Buying a Car: How Many Dealerships Should You Visit?

Introduction

Buying a car can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned car enthusiast, figuring out the right number of dealerships to visit is crucial to securing the best deal and making an informed decision. Should you visit multiple dealers to weigh all your options, or should you limit your visits to save time? This guide explores the factors that determine how many dealerships you should visit during the car-buying process, helping you strike a balance between being thorough and being efficient.

Understanding Your Position in the Car-Buying Process

The number of dealerships you should visit largely depends on where you are in the car-buying journey. Your strategy will be different based on whether you are still exploring options or have already made up your mind on a specific make and model.

Just Starting Out? Visit More Dealerships

If you are in the initial stages of your search, visiting a variety of dealerships is key. This helps you get a feel for different car models, features, and pricing options. The opportunity to test-drive a wide selection of vehicles is invaluable when you are still deciding which car is right for you. For instance, if you are comparing 10 different models, it is reasonable to visit 10 dealerships to test each one. Salespeople are generally understanding of this phase and recognize that many buyers are just starting out. Ultimately, gaining hands-on experience with several vehicles can make all the difference in finding your ideal match.

Narrowing Down Your Choices

Once you have a clearer idea of what car you want—whether it's a compact sedan, a sporty SUV, or an electric vehicle—the number of dealerships you need to visit begins to decrease. At this stage, the focus shifts from broad research to securing the best deal.

Why Limit Your Visits?

After deciding on a specific make and model, visiting just a few local dealerships can be enough. This is especially true if your preferred car is not widely available or if your area only has a limited number of authorized dealerships for that brand. This selective approach can save you time and effort, allowing you to concentrate on negotiating the price or securing favorable financing options.

Get the Best Deal by Comparing Dealerships

When you're focused on a specific car, visiting two or three dealerships is often sufficient to assess available deals. Here, it is wise to leverage the competition among dealers. Let them know that you are considering buying from a rival dealership. Dealerships are typically eager to earn your business, and letting them know you have other options may encourage them to lower their price or offer additional perks, such as free maintenance or extended warranties.

Negotiation Tips

• Bring Quotes from Other Dealers: Presenting quotes from other dealers can be an effective bargaining tool, compelling salespeople to match or beat competitor offers.
• Consider Non-Monetary Benefits: Remember that the best deal isn’t always about the lowest price. Sometimes, added services like free oil changes, tire rotations, or better financing terms can provide greater overall value.

When Should You Stop Shopping?

At some point, the value of visiting additional dealerships starts to diminish. If you’ve already visited two or three dealerships and none are willing to lower their prices further, you’ve likely reached the best offer available. Continuing to shop around could be a waste of time, especially if the offers you’ve received are already competitive. At this point, the decision comes down to more nuanced factors, such as customer service quality, dealer incentives, and financing conditions.

Other Factors to Consider in Your Decision

Location and Convenience

Consider the location of the dealership. Choosing a dealership that is conveniently located can save you time and make future service visits easier. Sometimes, the most competitive price might come from a dealership further away, but balance that with the convenience factor.

Inventory Availability

Dealership inventory can also be a deciding factor in how many places you visit. If the specific car you want is hard to find, you may need to extend your search to more dealerships. Be sure to call ahead or check dealership websites to confirm that they have your preferred model in stock before making the trip.

The Advantages of Building a Relationship with a Dealership

While shopping around is important, there are also benefits to building a long-term relationship with a specific dealership. Many dealerships provide loyalty incentives to repeat customers, such as discounts on future purchases, exclusive service deals, or prioritized maintenance scheduling. If you find a dealership that offers excellent service and you feel comfortable with their team, staying loyal to that dealership could yield long-term benefits beyond just the initial car purchase.

Certified Pre-Owned and Used Car Considerations

If you are buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) or used car, visiting more dealerships may be necessary due to the variability in inventory. Unlike new cars, the same used car model can vary significantly in terms of mileage, condition, and history. Visiting multiple dealerships will give you a broader view of what's available and ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Inspection and History Reports

Always request a comprehensive vehicle history report when purchasing a used car, and be prepared to inspect several vehicles before making a decision. The more dealerships you visit, the more likely you are to find a used car in excellent condition at the right price.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

The number of car dealerships you should visit depends on how far along you are in your car-buying journey. In the early stages, cast a wide net and visit as many dealerships as necessary to compare different makes and models. Once you've narrowed down your choice, limit your visits to a few local dealerships to find the best deal. Be strategic—compare prices, leverage competition, and weigh the value of potential incentives or added perks.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to find a car that meets your needs at a price you are comfortable with. Whether that means visiting one dealership or ten, stay informed, stay patient, and be willing to negotiate. With a well-planned approach, your car-buying experience can be both efficient and rewarding.