How to Investigate the Reputation of a Used Car Dealership

Shopping at a used car dealership can help you save a lot of money on a quality vehicle. You’ll also gain access to a much wider variety of vehicles — maybe even finding a rare or novelty vehicle you’ve been looking for a while.

Unfortunately, some used car dealerships can be just as unethical as some people. You may buy a car that breaks down after only a few months, or you may get financing that includes terms that cause you to struggle to pay off your car. In many cases, you may get poor service that will make your experience a negative one.

To ensure that you get only the benefits of shopping at a used car dealership and don’t have to worry about any of these unpleasant possibilities, it is important that you do your research and choose the right place to shop. Here are a few things you can do to investigate the reputation of a dealership to ensure you get a great car and a great experience:

Check Online Reviews

One of the best places to start investigating any business is to read online reviews from its previous customers. Two types of people typically leave reviews: Those who are very happy with their experience, and those who are very upset about the experience they had. You will quickly learn what kind of service and quality to expect from the reviews you read. Check sites like Yelp or Google Reviews to see what past customers have to say about the dealership.

Check with the Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau regulates a variety of businesses, and it collects and publishes complaints about those businesses. Even if the dealership is not a member of the BBB, you can learn if anyone has filed a complaint about it. If the dealership is a member, you can learn more information, such as its BBB rating.

Talk to Your Mechanic

Mechanics have an insider understanding of the quality of cars that come from different lots. They know if a dealership has a reputation for selling cars with mechanical or other problems. Ask your mechanic for referrals, as well as tips on what dealerships to avoid.

At McCluskey Automotive, we stand by our reputation as a top used car dealership in the Cincinnati area. We invite you to research our reputation and then come in for a visit to let us show you why our customers love us. We’re sure you’ll be our next satisfied customer.