Kunes Auto Group is a regional car dealer with multiple locations across the Midwest

Kunes Auto Group operates as a chain of new and used car dealerships, primarily in Wisconsin and Illinois. The company sells vehicles from major manufacturers and also handles trade-ins, financing, and service. If you are considering buying from them or want to understand how they operate compared to other dealerships, this guide covers what you should know about their business model, what to expect during the buying process, and how to protect yourself as a customer.

Like any dealership, Kunes operates on commission-based sales and makes money through vehicle markups, financing arrangements, and service departments. Understanding how dealerships work helps you negotiate better and avoid common pitfalls.

Key Takeaways

  • Kunes Auto Group has multiple locations in Wisconsin and Illinois, so you can visit the branch nearest you or compare inventory across locations online.
  • The dealership sells both new and used vehicles and offers in-house financing, which means they may have different loan terms than your bank or credit union.
  • Like all dealerships, Kunes makes money through vehicle markups and financing fees, so the price you see is not the final price you will pay.
  • You should research the vehicle's market value before visiting, get pre-approved for a loan elsewhere, and review all paperwork carefully before signing.

How Kunes Auto Group makes money and what that means for you

Kunes Auto Group generates revenue in three main ways: selling vehicles at a markup above what they paid, arranging financing through lenders and earning a commission on the loan, and providing service and repairs after the sale. This structure is standard across the car industry, but it matters because it shapes how salespeople are incentivized and what prices you will encounter.

When you buy a car, the sticker price is not the dealership's cost. They bought the vehicle wholesale and marked it up. The amount of markup varies by vehicle condition, demand, and how long the car has been on the lot. A used car that has sat for months may have less markup than a popular model in high demand. Knowing this does not change the negotiation much, but it explains why the price is negotiable at all.

Financing is where dealerships often make the most money per transaction. If you finance through Kunes, they arrange the loan with a lender and earn a commission. They may also mark up the interest rate slightly. This is why getting pre-approved for a loan from your bank or credit union before you arrive gives you leverage—you can walk away if their rate is worse.

What to expect during the buying process at a Kunes location

The buying process at Kunes follows the standard dealership model. You browse inventory online or in person, test drive a vehicle, negotiate the price, arrange financing, and sign paperwork. The entire process typically takes two to four hours, though it can stretch longer if financing takes time or if you are trading in a vehicle.

When you arrive, a salesperson will greet you and ask what you are looking for. Be honest about your budget and needs, but do not feel pressured to buy that day. You can visit multiple times, compare prices online, and take time to decide. Salespeople work on commission, so they want to close a sale quickly, but you are under no obligation to rush.

During negotiation, the salesperson will likely present an initial offer, you will counter, and you will go back and forth. This is normal. The sales manager may get involved to approve discounts. Once you agree on a price, you will move to the finance office, where they will present loan options, extended warranties, and add-on services like paint protection or fabric guard. Many of these add-ons are optional and carry high markups—you can decline them.

Comparing Kunes prices to other dealerships and private sellers

Before visiting Kunes, check the market value of the specific vehicle you want using tools like Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, or Edmunds. These sites let you enter the year, make, model, mileage, and condition to see what similar cars are selling for in your area. This gives you a baseline for negotiation and helps you spot if a Kunes price is significantly higher than the market.

You should also check inventory and prices at other dealerships in the region, including competing chains and independent used car lots. Many dealerships price similarly, but some will undercut others to move inventory faster. Online marketplaces like Autotrader and Cars.com let you filter by location and price, making comparison quick.

Private sellers often price lower than dealerships because they have no overhead, but they offer no warranty and you assume all risk. Buying from a private seller requires more caution—you should have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before handing over money. Dealerships typically offer at least a short warranty on used cars, which provides some protection if something breaks soon after purchase.

Financing through Kunes versus bringing your own loan

Kunes offers in-house financing, meaning they can arrange a loan for you on the spot. This is convenient, but it is not always the cheapest option. Before you visit, contact your bank or credit union and ask what interest rate they would offer you based on your credit score and the loan amount. Write down the rate and terms.

When you are at Kunes, compare their financing offer to what you already have. If their rate is lower, you can use their financing. If your bank's rate is better, tell the dealership you are bringing your own financing. Some dealerships will still try to beat your rate to earn the commission, which can work in your favor. Others will accept your outside financing without pushback.

One thing to watch: some dealerships use a practice called "spot delivery," where they let you drive the car home before financing is finalized, then call you back if the lender rejects the loan. This is rare but possible. Ask Kunes upfront whether financing must be approved before you leave the lot, and get the answer in writing.

Reading and understanding the paperwork before you sign

Before you sign anything, read every page. The main documents are the purchase agreement (which lists the vehicle, price, and any add-ons), the financing agreement (which shows the loan amount, interest rate, and monthly payment), and the warranty information. Do not let a salesperson rush you through this step.

Check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the paperwork matches the car you are buying. Verify the price, down payment, and monthly payment are what you agreed to. Look for any add-ons you did not authorize—dealerships sometimes slip in paint protection, wheel and tire coverage, or other services without explicit consent. If something is wrong, ask them to remove it or correct it before you sign.

Ask for a copy of everything you sign. Keep these documents in a safe place. If a problem arises later, you will need proof of what you agreed to.

What to do if something goes wrong after you buy

If the vehicle breaks down shortly after purchase, check your warranty paperwork to see what is covered. Most dealership warranties on used cars cover major mechanical failures for 30 to 90 days, though terms vary. Contact the dealership's service department and explain the problem. Bring the vehicle in for diagnosis.

If the dealership refuses to honor the warranty or if you believe you were misled about the vehicle's condition, you have options. Document everything—take photos, keep repair estimates, and save all communications. Contact your state's attorney general office or consumer protection agency to file a complaint. Some states have lemon laws that protect used car buyers, though the rules vary widely.

If you financed through Kunes and later discover the terms were misrepresented, contact the lender directly. The lender, not the dealership, owns the loan, and they have an interest in making sure the sale was legitimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kunes Auto Group have a warranty on used cars?

Most Kunes locations offer a short warranty on used vehicles, typically 30 to 90 days on major mechanical components. The exact coverage depends on the vehicle's age and mileage. Ask about the specific warranty before you buy, and request it in writing as part of your purchase agreement.

Can I return a car to Kunes if I change my mind?

Dealerships are not required to offer a return period, and Kunes' return policy depends on the specific location and the terms in your purchase agreement. Some dealerships offer a short window to return a vehicle, while others do not. Ask about this policy before you sign, and get the answer in writing.

What if I want to trade in my current car?

Kunes accepts trade-ins. The dealership will inspect your vehicle and offer you a trade-in value, which is deducted from the price of the new car. Get an independent appraisal of your trade-in beforehand so you know if their offer is fair. You can always decline the trade-in and sell the car privately if you get a better price.

How do I know if the price at Kunes is competitive?

Use Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, or Edmunds to find the market value for the exact vehicle you want, including its year, mileage, and condition. Then check prices at other dealerships in your area using Autotrader and Cars.com. If Kunes is significantly higher, negotiate or shop elsewhere.

What should I bring when I visit Kunes to buy a car?

Bring a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns if you are financing). If you are trading in a vehicle, bring the title and keys. Bring a copy of your pre-approval letter from your bank or credit union if you have one. Having these documents ready speeds up the process.