Ready to buy a car without getting burned?
Millions of consumers visit car dealerships every year, looking for their next set of wheels. Some have a great experience. Others aren’t so lucky.
The Problem:
The majority of buyers look at the wrong things. They get swayed by “buy today, pay later” offers. They forget the purchase of a vehicle is only the beginning.
It’s about the relationship you will have with that dealership in the years ahead.
If you don’t choose the right dealership, the dream car you just purchased can turn into a nightmare
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to find a dealership that will take care of you, not just on day one, but for the entire life of your vehicle purchase.
Let’s get started!
What you’ll learn:
- Why your dealership matters more than you think
- What dealerships get right (but rarely talk about)
- How to see red flags before they cost you money
- The best method for testing your dealership relationship
Why Dealership Choice Matters More Than You Think
You may not realize it, but when you buy a car from a dealership you’re starting a relationship.
You are not done with that dealership when you drive off the lot.
In the next 5-10 years, you will be making repeat visits to your dealership over and over.
- Regular Maintenance
- Warranty Repairs
- Trade-ins
- Financing
- Warranty Replacement Parts
- Loaner Cars
And…
Did you know that the dealership you choose today will have a direct impact on every one of these visits?
Choosing the right dealership like Ford Focus Brisbane can make your ownership experience a dream. Choosing the wrong one can be a total nightmare.
Recent statistics reveal that customer satisfaction with dealerships increased by 5 points in 2024 to 851 out of 1,000. That’s still a long way from “satisfied.”
Ready for a great example of why choosing the right dealership is more important than most people realize?
Here’s what happened to a friend of mine…
He bought a brand new vehicle from a dealership that he thought had great service (based on the buying experience alone).
Friendly staff. Clean showroom. Reasonable pricing.
But 6 months later, when he needed warranty work?
Story changes.
The service department had wait times for weeks. No one was returning his phone calls. When he actually got his car in they “couldn’t find the problem” three separate times.
He finally had to take it to another Ford dealership and got the work done there (at no charge).
His vehicle never left the first dealership again.
This is why having a good relationship with your dealership matters.
It’s not the one and done transaction. It’s a years-long (if not decades-long) partnership.
The Hidden Signs Of A Great Car Dealership
When most people evaluate dealerships, they go by the wrong things.
They check out the showroom floor. The coffee. Did the salesperson remember their name?
Those are all fine questions to ask, but what matters most is the things that no one talks about.
Here are the real things to look for in a dealership:
They Have A Rock-Solid Process
You can’t rely on a dealership of a few superstars.
If you get lucky and happen to meet an awesome salesperson that takes care of you, but when it comes time for service no one is taking care of you…
You’ve got a problem.
Great dealerships have systems and processes in place that ensure each and every customer has an amazing experience regardless of who they work with.
Things like:
- Clear timelines
- Written estimates
- Follow up procedures
- Online scheduling
Their Service Department Is Exceptional
All the world’s greatest salespeople won’t matter if the service department is subpar.
Go take a tour of the service department.
Is it clean? Busy? Are customers getting good service?
Ask to speak to the service manager. Does he or she seem knowledgeable? Friendly? Approachable?
Head in on a busy Monday morning for the ultimate test.
They Are Transparent About Everything
Hidden fees kill dealerships.
A great dealership will put everything in black and white from day one. There will be no “oops I forgot to charge you for that” moments at a great dealership.
They Care About Long-Term Customer Relationships
This is the big one…
Exceptional dealerships don’t just want a one-time sale. They want you as a customer for life. Choosing a reliable partner like Car Dealership Portage, MI helps ensure that your experience remains consistent and rewarding throughout every stage of ownership.
You can tell because they do things like:
- Remember your preferences
- Reach out to remind you about maintenance
- Give you fair values when you trade in
- Stand behind their work
How To Spot Dealership Red Flags Before You Buy
Want to know how to not get burned by a dealership?
Watch for the following red flags.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics
If they are pressuring you to “sign today,” RUN.
If they have to pressure you into making a decision, that says more about them than you.
They Know Happy Customers Come Back.
The Best Service Department Reviews
Don’t focus on sales reviews (that’s a waste of time).
Focus on what’s being said about the service department.
If you see repeat issues with:
- Wait times
- Communication
- Incomplete repairs
- Rude staff
Find another dealership.
Dirty or Disorganized Facilities
This is a superficial thing, but it matters.
If they can’t keep their own facility clean and organized, they probably can’t keep your car running properly either.
Evasive Answers About Dealership Policies
Ask targeted questions like:
- Warranty Procedures
- Service Scheduling
- Loaner car availability
- Return policy
If they give vague, non-committal answers, it’s time to go find a different dealership.
The Smart Way To Test Your Dealership
If you want to evaluate any dealership before you buy a vehicle, do the following:
Step 1: The Mystery Shop
Visit the dealership on a Saturday. Tell them you are just browsing and shopping for ideas. Pay attention to:
- How they treat walk-in customers.
- Are salespeople helpful or pushy?
- What is the vibe of the dealership like?
Step 2: The Service Department Visit
Schedule a basic service appointment. Oil change. Tire rotation. Doesn’t matter.
Pay attention to:
- How easy it was to get an appointment
- Did they meet the promised timeline?
- Condition of your car after service
- How they handled payment
Step 3: The Reference Check
Ask for recent customer references. Any good dealership will happily provide references.
Call at least 2-3 people. Most people are very honest when asked about their experiences.
Step 4: The Stress Test
This is the best one…
Walk in with a challenge.
Bad credit financing? Problematic trade-in vehicle? Specific color request?
How they handle difficult situations is a direct reflection of their overall competence.
Building Your Dealership Relationship
Found the right dealership?
Awesome! Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Be a good customer (pay on time, show up for appointments, respect their staff).
- Communicate with them clearly (tell them what you need and when).
- Give them feedback (tell them what you love and what they can improve on).
- Stay loyal (they are only as good as their reputation, so when they treat you well, stay loyal).
Making The Decision
Choosing the right dealership is similar to choosing a life partner.
You want a dealership that:
- Shares your values
- Communicates well
- Follows through on their promises
- Makes you feel valued
The Good News:
People are sticking with the same dealerships more than ever. Automotive brand loyalty has risen over the last five years, hitting 52.6% in 2024.
More dealerships are stepping their game up.
But, you still need to do your due diligence.
Closing Thoughts
Finding your perfect dealership match is not about who has the lowest price or fanciest showroom.
It’s about finding that one dealership that will take care of you and your family for years to come.
Invest the time in properly vetting your dealership. Ask the right questions. Test their process.
Your future self will thank you the next time you bring your car in and you receive great service, fair pricing, and honest advice.
Remember:
The right dealership will not just sell you a vehicle. They will make the entire ownership experience a pleasure rather than a pain.
Shop smart, and get out there!
