How much will it cost to open used car dealership


Generally, the cost of opening a successful car dealership depends on few factors. First, your consultation and appropriate planning will a specialist will matter a lot to avoid last minutes surprises and unnecessary difficulties. Overall, opening an effective car dealership will range between 100,000 and 200,000 dollars. Below are essential costs you need to cover to open a car dealership:

(a) Business location

Essentially, you will need to buy or rent your dealership location. Generally, buying the best and beneficial location will depend on the specific state you are targeting, targeted property, and location. Therefore, the monthly price for the lease might vary between 8,000 to 20,000 dollars.
Besides, looking for the perfect location and also negotiating for the good leas right on commercial property can sometimes be challenging, especially if it's your first time. So, the helpful thing you can do is getting in touch with an expert who can aid you in this process for excellent results. Besides, you can even decide to build the property which suits you if your budget allows you.

(b) Auto dealer bond

Besides, almost every state needs an auto dealer in the part of licensing process. However, the entire surety bond cost will depend on the bond amount, applicant's credit score together with personal assets, financial statements, and other related financial indicators.

 In essence, the bond amount is the sum of compensation, and it’s mostly determined by every state individually, which might also range between 5,000 and 100,000 dollars. Besides, getting a bond still with bad credit is possible, but their bit a high.

So, your credit score with time you can receive better rates right on subsequent bonds. Remember, the higher the applicant's score means the lower bond or rate cost. For example, many applicants with high credit scores are mostly given rates ranging from one and three percent of the sum bond amount. For about 25,000 dollars, surety bond applicants with perfect credit scores such as Texas can eventually pay between 250 and 750 dollars.

(c) Business registration

Business registration tends to vary from state and the type of business. In this case, someone can choose between Limited Liability Company, limited partnership, sole proprietorship, or corporation. When registering for your car dealerships, remember some states also require yearly maintenance fees and filing fees.
 And this takes into account when selecting the proper structure of your car dealership. For example, when you decide to register your car dealership with a limited partnership in Colorado, California, you will likely pay between 50 and 70 dollars.

(d) Accountant fees

This is optional. You might prefer hiring a professional to aid you with predicting and managing the expenses. And with countless professional accountants who specialize in dealing with auto motors, first, consult fees they will charge you.

Typically, they charge between 200 and 600 dollars for the first-time consultation.

(e) Insurance

Car dealership insurance requirement tends to vary with the state you live. And both will depend on the type of insurance and coverage amounts. In some cases, you can come across many options out there. For example, you can get insurance with three policies that will cover death per person/bodily injury, property damage, and accidents. However, with the surety bonds, the premiums on insurances depend, so you should consult the insurance provider to get excellent insurance coverage of your dealership.

(f) Business license

You should own a relevant business license before you open it. And this license will come with some fee which differs from state to state. Besides, this fee includes a permit or licensing fee, application fee, and dealer plate fee.

(g) Inventory

Inventory cost will depend on the type of cars you want to start selling, model and amount. But starting our gradually and small is more manageable and affordable. Remember, inventory is single, yet the most considerable cost someone will have when they want to open a used car dealership.

(f) Payroll

The payroll expenses are another essential item you should consider to open a successful car dealership. Besides, good data right on average payroll tends to cost per state. The monthly expenses can vary on the initial amount of employees and different salaries for different positions.

Other costs

Generally, there another related cost which we cannot account for right now, but you will need them later. And they include advertising, consultations, furniture, buying shop equipment and the launching the website cost. You can tell that the entire cost of opening a car dealership varies depending on the specific location and category of business someone intends to start.

3. Do dealerships negotiate on the used cars?

The short answer is yes. Here in Hartland Automotive sales, we give our clients room to negotiate their car prices. Of course, when you are buying a used car, your expectation is moving in and negotiate, drive the specific price down, and finally walk away with your dream car and an anticipated deal.

However, be aware that many dealerships post the lowest amount they target to take from those vehicles, so don't expect you seller to go much down on price when it comes to used car for sale. Below are negotiation tips car dealers should know:

(a) Consider main factors

Many things determine the selling price of a specific car, including the wear and tear, color, if the vehicle was smoked in, extended warranties, total previous owners, interior, aftermarket features, and other related. So use these features to negotiate with your clients because customers will feel good to own a car with all quality features.

What is an admin fee and what does it cover


When you buy a car you may face admin fees. It can be confusing as to why the sticker price is not the final price of the vehicle. I will break down the types of fees you will face when buying the car of your dreams.

