These days, there are many places you can choose to buy a car, but showrooms are generally still considered one of the safest. If anything goes wrong, you know exactly where the dealership is and most cars are typically covered by a minimum 12-month warranty too.
However, there are literally hundreds of dealerships to choose from and not all of them are as reliable as you’d like to think. Therefore, if you are considering buying a car from a showroom, below you’ll discover the top things to keep in mind and what to look out for.
Choosing the best dealership
Firstly, let’s look at how to choose the best showroom. Surprisingly, a recent survey revealed that it wasn’t price that helped them decide which dealer to go with – it was how they were treated. Indeed, how the staff treat you reflects a lot on the business. If the salespeople are overly aggressive it’s a tell-tale sign they’re only interested in the commission and not with finding you the best car to suit your needs. So, it’s a good idea to head to a few showrooms to see how the service differs between them.
Of course, the price is also an important factor and you’ll find even in a specific area, the prices can differ significantly. Take used car dealers in Southampton for example, there could be hundreds, or potentially thousands, of pounds difference between similar cars at two different showrooms. So, comparing your options is essential if you want to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Always do your research beforehand
One of the biggest mistakes potential car buyers make is going into a showroom with very little knowledge of the car they’re interested in. At the very least, you should know what the car’s listing price is.
Understand how mileage can affect the price and the essential things to look out for when viewing a used car. The more knowledge you have, the more likely you’re going to be to end up with a good deal. If a dealer suspects you know nothing about cars, they could potentially rip you off.
Overall, while buying a used car in a showroom can be safer than buying from a private seller, you’re still at risk of getting ripped off. So, always do your research and make sure you compare different car dealerships to ensure you’re getting the best deal.