A Comprehensive Guide to Shopping for a Honda at Your Local Dealership - What to Look For and What to Avoid

Have you been thinking about buying a new car? Purchasing a new car is an exciting and stressful time, as it's such an expensive decision. You'll likely want to start car shopping by checking out your local dealerships since they have a large selection of used and new vehicles.

However, not all dealerships offer the same levels of customer service, inventory, and pricing. Finding the right Honda dealership is essential to landing your dream car at an affordable price, so you'll want to be cautious when choosing a dealer. We'll discuss some of the key indicators that a dealership is a great place to begin your new car search. 

Look for Dealerships With Positive Online Reviews

When you begin searching for local dealerships, you'll want to consider their reputations. You should definitely ask around your social network for Honda dealership recommendations. However, reading online reviews is also a great way to start your search, as they can reveal insights about their customer service, policies, and more important information. 

If you notice a trend among reviews–either positive praise or negative feedback–you should take that into account when choosing a dealership to visit. While not every review will be wholly accurate, if the majority of reviews are positive, it's a good sign that the dealership provides quality service. You should be on the lookout for reviews that mention great customer service, convenient and simple processes, and fair pricing.  

Avoid Dealerships That Appear Disorganized

Once you've decided on a dealership to visit, you'll want to be on the lookout for factors that indicate a well-run business. When you first set foot in a dealership, you should assess its facility. The best dealerships will be organized, well-maintained, and clean. 

If you walk into a dealership that is disorganized or in disrepair, it's a good indication that the car-buying process will also be disorganized. Additionally, the dealership may not take care of their cars very well when the facility isn't properly maintained. Though you can't judge a dealership exclusively by looks, you'll want to pay close attention to the small details that show a business's dedication to quality.

Look for Dealerships That Offer Competitive Financing Rates

For most car shoppers, affordability is one of the most important factors in the final decision. Whether you're buying a used or new car, you'll want to get the best financing rates possible. Some dealerships make the financing process easy and upfront. You should be on the lookout for dealerships that offer pre-approval for loans. With this service, you'll be able to easily see what kind of cars you can afford, which can save you a lot of time and energy during the car search process. 

You'll also want to look for dealerships that offer competitive financing rates. You don't want to end up paying a fortune because you're stuck with high-interest rates on your vehicle. 

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maintain-honda

Avoid Dealerships With Poor Customer Service

If you visit a dealership in person, you should also evaluate the customer service. Does an employee approach you after you've entered the facility? Are they friendly in their interactions or pushy and looking to make a sale? You'll want to choose a dealership that makes you feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire car-buying process. 

If you decide to search for a car online, you'll still want to consider the level of customer service you receive. Car shoppers should go with a Honda dealership that offers prompt and clear replies. It's also helpful when the dealership has simplified online processes for things, like financing and scheduling service appointments. 

A dealership that has poor customer service could negatively impact your car search. To find the right car that fits your needs and budget, you'll likely need to ask an associate questions to guide you through the buying process. If you don't receive a high level of service, you could end up with a car out of your budget or doesn't work with your lifestyle. To avoid regrets about your car purchase, you'll want to choose a dealership that can answer your questions and guide you through the financing process. 

Look for Dealerships With a Wide Inventory

Whether you're buying a used or new car, you should aim to pick a dealership with a wide inventory. However, a wide selection of models is especially important when you're searching for a used vehicle. If the dealership has a large inventory of models, you're more likely to find a car that fits your budget and preferences. 

Most reputable dealerships have their inventory selection online, so you'll be able to browse available models before you even walk into the dealership. You should try to research models online ahead of time, so you'll be prepared when you go for an in-person visit. 

Choosing a new car can be challenging as there are a lot of factors to consider. But one of the most important things to consider when starting the car search process is finding the right dealership. You'll want to find a local Honda dealership that offers excellent customer service, simple online processes, and an organized facility. If you find that a dealership is messy or has a bunch of negative reviews online, you may want to consider a different dealership, as these qualities indicate a poorly run business. 

At Brickell Honda, we offer customers superior customer service. From our 100% online shopping, online service scheduling, and pre-loan application, we aim to provide customers with a convenient and simple car shopping experience. Whether you're looking for a used model or want a current model-year Honda, we have options to fit your needs. Check out our online inventory, or get in touch with a member of our team if you have questions.