The Automobile Market in Kansas City

The Time is Now to Track Down the Brand-New Car You’ve Been Waiting For

After a lull in the automotive industry due to microchip shortages and other supply-chain challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the auto market in Kansas City is heating up. This midwestern city has always provided a wide selection of dealerships from top-grade manufacturers and models, but now that long-awaited 2023 vehicles are available, it’s looking more and more like a buyer’s market. 

However, a buyer’s market means more competition from other buyers. This means that if you’re looking for a new car for sale in Kansas City, you will want to express your interest early and quickly move forward with your purchase.

To help you out, the following guide will give you some tips to determine what dealerships offer the best variety of vehicles at competitive prices, and which ones will be sure to provide the signature customer service you deserve – especially if you’ve been waiting it out for a favorable market.

How Can I Learn About the Best Dealerships in the Kansas City Area?

First, of course, it’s important to decide on the manufacturer you’re most interested in. Kansas City offers a wide variety of dealerships that represent the leading manufacturers, so you should have no problem locating at least a handful of dealerships that sell the cars you’re looking for. 

Then, it’s a question of determining the right dealership for you. Suppose you’re in the market for a Volkswagen, and you’ve been able to identify three different dealerships in the Kansas City area. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each dealership, so you know how to distinguish between them.

Here are the “green flags” (as opposed to red flags) that will let you know you’ve found a dealership worth exploring in the KC area:

• Importantly, do they appear to have the car you’re looking for in stock, or – when chatting with a customer service rep – is this car going to become available soon? This is a big green flag. 

• Start by checking out customer reviews. Can you get a sense of the dealerships’ strong values, service, and thoroughness with customers? This is a green flag.
• Has the dealership picked up awards and accolades for its performance? Have they mentioned this on their website? Green flag. 
• Does the dealership participate in sales initiatives such as VW’s Sign Then Drive event? Green flag.
• Are there opportunities for “zero down at purchase”? Green again.
• Does the dealership appear to have a robust service center with technicians who can take good care of your vehicle because they know your make and model well? Yep – it’s green.

What Should I Look for When I Show Up at the Dealership?

While Kansas City is known for excellent dealerships due to the fact that it’s a central metro- area for a large part of the Midwest, you get to be even pickier as a consumer by vetting these already exceptional establishments. 

Now, you get to tour the dealership and start looking around. When you’re visiting, play another round of “green flags” to determine whether this is the dealership you want to go with for sure.

Here are some characteristics to look for when you arrive at the dealership:

• First, ensure they do indeed have the car you’re looking for – or they have comparable options that you’d be excited to drive. Green flag!
• Does a sales associate or other member of the team greet you warmly? Green.
• Do you feel like you have room to ask questions, express interest, mention any concerns, and get all of the information you need? Green.
• Are you excited to be at this dealership doing business? Green!

Ready to Take on the Auto Market in Kansas City to Get the Car You Want?

If you’ve gotten this far with most or all of the green flags mentioned above, you’re in the right place to do business, and you’ll likely end up with the keys to the vehicle you’ve been waiting for. Now, it’s just a matter of giving the vehicle a test drive to ensure it’s exactly what you want.

The good news is, that if you’ve followed the guide above, you’re going to be in a position to get all your questions answered about the vehicle in question, the test drive should be a breeze – and a lot of fun – and you’ll soon be filling out the necessary paperwork. 

The Midwest is known for its charm, hospitality, and values. This means that you’re likely to have a great experience at the dealership of your choice, and – if you’re truly fortunate – this will be a place you can continue to return to for vehicles whenever you’re in the market again.