Finding reputable car dealerships might take some extra time and effort, but you’ll enjoy the payoff with a great experience buying your next car. It’s also beneficial to strike up a possible long-term relationship with the car dealership. It can be your go-to spot for maintaining your new vehicle and even buying future cars. So, how can you find a reputable dealership?

Research Before You Buy

These days, everything starts with researching from the comfort of your home. You can find reviews on car dealerships near you via many popular sites. The key is to look for reviews that describe the buying process at a particular dealership.

Look for reviews that mention the communication style of the dealership, from initial contact to the buying process. Other aspects to watch for include the negotiation process, customer service from both the salespeople and the finance department, and if the listings on the dealership site honestly represent its cars.

Another thing to consider is how long the dealership has been in business. The market for car dealerships is highly competitive. Dealerships that employ shady tactics and have poor customer service are unlikely to stay in business for very long. If the dealership has been around for many years, it’s likely that they’re doing something right to earn customers.

Ask Around

The saying goes that everyone knows at least one real estate agent or automotive salesperson. At the very least, you probably know someone who has had a good experience with a particular dealership or salesperson. Ask people whose advice you trust for a recommended dealership.

The best salespeople don’t have to rush up to the first person who walks onto the lot. Instead, they profit through repeat customers and referrals.

Talk to the dealership about its amenities. Car dealerships that offer things like a play area for kids, free Wi-Fi, a courtesy shuttle, drinks, and the like show that they’re truly interested in the comfort of their customers. Talk to your salesperson as well. If they seem pushy or make you feel rushed to complete the deal, it’s best to walk away.

Looks Can Be Everything for a Dealership

The appearance of a dealership and its staff can say a lot about the quality of the operation. Don’t just look at the shiny new showroom either, but also observe the parking lot and maintenance facilities. The same goes for the salespeople–if they don’t appear to be professional and customer service-oriented, you may want to go elsewhere.

Take a look at the inventory as well. Are the new and used cars clean and presentable? A reputable dealership takes care of its inventory and doesn’t just let it sit on the lot in a state of disrepair. Can you look at the cars on the lot and find out the price and other information? A good dealership should be amenable to customers browsing and not immediately send salespeople to push them around.

The bottom line is to do some research, get a trusted recommendation, and trust your gut if you visit a dealership that just doesn’t feel right or makes you uncomfortable in some way.