6 Things to Look for in a Kia Dealership

Buying a new car can be intimidating for a lot of people, which is understandable; it’s a big investment and the process can sometimes seem to drag on forever. It’s easy to start feeling anxiety and become overwhelmed with the car-buying process before it ever really begins, but a few things can make it easier. First, it can help to narrow down what you’re looking for – such as a specific make or even a handful of models you like. Once you decide you want to buy a Kia, then there are certain things to look for as you choose the Kia dealership that is right for you. 

To be honest, not all Kia dealerships are equal – some will value your time and business more than others, and not every dealer has the kind of inventory you are probably looking for. It’s not a matter of saying “this dealership is bad and this one is good,” because the majority of Kia dealerships are good. It’s more about determining which one is the best among all the good options, so you know you’ll get what you need and be treated properly as a customer. 

Here are some things to look for as you are choosing a Kia dealership, which will indicate you have found the best one for your needs. Don’t feel like you should settle on the first dealer you find in an internet search – make sure your local Kia dealer is the right one for you. 

Thing #1: A Good Website 

With the way we all buy things these days, the website of a Kia dealership is typically the first impression it will make on you. As such, that should be a first impression that makes you want to look further into what the dealer has to offer and ultimately give them your business. The site should be clean and professional looking – if a local dealership doesn’t care about their website, then what does that say about their customer service? 

You should also make sure that any information you may need in the future, not just right now, is easy to find on the site. This includes things like hours of operation, location, inventory and financing options, and phone numbers to contact each department at the dealership. If it’s hard for you to reach people at the Kia dealership before you make a purchase, then it could be just as much of a problem later on when you have a question about your payments or need help with routine maintenance. 

Thing #2: A Large Inventory  

This may go without saying, but it’s so important that we’ll say it anyway. Whether you are looking to buy a brand new model or a pre-owned vehicle, a good Kia dealership will have a large inventory with plenty of options for you to choose from. Buying a car is just like anything else – you should have lots of choices available to you so you can get just the right one for your needs. The dealership’s inventory is usually shown on their website, so this ties back into that dealer having a good site. Of course, once you actually find what you like and go to the dealership to see it, then their physical inventory should match what they claim to have online. Some dealers might have secondary storage for their vehicles off-site, which is fine, but they should be able to show you anything they say they have pretty easily. 

Thing #3: A Welcoming Lot  

While the dealer’s website might be its virtual first impression on you, their actual lot is their physical first impression – and it should be a good one. Their lot is a reflection of their values and priorities as a business; it should be clean, well-lit, and organized, and ultimately feel welcoming to you as a customer. The lot isn’t just about their physical inventory; it is about how they present themselves to you as a business. 

If you find something you like online and go to visit a Kia dealership and find it dirty, dark, and ultimately kind of depressing, then get out of there. A good dealer makes you want to come onto their lot and give them your business. Trust your instincts on this one; they’re usually right. 

Thing #4: Positive Employees 

This may seem a little strange at first, but once you know to look for it, it’s something you will notice a lot. When you go to a Kia dealership, pay attention to how the different employees behave and their overall attitudes. In general, you should notice that employees seem positive and there’s good morale overall – this means there is typically good leadership and employees are treated well, which means customers will be too. 

Of course, not everyone will be happy all the time; everyone has a bad day sometimes and we all know what it’s like to wake up tired or just not feel up for going to work. If you notice one or two employees who seem a bit off, but the overall attitude is generally positive, then that is usually not a big deal. If morale seems down overall, however, then consider that an indicator that management is poor or something else is wrong – either way, it’s a warning sign you should pay attention to. 

Thing #5: Options for Financing that Meet Your Needs 

No matter what your financial situation and budget look like, you should be able to find a Kia dealership with financing options that meet your needs. Otherwise, you could end up with payments that are beyond your means or stretch you too thin, which can be potentially disastrous. A good financing team should work with you to make sure you can afford whatever payments you drive away with. If you feel you are being pressured into something you can’t afford, then strongly consider getting out of there. 

This might mean you cannot afford your first choice for the vehicle of your dreams. It’s better to go with your second pick and payments that don’t cause you to lose sleep. A good financing team recognizes this and puts your needs first, so you end up with a vehicle that fits your lifestyle in terms of your finances as well as what you need in a car or SUV. 

Thing #6: Commitment to Long-Term Assistance 

One of the very best things you can find at a Kia dealership is the sense that the people you are working with as you choose and finance a vehicle are in it for the long-haul. From the salespeople to the financing team, and even service technicians, everything about the car-buying experience should feel like they are building a long-term relationship with you, not just making a quick sale. Buying a vehicle is a big investment, so you want to be sure that the people at the Kia dealership you choose value your time and patronage. 

The right Kia dealership wants to make sure you drive away happy and remain satisfied with your purchase for years to come. You should feel comfortable calling afterward about any questions you might have, and taking your vehicle back there to get service done whenever it’s needed. This is the ultimate value of a dealer over a private seller or online retailer – that personal connection that develops and keeps you happy for years to come. When you’re ready to see your local Kia dealership stop into Allentown Kia. Our knowledgeable and professional sales staff will be happy to show you through our large inventory, clean dealership, obtainable financial options and get you in the car that you need.