Admin fees are fees set up by us at Hartland and the manufacturers we work with. You need to pay these fees to take your car home legally. These fees are completely legitimate. It covers the documentation and processing fees placed upon the vehicle that you choose to purchase.

These fees pay us back for our time and energy in selling a car to you. It helps us pay for employee training in dealing with your paperwork legally. We are in a hurry to close your paperwork so you can take your vehicle home quickly and without this training it would take longer to close the deal for you. It pays us back for time dealing with paperwork and making sure your vehicle is legally compliant with State and Federal laws.

There are many laws we must check for while selling you a vehicle. Some of these include vehicle history checks, notifications on recalls, getting up to date vehicle information, and consumer certifications. Getting all of this information could take hours or days even under ideal situations. We aim to make this as quick as possible for you because we know that you want to get your new vehicle on the road.

We do all of this to protect your consumer rights and make sure your vehicle is actually reliable. Some of the things we watch for include:
          - protection against liens on the vehicle
         - double checking emissions are correct.
         - looking for rebates and discounts to help you save money
         - keeping our records up to date on all of our vehicles.
        - submitting paperwork to the manufacturer

 These fees are normally included on the paperwork under admin fees so you know what you will have to pay before you pay it. If you choose to pay for your car all at once you will be able to pay these fees instantly right along with the vehicle. If financing you will have to pay for at least the tax, title and licensing fees right away. Everything else may be debatable and worked into the financing.

If you are questioning if certain fees are really for your car you can simply check by matching up the vehicles vin number to the vin number on your paperwork. If they match up then those are the fees you be required to pay when purchasing your vehicle. If there is an error let us know and we will fix this discrepancy right away. At Hartland we put our customers first.

We hope you now know what these fees are all about and how to check them. Come and check our lot if you are looking to upgrade your current vehicle or maybe just to get a second car for your family. We can't wait to help you find a vehicle that suits your needs at Hartland.

Should I buy a new car or a used car


When you are in the market for a vehicle, you may have a debate on whether you should purchase a used car or a new car to take home. Many have their own preferences, but knowing the benefits of each one can make the decision that much easier. If you need help finding the right car for you, whether it is a new or used car, make sure to visit us at Hartland Automotive Sales to make the process easier.

Benefits of Purchasing a Used Car

Some people decide to only purchase a used car when they come to our dealership. This is a great idea because it can save money and when a used car is well taken care of, it will last a long time. There are many benefits to choosing to purchase a used car rather than a new car including:

  • They cost less: Used cars are often a fraction of the cost that you would pay for a new car, saving you a lot of money.
  • You do not need to take out a loan. Most car owners do not have the cash upfront in order to purchase that vehicle. This means they need to have a loan to handle it. That adds more fees and interest to the overall price of the car loan.
  • Many great options: As long as you shop around, there are often many great used cars that you can purchase, some almost as good as new, for a less expensive price.
Benefits of Purchasing a New Car

For some car owners, purchasing a new vehicle makes the most sense for them. There are a number of benefits to having a brand new car rather than saving money on an older vehicle that may wear out or break down on them quickly. Some of the benefits of purchasing a new car include:

  • Comes with the latest safety technology to keep you and your family safe. this can include things like blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, cruise control, and more.
  • Better fuel efficiency. The newer cars can go longer on less gas, making them a better choice as well because they can save you money.
  • Will last longer: Since the vehicle is newer, you may get more out of it. You will not need to replace it in a few years, which may make it a better buy in the long run.
  • Will not break down as much: You can make an older car last a long time, but you will need to do quite a bit of work on it. While newer vehicles can have trouble, this happens less in the first few years, making it more affordable.

Whether you are looking for a new or used car, come visit us at Hartland Automotive Sales. We have many great cars for all your needs. We can work with you to find a vehicle that fits in your budget and have you drive off our lot with the car of your dreams. Contact us today to get started.

Do I need to take my car to the dealership I purch


When something goes wrong with your vehicle, it is important to get the work taken care of right away. Some people go to their trusted mechanic, while others like to wait to visit the dealership to get the issue taken care of. At Hartland Automotive Sales in Elkhart, Indiana, we are happy to help you with all of your car needs. Visit us today to get your vehicle looked over or to purchase your next car!

Do I need to use a dealership?

Many car owners believe that they have to work with a dealership any time they have a problem with the car or they need it serviced. There are some benefits to working with the exact dealership that you purchased the vehicle. Sometimes they do have better service. And if you have some kind of warranty on the car at all, then you may need to visit the dealership in order to get the work done rather than using a mechanic.

