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.

Confidence is the key to a good deal

Research multiple vehicles, know the value of your trade-in and get preapproved for financing before you go to the dealership. You don't need to be a pro. You just need to be firm on how much you're willing to spend and what you really need.

Report Fraud and File Complaints With Federal Agencies

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces consumer laws that prevent deceptive business practices. You can report fraud, scams, and unfair business directly to the FTC. You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

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.

Dealers also use 4-Squares to trick consumers into focusing on the down payment and monthly payments rather than the price of the vehicle. If you signed a 4-Square containing the price of a vehicle, payments, or other terms, the dealer may have broken the law.

How to outsmart a car dealership? ›

When negotiating, it helps to be able to justify what you're asking for, he adds: “Instead of saying, 'I want to pay this,' try something like: 'I've looked at five or six different cars that are similar to yours in the market. The price range goes from $19,500 to $20,700. I'm comfortable making an offer of $19,100. '”

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.

“ 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.

As of Aug 8, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Car Reviewer in the United States is $29.88 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $48.56 and as low as $10.58, the majority of Car Reviewer wages currently range between $22.60 (25th percentile) to $36.54 (75th percentile) across the United States.

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 saying “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is” applies here. While it's possible to find great used cars at low prices, it's a smart idea to always proceed with caution. If a car is priced well below its market value and the seller can't wait to get rid of it, it's likely in need of repairs.

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.