Beyond the sales floor
Now that the research stage is behind you, it will be easier to narrow your search down to three or four vehicles. And, with your final list in hand, you'll be ready to start evaluating each vehicle in person. But first, it's important to consider certain things when evaluating dealerships. Here's a list of questions and considerations to get you started.
The Dealership
There are plenty of dealers to choose from, so visit as many as it takes to find one you're comfortable with. Points to consider include:
- Reputation - Ask friends and family members to recommend a dealer.
- Convenience - Is it located close to home? Do they offer extended hours? (Tip: while these are benefits, you may not want to make them your key decision points. A better dealership farther away may be worth the extra trip.)
- Access to information - Are brochures, pricing information and advertised vehicles easy to find without having to ask for help?
- Helpful consultants - Is the consultant helpful and courteous? Do they ask questions to find out your wants and needs? Did they give you enough time?
Sales Consultants
When you walk into a dealership feel free to shop at your leisure. Once you're ready to talk, use the sales consultants as consultants.
- Ask questions - When the sales consultant takes you through a 'tour' of the vehicle you're interested in, have them show you all the features and how they operate. If there's anything you don't understand - ask.
- Provide a budget range - Naturally, they will ask how much you plan to spend. Provide a range rather than a specific amount - they may be able to suggest alternatives you hadn't considered.
- Offers or incentives - While on the subject of budget, ask about incentive offers and any current or forthcoming specials.
- Warranty info - Different manufacturers offer different warranties. Ask them to go over their specific warranty information.
Service Department
No matter what make or model you buy, some day you will find yourself visiting your dealer's service department. So extend your visit beyond the showroom and take a look at the service bays. Here are some questions to keep in mind:
- Is the department well kept and organized?
- Will you feel comfortable going there for service?
- Are their hours convenient for you?
- What is the dealer's "alternate transportation policy"? Do you get a loaner, shuttle service, taxi chit or nothing at all?
- Is the staff professional and easy to talk to? Do they give you the impression they really care about you and your vehicle?
When you're ready to begin shopping around, we invite you to use our Dealer Locator tool to find the GM showrooms nearest you.