However, working with a dealership is not always the best option. Without a warranty on the vehicle, which can often cost a lot more money when you purchase the car, you may end up with spending a lot more money if you try to take the car to a dealership. There is nothing wrong with using a dealership if you want, but you do need to remember that it is fine to take your vehicle to another mechanic if they cost less and are closer to your home location.

Will other mechanics be able to take care of my vehicle?

In most situations, you can use any mechanic you would like to help service and take care of your vehicle. Unless you have a very specialty vehicle, such as a Tesla electric car, you can take your vehicle in anywhere that you would like without a problem. This gives you a lot more options.

Many people are willing to travel a little bit in order to find the right vehicle for them. This gives them more options. However, it may result in the dealership being too far away for regular maintenance of the vehicle. Or, the car owner may have their own mechanic they already trust to take care of all their car problems.

If this sounds like you, it is perfectly fine to work with another mechanic in order to take care of the vehicle. Dealers may provide a little extra care and attention, but they also are far away, picky about what they will fix, and can cost more than anyone else. To save a lot of time and money, a local mechanic may be the best option.

At Hartland Automotive Sales, we are happy to take care of all your vehicle needs. We understand how valuable your vehicle is to you and how much you need it to get to work, school, and to run errands. No matter where you purchased your vehicle, we are here to help. 

Contact us today to get your vehicle serviced!

Who qualifies for the Honda (your make) graduate p


When you are done with college, it is important to have a good and reliable vehicle that can last you a long time. You need to make it to your new job and do not want to show up in a car that does not work well or will die out on you in no time. With the Honda Graduate Program, you can get a great deal to make life easier. Our team at Hartland Automotive Sales can help you find the right Honda vehicle when you graduate.

What is the Honda Graduate Program?

This is a great program that is meant to help out recent graduates, or those who are about to graduate, get a great deal on a vehicle that can get them to and from work. Life after completing your degree in college is full of a lot of great opportunities. But it is also full of a lot of new expenses. In these situations, an extra $500 will go a long way.

Whatever your needs or dreams are, you need a good car to help you get there. And Honda is happy to provide $500 savings towards a new vehicle to make it easier to get where you want to go. This can be used on some of the newer models of Honda and is even be used on leased vehicles.

If you decide to lease the vehicle, the $500 will apply towards the cap cost of that vehicle. If you decide to purchase the vehicle, then the $500 will go towards the down payment that you would need to pay on the vehicle. You can also combine this program with a few other current offers to save even more money when you get a new vehicle. For a lot of college kids about to pay their student loans, this can provide some welcome relief.

What You Will Need

Before you are able to work on this program, there are a few things that you need to meet to get this deal. These include:
  • Proof that you have a job. You can show a paystub to the current job you have or a firm commitment letter from an employer you will get started with soon.
  • Have graduated within the past two years or plan to graduate in the next six months. Anyone who is further away from graduating than the six months will need to wait until they are close to their graduation date.
  • Provide your Honda dealer with all of the required credit checks and documents.
  • Have a good credit history
The Honda Graduate Program is a great option for a lot of people who would like to get a new vehicle. If you would like to upgrade to a new vehicle but want to get a good deal before you leave college and start working, then this program is a great option. At Hartland Automotive Sales, we are ready to help you get this deal so you can walk away with a new Honda vehicle. 

Contact us today to get started.

What isn’t covered in the manufacturer’s warranty


When you get a car warranty, you need to understand what is covered and what you will need to pay out of pocket to get repaired. At Hartland Automotive Sales in Elkhart, Indiana, we are happy to take a look at your warranty and see what needs to be repaired within your warranty. While all warranties are a little bit different, some of the things that are not covered in a manufacturer’s warranty include:

It really depends on the type of policy or warranty you get. If you work with a bumper to bumper policy, this is a blanket term that will cover some specific components of the vehicle like the on-board audio, electrical parts, fuel systems, and air conditioning. These polices are not going to include some simple items like fluid top ups and oil changes. This type of warranty is often the first one that will expire on you.

You may also find that a new car comes with a power train warranty. This type of warranty is a little bit different and is meant to cover your vehicle for 10 years or up to 100,000 miles. They are not going to cover each issue that your vehicle may have either though. Car owners may choose to go with this kind of warranty to cover transmission and engine issues to save some money. This type will work well to prevent issues with the drive shaft and joints if those show up. You will not get things like tire rotations and tune ups covered with this though.

