How to Select the Best Auto Broker

When you’re in the market for a new car, the thought of negotiating with dealership salespeople can be exhausting and unpleasant. The process of haggling over price, options, and add-ons through most dealerships is complex and time-consuming. Not to mention, some folks just aren’t comfortable with the negotiation process, so they end up accepting a sub-optimal deal to bring the purchase to a close.

One way to relieve some of the struggles of the average car purchase is by hiring a California auto broker to handle the transaction on your behalf. An auto broker acts as a middleman between you and the dealership staff. A good broker can get you the vehicle you want and negotiate the best deal on your behalf to keep you from paying too much for a vehicle. But finding the right broker is key. Read on for a few tips on selecting the best broker for your next purchase.

Decide Broker Affiliation

Brokers can work in a few modes for car purchases. Some auto brokers are affiliated with specific dealerships while others may work in private businesses that offer brokerage service. There are also brokers affiliated with major national auto clubs. There are pros and cons to all three types, so do your research to decide which will perform best for your situation.

Check Feedback

Thanks to the internet, you can find legitimate feedback on the auto brokers working in your area. Feedback through reviews, recommendations, and consumer blogs can form an excellent database of information on brokers in your area. Don’t be quick to judge based on one bad review, but if a broker has overall negative feedback, move on to the next candidate.

Keep the Fee Flat

When researching prospective auto brokers, look for those who offer a flat fee for your purchases. The fee should be agreed upon in advance of the transaction and is only paid after the broker finds the vehicle you desire. Agreeing to a flat fee prior to the purchase can protect you from getting a surprise fee increase if the broker finds a car for you that is on the more expensive side of your budget.

Investigate the Broker

In addition to looking over reviews, there are some pieces of information you should get before deciding on a broker. Once you’ve culled your list to a few candidates, do a deep dive on those brokers. Find out if they’re licensed to serve as brokers in your state. If they’re affiliated with dealerships, find out if they receive compensation from that dealership for arranging purchases. Do they have a background in the automotive industry, and if so, did they work at dealerships in your area previously? Finally, ask how they find cars to purchase, and what tactics they use to negotiate deals. Those answers can be telling and help you decide if a broker is legitimate.

If you’re planning to purchase a vehicle soon, consider using a California auto broker to speed the transaction and save you the hassle of negotiation. A good broker can find the car you want at the price you want to pay.