Auto Motion Inc overview and what they sell
Auto Motion Inc is a used car dealership operating in multiple locations across the United States. Like other independent dealerships, they buy and resell vehicles from various sources — trade-ins, auctions, and private sales — rather than selling new cars directly from a manufacturer.
The dealership focuses on used inventory across different price points and vehicle types. Their specific locations, current inventory, and pricing vary by branch, so visiting their website or calling a local lot directly will give you the most accurate picture of what they have in stock right now.
Key Takeaways
- Auto Motion Inc is an independent used car dealership with multiple locations, not a franchise or manufacturer-owned lot.
- Pricing, inventory, and financing terms differ between locations, so you should contact the specific branch you plan to visit.
- Before buying from any used car lot, get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic and run a vehicle history report through Carfax or AutoCheck.
- Used car dealerships typically mark up vehicles above wholesale cost, so comparing prices across multiple lots helps you understand fair market value.
- Financing through the dealership usually costs more than a bank or credit union loan, so getting pre-approved elsewhere gives you negotiating power.
How to research Auto Motion Inc before visiting
Start by finding the specific location nearest you and checking their hours and address. Most dealerships list their inventory online, though the listings may not be completely current — call ahead to confirm a vehicle is still on the lot before making a trip.
Look for customer reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Pay attention to patterns: complaints about mechanical problems that appeared after purchase, disputes over pricing or terms, or issues with the sales process. One negative review means little; several similar complaints suggest a real problem.
Check the dealership's licensing status with your state's motor vehicle department or attorney general's office. This confirms they are legally operating and shows whether complaints have been filed against them.
What to do before you buy
Never buy a used car based on the dealership's inspection alone. Hire an independent mechanic — not someone the dealership recommends — to inspect any vehicle you are seriously considering. This typically costs $100 to $200 and can reveal hidden problems that will cost thousands to fix later.
Run a vehicle history report through Carfax or AutoCheck using the VIN (vehicle identification number). These reports show accident history, title status, mileage records, and service history. A clean report does not may provide the car is problem-free, but a report with red flags — salvage titles, multiple owners in short periods, mismatched mileage — tells you to walk away.
Get pre-approved for financing from a bank or credit union before you negotiate. Dealership financing is almost always more expensive because they mark up the interest rate. Knowing your own rate and terms gives you a concrete number to compare against what the dealership offers.
Understanding dealership pricing and negotiation
Used car dealerships buy vehicles at wholesale prices — typically 20 to 40 percent below retail — and mark them up to cover overhead and profit. This markup is normal, but it means the price on the window is not the final price and is often higher than what the same car costs at other lots.
Before negotiating, check the market value of the specific vehicle using Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, or Edmunds. Enter the exact year, make, model, mileage, and condition to see the typical retail range. This gives you a realistic target price and prevents you from overpaying.
Dealerships expect negotiation on used cars. Start by making an offer 5 to 10 percent below asking price and be prepared to move up, but not past the market value you researched. Walk away if the price stays above fair market value — another car will come along.
Financing options and comparing costs
You have three main financing routes: a loan from your bank or credit union, financing through the dealership, or paying cash. Each has different costs and terms.
Bank and credit union loans typically offer the lowest interest rates, especially if you have good credit. Rates vary widely based on your credit score, the loan term, and the lender, so get quotes from at least two or three sources before you decide. These loans are not tied to the dealership, so you can shop for a car anywhere.
Dealership financing is convenient but almost always costs more. The dealership arranges the loan through a finance company and marks up the interest rate — sometimes by 1 to 3 percentage points above what you would may have access to for directly. Over a five-year loan, this markup can add thousands to the total cost. Use dealership financing only if you cannot get approved elsewhere, and always compare the final rate and terms to what you found on your own.
What paperwork to expect and bring
When you buy a car, you will sign a bill of sale, a promissory note (if financing), and a title transfer document. The dealership should provide all of these. Read every page before signing — do not let the salesperson rush you through the paperwork.
Bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of insurance (required in most states before you drive the car off the lot), and proof of address. If you are financing, bring proof of income such as recent pay stubs or tax returns. Have your pre-approval letter from your bank or credit union ready so you can compare it to the dealership's offer.
Ask for copies of everything you sign. You should leave with the bill of sale, title documents, warranty information if any, and a receipt showing what you paid and what was included.
Warranty coverage and what is not covered
Most used cars sold by independent dealerships come with no warranty, or a very limited one — sometimes just 30 days on the powertrain. Check what the dealership offers before you buy. Some lots offer extended warranties through third-party companies, but these are optional and cost extra.
A warranty covers specific mechanical failures but not wear items like brakes, tires, or batteries, and not problems caused by neglect or misuse. Read the warranty document carefully to understand what is actually covered and for how long. A 30-day warranty on a used car is almost worthless because most problems show up after that period.
This is why the pre-purchase inspection is so important — it is your real protection against buying a broken car.
Red flags to watch for during the buying process
Be cautious if the dealership pressures you to decide quickly, refuses to let you take the car to an independent mechanic, or will not provide a vehicle history report. These are common high-pressure sales tactics that protect the dealership, not you.
Watch for bait-and-switch pricing, where the advertised price is much lower than the actual price once you are at the lot. The difference is usually made up in add-ons, dealer fees, or financing terms. Ask for an itemized breakdown of all fees before you negotiate.
If the title is branded as "salvage," "rebuilt," "flood," or "lemon law buyback," the car has a serious history. These titles mean the car was declared a total loss, flooded, or returned under lemon law protection. Avoid them unless you are buying for parts or have a specific reason to accept the risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a used car to Auto Motion Inc if something breaks after I buy it?
Return policies vary by dealership and state. Most independent used car lots have no return period at all — once you sign the paperwork and drive off, the car is yours. Check Auto Motion Inc's specific return policy before you buy. Some states have "cooling off" periods of a few days, but these are rare and usually explore only to certain types of sales.
What should I do if the car breaks down a week after I buy it?
If the car has a warranty, contact the dealership when ready with proof of the problem. If there is no warranty or the problem is not covered, you are responsible for repairs. This is why the pre-purchase inspection is critical — it should catch problems before you buy. If you suspect the dealership knowingly sold you a defective car, contact your state's attorney general or consumer protection office.
Is it better to finance through Auto Motion Inc or bring my own loan?
Bringing your own loan from a bank or credit union is almost always cheaper. Dealership financing includes a markup that can cost you thousands over the life of the loan. Get pre-approved elsewhere first, then compare the dealership's offer to your pre-approval terms. If the dealership's rate is higher, use your own financing.
How do I know if the price is fair?
Check the market value using Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, or Edmunds for the exact vehicle — year, make, model, mileage, and condition. Compare prices at other dealerships in your area for the same or similar cars. If Auto Motion Inc's price is significantly higher than the market average, negotiate or shop elsewhere.
What if I find out the odometer was rolled back or the mileage is wrong?
Odometer fraud is illegal. If you discover the mileage has been tampered with after you buy the car, contact your state's attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission. You may be able to pursue a claim against the dealership. This is another reason the vehicle history report is important — it tracks mileage across service records and can reveal inconsistencies.