10 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car Dealership

Brickell Honda

Buying a new car is an exciting and stressful time. With such an expensive purchase, you will want the whole process to go smoothly so you can find the best option within your price range. However, ending up with a car that you love and that fits your needs is not an easy process, especially if you end up at the wrong dealership.

Though Honda vehicles typically are reliable and well-made, you should still think carefully about the dealership. Taking extra care in choosing a Honda dealer will ensure that you end up with a reliable car that fits your budget. You might also end up with perks and benefits that make the shopping experience simple and easy or set you up with a maintenance plan. We'll go over the top ten factors you should consider when narrowing down Honda dealerships. 

Customer Service

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a Honda dealer is customer service. Buying a car and applying for financing can be a stressful and confusing process, so having excellent and knowledgeable customer support staff is important. If you have questions, a prompt customer service team will get back to you and provide you with the information you need. It's a good idea to check out the dealer's website or in-person location to gauge whether the customer service is adequate.

Additionally, you should also think about the rest of the dealership, like the sales and finance staff. You don't want to end up with a car that is outside of your budget or doesn't have the features you want. The right team will be accommodating and attentive to your concerns and needs.

Reputation

If you want an automobile brand with a reputation for reliability and practicality, you'll like the Honda line-up. The Honda brand is well known for its high standards of quality. When you buy a Honda model, you can feel confident that you're getting a car that will hold its value over time. 

When you buy a car from a dealership, you want to ensure that the dealership has a similar upstanding reputation as Honda. An excellent dealership will have glowing reviews online that speak to its trustworthiness and high commitment to quality. Besides online reviews, you can also tell a lot about the dealership's reputation through word of mouth. If you live in the same area as the dealer, chances are high that you know someone who might shed light on the dealer's reputation.

Vehicle Service Options

When choosing a Honda dealer, you'll need to take a look at their service options. Most dealerships offer some kind of service plan that includes maintenance and other mechanical issues you might encounter. Many people take their car to the dealership for service appointments rather than a general mechanic because a dealership will have the right knowledge and parts for your Honda model. 

So if you're interested in keeping your car in top shape, you should take a look at the dealership's specialty services. If you live in an area like Miami, you'll want to find a dealership that offers flood damage service. However, no matter where you live, you'll need to find a dealership that provides thorough routine maintenance services.

Warranty

While the Honda brand offers a limited manufacturer's warranty that covers mistakes made during the manufacturing process or faulty parts. This warranty offers peace of mind to drivers in case expensive repairs are needed. However, this warranty is relatively short. Many dealerships offer an extended warranty, so you are covered for more time. You should always take a look at the types of warranties offered.

Inventory

A dealership's inventory is incredibly important as it will determine the kind of car you're able to buy. You should try to research a dealership's inventory online before walking onto the lot. You'll find that high-quality dealers offer a wide selection viewable online. 

Budget

Your budget is an important factor as you decide on a car and a dealership. If you're working with a tight budget, you should consider dealerships that offer certified pre-owned vehicles. Since Hondas are built to last, you can feel confident purchasing a used model. However, a dealership's used car inventory varies, so it's important to research any dealer's inventory ahead of time.

Financing 

Most high-quality dealerships offer competitive pricing. It's a good idea to talk to the finance team before going through the car-buying process. The finance team will help determine your car's trade-in value and what kind of car you can afford.

Location

Picking out the right dealership may also depend on location. Though you may be interested in another dealership's inventory, it may not be feasible if you live far away from it. If you plan to use the dealership for service appointments, then you'll want to live close. 

Sell or Trade Options

If you have a car that you're looking to trade in, opting for a trusted dealership will be the most simple and convenient option. You'll get a fair price for your used vehicle, which you can then use to put toward your new car. If you already have a Honda model, you'll likely get a good price for it. Honda models tend to hold their value well, which makes them easy to trade in at a Honda dealership.

Online Shopping

Convenience may be the deciding factor for you when choosing a Honda dealer. Going to the dealership's physical location is time-consuming. No one likes waiting, especially on their days off, so avoiding the hassle of the dealership is a positive advantage of dealerships with an online shop.

Buying a new car is oftentimes a stressful and time-consuming process. However, finding the right dealership can help make car shopping more enjoyable. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a dealership, but you should consider what matters most to you. Some of the main factors you should consider include customer service, service plan, inventory, and convenience. If you are looking for a Honda dealership in Miami, get in touch with our team of professionals who are ready to help you find your next car.