How to Choose a Trustworthy Used Car Dealer in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has hundreds of used car lots, and they are not all the same. Before you hand over a down payment, run through this checklist. It takes ten minutes and can save you thousands.
We are a used car dealer ourselves, Charlie Cheap Car, in business since 2001, so after each point we tell you honestly how we measure up.
1. How long have they been in business?
A lot that sells bad cars rarely lasts. Look for a dealer with years at the same name, not one that opened last spring. Check the business name in Google Maps and look at how far back the reviews go.
Us: our founder started buying and selling cars in 1998 and opened Charlie Cheap Car in 2001. Our story.
2. Are they licensed?
Every dealer that sells cars in Nevada must be licensed by the Nevada DMV. A licensed dealer has a physical lot and has to follow state rules on titles, paperwork and disclosures. Be careful buying from anyone who cannot show a dealer license or a real address.
Us: we are a licensed Nevada used car dealer at 5015 W Sahara Ave Ste 127.
3. What do real customers say, and does the dealer answer?
Read the newest reviews, not just the star rating, and read the bad ones. A dealer who replies to complaints and tries to fix them is a dealer who cares what happens after the sale.
Us: hundreds of Google reviews, and we reply to them. Read our reviews.
4. Are the fees shown up front?
Ask for the dealer fees in writing before you visit. A car advertised at $9,000 can become $10,500 by the time fees appear on the paperwork. Honest dealers list them on the car.
Us: every listing shows our fees separately, $752.25 in total. Dealer fees in Nevada, explained.
5. Can you see the history and inspect the car?
Ask for a vehicle history report and ask what was done to the car before it was put on the lot. A good dealer lets you test drive it, including on the freeway, and does not rush you.
Us: every car is inspected before it goes on the lot, and most listings include a free history report.
6. How does the financing work?
Find out whether the dealer carries the loan itself (buy here pay here) or sends it to outside lenders, whether your payments are reported to the credit bureaus, and what the total cost of the loan is, not just the monthly payment.
Us: we send your application to several outside lenders, which gives you more than one chance at an approval. Financing is subject to lender approval. Buy here pay here vs. lender financing.
7. Will they still answer the phone after you buy?
Ask what happens if something goes wrong in the first weeks, and whether warranty plans are available. A dealer who plans to be around next year has a reason to make it right.
Us: call (702) 471-1549 and ask for a manager. Optional warranty plans are available.
Red flags
- Pressure to sign today, or a deal that is "only good right now".
- Fees that show up only on the final paperwork.
- No history report, or no test drive.
- A promise that you are "guaranteed approved" before anyone has seen your application.
- Blank spaces in a contract you are asked to sign.
Come see for yourself
5015 W Sahara Ave Ste 127, Las Vegas, NV 89146
Monday to Friday 9am–7pm, Saturday 9am–6pm, Sunday 11am–4pm. Open seven days. Se habla español.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Financing is subject to lender approval.