The hot Sonoran Desert climate of Phoenix may not suit your long walks and bike rides, but it definitely provides the right temperature for the automotive market to thrive! Not only does the city of Phoenix offer a wide variety of cars at affordable prices, but it also offers business-friendly policies for dealerships, making it a hub for the new and used car market. Phoenix is a large metropolitan area, resulting in a substantial and active used car market with numerous dealerships and private sellers. While historically not a major manufacturing center for traditional combustion engine vehicles, its focus on EVs and AVs signifies a new chapter in its automotive significance.
This blog provides a detailed overview of Phoenix’s new and used car dealerships, explains how to select the best one for your needs, and unveils the ultimate checklist for car buyers.
Best Car Dealerships in Phoenix
Is there a thing called “best,” or is it just what attracts us at a particular moment? Here at Spyne, we’ve curated a list of top car dealerships in Phoenix, all with a unique set of offerings.
For New Cars
- 1. Camelback Toyota: This dealership is consistently praised for its customer service, extensive inventory of new and used Toyotas.
Bell Honda: Known for their extensive new and used vehicle inventory, exceptional car care, and customer service. They have a long-standing presence and are often recommended for their friendly and knowledgeable staff.
3. Courtesy Chevrolet: With a history spanning nearly 70 years in Phoenix, Courtesy Chevrolet is often cited as a trusted dealership. They offer a large inventory of new and certified pre-owned Chevrolet vehicles.
4. Earnhardt Lexus: If you’re in the market for a luxury vehicle, Earnhardt Lexus is frequently mentioned as a top choice. Customers appreciate the personalized attention and high-end amenities.
5. Chapman BMW on Camelback: Another strong contender in the luxury segment, Chapman BMW on Camelback is known for its extensive selection of new and certified pre-owned BMW models.
For Used Cars
- AutoNation USA Phoenix: This is a large used car retailer with a significant presence in Phoenix. They emphasize a stress-free car-shopping experience with “no-haggle” pricing, a worry-free pledge that includes a 125-step inspection and a money-back guarantee, and a focus on customer service.
- Arizona Best Cars: They have a straightforward approach to helping customers find the right used car within their budget. They offer financing options and aim for a simple approval process.
3. Right Choice Automotive: This used car dealership focuses on hand-selecting vehicles, primarily in the $5,000 to $25,000 price range. They emphasize transparent pricing using Kelly Blue Book and Carfax, and each car undergoes inspection by a certified mechanic.
4. Goldie’s Motors: Frequently mentioned in customer reviews, Goldie’s Motors is often praised for its straightforward and honest dealings in the used car market.
New vs. Used Car Buying in Phoenix
Picking between a shiny new car and a trusty used one is a big call! There’s no single answer that fits everyone – it all boils down to you. Think about these things before you decide:
- Your Money: How much can you happily spend, not just to buy, but also for things like insurance and fixing it up if needed?
- What You Need the Car For: Will it be for quick trips, hauling your family, or long drives? What things must it have (like space or good gas mileage)?
- How Long Will It Last: Look into how reliable the cars you like tend to be, whether they’re new or used.
- Promise of Fixing Things: New cars usually come with a promise to fix problems (a warranty). Used cars might not, or you might have to pay extra for one.
- Borrowing Money: Check out how much it would cost to borrow money (interest rates) for both new and used cars.
- Total Cost Over Time: Think about how much the car will cost you in the long run – not just buying it, but also gas, fixing it, and how much less it will be worth later on.
- Feeling Safe and Sure: How comfy are you with the chance of a used car needing repairs? A new car can feel safer at first because it’s brand new.
- Helping the Planet: Newer cars often use less gas and are cleaner for the air. If that’s important to you, a new or newer used car might be better.
- Selling It Later: If you think you’ll want a different car in a few years, see how much the cars you’re looking at usually sell for used. New cars lose value faster at first, but some hold their value better than others.
Take your time, think about what matters most to you, and you’ll pick the right set of wheels!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dealership
Choosing the right dealership can save you the extra cost that others might charge for their fancy outlets, or the post-purchase indifference, or pushy sales executives who might rush you into buying an extravagant vehicle. But how to choose the right one? Put a check on the factors that are most important to you, then begin your hunt! There’s no chance you’ll go wrong.
The Set of Cars They Own
The larger the inventory, the greater the chances of you securing the best deal. Specifically for used cars, this factor can get you the best-maintained and relatively newer car without a stressful hunt.
After Sales Service
If all they care about is selling a vehicle then you’re in for trouble. A good dealership plays the long game by building good customer relations. This is a symbiotic relation. Rather it has more for you than them as you get a perfect go-to outlet when something goes wrong with your car.
