Krause Auto Group is a regional car dealer with multiple locations across the Midwest
Krause Auto Group operates as a network of independently owned dealerships rather than a single national chain. The group includes franchised dealers selling new vehicles from major manufacturers, as well as used car lots. Each location handles its own inventory, pricing, financing, and customer service, which means your experience at one Krause dealership may differ from another depending on which location you visit and which brand they represent.
If you are shopping for a car and considering a Krause Auto Group location, understanding how dealership sales work, what to expect during the buying process, and how to protect yourself as a buyer will help you make a more confident decision.
Key Takeaways
- Krause Auto Group locations are independently operated dealerships, so pricing, inventory, and service quality can vary between locations.
- Before visiting any dealership, research the specific vehicle's market value using third-party pricing tools so you know a fair price range.
- Dealership financing offers are not your only option — you can bring a pre-approved loan from your bank or credit union to compare rates.
- Read all paperwork carefully before signing, especially the Monroney label (window sticker) and the purchase agreement, which spell out what you are buying and what you owe.
- Most states give you a short window to cancel a car purchase or return it if there is a major problem — check your state's cooling-off period and return laws before you buy.
How dealership pricing and negotiation work
Dealerships set their own prices based on the vehicle's age, mileage, condition, market demand, and their own cost. The price on the window sticker (called the Monroney label for new cars) is not the final price you pay — it is a starting point for negotiation. Used car prices are often more flexible than new car prices because there is no manufacturer's suggested retail price to anchor the conversation.
Before you walk onto the lot, use free pricing tools like Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, or Edmunds to find the typical price range for the exact vehicle you want, including its trim level, mileage, and condition. Write down that range so you have it in your pocket during the conversation. Dealerships expect negotiation, and having a number based on market data — not just what feels right — gives you leverage.
Negotiation typically happens in the sales office after you have chosen a vehicle. The salesperson will present an initial offer, you will counter with a lower number, and you will move toward the middle. This is normal. Do not feel rushed to accept the first number, and do not let the dealership pressure you into deciding on the same day if you want time to think.
Understanding dealership financing and your other options
Dealerships make money partly through the sale itself and partly through financing. When you finance through the dealership, they arrange a loan with a bank or credit union on your behalf and earn a commission. This is legal and standard, but it means the dealership has an incentive to offer you a higher interest rate than you might find elsewhere.
Before you go to the dealership, contact your own bank or credit union and ask for a pre-approval letter showing the interest rate they will give you for a car loan. Bring that letter with you. When the dealership presents their financing offer, you can compare the two rates directly. If the dealership's rate is lower, take it. If your bank's rate is better, you can use that loan instead — most dealerships will accept outside financing, though some may offer you a small discount if you finance through them.
Read the loan documents carefully. The interest rate, the loan term (how many months you will pay), and the total amount financed should all match what you agreed to. If something looks different, ask the finance manager to explain it before you sign.
What to check before you sign the purchase agreement
The purchase agreement is the contract that says what vehicle you are buying, what you are paying, and what condition it is in. Before you sign, verify that every detail is correct: the vehicle identification number (VIN), the mileage, the color, the trim level, and any features or add-ons you discussed. A mistake here can be expensive to fix later.
Check whether the vehicle comes with a warranty. New cars from manufacturers typically include a factory warranty that covers defects for a set time or mileage. Used cars may come with a limited dealer warranty, or they may be sold "as-is" with no warranty at all. The purchase agreement should state this clearly. If the dealership promised you a warranty verbally, ask them to write it into the agreement before you sign.
Look at any add-ons the dealership is charging you for — extended warranties, paint protection, fabric protection, gap insurance, or dealer prep fees. These are optional. You do not have to buy them, and you can negotiate their price or ask to remove them entirely. If you do not want them, cross them out of the agreement and initial the change.
Your rights after you buy: cooling-off periods and return policies
Many states have a cooling-off period that gives you a short window — usually three to five business days — to cancel a car purchase and get your money back, with some exceptions. The rules vary by state and sometimes by whether the car is new or used. Check your state's attorney general website or consumer protection office to find out what applies where you live.
Dealerships are not required to offer a return policy beyond what state law requires, though some do. If the dealership mentions a return window or satisfaction may provide, ask them to put it in writing and make sure you understand the conditions — for example, whether there is a mileage limit or whether you have to return the car in the same condition you received it.
If you discover a major problem with the vehicle shortly after purchase — an engine that does not run, a transmission that fails, or a title issue — your state's lemon laws or implied warranty laws may protect you. These laws vary significantly by state, so look up your state's specific rules or contact your state's consumer protection office if you think you have a problem.
What to do if you have a problem with your purchase
If you have an issue with the vehicle or the sale, start by contacting the dealership directly. Bring your purchase agreement and any documentation of the problem — repair estimates, photos, or service records. Explain what is wrong and what you want (a repair, a refund, or a replacement vehicle). Keep records of every conversation, including the date, time, and name of the person you spoke with.
If the dealership does not resolve the problem, check whether your state has a lemon law or a dealer complaint process. Many states have an attorney general's office or consumer protection division that handles car dealer complaints. You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, which maintains records of complaints against dealerships and may help mediate disputes.
If you financed the car and the dealership misrepresented the terms or the vehicle, you may have a claim against the lender as well. Document everything and consider consulting a consumer protection attorney if the problem is serious.
How to research a specific Krause Auto Group location before you visit
Because Krause Auto Group locations are independently operated, the reputation and practices of one location may not reflect another. Before you visit, search online for reviews of that specific dealership — look at Google reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot. Read both positive and negative reviews to get a sense of what customers experienced.
Check the Better Business Bureau's website for any unresolved complaints against that dealership. A few complaints is normal for any business, but a pattern of similar problems — for example, many complaints about financing terms or hidden fees — is a red flag.
Call the dealership and ask specific questions about the vehicle you want: Is it in stock? What is the price? Does it come with a warranty? How long will it take to complete the sale? A dealership that answers clearly and honestly is more likely to be straightforward during the buying process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a car to a Krause dealership if I change my mind?
That depends on your state's cooling-off laws and the dealership's individual return policy. Most states allow a three- to five-day cancellation period for car purchases, but the rules vary. Check your state's attorney general website to learn your rights, and ask the dealership in writing whether they offer a return window beyond what state law requires.
What should I do if the car breaks down a week after I buy it?
Contact the dealership when ready and explain the problem. If the car is still under warranty, the dealership or manufacturer should cover the repair. If it is sold as-is with no warranty, your state's implied warranty laws may still protect you if the problem is serious. Document the issue and keep all repair records.
Is the price on the window sticker the final price I have to pay?
No. The window sticker is a starting point. You can negotiate the price down, and you should research the market value beforehand so you know what is fair. Dealerships expect negotiation, especially on used cars.
Should I finance through the dealership or bring my own loan?
Get a pre-approval from your bank or credit union first, then compare it to the dealership's offer. Whichever rate is lower is the better choice. Some dealerships may offer a small discount if you finance through them, so ask about that too.
What if I find out the car has a salvage title or was in an accident?
A salvage title means the car was declared a total loss by an insurance company at some point. This should be disclosed to you before you buy. If the dealership did not tell you, contact them when ready and document the conversation. You may have a claim for misrepresentation, depending on your state's laws.