Car buying
Dealer pricing
When you shop, make sure the price is the price. Dealers will add a “dealer fee”, “admin fee”, “reconditioning fee” maybe even a “market adjustment fee”, and they will also mark up your tag work. These fees will amount to thousands of dollars. You can basically just add those fees to the price of the car because it’s all dealership profit. They will advertise a price without those fees and even advertise a price that assumes a trade-in credit or a finance credit. That is deceptive advertising!
They also love to add an addendum that will add thousands of dollars to the vehicle price for items that should cost a couple hundred. Wheel locks, pinstripes, paint protection. You don’t want that stuff!
Compare apples to apples. When you see a great deal, there is a reason. Ask for a vehicle history report and always have an independent mechanic complete a pre-purchase inspection. It’s money we’ll spent.
Financing and warranties
If you’re financing, consider getting pre-approved at you bank or credit union. Then you can see what the dealership has to offer. At that point it’s a free shot.
Should you buy an extended service contract? It’s not a good thing or a bad thing. It’s basically just insurance. Ask what the original manufacturer’s warranty covers then get a quote from the dealership for an extension, and if the cost is worth the peace of mind - get it!
Certified Pre-owned
CPO or Certified Pre-owned - what even is that? Every manufacturer has a different definition. Just make sure you ask exactly what makes their vehicle a CPO and how much extra you are paying for that CPO label. You should still confirm the condition and maintenance history. Under some CPO programs a vehicle can still have serious issues and still be considered Certified Pre-owned.
Buy or Lease
Should you lease? Lease payments can be slightly lower than outright purchase. That is because your payment only covers depreciation, interest on the money, and the profit to the dealership. If you purchase, you’re also buying a little piece of the car with every payment. Leases also come with a lot of restrictions. Early payoff penalties, late payoff penalties, excess mileage penalties, lease termination fees, and whatever else they can think of. If you buy, you are obligated for your loan, if you have one, but other than that you can do whatever you want, whenever you want.
Vehicle maintenance
Keep your car maintained. It will run better and longer, it will be more reliable and safer, and it will make it worth more when you trade it in. Taking it to a franchise dealer for regular maintenance is an unnecessary expense, just find a good ASE and AAA certified independent shop. Ask how their labor rates compare, if you can see your old parts, and if they keep your maintenance records. A good shop will always be transparent.
Why TMC?
Bottom line: just think about what you want in a car buying experience.
You want a nice vehicle. We sell the nicest vehicles you’ll find and every vehicle is inspected, serviced by our AAA / ASE certified techs, and professionally detailed.
You want a good deal. If you compare apples to apples, we have the best prices. Bring us an “out-the-door” price from another dealer and we’ll prove it.
You don’t want a struggle. We are a single price dealer with non-commissioned sales people. So, you don’t need to worry about haggling and you won’t deal with a pushy salesperson.
You want an easy transaction. Once you’ve decided which vehicle you want, most people are out the door in thirty minutes or less.
We check all the boxes. Make your next car buying experience the best you’ve ever had at Tomlinson Motor Company Gainesville FL
