Bringing Used Cars Back to Life: How a Used Car Dealership Reconditions Cars Before Selling Them

When it comes to buying a used car, many people are hesitant because they fear getting a vehicle that has been poorly maintained or has hidden problems. This is where a used car dealership’s reconditioning process comes in.

The reconditioning process is a series of steps that a dealership takes to make sure a used car is in top condition before it is sold to a new owner. This process can vary from dealership to dealership, but generally, it involves a thorough inspection of the car to identify any issues, followed by repairs and maintenance to fix those issues.

Here are some of the steps that a used car dealership might take to recondition a car:

1. Inspection: The first step in the reconditioning process is to thoroughly inspect the car. This includes a visual inspection of the exterior and interior of the car, as well as a mechanical inspection to check for any issues with the engine, transmission, brakes, and other systems. Any problems or deficiencies that are identified during the inspection will be addressed in the next step.
2. Repairs: After the inspection, the dealership will make any necessary repairs to the car. This could include replacing worn-out parts, fixing mechanical issues, or performing routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations.
3. Cleaning and detailing: A used car dealership will also make sure that the car is clean and well-maintained on the inside and out. This might involve a thorough detailing of the exterior and interior, including washing, waxing, and buffing the exterior, and cleaning and vacuuming the interior.
4. Certification: Some used car dealerships will also offer a certification program, which means that they have inspected the car and made any necessary repairs, and are willing to stand behind the car’s quality. This can give buyers added peace of mind when purchasing a used car.

At Fellah Auto Group, we understand that finding a reliable car can be a challenge. That’s why we go the extra mile for you by taking each car through a reconditioning process so that you can be sure it’s in the best condition possible! With our cars, you can drive away with the peace of mind that you won’t be surprised by any unexpected problems down the road. So come visit us and take the wheel of your new car with confidence!

The Used Car Price Spike of 2021: Why Prices Rose and How They are Finally Coming Down

You saw it on the news, in your feeds. . . used car prices spiked in 2021 to 2022 upwards of 30%. One major factor was the global shortage of new cars caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember the chip shortage? Many car manufacturers experienced delays in production due to supply chain disruptions and temporary factory closures. As a result, the supply of new cars dwindled, leading to an increase in demand for used cars.

In addition to the shortage of new cars, there were also other factors that contributed to the rise in used car prices. One was the increase in e-commerce and online shopping, which led to an increase in delivery and transportation needs. This in turn led to a rise in demand for pickup trucks and commercial vehicles, which are often purchased used.

Another factor was the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic, which led many consumers to prioritize saving money and avoiding large purchases like a new car. Instead, they turned to used cars as a more affordable option.

Finally, low-interest rates also contributed to the rise in used car prices, as they made it easier for people to finance their purchases.

Now, in 2023, used car prices are finally starting to come down. This is due in part to the improving economy and the increasing availability of new cars as production has ramped up again. In addition, with more people getting vaccinated and COVID-19 cases declining, there is less of a need for transportation for essential purposes, leading to a decrease in demand for used cars.  Unfortunately, the FED has raised the interest rates, which means it cost more to borrow, but one of the goals is to lower the price of cars.

Top 5 reasons why choosing an independent used car dealer can save you money

1. – Compared to larger, even national franchise-owned dealerships (think of the big brand stores), used car dealers often have lower overhead costs, which means they can offer their cars at more competitive prices.

2. –  Because independent used car dealers tend to be small, family-owned businesses, they are typically more willing to negotiate on price.

3 – Independent used car dealers specialize in selling used vehicles, they often have a wider selection of pre-owned cars to choose from, which means you are more likely to find a car that fits your budget. 
4 – The Culture at an independent dealership is more customer and community-focused.  They know the local cultures, trends and preferences.  They also have the exclusive connections with local insurance agents to get the lowest rates.

4 – Smaller independent dealers know the models that they service, and are able to keep your car running smoothly for years to come.

As an independent, family-owned car dealer, Fellah Auto Group checks off all of these boxes and more.  With no national advertising being spent or working under franchise restrictions we are able to sell our cars for far less.  Most of our inventory is hand-selected by the owners of the company, who are car enthusiasts!  We want to share our love for all things automotive with you.

Cutting through the misconception that “Auction Cars” are Bad.

Are Auction Cars Bad?

A long time ago, when a used car “went to auction” after being traded in, meant that it was beaten up, past its usefulness, and undesirable. Anymore, the “bad auction car” theory is actually a misconception since really, most used cars on the market go through an auction anyway.

Think of it this way, a customer may trade in a Ford Explorer at a Honda dealership, for say, a CRV, because they want to downsize. This Ford Explorer may only be 1 or 2 years old, with low mileage, and otherwise in excellent condition. That used Ford may not be desirable inventory for this Honda dealer. So what to do? Send it to a reputable wholesale auction, like Manheim. There, dealers bid on this and millions of other vehicles that ARE a good fit for their lot.

It can be okay to buy a used car from an auction, but it is important to do your research and be cautious before making a purchase. Some auctions may offer cars that are in good condition and can be a good value, but others may have cars that are in poor condition or have hidden problems. It is a good idea to inspect the car thoroughly before buying it. It is also a good idea to check the car’s history (via the free CARFAX report)  to make sure it has not been in any major accidents or had other major problems. Overall, buying a used car from an auction can be a good option if you are careful and do your due diligence.

 Why do New cars depreciate faster than used cars?

You may have heard the phrase “this car will lose 20% of its value as soon as it leaves the lot!”.  Typically, people are referring to a NEW car’s depreciation or loss of value over time. Generally, new cars will depreciate faster than used cars because they are considered to be worth less as soon as they are purchased.

This is because cars are considered a depreciable asset, meaning that their value decreases over time. New cars depreciate faster than used cars because they lose a significant portion of their value as soon as they are driven off the dealership lot, compared to used cars, where this process has already happened (when the car itself was new).

The rate at which a car depreciates depends on a number of factors, including its make and model, age, mileage, and condition. Some vehicles, like garage-kept collector vehicles, can develop an “immunity” against depreciation, where their value even goes UP over time.

In Loving Memory of Cars Discontinued This Year

These Are All the Cars That Are Dying in 2022 from
https://jalopnik.com/these-are-all-the-cars-that-are-dying-in-2022-1849848770/slides/18
© 2022 G/O Media Inc.

Twilight has come for these popular vehicles at the end of 2022, and they will no longer be manufactured and available for sale in 2023 and onward.

Acura ILX
Buick Encore
Chevy Spark
Ford Ecosport
Ford GT
Honda Insight
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai IONIQ
Infiniti Q60
Lamborghini Aventador
Lexus RXL
Mercedes A-Class
Nissan Rogue Sport
Ram ProMaster City
Toyota Avalon
Volkswagen Passat

But all is not lost! At Fellah Auto Group, we have a bunch of these vehicles still, and will for years to come. Our purchasers have access to the pre-owned wholesale market, off-lease vehicles, and trade ins. We can get you exactly what you need if it’s out there.

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