DealerRater - Car Dealer Reviews, Car Dealer Directory, Vehicles For Sale, Vehicle Recalls (2024)

FAQs

How do you know if a dealer is trustworthy? ›

Their Reputation

Word of mouth goes a long way. If you've heard bad things about a dealer, especially from more than one person, then that dealer probably isn't so great. If the dealer has great reviews on their site and a good reputation with the community, then odds are you can trust them.

“ Highly Recommend! ” Jon was great to work with and really went above and beyond to secure our desired car and ensure top quality. He also kept us well informed along the way about timing and next steps. It was a pleasure working with him and I would highly recommend him.

yes. It functions similar to a warranty repair. The manufacturer provides the parts, and pays the dealer a predetermined rate for labor. This rate is generally substantially lower than “customer pay” work, which can lead to delays in doing this work, particularly among less scrupulous dealers.

Poor online reviews or unresolved complaints: Before visiting a dealership, take the time to research their reputation online. Pay attention to reviews from past customers and any unresolved complaints or negative feedback.

But by looking at the TMV or the Edmunds Suggested Price, you can get a rough idea of how popular the vehicle is and what you should expect to pay for it. If you already have a quote from the dealership, use the Edmunds Price Checker to help determine if you're getting a good deal.

If they starts with price, make sure you negotiate from the bottommost price and work up, not down from the MSRP. By starting with your monthly payment as the focus, the salesperson can lump the whole process together: the price for the new vehicle, the trade-in, and financing, if appropriate.

What to write for a car dealership review? ›

Highlight the pros and cons. After you've described your experience, highlight the pros and cons of the dealership. This section should be balanced and objective. If there were negative aspects of your experience, try to provide constructive feedback rather than being overly critical.

Leading Recall Count

According to the report, Ford Motor Company leads recalls so far this year with 17 recalls. Ford is closely followed by Chrysler (FCA US) with 15. BMW and Mercedes-Benz each have 8 recalls.

NHTSA is the federal agency responsible for car safety and recalls. If you encounter problems with a recall and your dealership or manufacturer cannot help, you can always file a complaint with NHTSA.

In some extremely rare cases, an automaker may buy back or replace your entire vehicle. However, this usually happens only if there is a defect that cannot be repaired. In any case, you are entitled to a free rental car if the repairs are expected to take long.

Get Legal Help From a Consumer Attorney

If you recently bought a new or used vehicle and suspect the dealer of fraud or misrepresentation, you may want to speak with an attorney. An attorney experienced in consumer protection laws can review the aspects of your situation and explain your legal options.

Research the fair market value for the vehicle you want to buy. Never buy a vehicle that you can't see in person. If you can't inspect or test-drive a vehicle prior to the purchase, consider it a scam. If the seller demands an advance payment, walk away.

The price is below market value: If the price of a used vehicle seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fraudsters will often post pictures of rare or exotic cars at low prices, and when you contact them about the vehicle, they'll say it's located in another state or outside the country.