by David Gomez

Created on: February 11, 2009   Last Updated: December 22, 2009

Buying a car is, for the most part, the second biggest purchase you will make.  So, being treated honestly at a dealership is very high on the list when you go to buy a car.  The car industry has a reputation for taking advantage of customers but there are dealership that treat there customers fairly and that is the place you should go when it's time for a new car.

Check the Reputation

All dealerships have reputations. Their reputation is built on the service they have provided to their customers in the past. This could help in finding the right dealership to buy from.  To find out what reputation a dealership has just asked those around or those in the service department. It seems everyone has an opinion on car dealerships. Most family owned and operated dealerships have better reputations.  They see their customers in public on a daily basis. Also, a family owned dealership has better control on being able to take care of the customer without a lot of red tape. Not all family owned have a good reputation but it's a start.

Check for Additional Services

Another tip on making sure you're being treated honestly is to see what's offered in the service department to those who buy from the dealership. Some dealerships will offer a vehicle to drive while theirs is being worked on. This type of service after the sale is rare but is out there. It is a true test to the level of service a dealership will provide. If you buy a Focus and they give something to drive while it's in service, it is the dealership's true goal to take care of the customer. Also look while in the service department while getting an oil change, this is a small investment to your future purchase. Do the service adviser's seem happy to see you or do you feel like a number? Ask one of them if they can recommend a salesperson. If they don't buy there a red flag should come up.

Check the Deal

Now that research has been done on how well the service treats it's customer let's see how well the sales department is gauged. For some reason this is where most people hesitate. Go ahead and do some research on the vehicles of interest. There is several websites to choose from. Among the top are Kelly Blue Book, NADA, and Edmunds for trade-in information. It also gives a guide on condition.  Also, has what they call true market value. This will give an average of what others are paying for the same vehicle in your area. Knowing this ahead of time will allow you to have a better comfort level when speaking to a salesperson. There is no need to try see to an invoice or a blue book price, the information is already in hand. Ask for the manager first to confirm speaking the with salesperson that was recommended. Ask the manager how long the salesperson has been there and if they are one of the top salespeople. Getting one of the top salesperson and someone that's been there longer than a year will let you know if that person see what they do as a job or a career.  You are more likely to be treated honestly if they see what they do as a career.

Other than these few tips when talking to these people at the dealership it should just feel right to do business at that place. Remember if it doesn't feel right, it just might not be.  There are honest dealers out there.

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