Many car owners are surprised by some of the things that are not covered with their manufacturer’s warranty. For example, most of these warranties are not going to cover things like the batteries, tires, and exhaust systems. If you have your own warranty or you get an individual brand warranty, it is possible that these will be covered, but you will need to look at your policy to see what is covered through it and what is not covered.

Before you get any kind of warranty, it is a good idea to read through everything. Each warranty is a little bit different and will cover different things. Some will even include some options that will allow you to add more services, but they do cost more than a traditional warranty. Always read through the warranty so you will fully understand what is covered and what you will need to pay for on your own when something breaks down on your vehicle.

Understanding the car warranty that you have, whether it is a manufacturer’s warranty or another type of warranty, can help you know what will be covered on your vehicle and what is not. When something goes wrong with your vehicle and you need to get it fixed, you may turn to the manufacturer’s warranty to help you get it fixed without all of the high costs to you. 

Visit us at Hartland Automotive Sales to get all of the work done.

Looking for a new Honda Civic Try a Chevy Cruze


When you are ready to look for your next new car, you have a lot of different options to choose from. You will need to consider the amount of space you have, the type of vehicle you want, and even the price. At Hartland Automotive Sales, we have the best vehicles around, ensuring that you can drive off with the nice new car of your dreams. If you have been considering a Honda Civic but you are struggling to find the right one, you may want to consider working with a Chevy Cruze as well. Let’s compare these two vehicles to see why both can be awesome options for your family.

Interior Features

If you want a vehicle with a lot of cargo space, then the Chevy Cruze is the best option. You can fold down the back seats when they are not in use and get 47.2 cubic feet of space while the Honda Civic will only give 46.2 cubic feet. Both cars also have heated seats and 8-qay power driver’s seat, but the cost is lower in the Chevy Cruze.

Technology

The Chevy Cruze has their Infotainment 3 system that includes a 7-inch color screen compared to the Honda Civic that has a 5-inch color screen. The Cruze also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without having to pay extra. It also comes with a standard Wi-Fi hotspot capability for when you are traveling around.

Performance

At the entry-level, both have engines that are similar. There is a little bit more torque in the Cruze, but the Civic has more horsepower behind it. The Cruze also has a turbo-diesel engine that will give you some more fuel efficiency than you are able to find with other options. The Cruze has 45 mile per gallon capabilities, though the Honda Civic is still impressive with 40 miles per gallon.

Safety

Safety is important for most families who are trying to pick the right vehicle for their needs. Both of these vehicles include a lot of the safety features that you need including a tire pressure monitoring system, rear-vision camera, advanced airbags and more. The Cruze takes it a little further, providing options like Teen Driver technology that allow you to have customizable settings, which you can pair to the key fob, allowing you to control which features your teen can use when they drive. You can also receive an in-person report card so you know exactly what your teen will need to work on.

The Cruze also has the Buckle to Drive feature which means that the car will not let you shift out of park if the seat belt on the driver’s side is not buckled up well. This helps keep everyone safe in the car.

When you are ready to pick out a new car, whether it is a Honda Civic or a Chevy Cruze, you are equipped with the right knowledge to get the perfect car for your needs. 

Contact us at Hartland Automotive Sales to drive off with your dream car. 

Will I get more money trading in my car to a deale


Are you interested in getting rid of your old ride and getting into a new one? Have you been trying to sell it on your own, privately? Did you know there is another option that could be of better convenience to you? You could trade in or your car at a dealership for money off of a new vehicle. If you come to Hartland Automotive Sales, we will go above and beyond to give you the best customer experience possible.

Is selling your car privately a good idea?

Do you know a lot of people who are interested in purchasing a car like yours? Do you have the time to wait for a buyer to find you? These questions are important when selling your car. If you are not able to put your vehicle in the view of many potentially interested buyers, then you are less likely to sell your vehicle. If time is not on your side, then you may want to use another option to sell your car and get a new one. Hartland Automotive Sales is the leading used car company in the Elkhart area. We have the resources to get your car sold in a timely manner.

Is trading your car into a dealership a good idea?

Have you previously tried to sell your car through your personal resources? It can be difficult if you do not have the means, resources, and potential buyers at your disposal. Those are the positive qualities that assist our team in successfully selling our new and used vehicles. We have invested heavily in technology, marketing, and more to bring forth more buyers on a continuous basis. If you want need money right now or you need to get a new ride, trading your used car into Hartland Automotive Sales is an excellent choice.

Can you trust your private buyers?

