Why You Should Research Dealer Reviews Before Buying

If you’re on the lookout for a new car, there’ll be lots of things to consider. Do you prioritize comfort and storage, or being economical on fuel? Do you need a small runaround for local errands or an off-road vehicle for extended trips? One effective strategy is to read dealer reviews before deciding. In this article, we’ll explain how they can help you avoid common pitfalls, and find the perfect car.

What Are Dealer Reviews?

Glossy adverts and polished sales pitches are one thing, but dealer reviews are another. Marketing involves making sales and stressing the positives. In contrast, reviews reveal honest accounts of people’s encounters with dealerships. 

You can learn about customer service levels, pricing transparency, and after-sale support. By adding review-checking to your pre-sale activities, you can ensure extra peace of mind over your eventual purchase.

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You Should Identify Reliable Review Sources

Dealers obviously want to display positive reviews on their websites. If they’re negative, their reputation will be tarnished and people will take their business elsewhere. 

Some websites have mechanisms that filter out fake reviews (e.g. reputation management tools and identity verification processes). If a company has a longstanding history of customers, this can inspire confidence in their reviews.

You Should Study Detailed Reviews

Detailed testimonials are often likely to be more genuine. They may discuss specific incidents where a dealer went the second mile, or turned a complaint into a compliment. Perhaps there was a post-sale issue that was quickly rectified, or generous incentives offered pre-sale. 

The more in-depth information you gain, the better. If you’re researching top Ford trucks you can learn about versatility and advanced technology features. You can identify those that are city-friendly or trail-ready, compact, or built for heavy lifting.

You Can Discover Specific Patterns

With reviews, it’s important to discover trends rather than being swayed by single examples. You can never please every customer, but if many people raise an issue, take heed. 

Are there problems with negotiation practices, financing, or communication? If so, you should walk away. If everyone posts glowing reviews, however, the dealer deserves consideration.

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You Can Benefit From Recent Reviews

A happy customer from ten years ago may have encountered different staff to those working at the dealership today. There may have been changes in management or policies since then, leading to reduced customer satisfaction. 

Alternatively, a dealer who experienced complaints in the past may have turned things right around. By focusing especially on recent reviews, you can gain a more accurate assessment of the dealer.

They May Vary Across Different Platforms

You may discover a host of positive dealer reviews on social media sites such as Facebook. However, it’s important to realize that this may not be the complete picture. You should also check out some dedicated review sites. 

This is because the trends on one platform may not be consistent with the trends on another. By checking different sources, you can gain a fuller picture. This way, you won’t be taken by surprise if a dealer isn’t as good as described.

You Can Gain Local And National Dealer Insights

Local dealers are often more connected to the community, offering a personalized service. They also understand the needs of customers in their area. Building trust is how they grow, and they often rely on word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied customers. For this reason, they can’t afford to perform shoddy work or have poor after-sales service. 

National dealers have more stock and buying power. You can find more reviews on their national websites compared to local dealers. However, the sheer numbers can be overwhelming, and the comments may not apply to your local dealership.

You Can Use Reviews To Negotiate Better Deals

Perhaps a dealer is renowned for imposing inflated markups on popular models. If you still decide to approach them, you can use this information to negotiate a more competitive price. You can tell them their reputation will suffer if they don’t charge the market price for their vehicles. 

You may have read a review where someone was able to access beneficial financing options. If so, bring a screen print and show it to the dealer. This could motivate them to provide the same for you. If they refuse, warn them that they could receive a negative review from you.

If you want to save time, money, and hassle, read dealer reviews before buying. You can learn about their reputation, customer service, and more. In turn, you’ll be directed to the right professionals. They’ll give you a good price on a car that fully meets your needs.