What is Dealer to Dealer Auto Transport?
If you’re in the market for a new car, you know how difficult it can be to find one tailored exactly to your tastes at a local dealership. For example, if you live in a temperate climate like California or Florida but want a car with 4x4, your options are more limited than if you lived in Minnesota. With dealer-to-dealer auto transport, you can find a vehicle at a dealership in a different community or state and have the car shipped to a dealership near you.
In addition to having trouble finding cars with the exact features you desire, many car shoppers who live in expensive areas like the San Francisco Bay Area may try to look for deals elsewhere. Car prices vary depending on average local incomes, so it may be more cost-effective to find a car in a cheaper area of the country and use the cost savings to set up dealer-to-dealer auto shipping.
If you’re looking for a car that matches your desired specifications or looking to save money by buying a car in a different market, keep these tips in mind:
1) Work with Your Local Dealership to Expand Your Car Options
Most of the time, car salesmen communicate between dealerships to let each other know about the available options at their respective dealerships. This two-way relationship allows each shop to find the best buyers for their cars. Make sure that you talk to your local salesman and ask him if he knows of any other cars that match your specifications. Chances are, they will. And don’t worry about him getting a cut—most of the time, dealerships have policies in place for this type of thing, as long as it’s the same auto company.
2) Do Your Research Online
Before you approach a local dealer, make sure you research car prices and car options at dealerships in different locales. Having this knowledge in your back pocket will make you a more effective negotiator. If you know there is a similar car across the state for 15% cheaper; you may be able to get the local salesman to give you a better deal.
3) Do the Math
It doesn’t always make sense to set up a dealer-to-dealer motorcar transport. Before you approach a dealership, submit auto carrier quotes online to get a baseline of what it will cost. This will allow you to do quick math at the dealership to know if it makes sense to buy a local car or spend the cost savings on a dealer-to-dealer transport.