In recent years, there has been a push to shop local. While many people look at local shopping as farm-to-table food, small boutiques or independent bookstores, it can also include any small business in your city. Buying cars from a major lot or car franchise often means a harder push for sales and dealing with national financing. They want anyone who qualifies by their standards to buy a car, and they don’t necessarily care about what happens after you drive off the lot. Working with a local family-owned lot has many benefits. While it may be shopping on a smaller scale, there are a lot of reasons to give it a try.
Top Reasons to Buy a Used Car at a Family-Owned Lot:
Attentive, Personalized Service
There is something to be said about a business that takes the time to get to know you, what you’re looking for and that helps you get it. At a family-owned used car dealership, you’re more likely to get that type of service. Because of local roots and the knowledge of what it’s like to live in a community, a local dealership will invest the time and effort to find out a bit about you, and work to help you get a vehicle that meets your needs. Customer longevity is often a goal for smaller dealerships, and they’ll work hard to keep your business with them by making sure your needs are met at a price that works for everyone involved.
More Willingness to Wait so You Get the Car You Want
Many large car dealerships are motivated to move stock as quickly as possible. They have to make room for "next years models" or trade ins. Because of the way smaller used car dealers work, while they do want to sell cars, they also understand the importance of finding something that works for you in terms of price, make and model. One nice thing about going with a family-owned dealership is that they will try and help you find the right car, even if it takes multiple visits. Plus, you can ask them to keep an eye out for a specific vehicle and have them call you if they get it in their inventory, or at least something like it.
Better Deals
Family-owned, independent dealerships typically have much lower overhead costs than large dealerships; this allows them to keep costs down on cars. Also, because they’re usually more willing to carry older models than regular dealerships, you are able to find lower-priced cars. You’ll find that these local dealers have better warranties as well, which can add to your peace of mind.
In-House Financing
Not everyone has an ideal financial background whether it’s poor credit or no credit. While large dealerships work with banks and larger auto financers, family-owned used car dealerships will sometimes offer in-house financing. Instead of looking solely at your credit score, they’ll take your whole situation into account and even be willing to take a risk if they believe you will do everything you can to pay for a car. In many ways, this is more helpful to you than anything. Getting an in-house car loan may be the exact chance you need to start repairing your credit. Plus, you’ll be able to get into a vehicle.
Good Selection
Big car lots may have a lot of the same cars, but an independent dealer will usually have a nice wide selection of vehicles, and sometimes even that older make and model you’ve been looking for. In fact, many budgets can be satisfied at a smaller lot, and you’ll find plenty of choices from almost new to a bit older. You’ll also see lots of brands and types of vehicles.
Imagine being able to by a car at a place that’s more laid-back, welcoming and ready to help (but not just for the money). That’s what you can get when shopping at a family-owned dealership. Not to mention, you'll be shopping local.
