I was just wondering since I hear people say never buy from a dealership. So I can't really trust people in my area. Lots of shady people, also alot of r title(which someone said don't be scared of those) which I just am., high mileage and just way too high of prices for the have with the problems they state. Yes I know themarket is crazy right now. So all I want to know, is it completely out of the question to go to dealership, like a actual dealership like let's say a Honda dealership, not like a local one and buy a car? I just can't trust anyone on FB marketplace cause really the only spot I use, that and Autotrader. But is there anything positive about a dealership that someone can tell me, I just need a car really really bad due to getting to and from work and I keep searching on FB marketplace and it's just bad locally. Like for instance I'm looking at a 2013 Honda Accord from a Honda dealership for 12,000 with 110,000 miles. Something that like. Is that a crappy deal?
Watch scotty kilmer on buying a used car and what you can do to inspect it yourself. After that is done find an experienced mechanic that has a fancy scan tool and can access live data and test drive the vehicle the amount of money you may pay the mechanic to inspect the vehicle will pale in comparison to the money that you may need to repair a purchased car.
You might want to wait after the economy tanks and you might find good deals after. If you know how to drive a stick shift you might find a great deal there or learn how to i didnt know how to.
Bear in mind that the same shady people in your area, likely some of the worst, are working at those dealerships and make their living ripping people off on a daily basis. Don't trust anything the dealer tells you and if you proceed be sure to have a good mechanic check the car out before you purchase it.
How much can a mechanic really check just buy looking at the car, driving it, starting it up? If they can't really get under the car and what not, can they detect things just from looking at things. I never thought how it was possible to see bigger problems without running a full diagnostic test.but I'm no mechanic so I have no clue.
Do your research. Know exactly what you want and want to pay. The only one looking out for you is you. Be prepared to walk. Watch "The HomeWork Guy" videos on how to negotiate with car dealers. I am not a big fan of buying online sight unseen.
I'll definitely check those videos out
I'm pretty me ch looking for either an accord, civic, Corolla, Camry or either an infinite or Avalon. Those are the ones I'm into right now. But budget only like 5 maybe 6 thousand
How much can a mechanic really check just buy looking at the car, driving it, starting it up?
A good mechanic will do much more than that. They'll hook up a fancy scan tool that will test all the car's modules, and of course check codes and data to look for problems. They'll look underneath for signs of crash damage, rust, or other problems. They'll look for signs that the car was flooded or otherwise salvaged. A good mechanic will do much more than take a cursory look at the car.
Oh ok coo yeah I'll definitely have to bring someone I know. He's a great mechanic but it's just tough cause our schedules are completely different.
I've actually bought all my vehicles from used car dealers, and one lease/rent/fleet agency, and I've had good experiences all around. You just have to know what you're doing, or else they'll eat you for breakfast.
Is that a crappy deal?
If you need to ask if a car is a good deal, then you should not be walking into a dealership by yourself. You need to know exactly what you're looking for, exactly how much you want to pay (the car's worth. Not your budget), and you need to recognize a good car when you see one quickly by looking for the right signs, and need to know when to walk away. I can tell that you have not done your research.
How much can a mechanic really check just buy looking at the car, driving it, starting it up?
A lot more than you, because that's what he's trained to do.
But do not pay for an inspection unless the mechanic is going to put it up on a lift and check everything.
Yeah I was going to do a full diagnostic test at a shop that is preferred on my part
What if a car dealership has great ratings and reviews, does that mean anything?
Yes, it means their buddies posted good reviews about them and you're too gullible.
Personally I have had good experiences buying from dealerships. I purchased my 2004 Toyota Avalon when it was about 3.5 years old with 40k miles from a Toyota dealership in NC. It was in excellent condition inside and out and 15.5 years later with 165k miles all I have had to do is normal recommended maintenance. It still runs and shifts smoothly.
