The car buying process is a multitude of considerations, and recent car buying statistics show that. 54% of people who go through the car buying process are dissatisfied with the length of the process. However, a more common concern throughout the purchase is price. Studies have shown that people who may be on the lower end of the income scale worry about the month to month price of a car payment. But even those who don’t worry about the month-to-month cost still consider the price. Of those who complete the car buying process, 40% believe the price of the car overall should be the most significant deciding factor about whether or not a car is purchased. Lastly, a shocking statistic showed that nearly 55% of car buyers would opt to go to a dealership regardless of their prices if it worked to provide the customer with their ideal shopping experience.
But what do these statistics really show?
A closer look reveals that consumers have a lot of concerns revolving around the car buying process, and there are a few continuous points that come up — price and quality. These two qualities do not need to go hand in hand, but it is clear that consumers see them as going hand in hand. Really, what determines the quality of a car should come down to more than price, and that is something that used car dealerships like Auto Bank consistently try to show to customers when they visit.
Here are some of Auto Bank’s main takeaways from the car buying process, and our greatest tips for finding a quality used car at a buy here pay here dealership.
The best way to pick a car that works for you is to take a hard look at your lifestyle. You might see a hot, affordable convertible at your local used car lot, but it won’t be worth your money if you don’t get to drive it around. Think about how many miles you drive per week, what type of work you do and if it requires the use of your car, and about driving requirements where you live. Even if you have pretty specific car conditions, you’ll likely be able to find a used car that meets those requirements.
This is easy to do after you’ve examined your lifestyle. Different types of cars depend upon your taste and the car’s capacity. For instance, if you do a lot of off-roading, you’re probably already considering an SUV or truck. Narrowing it down a little bit to a few different brands that you’d like, such as the Nissan Frontier or a Toyota T-100, will help dealers find a car on their lot that you might like.
Everyone has a budget, and if you’ve been to brand dealerships, auto salespeople have likely tried to push that budget. Don’t be afraid to push back, but at a buy here pay here dealership you are bound to find a car that meets both your needs and your budget so you won’t have to worry about what you’re going to pay each month.
Buy here pay here dealerships are required by law to disclose anything that might be wrong with a car that they’re selling. However, it is also effortless to find vehicle information on places like Carfax. A car that looks like a great deal could be just that, or it could have some underlying history that lessens it worth. Do the research and make sure that you’re getting the best for your money.
Don’t be afraid to look up dealership reviews before you go. As well as looking at the good reviews and finding a dealership like Auto Bank who provides consistent quality, look at the bad reviews. This way, you can prepare for the worst even if it doesn’t happen.
At Auto Bank, we promise that you’ll always get the best quality car, truck, or SUV when you make your purchase. However, we understand that promises don’t always ease fears. That’s why we recommend bringing along a friend or family member who understands cars and trucks when you buy — even if you think you know your stuff. Having that extra opinion is good because it keeps you grounded and helps you make objective decisions about vehicles.
Even if a car drives well, exterior and interior damage could be a deal-breaker. Any nicks, scratches, or dents on the outside could lead to rust down the line. Additionally, having a rough interior could mean that the value of the car is much less than listed. Look under the car, sit in the back and front seats, and do more than one walk around the vehicle. Be sure to ask the sales assistant you are working with about any questions you may have.
Being rushed never yields the best results for anything — car buying included. At Auto Bank, we’ll show you more than one vehicle that meets your needs to ensure that you’re making the right decision for you. But if you find you need more time, that’s perfectly fine. Think carefully about the different cars you’ve been shown, even at a top-rated dealership. That way, you can be confident about making your next big purchase.
If you’re feeling worried about your next used car, come over to Auto Bank. We offer a wide selection of used vehicles, helpful associates, and in-house financing that makes finding a car easy. Visit our website or one of our locations in Kansas City for more details. We are located at 2000 East Truman Road and 6901 East Front Street.