Know Your Dealer
Points To Ponder
Location
- ___Is the location of the dealership convenient?
- After you buy your car, you’ll want to establish a relationship with your dealership’s service manager to maintain your warranty and service your car properly. You should select a dealer close to your home or workplace.
Service
- ___Does the service department have convenient service hours?
- ___When necessary, will they provide a loaner car or rental at a discount rate or fee?
- ___What is the average wait for an appointment?
- ___Do they ever feature special coupons, promotions, etc.?
- ___Are the technicians ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified?
- Make it a point to inspect the parts and service area. Be sure you are favorably impressed with the caliber of work you see and comfortable with the professionalism of the service department.
Reputation
- ___How many years has the dealership been in business?
- ___Do they have a “Satisfactory” rating from the Better Business Bureau?
- ___How did they score on the last CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) rating?
An auto dealership’s reputation is based on friendliness, honesty, and good customer service. Talk with people you know who have bought cars from a particular dealer to get a sense of its dependability and responsiveness to customer needs.
Remember
... Dealers invest time and money in training, state-of-the-art equipment, and building a strong customer base. They know that a satisfied customer means repeat business – and repeat business is, after all, the key to maintaining a successful, long-term operation.
