FAQ
Q: Why are your prices so low?
A: We don't have the overhead the new car dealers have. We don't have a General Manager (depending on store size) that earns $180,000+/yr, a Used Car Manager that earns an average $150,000/yr, and a salesperson that make $60,000+/yr. We don't spend $30-60,000 in advertising per month like the big dealers do. Who do you think pays for that? YOU DO, the customer! Keep that extra money in your pocket not theirs, shop at Smart Choice Auto Sales, Inc..
Q: Where do you get your cars?
A: The same place where all the dealers get their cars. Auctions, lease companies, banks and trade ins. What sets us apart is that we run vehicle history reports on ALL our cars before we buy them. We handpick only top quality vehicles.
Q: Do you run a vehicle history report?
A: Yes. We use a company called Autocheck, used by most major auto auctions. Their turnaround information on vehicles is 60-90 days, unlike some other companies that are 6-9 months. No history report is 100% guaranteed, we take our own precautions by measuring paint thickness with a gauge to look for any possible unreported damage. Sometimes we get blamed for being too picky, that's something we can live with. We know you deserve the very best.
Q: Why don't all dealers have prices on their cars?
A: Good question! Because those dealers will wait to see what your credit history is like, ask you what you think you can afford for a monthly payment and then they will tell you what vehicle you will be able to buy. The vehicle can be thousands of dollars more if you have shaky credit. Here's an example.....A person with a 720 score may buy a car for $12,900, but another person with a credit score of 560 for that same vehicle may pay up to $16,900 for that same car. At Smart Choice, we have all of our prices listed on every vehicle regardless of your credit history so you know up front the price of the vehicle. Buy by bottom line number, not payment.
Q: Why do trade values vary?
A: Good question! Most dealers will inflate the prices of their vehicles to show you more for your trade. A vehicle that is worth $1000 is only worth $1000, not $5000. Would you be able to trade that same $1000 vehicle in for $5,000 after you drove it off the lot? Or would they buy your trade outright for $5000 if you decided not to buy that new vehicle? We think not!
Q: What's up with the free giveaways?
A: You are going to the dealership to buy a vehicle, not a TV. Where do you think the money for that 'free' TV, I-Pod, computer or trip is coming from when you purchase a vehicle? Out of the price of your new car, nothing is free! You are paying those hidden charges somewhere.
Q: Why do I have to spend so much time at the dealerships when purchasing a new car?
A: They want to keep you there as long as they can, renegotiate prices, tire you out so you don't shop around and just give in to buying to get it over with. Ask yourself, "How many times is this salesman going to go back and talk to his boss to get the price you originally wanted to pay?". (Refer to the link to Edmunds.com "Confessions of a Used Car Salesman" for more tactics).
Q: Why don't you have any tent sales?
A: We don't have sales, we offer low prices all the time. We don't need to set up a circus tent, rent a clown or move our vehicles to another location to give you a special deal, it's just another expense you are paying for in the long run. If we receive incentives or savings on purchasing a vehicle, we pass along that savings to the customer.
Q: Do you finance?
A: Yes. We deal with 40 plus banks and offer competitive finance rates. Some as low as 2.59% or lower depending on bank promotions and your credit status. If you have shaky credit or no credit at all, we can also help. Smart Choice doesn't penalize you by charging you more for the vehicle based on your credit history. Most new car dealers thrive on customers with shaky credit, that's where they make their money. Do you remember the housing bubble where citizens were enticed into buying homes they couldn't afford? It's the same situation. At Smart Choice, we care about the customer and want to see you get the most for your money.
Q: What if I need warranty repairs done on my vehicle?
A: We give all of our customers a free loaner car if they will be without a vehicle and need warranty work. We will take the car to the correct manufacture dealership for repairs. We also have a service facility for any service work that is out of manufacturer's warranty.
Q: Do you service your vehicles?
A: Yes, we service all our newer vehicles. A complete state inspection, emissions, oil change and an 88 point certified inspection of the vehicle is done. If the tires are lower than 4/32 or do not match, you'll receive new tires on the vehicle. If the brake linings are below 4/32, we'll replace them with new ones. We want you to drive your vehicle off the lot without having to worry about any car repairs other than routine maintenance for one full year under normal driving conditions.
Q: What do want from me, the consumer?
A: Just give us a shot, let us save you money when you are in the market to purchase your next vehicle. Don't get caught up in the fine print and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you have questions about a vehicle that you might be looking at, call us to see if we can save you any more money. We have access to thousands of cars. If it's not on our lot, we can locate one for you. You'll drive a half hour out of your way to save 5 cents/gallon on gas, why wouldn't drive to one of our two locations to save thousands?