Car buyers should always check out a vehicle’s price with reputable resources. This way, they can ensure the vehicle is priced reasonably, even if they’re paying with cash. Educating yourself beforehand also helps you avoid getting tricked into extra fees like VIN etching, rust-proofing, and dealership maintenance packages that don’t necessarily make sense for your budget.

Customer Service

Customer service is one of the most important aspects when choosing a Turner Kia dealership. This includes courtesy and politeness, empathy for the customer’s circumstances, fairness and reasonable answers to questions, and a sense of control by the customer over their experience. It also means stepping outside standard rules when necessary to serve the customer. One way to evaluate a dealership’s customer service is to check its website for its business philosophy. This may be posted on the “About Us” page or in a separate section. Look for a strong emphasis on customer service and, in general, on honesty, integrity, and forming community relationships. Another way to assess a dealership’s customer service is to ask friends and family members about their experiences with the company. They can point you toward a trusted dealership or tell you to avoid it. Pay attention to the physical facilities, too. If they seem rundown or unappealing, you may want to shop elsewhere.

Reputation

In the business world, reputation is the sum of people’s experiences with a product or service. Developing a positive reputation helps businesses attract customers, sell more products and services, and maintain customer relationships that lead to repeat purchases and referrals. Car dealerships are no different, and they should strive to develop a strong reputation as a trustworthy source for buying vehicles and receiving quality servicing and repairs in the future. You can learn about a dealership’s reputation by checking online reviews and talking to friends and family members who recently purchased vehicles. It’s also worth noting how long a dealership has been in business. Many dealerships prioritizing high-quality sales practices and exemplary client care stay around for a while. Those focusing on unethical business practices and poor client care don’t last as long. This is a good indicator that a dealership has a solid reputation.

Financing

In addition to negotiating the price and terms of your loan, you’ll also want to consider how the dealer handles its financing. Look for rebates, discounts, or special prices that can be bundled with the car purchase, and see what’s required to qualify. Be sure to get answers in writing. Manufacturer-sponsored low-rate or incentive programs might be available for specific models with restrictions like a lower credit score or shorter contract length. A reputable dealership prioritizes the customer experience over meeting monthly sales quotas. They will know that taking advantage of you won’t help them build long-term business relationships, and they’ll let you step back to think and consult with family and friends before making a final decision. Ask the dealership about auto add-ons, such as paint protection plans and gap insurance. These can be very expensive, and they’re often tucked into the car loan terms without your knowledge.

Test Drives

Once you have narrowed your car list, it’s time to get behind the wheel. A test drive is a perfect opportunity to see how well your potential new vehicle matches your lifestyle and to catch any red flags. A vehicle history report is also wise if you’re buying a used vehicle. This can help you spot problems, such as accidents or significant maintenance work, that might turn you off a particular vehicle. Be sure to bring photocopies of your driver’s license and insurance. Many dealerships require a salesperson to be present for your test drive, but you can ask them to keep their hands off and allow you to drive independently. Whenever possible, choose routes that mimic your regular driving habits to get a feel for the car’s performance on the types of roads you will be driving regularly.