Eight benefits in choosing a registered new car dealership
Consumers have many options available when shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle or looking for repairs/maintenance work on their current vehicle.
Here, in no particular order, are eight benefits in choosing a registered new car dealership. 1. Convenience. New car dealerships offer an extraordinary range of products and services at one convenient location, including new and pre-owned vehicles sales, leasing and financing to mechanical/electrical repairs, genuine parts and accessories, tires and collision repairs. 2. Knowledgeable Staff. Dealership staff are highly trained and skilled in their chosen professions. Factory-trained technicians spend years learning how to diagnose and repair your exact make and model, and training is an ongoing process. Licensed sales staff, too, are constantly learning about the latest convenience, safety and technology features on the newest models in order to provide customers with the right information. In short, dealership staff are the most qualified to address your automotive needs. 3. Integrity. The retail automobile industry is closely monitored by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council and must adhere to the regulations and guidelines outlined in Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Act. Salespeople, service advisers, automotive technicians and administration staff undergo certification processes and are held to a high standard of professional conduct and ethics. With registered car dealerships, there is a level of fairness, trust, professionalism and transparency. 4. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs. If you’re buying a preowned vehicle from a new car dealership, consumers receive protec- tions that aren’t available when they buy privately. Most dealerships offer CPO programs that include multipoint inspections and a reconditioning process, low-mileage vehicles, extended warranties (over and above the manufacturer’s basic and powertrain warranty), and some include an exchange privilege. For a great selection of quality used vehicles, visit carsandjobs.com 5. Relationships. The more you get to know your local dealership, and the more they get to know you, the more they can assist you during the ownership of your current vehicle and the next one. Dealership staff will help you to navigate your next car purchase and offer moneysaving advice about vehicle maintenance. Many dealers even host car care clinics and provide seasonal mailers and/or newsletters to keep customers informed and to enhance the ownership experience. 6. Positive Interactions. Whether you are buying a vehicle or require service work, dealerships are constantly implementing ways to improve your buying experience. Convenient shuttle service, comfortable lounges with Wi-Fi access, online service booking, mobile optimized websites, service appointment reminders — all points of contact are meant to be provide value and convenience to customers. 7. Collision/Vandalism Repairs. Many motorists (experienced or not) are caught off guard after a collision/vandalism and wind up making poor decisions, and many are unaware that new car dealerships offer collision repair services for all makes and models. Dealerships either have a collision repair facility on site or are affiliated with a reputable one, and a dealership’s knowledge of your make and model and can be counted on to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. You have rights as a motorist and one of them is where you want your vehicle to go to be repaired. You should always choose to have your vehicle repaired by your new vehicle dealer. 8. Service/Finance Pricing. Dealership pricing on maintenance, most repairs, brand name tires, accessories and collision repairs are highly competitive with independent garages. On select items, dealerships are sometimes more costeffective than independents. Plus, dealers/manufacturers often offer finance rates that are better than a bank’s. Car shoppers should do their homework and evaluate all finance options before making a decision. This column reflects the views and values of TADA. For more information, email president@tada.ca or go to: tada.ca. Bob Redinger is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers’ Association. He’s a new-car dealer in the GTA.