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How do I Find Reputable Used Car Dealers?

Katharine Swan
Katharine Swan

Because cars tend to have more problems as they get older and see more use, buying used cars tends to bring with it a certain degree of risk. Although this risk is always present, you can minimize it somewhat by dealing only with reputable used car dealers.

There are many used car dealers, some of them large dealerships with service departments, and others nothing more than small car lots. Car dealers with service departments generally market that they inspect all of their cars, and offer different levels of warranties when you buy a car from them. Although inspections and warranties make a buyer feel more secure, the truth is that they don’t prevent you from getting a lemon.

Buyers can research a car dealer's reputation online prior to purchasing a vehicle.
Buyers can research a car dealer's reputation online prior to purchasing a vehicle.

The best way to ensure a problem-free purchase and a reliable used car is to research used car dealers’ reputations before making a purchase. For this purpose, the Internet is one of the best tools at one’s disposal. There are many review websites online, and reviews are often syndicated to make them more visible. By using “used car dealer reviews” and the city’s name as their search terms, users can therefore identify which used car dealers have positive or negative reputations before they begin to shop for a car.

Some car dealerships are nothing more than small car lots.
Some car dealerships are nothing more than small car lots.

The Internet can also be used to locate information about a specific car dealer, for instance if the shopper has already found a car they like, and wishes to know whether the dealer is reputable before making the purchase. A keyword search using the dealer’s name and city often pulls up reviews that other customers have written. To make the search easier, search engines such as Google pull in reviews from other websites, enabling the user to view many reviews in one place.

Large dealerships often have a used car lot.
Large dealerships often have a used car lot.

Another method of researching used car dealers online is via the Better Business Bureau (BBB). In addition to recording and mediating complaints about businesses, this organization sets certain standards that members have to meet in order to maintain their membership. Buying from a car dealer that is a member of the BBB can therefore provide a certain amount of security and peace of mind.

Finally, the value of word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, family, co-workers, and other acquaintances should not be overlooked. Although one or two personal experiences by no means represents a consensus, when used in combination with other methods of researching used car dealers, they can make a difficult decision much easier.

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Discussion Comments

Moldova

@Comfyshoes- I think if I were buying a cheap used car, I would try to find feedback online regarding local used car dealers and then I would have my mechanic check out the car that I eventually was interested in buying.

This is really all you can do because unless you get some type of warranty the used car is sold as is.

comfyshoes

@Anon32033- I agree that used cars come with some risks, but there are many dealerships that will certify the used car and offer a warranty for a few years.

Many luxury dealerships do this and if you know that the dealer is reputable regarding new car sales they properly will have a decent reputation regarding used cars as well. You can also receive quotes from online used car dealers so you can get an idea about the pricing and the condition of the car.

I do this every time I am in the market for a new or used car.

anon32033

If you are going to purchase a used car then you are going to take a risk. Buying used cars tends to bring with it a certain degree of risk. You can minimize this risk if you will get a deal with an efficient dealer.

Car Quotes, ANGEL

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    • Buyers can research a car dealer's reputation online prior to purchasing a vehicle.
      By: pressmaster
      Buyers can research a car dealer's reputation online prior to purchasing a vehicle.
    • Some car dealerships are nothing more than small car lots.
      By: Phrysphotos
      Some car dealerships are nothing more than small car lots.
    • Large dealerships often have a used car lot.
      By: Michael Shake
      Large dealerships often have a used car lot.