Autotrader.com, Cars.com, Usedcars.com, Getauto.com, Edmunds.com, Yahoo.com, MSN.com, GoogleBase, Etc....
So what is this list you ask? This is an extremely short list of nationwide internet automobile advertisers. You can log onto any of these sites and find cars from almost any city in the USA, WOW, right?
Maybe there's some advantage to that if you're looking for something very specific, say a 1980 Pacer with Neon Green Exterior and Pastel Pink Leather on the inside. Sure I could see the usefulness of the selection, but what about the average guy who's looking for a well maintained car to go back and forth to work in, or something to send his daughter off to college in? Maybe in that case, these sites become information overload.
Having worked with local dealerships for the past 6 years, I've come to realize that most of these guys are a lot like me. They work hard, they're honest (most of them are), and they just want to go home at the end of the day and enjoy their families. But right now, it's really hard to make a living in the car business. Sites like the ones listed above open up markets to customers like never before and to a certain extent that's good, but when you consider the truth of the matter, buying a car outside of your local market means a lot less value for you.
What value is there in buying local?
This questions could be answered a lot of different ways, but here are a few things to consider.
- Buying local means you have somone to fix your car when you have problems and usually you get priority since you're a customer.
- It means your investing in a company that invests in your community. Check out the local paper and see what they're involved in. Many support local charities, churches, activities etc.
- You're supporting more that just the local dealer, How about the salesman that lives next door, the mechanics that work in the shop, the receptionist, the cleanup guys, the heating and air guys that service the dealership, the guys that cut the lawn, guys like me that offer services to the dealerships. Most medium size dealerships directly employ 40 or 50 people, but they support literally 100's through their operations.
- Overall value - First of all, you may be surprised that you can buy the same Pontiac Grand Prix locally for the same or better price locally. But even if you pay a couple hundred more, consider how it will affect you and your community in the long run.
All I ask is that you consider our local dealers before you venture out into the world of foreign car dealerships. The Pine Belt has a lot to offer and a great selection, not just of cars, but of quality dealerships to work with.
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