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Did you know that 87 million Americans looked at cars over a single holiday weekend? If you’re on the hunt for a vehicle, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the options. And if you’re specifically looking for a pre-owned vehicle, you’ll want to take steps to ensure you’re getting a reliable choice. It can pay to do some preparation before beginning your search. Read on to learn about the five tips for finding the best car dealership! 1. Look for Experience When you’re looking for a dealership where you can find preowned vehicles, choose an established one. Evaluate a given dealership’s website for its level of polish. And at the dealership, assess whether the salespeople have a thorough knowledge of the inventory. Look for a dealership that has sustained itself over several years. Experience and longevity usually indicate that the dealership runs an effective operation. 2. Compare Prices It always is wise to comparison shop when you are looking for a new car. Hone in on the type of car makes and models you are considering, and visit several dealerships that offer them. For instance, you may want to focus on Ford preowned vehicles. Also, consider whether you want to pursue certified preowned vehicles. These may come with extended warranties from a manufacturer. Since the qualifications are more stringent, certified preowned vehicles tend to be a bit more expensive. By contrast, other preowned vehicles without that designation may be more affordable. Check with potential dealerships to see if they carry one versus the other. 3. Consider Financing How much can your budget afford? Before you launch a car search, determine what kind of initial down payment you can handle. And determine what type of monthly payment could fit comfortably within your budget. Some dealerships offer financing, which streamlines the buying process. Ask about repayment terms, including the timetable and interest rate. And don’t be afraid to negotiate for extra perks or reduced prices. 4. Ask People You Trust for Input One of the best ways to find a dealership is through word of mouth. If you have friends or family members who have made purchases recently, ask them about their experiences. Source your input from multiple people. And look for common recommendations or red flags as you determine which dealerships to visit. 5. Prioritize Customer Service Finally, don’t overlook the importance of solid customer service. Make sure that the salespeople you interact with are knowledgeable, professional, and considerate. They should focus on you and be willing to answer your questions. In the same vein, they should follow up with you. While you don’t want to deal with aggressive salespeople, you do want the dealership to show interest and make an effort to earn your business. Find a Reliable Pre-Owned Vehicle Locating a pre-owned vehicle is not difficult, but finding one with the specs you want can be tricky. You should choose a reputable dealership that has earned high marks from people you trust. Make sure the salespeople are knowledgeable and put you first. When you’re ready to find the perfect pre-owned vehicle, contact us so we can help!

Americans love new cars, which helps explain the annual sale of around 17 million new cars. Of course, as exciting as buying a new car is, it’s not something you should approach lightly. A new car is a big investment. In fact, the average price for a new car recently reached approximately $50,000. While it’s not buying-a-house expensive, shopping for a new car means signing on for years of payments. If you’re thinking about buying a car in 2023, keep reading for our car buying guide that will offer important new car buying tips. Availability For anyone running a car dealership, vehicle availability has proven an ongoing problem. While customers can order a vehicle from the factory, they must often wait for months before they can actually get the car. As you begin your search for a new vehicle, even if it’s technically used, you’ll want to work through a trusted dealership. Visit their website and see what’s available on the lot right now. Don’t overcommit mentally to a particular make or model because there’s a good chance that car or truck won’t be available when you want it. Financing Very few people walk onto a dealership lot ready to plunk down the full price of the car on the spot. The vast majority of buyers finance their vehicles. That makes looking for good financing options one of the more important car shopping tips. Dealer financing often provides the best options for you, but different dealerships may offer different options so you just have to explore what option works best for you. The most obvious thing you should look for is, of course, the interest rate on the loan. Even small differences there can mean paying a lot more or less in interest over the life of the loan. Features The 2023 car options lean pretty heavily into technology. You should look for a vehicle that has tech options that matter to you. For example, heated and cooled seats are deal breakers for a lot of buyers. You can also find cars with wireless charging pads. While it’s not absolutely crucial in the how to choose a new car process, those pads are a really nice add-on for anyone with a phone that supports the technology. Fuel Efficiency The cost of gas at the pump remains fairly high across the nation. If you’re going to buy a new car, it makes sense to look for a car with good fuel economy. Getting a car with only so-so fuel economy is a bit like paying extra for no good reason. Leveraging the Car Buying Guide The car buying guide above provides some key car shopping tips that you should keep in mind while car shopping. Go into the process with an understanding that getting a specific make and model may prove impossible. Look for good financing options that will save you some money over the life of the loan. In terms of the car itself, aim for one that provides quality-of-life-improving tech features and good fuel economy. Red McCombs Drive Away Motors has a wide selection of vehicles for San Antonio residents. For more information about our inventory or purchase options, contact us today.

Used vehicles now cost 40% more than they did in the previous year. By all accounts, prices will continue to rise. One thing is now clear: car financing is now essential to be able to afford these higher prices. Financing at a dealership is a great way to get a new vehicle. It offers you lower rates and doesn’t take much time to get approved. That said, how does car dealership financing work? There are still a lot of supply chain issues, so things might take a while to even out. In this guide, we’ll discuss the process from beginning to end. 1. Bring the Right Documents for Financing at a Dealership Before you head to the dealership, make sure you have the documents necessary for car financing. You can’t get dealership approval without them. In general, you should only need three documents: Driver’s license: this is not only your ID and current address, but proof you can test drive any vehicles Pay stubs: a dealership needs proof that you have solid finances, so proving regular income will be necessary Trade-in title: if you have a used vehicle and want to put it down for your payment, you need evidence that it’s yours There may be other documents or proofs that you need. You may need references, proof of residency, or a working phone. You may need to put down a down payment. Financing a car requires anything that can demonstrate that you are responsible and trustworthy. Call your dealership if you have any questions. 2. Choose a Financing Option The most common method of car financing is through a bank. You ask for a loan and then use that loan to pay off the car. But if you choose car dealership financing, you have two vehicle finance options: Indirect financing: the dealership sets up a financing option through a third-party In-house financing: you do vehicle financing directly, through the dealership If you have bad credit, in-house financing makes it easier to get approved. However, if you have better credit and want lower rates, you’ll want indirect financing. 3. Sign the Paperwork and Budget for Your Loan Read through the paperwork well. Make sure you check the fine print, and that you are ready to make this decision. Once you sign the paperwork, the decision will be final. Congratulations! You’ve financed your car, and you’re ready to take it out on the road. Make sure to keep all the paperwork and keep track of the loan. This may be the time to learn how to budget. Be sure that you can make monthly payments on your loan. Failure to do so could result in a lot of built-up interest. Find the Right Dealership for Vehicle Financing Financing a car is an important topic now that vehicle prices are higher than ever. If you do your financing at a dealership, come prepared. Bring your documents, choose the right loan, then make sure to pay it off on time. Not sure where to start with financing? There’s a place in your neighborhood. Check out Red McCombs Drive Away Motors for the best vehicle finance options available.