Educated and Polite Sales Executives
Good executives can help you make the right decisions. They will answer all your queries patiently and will make the whole process smooth.
Considering a pre-loved ride in Phoenix?
If a new car isn’t in your sights, the dealership you choose becomes your trusted guide. They’re the ones who find the right vehicle, give it the care it needs to shine, and ensure it’s in top shape for you. Crucially, you’ll want a dealership that lays all the cards on the table about the car’s past – its history should be an open book.
Digital Retailing in Phoenix Auto Sales
Even before staying home became the norm, snagging a new set of wheels from your couch was already a smart move for many. Who doesn’t love an easier way to do things? Imagine kicking back at home and uncovering fantastic car deals with just a few clicks! You could browse car catalogs at home and get better deals too.
The internet threw open the doors to a massive car market, making it a cinch to hunt down what you wanted, learn all about it, and size up the sellers. Clever tools like Carfax and AutoCheck became digital detectives, revealing a car’s backstory and making online used car shopping feel much safer. And those dealerships we mentioned? Many offer certified pre-owned rides with promises you can trust, turning the quest for a great used car online into a breeze.
Car Dealerships in Phoenix were quick to catch this wave. Local sellers got savvy, rolling out online loan options, virtual walkarounds that let you peek at every nook and cranny, and even bringing the showroom to your driveway for a test spin, all to stay ahead of the curve. So, most of those top-notch dealerships we talked about? Their online game is just as strong as their in-person charm.
How Spyne Supports Phoenix Dealerships?
As digital presence became increasingly critical, car dealerships in Phoenix realised the importance of a beautifully presented car VDP. That’s where Spyne supports them. With the following tools, car cataloging has become as easy as editing on canva or maybe easier!
Image Studio
Spyne’s tool is basically a car photo editor app. It can remove clutter and fix crooked pictures, weird shadows, and reflections. It also makes sure your eyes go straight to the car—where they should!
See Every Angle with Cool Spins and Videos
To keep people interested, Spyne has tools that let you create car 360 spin of the cars you can spin around! They also make videos that walk you through the car using smart AI. These super clear pictures and videos let you zoom in and see just how good the outside of the car looks.
Smart Eyes for Car Checks and Showcasing
Spyne also has a vehicle inspection system that uses AI to look for bumps or scratches on cars. It even makes detailed reports automatically. Plus, it helps dealerships stamp their online listings, so you know who you’re buying from.
Tips for Car Buyers in Phoenix
Stepping into a car showroom can be exciting, but it’s easy to get swept up in the moment! Being prepared is your secret weapon to saving big bucks. Here’s how to keep your cool and your cash:
Know Your True Spending Power:
Remember, this car is for you, not a trophy for everyone else. Get crystal clear on your absolute spending limit, considering the down payment and those monthly bills. Don’t forget the sneaky extra costs that add up, like insurance, those unavoidable paperwork fees, and the ongoing cost of keeping your ride running smoothly.
Focus on Your Real Needs, Not the Frills:
Think hard about what you actually need this car to do. Amazing gas mileage for your commute? Enough room for the whole crew? Top-notch safety features? Don’t let dazzling extras tempt you – they’ll just inflate the price for things you might never even use.
Become an Expert Before You Go:
Before setting foot in a San Antonio dealership, become a car-savvy detective! Research different models, dive into expert reviews and real driver feedback, and check out safety and reliability ratings. Websites like Kelley Blue Book and Consumer Reports are your trusty sidekicks! Know what the basic model offers and where the extra charges creep in.
New, Gently Used, or Certified Smart?
Depending on your budget and what kind of ride you’re dreaming of, you’ve got options: that fresh-off-the-lot new car smell, a reliable used car, or a “certified pre-owned” gem (a used car that’s been thoroughly checked and often comes with a safety net like a warranty). Carefully weigh what fits your life best, and maybe even peek at online tools to see how well different cars hold their value down the road.
Feel the Ride and See Every Detail:
Absolutely, positively always take a car for a test drive! See how it feels on the road, check your visibility, listen to the noise levels inside, and get a sense of its performance. If you’re going the used car route, it’s a super smart move to have an independent mechanic (someone who doesn’t work for the dealership) give it a thorough once-over to ensure everything is in tip-top shape.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to the allure of a brand-new model gleaming under the Arizona sun or the smart value of a pre-owned gem, Phoenix offers a diverse landscape of car dealerships to explore. From established franchises boasting the latest innovations to independent lots brimming with character and budget-friendly options, the Valley of the Sun caters to every automotive need and desire. Remember the power of online tools for initial research and the irreplaceable value of an in-person test drive and inspection. So, arm yourself with knowledge, embrace the process, and get ready to drive away in your ideal Phoenix vehicle.
