What is an Auto Broker?
An auto broker finds out what you want and brokers the purchase for you.
2020 Audi S7 that Motus Brokered for Jerry L. in Boston
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How Does that Differ from an Auto Dealer?
An auto dealer maintains vehicle inventory at a physical location. You have to go to their location to see the vehicles – and if they don’t have what you want, you have to go elsewhere to find it. Their fees are hidden – you have no idea what they paid for the vehicle or how much they spent to recondition it and prepare it for sale. On top of this, most dealers charge a “documentation fee” to process your deal. And then they’re going to try to upsell you on an extended warranty, pre-paid maintenance plan, and paint and interior protection.
Why Can't I do this Myself?
Can you navigate through all these challenges when buying a vehicle? Of course. But brokers also have access to dealer-only auctions. You can’t even get viewing access to them without a dealer or broker license. Want to buy at auction? You need a broker. Want to buy from Copart? You need a broker.
How Does it Work?
Brokers typically charge a flat fee ranging from $300 to $800 or 1-2% of the vehicle’s purchase price to broker the transaction for you.
Am I a Good Candidate to Use a Broker Instead of a Dealer?
Brokers aren’t for everyone. Here is a simple checklist to see if a broker might be a good option for you:
- You know exactly what you want
- You are comfortable letting experts work for you
- You are paying cash
How Can I Find a Broker?
You can use a Google search, or if you already have a good relationship with an independent motor vehicle dealership, you can always ask if they would be willing to broker a transaction for you. Brokering vehicles is pretty efficient if you know exactly what you want and can pay cash – so many independent dealers will be willing to do this.
