Bradenton car dealers?? (Tampa, Sarasota: rental, car insurance, credit)

[happytwo]

Going to be in Bradenton soon. Will need to buy a car, (cash), possibly lease returned vehicle, or credited Toyotas-Hondas? Small economical like Corolla or Civic.

Any suggestions for a dealer??

Thanks,
happytwo

[beninfl]

There's more used car lots than you can shake a stick at.

--> Get it inspected (Will cost you $100, but worth it!) If the dealer wont let it be inspected, run.

--> Run the title, encourage the dealer to see the Carfax. If they dont offer you it, or just say "OH ITS VERY CLEAN", run.

--> Look on Edmunds.com for the car and see average pricing and repair data. Look at total cost of ownership values.

--> Ignore everything the salesman says. He's there to make a profit, not to sell you something thats best for you.

--> Google the year, make, model with problems. Such as "2004 Honda Accord Problems" and see what the most common problems are and check for them, as well.

Have fun.

[macrodome2]

You could also check the rental companies- Avis, Hertz, Enterprise for cars they are turning over. I've looked at the Avis site and they run the gamut from 15K-30K miles and are priced based on year, mileage, and options. I believe they have locations in Tampa and Ft. Myers.

[photoman_6]

when i was moving here I researched the type of car i wanted online, and when I was flying down I contacted the dealer (Firkins) to let him know i was coming the next day, taxied from the airport to the dealer, test drove it, bought it and was out of there in an hour. they then prepped the car and delivered to my doorstep the next day.

[happytwo]

Originally Posted by photoman_6

when i was moving here I researched the type of car i wanted online, and when I was flying down I contacted the dealer (Firkins) to let him know i was coming the next day, taxied from the airport to the dealer, test drove it, bought it and was out of there in an hour. they then prepped the car and delivered to my doorstep the next day.

I appreciate everyone's help, but this is the kind of info I'm looking for. I know what make, model and etc, etc I want. I'm looking for names of reputable dealers that also had great service.

The good thing for us is, I don't need to do this the day I arrive, we have friends we will be staying with for a few days.

Thanks again,
happytwo

[Cardiff by the Sea]

Originally Posted by happytwo

I appreciate everyone's help, but this is the kind of info I'm looking for. I know what make, model and etc, etc I want. I'm looking for names of reputable dealers that also had great service.

happytwo

Not trying to be snarky, but is there really such a thing as a reputable dealer with great service? And more than one????


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN8S2lQYzwE

[happytwo]

HA! HA! Cardiff by the Sea,

I didn't have time to watch the video, but can just imagine.

I just checked online for car insurance, HOLY CRAP! $$$$$$$

[loves2read]

how about the car insurance?
where/how did you get that from?

[happytwo]

Originally Posted by loves2read

how about the car insurance?
where/how did you get that from?

Got information on car that I would like to buy. Online car insurance quotes from Progressive, Esurance, and Geico.

Looks like the legal good drivers, have to PAY for the illegal, unlicensed, uninsured driver here??

[MissLizzie85]

I had a really good experience at Hendrick Honda in Bradenton. Yes, just like any other car lot, they will try to up sell you, but the cars are in great shape and we were able to negotiate a really good deal with them. Just know that you have to walk in there WILLING to talk them down and that they expect you to. Since you're paying in cash, you've got a lot more room to haggle! We bought our Accord there for several thousand under KBB value.

DO NOT go to the Ford dealer in Sarasota- very sketchy experience there.