For consumers, buying a car is something to always be excited about, especially when you’re going to see that new-to-you used car in person. For car buyers that are choosing to invest in a used car, they of course know that it’s important for them to start shopping early so they can see all of their option but, what many don’t realize is the time and effort it takes for dealers to ensure that used vehicles are in the best condition they can be before they get sold off. In fact, when dealers aren’t focusing on selling, they’re talking to experts and seeing how they can make the used cars on their lots even better.
If you’re in the market for a used car, it’s important to know what car dealerships usually do to prepare a car to be sold. This will allow you to ensure that the vehicle you’re looking into has been repaired and is continually being kept in good condition. Before you head to the dealer, check out our list below of some of the great things dealers do to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
1. Dealers Fix Mechanical Flaws
We understand how discouraging it can be to get a new car off its lot only to find out that it has a major internal issue. That’s why all of us who have used car dealerships dedicate a lot of time into fixing the mechanical flaws of cars that come to us. With used cars, it’s normal to see wear and tear on them, so we aren’t surprised if batteries need to be changed, if brake pads need to be replaced, or even if the air conditioning system no longer works. By taking care of these problems immediately, dealerships are maintaining a car’s integrity.
What you will always want to check for – and you’ll always get informed about this too before buying a car – is any recalls that a vehicle might have. By having your dealership tell you about the recall and giving you information through any vehicle history reports, and giving you the option to test drive, you’ll be able feel the issues and get them fixed with the car’s original maker. Don’t be afraid to bring up the information either if you find it on your own first as dealerships might be able to work with you to fix whatever is needed. Ultimately, we want to make sure you’re safe and that your spending money wisely!
2. Dealerships Fix Cosmetic Flaws
No one wants to take an unattractive car home, especially if it’s supposed to be their new investment to be used for years to come. Dealerships understand that a big part of the selling process is how a car looks, so before a car can even be considered ready, anything that’s not pristine will need to be repaired. The key here for dealerships is being as detailed as possible and even taking more time as needed so everyone involved can get the best deal in the end. By taking care of these flaws early on also, dealerships can maintain their customer satisfaction and keep sales going!
Unfortunately, most used cars that come in will almost always have some kind of cosmetic flaw. Just some we’ve seen lately include dirty interior, chipped paint on the outside, and broken sun visors. As with everyone else, these cases can sometimes take us weeks to fix because we want to make sure we are getting the exact parts and that any detailing looks perfect.
3. Carefully Research the Vehicles
Dealerships do as much research as car buyers do when looking for a vehicle’s true value. After all the mechanical and cosmetic repairs are finished, dealerships can then study to see how they can properly price a car compared to what condition its in. For example, if a long-discontinued car from the 1960’s came in with only 30,000 miles on it, we’d have to do extensive research to see if there are missing parts, how it runs despite having low mileage, and how it would compare with other vintage cars. The research process is thorough, so consumers never have to question what they’re buying.
4. Last Minute Detailing
Before dealerships are ready to finally start selling a specific used car, they will make sure to wash it, detail it, and will continue to maintain it until it gets sold. Having someone take care of used cars consistently not only keeps them nice, but if an issue comes up, dealerships can handle it early.
The best part about this last step is that you can guarantee your used car is practically new, no matter how it was treated by the owner before. By us spending this much time on each used car from time we get it to the moment it’s sold, you can always be sure that you are getting the best deal possible.
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