars and test for comfort levels.
Always look for visibility from the car and any possible blind spots. Pay special attention to the infotainment system, including the controls and any electric features. The infotainment system should have an intuitive and smooth user interface that you can easily figure out on your own.
Most salespeople will suggest a standard route (mostly to save time). But, if possible, try to see if the salesperson will allow you to drive on a different route. You should notice how the car accelerates, how the transmission works, and if the shift works smoothly.
The brakes should feel powerful and responsive. And the suspension should feel create a smooth ride by preventing excessive bouncing over bumpy roads.
Wrapping Up
Now that you've done all your homework, it’s time to make the big decision. If you feel that you've finally found a pre-owned car that fits your goals, then go ahead and sign on the dotted line. But if you feel that something is amiss, don’t be afraid of moving on.
