Top 10 reasons to buy from a dealer
Dealers have a vested interest in the automotive industry, and that very interest delivers benefits to buyers of both new and used cars.Buying a car from a dealership is no longer the confronting experience it was in the past.
Walk in through the front door of a showroom these days and you’ll be greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff who will go out of their way to help you make your buying choice.
Too many car buyers remain convinced that buying a car is a gladiatorial contest and not for the weak-hearted.
Forget the stereotype. Sales people are focussed on your needs, they’re informed and, in most cases, offer accurate and up-to-date information for the products they sell. It’s in their own best interests, after all.
Reputable dealers are in the business of building long-term relationships with car buyers. They want your repeat business. With today's availability of social media as a sounding board, they can ill-afford unhappy customers. That means that more than ever, dealers are keen to highlight the benefits of buying from a licensed trader.
Here are our top-ten reasons to buy your next car from a dealer:
1. Guaranteed title
When you purchase a vehicle from a licensed motor dealer, you are guaranteed the title to that vehicle. If there is any money owing to a financier on the vehicle by a previous owner it is covered by the dealer.
2. Warranty
Most non-commercial vehicles purchased from a licensed motor dealer less than 10 years of age and with less than 160,000km on the clock are provided with a statutory warranty. The terms and conditions of this warranty vary from state to state. In addition, many licensed motor dealers can assist with extended warranties for your vehicle purchase for up to five years from the date of delivery. These warranties normally come at added cost but a canny buyer can negotiate their inclusion in a deal.
Your statutory warranty entitlement by state
- New South Wales – three months or 5000km after purchase for vehicles under 10 years old and having travelled less than 160,000km
- Victoria – As per NSW
- Queensland – Class A as per NSW, Victoria. Class B with effect from September 1, 2019: one month or 1000km for vehicles older than 10 years or having travelled more than 160,000km
- South Australia – no warranty applies to vehicles sold for under $3000, two months or 3000km applies for vehicles sold for price ranging between $3001 and $6000, three months or 5000km applies to vehicles priced above $6000
- Western Australia – No warranty for vehicles over 12 years old or having travelled over 180,000km, one month or 1500km for vehicles between 10 and 12 years old or between 150,000 and 180,000km, three months or 5000km for vehicles under 10 years old and under 150,000km
- Tasmania – three months or 3000km for vehicles under seven years old (per compliance plate) and under 120,000km
- Northern Territory – As per NSW, Victoria
- Australian Capital Territory – As per NSW, Victoria, NT
3. One stop shop
Licensed motor dealers not only sell motor vehicles. Most dealers have experts on staff that can assist with financing and insuring your vehicle purchase as well as protecting your investment (with various rust fabric and paint protection) and adding the right accessories to suit your specific needs.
4. Specialist vehicle advice
Vehicle salespeople are experts when it comes to cars and can provide specialist advice as to which vehicle best suits your needs and your budget. High pressure selling is largely a thing of the past – sales staff are now charged with building a relationship with buyers for the long term.
5. Vehicle trade-in
Almost all dealers will take trade-ins, allowing you to drive in and out on the same day you pick up your new car. If you have money owing on your current vehicle they make the changeover process simple, without expensive bridging loans. Contrary to popular belief, many dealers will pay top dollar for your trade vehicle, particularly if the model is sought after and in good condition.
6. Workshop inspections
Most licensed dealers have been established in their local community for many years and, as such, jealously guard their reputations. These dealers will subject used vehicles to workshop inspections prior to offering the vehicle for sale. Most dealers will wholesale or send to auction sub-standard vehicles rather that offer them for sale to a consumer. When a dealer sells a vehicle, he also sells his reputation and the last thing he needs is an unhappy customer.
7. After sales service
All franchise dealers and many specialised used-car dealers offer workshop and servicing facilities as well as spare parts to keep your vehicle running smoothly long after you’ve taken delivery. Many dealers will provide discounts or specials for customers who purchase vehicles from them that are not available to someone walking in off the street.
8. Code of Ethics
Most dealers are members of the Motor Traders’ Association in their state. Member dealers have a strict code of ethics that they operate within their business.
9. Convenience
A dealer offers a choice of cars all in one location for a test drive , and in many cases will even bring the car to your home or office for a test drive.
10. Local Community Involvement
Many large dealers contribute to their local community through sponsorship, be it the local football club, hospital, little athletics, etc.
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