You aren't guaranteed to have an honest buyer if you sell your car privately. You could end up in a lawsuit for no reason other than someone looking to get money for nothing. Do you want to take that risk with your finances? A simple solution to selling your car would be to trade it in at Hartland Automotive Sales. We will give you top dollar for your trade in. Our professionals understand that ever dollar counts. We want to ensure that each customer gets the best deal possible, whether it is on a trade- in vehicle, an oil change, or any of our other services.

Schedule an appointment today!

Contact our professionals right away to start discussing your needs. We are looking forward to assisting you with any trading, leasing, financing, car-detailing, oil changes, and more. Hartland Automotive has a wide range of services that can be tailored into an individual action plan for your needs. Our professionals have a reputation for providing a fast, friendly, and affordable service on every occasion. 

What are you waiting for? Pick up the phone today or come and see us at the office!

How to prepare your car for trade-in


When you are ready to get a new car, or you just want to get rid of an older car, it is time to work with your local dealer on a trade-in. While it is possible to just bring the trade-in to the dealer without any work at all, there are a few steps you can take to make sure you get as much as possible out of your old car. At Hartland Automotive Sales, we are happy to help you trade-in any car you would like and can make the process as simple as possible. Some of the things you can do to help prepare your car for trade-in includes:

Getting the Car Prepped

The first step here is to get the car ready before you take it into the dealership. This means you should clean out the vehicle completely, both the inside and out. A good wash and wax can make the outside of the car look great. For the inside, get rid of your personal items and vacuum and wash everything. You can even have someone detail it to make it look amazing.

Repair the minor issues

You should walk around and look at any of the minor issues that may be present with the car. Check the lights and replace any that need it. Check all of the fluid levels and top them off if necessary. If there are major issues, these are something that the dealer should handle for you. They will lower the price you get for the car, but the dealer can get them fixed for less than you can.

Collect the right documents

This would include options like the title on the car, the registration, the service records, and anything else that a potential buyer may need with the car. If you have done a good job of maintaining the car, it is more likely to retain some of its value compared to cars that are not maintained well.

The extras

If you have anything that would be considered extras to the car, then this is the time to grab them. You should bring the extra set of keys and any accessories that come with the vehicle as well.

Do your own inspection

Before you take it into the dealer, it is a good idea to conduct some of your own inspections. Look for any of the dings and dents that may be in the vehicle, and fix the ones that you can remove with some elbow grease. You can take it out for a drive and see whether anything seems to be wrong with it. Take note of these as well.

When you are ready to do a trade of your vehicle, contact us at Hartland Automotive Sales. We are able to give you the best price on your trade-in and can even help you find a new car to take home with you. No matter what type of car you want to trade or how bad it looks, we are happy to help. 

Contact us today to get started.

Automotive news and trends


5 Used Car Trends of 2020

While many of our customers are looking for newer vehicles that can last them a long time, we are happy to help many other customers find the perfect used car to get them around town. Whether you are looking to trade in your old car or you just need a new used car to help you get to work and school, our team at Hartland Automotive Sales are here to help you out. Stop on by and see what we can do for you!

Lower Supply

There is a low supply of used cars available on many lots, and lots of customers who want to purchase a used car. This can make it harder for someone who is looking to get a new ride that is less expensive. However, if you are looking to do a trade-in or sell your used car, then this is the perfect time to do it because many dealers will offer a higher price for the car.

Mix Shift will Continue

There are some softer values for some of the used vehicles during 2020, even as the mix of used trucks and cars will include an increase in some of the other vehicles out there that are higher in price. This will make a difference when you are trying to sell your trade-in and you may need to negotiate with your dealer to get the best deal and price on it.

Mainstream cars are still popular

One thing that has stayed the same is that some of the mainstream and popular options out there are still popular. This is good news for those who would like to sell their car and they have one that fits into this category. You can still get a good price since very few people have one available to sell and there are still a good number of customers who would like to purchase one for their homes.

Fragmentation

There is no indication that the market for used vehicles is going to be less fragmented than it was in the past, even with some of the newcomers that are making their way to the market. This can cause some difficulties as well. But there are a lot of benefits that will show up here as well. Since the consumer is open to a lot of different types of vehicles, it is easier to sell your vehicle. But since there is so much fragmentation, you also need to do a little bit of searching to make this work.

When you are ready to trade-in your old car or you are looking for a used car, it is important to know what you want and find the right dealer to help you get it done. Our team at Hartland Automotive Sales can help you get that done, ensuring you leave our lot with the car of your dreams. No matter what you are looking for in your next car, make sure to visit us today so we can help you out!
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