My wife and I purchased a 2013 Honda Accord V6 Touring Sedan with low mileage from a Honda dealership in California and it was in immaculate condition inside and out. And we have had no problems with it except for a random battery discharged which occurred once, but I think that was due to some electrical glitch rather than a dealership problem. I love the way her Accord drives btw, it really hugs the road and has regular 6 speed automatic transmission, not a CVT. She loves it too after having purchased a 2007 Accord years earlier from a private seller who somehow hid the fact that it was a salvaged car(before we married). It had nothing but problems.
You can find good or bad cars at dealerships, independent used car lots or from private sellers. A lot of used cars at dealerships seem to come from trade-ins and those found at independent lots come mostly from auction. What matters is the integrity of the person you are dealing with and the real condition of the car, and that can sometimes be difficult to discern. If they have nothing to hide, they should be fine with you taking it to an independent mechanic of your choosing and then honestly address any concerns/problems that he may find.
Hey man that's awesome you didn't have any trouble. It is really hard to find decent people who will be honest. I think I have pretty good discernment that's why I'm still searching. In really hoping to get lucky soon. I'm just big on not wanting to make car payments. Cause a high priced car I'd probably be paying for at least a year and a half. I had one person that said they would let me take it in. But I asked what's the trim of the car and they said they don't know that either I want the car or not, not sure why they got rude but that actually made me pass. I was actually looking for a Avalon but they are a little hard to find near me. I'm trying to be patient, but just hoping my car makes it another month that's when I'll have off from work for 3 months so I wouldn't even really drive around then. My car is bad so I pray it makes it til then
Yes, when something just does not seem right or someone acts in a deceitful manner, that’s a good measure that you need to pass as you did. Your prayerful patience will pay off.
@MrBob posted good advice.
What if a car dealership has great ratings and reviews, does that mean anything?
It seems that @chucktobias and @mmj (MountainManJoe) have answered this. What a shame that even the reviews cannot be trusted. Perhaps it would help some to check the negative reviews, most likely they are more accurate. But with any purchase, as one of the moderators here is known for quoting, "Caveat Emptor"- Let the Buyer Beware. It is ultimately up to you to make a good decision based on the true condition of the car, it's relative market, what you can afford and who you feel comfortable (trust) to make a deal with. If something doesn't seem right, walk away. There are some good, honest people out there and some properly maintained vehicles for sale. Not everyone is a thief.
I agree. Just gotta keep looking And hopefully I find that person. I will definitely take my time And be smart about everything. I would rather take the bus then get a piece of junk that will cost a bunch to fix. But I appreciate all the info from you and everyone else. This site is honestly awesome. I can't say enough about it. Thanks again
There will be shady people whether from dealerships, Facebook marketplace, or wherever. And by shady, I mean trying to pawn off a bad car sans disclosures.
Dealerships tend to be more expensive because they have more overhead, have financing, etc…
Obviously make sure the car checks out, or have a mechanic come check it out.
With that said, pricing is a different matter. It can and will fluctuate depending on market availability/scarcity for new and used cars and demand for such cars, combined with dealerships trying to take advantage of the scenario.
Whether something is a good deal is contingent upon the relative time and location. Compare the price, age, mileage to comparable cars in your area at that time. From dealerships, from private individuals, from third party websites. Get all the information you can and see where the car you want falls. If it is average or below, maybe a fair deal. If it is average or above, maybe a bad deal. And always haggle. Even if they say there is no haggling.
Yeah I always haggle. What do you mean if the car is average or below average or above though?
I mean average price. Look at similar cars in your area. See how much they are going for.
Yes, it means their buddies posted good reviews about them and you're too gullible.
Not only that there are "online reputation" outfits that for a fee will post fake positive reviews of businesses. I saw an example of this locally when there were glowing online reviews of a new restaurant posted before the joint even opened up!
There are hordes of Indians waiting to post anything you like for the right price.
Dang appreciate the info.