Not to be dramatic, but choosing the right truck can make you feel like you have your life together. With so many options out there, finding a new truck that’s dependable, affordable, and stylish can be an overwhelming task. Searching for a local Ram dealer online is a good way to start, but then you’ll have to wade through a myriad of options. Even more intimidating is that some dealerships will pressure you to make a purchase before you’re ready.
Private sellers and online-only dealerships limit your options. But if you find a laid back, reputable Ram dealership, you’ll eliminate a lot of stress in your shopping process while opening yourself up to a plethora of great cars. In addition to the availability of new, high-quality vehicles and dependable reputation, here are the top six reasons you should check out a Ram dealership when you’re shopping for a new truck or van.
#1 – Great Selection Available
While buying from a private seller might be convenient, you won’t have access to the same inventory as if you shop with your local Ram dealer. And while internet sites allow you to see a wide variety of nearby trucks, they still only represent individual private sellers. That means your buying experience can vary greatly from one seller to the next. An in-person dealership affords you a wide variety of vehicles to choose from as well as the reliable customer service provided by trained professionals.
You’ll also have the option of taking different models for a test drive. Loving the way a truck or van looks is all well and good, but you won’t know if it’s the right model for you until you know how it handles. Another reason why choosing a local Ram dealership is the best choice is because they’ll have the latest inventory in stock. Not to mention the fact that a dealership near you has Certified Pre-Owned and used vehicles available, a great option if you’re on a tight budget.
#2 – Leasing and Financing Options
Buying a new truck doesn’t have to break the bank. Private sellers typically only accept the full price of a vehicle upfront. A dealership can work with you and help you discover ways to save money you might not have known about. Even if you have poor credit, you’ll still be able to lease or buy a vehicle at your local Ram dealer. Leasing and financing options vary depending on the dealership, but it’s only by visiting a dealership that you’ll discover what options best suit your current financial situation.
For example, if you’ve suffered a few financial setbacks, leasing a vehicle might be the best option for you. Leasing gives you time to save up without having a monthly payment looming over your head indefinitely. The cost of leasing does add up eventually, but it’s a good option while you get back on your feet.
#3 – Buying a Used or Certified Pre-Owned Truck
If you’ve decided that leasing a truck isn’t right for you, but the cost of a brand new car is still too high, buying used or Certified Pre-Owned is a great option. Fortunately, most Ram dealerships offer a wide variety of used and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles to suit your needs. A Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is probably your best bet if you’re not buying a new truck. The dealership will provide you with the vehicle’s history, and you’ll feel safe in the knowledge that each Certified Pre-Owned vehicle has been rigorously tested to ensure it’s in good working order.
Used trucks aren’t subjected to the same extensive tests as Certified Pre-Owned trucks. Still, purchasing from a reputable Ram dealership will put your mind at ease. In the end, you’re getting a safe, dependable vehicle from a trusted manufacturer. Even better, used vehicles are even less expensive than Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, so you won’t have to choose between spending more than you can afford or leaving the lot empty-handed.
#4 – History of Customer Service
While there are always new dealerships popping up, most have a long-standing history of sales and customer service. Some have even been in the industry for several decades. Locally-owned dealerships become integral parts of a community, so they’re dedicated to providing friendly service and competitive prices. After all, they don’t want to become the dealership known for having rude staff members. That’s a good way to lose business.
Online-only dealers and personal sellers, on the other hand, don’t have to place such a high priority on maintaining a good reputation. Personal sellers are typically interested in selling one vehicle, so they don’t need to build a relationship with you. Even online dealers aren’t necessarily trustworthy. You can buy online reviews these days, and there’s simply no way of knowing which reviews are genuine and which aren’t. On the other hand, many local dealerships rely on word-of-mouth referrals to attract business, so it’s in their best interest to make sure you leave the dealership happy.
Sorting out the paperwork is also easier at a dealership. Many personal sellers have never sold a vehicle before, and even online services may lack experience. When you’re spending thousands of dollars on a new (or a new-to-you) vehicle, you want to deal with someone who knows what they’re doing. The best way to ensure you get top-notch customer service is to shop at your local Ram dealership.
#5 – Future Protection
No matter how well-built your truck is, it’s eventually going to need maintenance. Many dealerships provide maintenance services, and some even provide these services for free for a limited time after purchase. A dealership will also notify you in the event of a recall. In many cases, they’ll service your vehicle and replace the recalled part free of charge.
You’re on your own in terms of recalls and service if you buy from a personal seller or an online-only dealership. You might save a few bucks initially if you purchase your vehicle online or from a private seller, but the potential long-term expense if you need help or in the event of a recall isn’t worth the short-term savings.
#6 – Vehicle Warranty
Buying from private sellers or online dealerships doesn’t provide the comprehensive warranty you’ll get if you purchase from a Ram dealer. We’ve all heard horror stories about someone who bought a lemon from a personal seller only for it to break down a month later. Warranties usually don’t transfer from a private seller to a private buyer, so you could be in trouble if your newly purchased truck goes kaput a week after you bought it. The best way to avoid this happening to you is to buy from a trusted dealership.
Additionally, the warranties you get from online dealerships aren’t manufacturer warranties, so they’ll only protect your investment for a short period of time. Buying directly from a dealership, on the other hand, gives you a warranty backed by the vehicle manufacturer. Dealerships offer the best warranties available, so you’ll know your vehicle is protected in the event of any issues.
Ready for a New Truck?
Now that you know why shopping with your local Ram dealer is the best option, you’re ready to get started. Search for local Ram dealerships, and prepare to find the perfect truck for you. From the versatile Ram 1500 to the heavy-duty Ram 3500 or the off-road Ram TRX, this brand includes many comfortable and capable trucks to choose from.
