THE festive season is fast approaching and many people are going to be receiving their 13th check.
Some people are planning to make big purchases like buying cars with their money.
Cartrends want to warn you to be vigilant when purchasing a used car.
This is because many people have lost their peace of mind while buying pre-owned cars.
Imagine paying over R50 000 and only getting stress and depression as a bonus!
Usually, the ‘stress’ you buy will come out of the dealership looking all good but then turns on you a week or a month later.
The painful part is that when you try to go back to the dealership, they won’t assist you, instead, they will refer you to some fine print you never noticed on the deal. They’ll be rude to you and send you from pillar to post.
You will then try to fix whatever damage all by yourself and end up deep in more debts.
Cartrends wants you to avoid falling into such trap.
To check if a car dealership is reputable, you must consider the following steps:
1. Read Online Reviews:
You must make sure you check their Google reviews and Facebook to see their customer feedback. You must pay attention to the overall rating and specific comments about the buying process, customer service and post-sale support. Multiple low reviews for similar issues can be a red flag.
2. Check for Complaints on the BBB (Better Business Bureau):
The BBB provides information on complaints against businesses and whether they have been resolved. If a dealership has unresolved complaints or a low rating, it could indicate issues with its practices.
3. Look for Accreditation and Industry Memberships:
A reputable dealership is often part of industry associations, like the Retail Motor Industry Organization (RMI) and the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) in South Africa. There are other associations too. These memberships often come with a code of ethics and standards.
4. Research Their History:
Check how long the dealership has been in business and whether it has received awards or recognition. A long-standing dealership with a good track record is often more reliable.
5. Ask for Referrals:
If you know someone who has bought from this dealership, ask about their experience. Personal recommendations can be very insightful and trustworthy.
6. Evaluate Their Transparency:
Reputable dealerships are transparent about prices, financing options, and warranties. Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, hidden fees or reluctance to provide clear information.
7. Inspect Their Online Presence and Customer Engagement:
Look at their website and social media channels. A well-maintained, responsive online presence and active engagement with customers can indicate a customer-centred approach.
8. Check for Red Flags in the Sales Process
Pay attention during your interactions. Reputable dealerships won’t push unnecessary add-ons, rush you or ask for large deposits before negotiations.
9. Verify Vehicle History Reports:
For used car dealerships, verify that they offer reliable vehicle history reports (e.g., CARFAX). This shows transparency in their transactions.
CARFAX is a vehicle history report that can help you make an informed decision when buying a used car. It’s a combination of records from various sources, including: Insurance companies, police departments, DMVs (Department of Motor Vehicles, which is a government agency that manages driver’s licenses and vehicle registration), auction houses, emission test statuses, manufacturer recalls, lien and repossession history and fleet vehicle information.
Carfax reports can help you determine if a vehicle is the right fit for you and add transparency to the used vehicle buying process. It can also analyse mileage data to detect possible odometer tampering, such as rollbacks and rollovers.
Be on the lookout for people who want to get their hands on your purse by being alert and aware all the time by choosing dealerships known for ethical practices and customer satisfaction.
Good luck on your purchase!!
