Kunes Country Auto Group of Macomb is a dealership in Macomb, Illinois that sells new and used vehicles
Kunes Country Auto Group of Macomb is located in Macomb, Illinois and operates as a full-service automotive dealership. The dealership sells both new and used vehicles, and offers services like financing, trade-ins, and vehicle maintenance. If you are considering visiting or working with this dealership, understanding what they offer and how the buying process typically works can help you make an informed decision.
This guide covers the basics of what to expect when dealing with a car dealership, how the purchase and financing process works, and what questions to ask before making a commitment. The information here applies to most dealerships, though specific details about inventory, pricing, and promotions at Kunes Country Auto Group of Macomb may change and should be confirmed directly with the dealership.
Key Takeaways
- Kunes Country Auto Group of Macomb sells new and used vehicles and offers financing, trade-in services, and vehicle maintenance at their Macomb location.
- Before visiting a dealership, research the vehicle you want, check its market value, and know your budget and financing options to avoid overpaying.
- Dealerships make money through vehicle markups, financing interest, and add-on services, so negotiating the price and reviewing all fees is important.
- The purchase process typically includes test driving, negotiating price, arranging financing, and signing paperwork, which can take several hours.
- You can contact the dealership directly by phone or visiting in person to ask about specific vehicles, current inventory, and pricing.
How car dealership purchases typically work
When you buy a vehicle from a dealership, the process follows a standard sequence. You arrive, browse or ask about specific vehicles, take a test drive, negotiate the price, arrange financing if needed, and sign paperwork. The entire process usually takes two to four hours, though it can be longer if financing takes time or if you are trading in a vehicle.
The dealership will ask for your driver's license and proof of insurance during the test drive. If you decide to move forward with a purchase, they will pull your credit report to determine what interest rates you may have access to for. You will then review and sign a purchase agreement, financing documents, and title paperwork. The dealership handles the title transfer and registration on your behalf, though you may need to visit your local Secretary of State office to complete registration depending on Illinois requirements.
What to bring and prepare before visiting
Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns) if you plan to finance. If you are trading in a vehicle, bring its title, keys, and maintenance records. Having these documents ready speeds up the process and shows the dealership you are serious about purchasing.
Before you visit, research the specific vehicle you are interested in using resources like Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides to understand its fair market value. Check the dealership's website or call ahead to confirm they have the vehicle in stock and to ask about pricing. Knowing the vehicle's value beforehand gives you a baseline for negotiation and helps you spot if the dealership is asking significantly more than market rate.
Understanding financing and interest rates
If you cannot pay cash, the dealership will arrange financing through banks or credit unions they work with. Your interest rate depends on your credit score, the loan term you choose, and current market rates. A higher credit score typically results in a lower interest rate, which saves you money over the life of the loan.
Before you go to the dealership, check your credit score and get pre-approved for a loan from your own bank or credit union. Having pre-approval gives you a clear budget and lets you compare the dealership's financing offer to your own lender's terms. Some dealerships offer promotional financing rates (like zero percent interest for a set period), but these usually require good credit and explore only to new vehicles or specific models.
Negotiating price and reviewing all fees
The sticker price on a vehicle is not the final price. Dealerships expect negotiation, and the actual price you pay depends on your negotiating skill, the vehicle's demand, and the dealership's current inventory. For used vehicles, condition and mileage affect the price more than for new vehicles.
Before you agree to a price, ask for an itemized breakdown of all fees. This includes the vehicle price, documentation fees (usually $100 to $300), registration and title fees, and any add-ons like extended warranties or paint protection. Some of these fees are required by Illinois law, but others are optional. Do not feel pressured to buy add-ons you do not want. If the total price feels too high, you can walk away or ask the dealership to remove certain fees or lower the vehicle price.
Trade-in value and how it is calculated
If you are trading in a vehicle, the dealership will inspect it and offer you a trade-in value. This value is subtracted from the price of the new vehicle, reducing the amount you owe. The dealership's offer may be lower than what you could get by selling the vehicle privately, because the dealership takes on the risk of reselling it.
Before you accept a trade-in offer, research your vehicle's value using Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides. If the dealership's offer is significantly lower, you can ask them to increase it, or you can choose to sell the vehicle privately instead. Keep in mind that selling privately takes more time and effort, but may result in a higher sale price.
Contacting Kunes Country Auto Group of Macomb directly
To learn about current inventory, pricing, or specific vehicles at Kunes Country Auto Group of Macomb, contact the dealership directly by phone or visit their location in Macomb, Illinois. You can ask about vehicle availability, request information about financing options, or schedule a test drive. The dealership's staff can answer questions about specific models and current promotions.
If you are shopping for a vehicle, visiting multiple dealerships and comparing prices helps you understand the market and make a better decision. You are not obligated to buy from the first dealership you visit, and taking time to compare options reduces the risk of overpaying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate the price at a dealership?
Yes. The sticker price is a starting point, not a final price. Dealerships expect negotiation, especially on used vehicles. Research the vehicle's market value beforehand so you know what a fair price looks like and can negotiate from an informed position.
What is the difference between buying new and used from a dealership?
New vehicles come with a manufacturer's warranty and have no prior wear, but cost more. Used vehicles cost less but may have unknown maintenance history and shorter remaining warranty coverage. Dealerships typically certify used vehicles and offer limited warranties, which provides some protection.
Should I get pre-approved for financing before visiting the dealership?
Yes. Pre-approval from your bank or credit union gives you a clear budget and lets you compare the dealership's financing terms to your own lender's offer. This prevents you from being surprised by interest rates and helps you negotiate better.
What happens if I want to return a vehicle after I buy it?
Most dealerships do not have a return period once you sign the paperwork and drive off the lot. Illinois law does not require dealerships to offer a cooling-off period for vehicle purchases. Review the purchase agreement carefully before signing to understand the dealership's return or warranty policy.
How long does the entire buying process take?
Plan for two to four hours from arrival to driving off the lot. This includes browsing, test driving, negotiating, arranging financing, and signing paperwork. If you are trading in a vehicle or if financing takes longer, the process may extend beyond four hours.