When you begin your search for a new or used vehicle, you typically start off with a particular type of car, truck, or SUV in mind. Whether it’s a hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicle, your first step in the purchasing process is research — that way you won’t feel lost when you walk into a dealership.
During your search, maybe you think a sleek Audi to whiz around town in would be the right fit. Or perhaps you’re considering an SUV, so you have room for the kids and all of their gear. Whichever option you decide on, your next step is going to be visiting a dealership.
Shopping around is a great way to get more information, but that decision can take a significant amount of time and energy. When the purchasing process drags on for too long, the end result can sometimes be purchasing a vehicle that wasn’t exactly what you wanted.
It can be frustrating to visit tons and tons of dealerships only to find out that the first dealership you visited offered you the best deal in town. To help you identify when you’ve found the right dealership, here are 5 signs that the first car dealership you visit may be the best one for you:
1. The dealership had the car you really wanted
Have you ever found yourself sacrificing car options, features, model year, or even the make of car you set out to purchase just because you were sick of shopping around?
If so, ultimately, you ended up with a car you didn’t want, without the features you had hoped for, and maybe even at a not-so-great price. “Settling” happens all too often and it tends to leave customers with a feeling of buyer’s remorse.
When it comes to car shopping, don’t settle. Get the car you want, at a great price, and you will be much happier with your purchase down the road.
2. The dealer offered you their best price right off the bat
No-haggle pricing takes the stress out of car buying. Finding a dealership that offers you their lowest price right away removes the pressure of haggling and the feeling of being “swindled” flies right out the window.
Search for a dealership that offers no-haggle pricing. That way, you’ll know what you can expect to pay before you get to the lot.
Plus, no haggling means you can focus on the vehicle itself and find the best option for you without having to worry about negotiation.
3. You find yourself making sacrifices with another dealership
As mentioned in #1, sometimes “buyer’s fatigue” results in a purchase you later regret.
Some car buyers will settle for a car at another dealership out of buyer’s fatigue — the point at which you throw your hands up in exhaustion and select a vehicle.
The result can be purchasing a car that:
- Isn’t the make or model you envisioned owning
- Is the wrong color
- Doesn’t have the features you’re looking for
- Is more expensive
Ultimately, sacrificing what you want will lead to buyer’s remorse..
4. You liked the people you worked with at the first dealership
Customer service is key, especially when making a big purchase.
If you find a dealership with a great sales staff you can trust, and they have the car you want, it’s a sign you’ve found the right dealer for you.
Finding the right dealership that goes the extra mile with customer service means finding a trusted partner for years to come.
5. The service department has a good track record
Just like a supportive and helpful sales staff, your experience with the service department also plays a big role in your overall happiness with a dealership.
Just walking into the service area can tell you a lot about how they operate and how the service representatives interact with their customers. This can give you a good idea of what your experience will be like when you bring your car in for service.
For as long as you own the vehicle, you will interact with the service department more than any other. For that reason, it is important to find the right team to help maintain your vehicle.
Visit the #1 used car dealer in the Twin Cities
As the leading pre-owned car dealer in the Twin Cities, you’re sure to have a great experience when you visit Poquet. From the moment you step in the door, our professional staff will help you find the best vehicle, no matter the make, model, or price you’re looking for.
Finally, learn how to get the best value for under $20,000 or schedule a test drive in one of our 200+ vehicles today!
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