American auto dealerships are on every corner, and it’s no wonder on why GM and Chrysler are having to cut back on their dealerships.  While there are a lot of good ones out there, I really believe they have to follow Toyota and Honda’s path. 

When I think of a foreign car dealership in my area, I can only list three off the top of my head.  These dealers are at least 10-50 miles away from me.  On the other hand, I can think of 8 Chrysler dealers within 25 miles.  There’s something wrong with that picture.

When it comes down to finding a perfect car and a dealership to work with, let’s take a look at why some dealerships aren’t that good.

Not having enough options

I hate walking into a dealership and not having any options.  I want the opportunity to work, and haggle with the sales guy.  If they aren’t going to budge, they have lost my business.  Many good dealers will consider your trade in, offer incentives, and will even beat the competitor down the street by a certain percentage.  If they aren’t willing to do this, don’t walk, run!

The sales staff knows nothing

Don’t you hate it when you walk into a store, and the sales staff knows nothing?  Well, it can be no different than a car dealership.  If the sales guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about when it comes to the car, you may want to find someone else.  Most of the time, the buyer has done his/her research, and will know when a sales guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Being too aggressive

One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to a dealer is when they push for the sale.  Instead of listening to my wants and needs, they want to push a car, and they want to sell it now.  Rather than let you wait it out, and research it, they don’t want to let you out that door.  You want to work with someone that respects your decision, and is willing to wait.

Not being friendly or personable

When I buy my car, I want to work with someone that cares about me, and the purchase, not just his/her wallet.  A lot of dealerships out there make the mistake in making their sales staff a little too aggressive, and non-personable.  They will brain wash them like sheep, only make them think of money, rather than customer service.

When it comes to your purchase, you’ll usually get a good vibe on if a dealership is good or not.  If you feel it isn’t going to be a great place to work with, I would walk away.  Even if you have to travel 30 miles to another dealership, you may find it worth it in the end.