DealerRater - Car Dealer Reviews, Car Dealer Directory, Vehicles For Sale, Vehicle Recalls (2024)

FAQs

How do you know if a dealer is trustworthy? ›

Their Reputation

Word of mouth goes a long way. If you've heard bad things about a dealer, especially from more than one person, then that dealer probably isn't so great. If the dealer has great reviews on their site and a good reputation with the community, then odds are you can trust them.

“ Highly Recommend! ” Jon was great to work with and really went above and beyond to secure our desired car and ensure top quality. He also kept us well informed along the way about timing and next steps. It was a pleasure working with him and I would highly recommend him.

Provide details about what you liked or disliked about your experience. Be sure to describe an experience from within the past 12 months. Only one review per dealership experience is accepted.

Poor online reviews or unresolved complaints: Before visiting a dealership, take the time to research their reputation online. Pay attention to reviews from past customers and any unresolved complaints or negative feedback.

But by looking at the TMV or the Edmunds Suggested Price, you can get a rough idea of how popular the vehicle is and what you should expect to pay for it. If you already have a quote from the dealership, use the Edmunds Price Checker to help determine if you're getting a good deal.

If they starts with price, make sure you negotiate from the bottommost price and work up, not down from the MSRP. By starting with your monthly payment as the focus, the salesperson can lump the whole process together: the price for the new vehicle, the trade-in, and financing, if appropriate.

How do I know if my car salesman is legit? ›

Make sure that the Total Cash Price on the written contract matches the price that you were told. If the prices are different, you may be the victim of fraud. If the dealership refuses to honor the representations made to you by the salesperson, refuse to sign the contract and walk away from the dealership.

The survey revealed that only about one-third of Americans have actually experienced things like deceptive selling, hidden fees and dishonest salespeople at dealerships. However, 76 percent of us still don't trust that dealerships are actually being honest about pricing.

Get Legal Help From a Consumer Attorney

If you recently bought a new or used vehicle and suspect the dealer of fraud or misrepresentation, you may want to speak with an attorney. An attorney experienced in consumer protection laws can review the aspects of your situation and explain your legal options.

Scammers need to get your money before you've thought things through. If a seller says they're moving soon, going overseas, or selling fast for a relative, there's a good chance it's a scam. If they want you to pay with gift cards, it's definitely a scam. Don't do it.

The price is below market value: If the price of a used vehicle seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fraudsters will often post pictures of rare or exotic cars at low prices, and when you contact them about the vehicle, they'll say it's located in another state or outside the country.

To be safe, you should do some digging on the person or organization contacting you. Check out their website, social media presence, and any other info that can help you figure out if they're legit. Don't be afraid to do a little research before you respond or take any action.