Lee Auto Group Inc is a used car dealership, not a financing or information program
Lee Auto Group Inc operates as a used vehicle dealership. If you arrived here looking for information about buying a car from them, it's worth understanding how used car dealerships work, what to watch for, and what your rights are as a buyer. This guide covers the basics of buying from any used car dealer and what questions to ask before you hand over money.
Used car dealerships vary widely in reputation, pricing, and how they treat customers. Some are run by individuals who stand behind their vehicles; others operate on high volume and low accountability. Lee Auto Group Inc, like any dealership, should be evaluated on specific factors you can check yourself before visiting.
Key Takeaways
- Check the dealership's rating on the Better Business Bureau website and read recent customer reviews on Google and Trustpilot to see what past buyers experienced.
- Always get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic before you buy, not one the dealership recommends.
- Know your state's lemon law and return period — some states give you three days to return a vehicle, others give you nothing.
- Get the vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck) and review it for accidents, title problems, or service records before negotiating price.
- Bring a trusted person to the dealership and never sign paperwork the same day you first see the car.
How to research a used car dealership before you visit
Before you step onto the lot, spend 20 minutes online checking what other buyers have said. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) website shows complaints filed against the dealership and how they responded. Google reviews and Trustpilot show individual customer experiences. Look for patterns — one bad review might be an outlier, but five reviews mentioning the same problem (like hidden damage or pressure tactics) is a signal.
Check whether the dealership is licensed. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or Secretary of State office maintains a list of licensed dealers. If a dealership is not on that list, you have fewer legal protections if something goes wrong. You can also search the dealership's name plus your state on the state attorney general's website to see if there are open complaints or settlements.
What to do before you agree to buy
Never rely on the dealership's description of a vehicle's condition. Pay for an independent pre-purchase inspection — usually $100 to $200 — from a mechanic you find yourself, not one the dealership recommends. The mechanic will check the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and frame for hidden damage. This single step catches most problems that dealerships either hide or genuinely miss.
Request the vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck). This report shows whether the car was in accidents, had a salvage title, was flooded, or had major repairs. A clean history does not may provide the car is sound, but a messy history is a red flag. Read it yourself — do not let the dealership summarize it for you.
Know your state's return policy. Some states give buyers three to five business days to return a vehicle for any reason; others give you nothing once you sign. Call your state's attorney general's consumer protection office and ask what your rights are. Write down the answer and bring it with you.
Understanding the paperwork and financing
The dealership will present you with a bill of sale, title transfer documents, and possibly a financing agreement if you are not paying cash. Read every line before you sign. Do not let anyone rush you. If the dealership says "just sign here, we'll fill in the rest later," walk out — that is a common tactic to lock you in before you see the full terms.
If you are financing through the dealership, the interest rate and loan term are negotiable, just like the price of the car. Bring a pre-approval letter from your bank or credit union so you know what rate you may have access to for elsewhere. The dealership's rate is often higher because they make money on the difference. Compare the two offers in writing before you decide.
Check whether the dealership is charging you for a warranty. Some used cars come with a manufacturer's warranty that transfers to the second owner; others do not. A dealership warranty is optional and often overpriced. Ask what it covers, how long it lasts, and whether you can take the car to any mechanic or only to the dealership.
Red flags that mean you should walk away
Pressure to decide on the same day is a sign the dealership is not confident in the vehicle or the deal. Legitimate dealers know that buyers need time to think and get inspections. If a salesperson says "this car will be gone by tomorrow" or "I can only hold it for an hour," that is a tactic to bypass your judgment.
Unwillingness to let you take the car to an independent mechanic is a major red flag. Any honest dealer will let you do this — it protects them too by proving the car is sound. If they refuse or offer excuses, the car likely has a problem they know about.
Odometer discrepancies, mismatched VIN numbers on documents, or a title marked "salvage" or "rebuilt" are legal problems that you should not inherit. If you spot any of these, do not buy the car.
What to do if something goes wrong after you buy
If the car breaks down shortly after purchase and the dealership refuses to help, your options depend on your state's lemon law and whether you have a warranty. Some states require dealers to honor implied warranties (a promise that the car is roadworthy) for a set period; others do not. Contact your state attorney general's office for the specific rules.
Keep all receipts, service records, and communications with the dealership. If you end up in a dispute, these documents are your evidence. If the dealership ignores your complaint, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, your state attorney general, or your state's consumer protection agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a car to a dealership if I change my mind?
It depends on your state. Some states give you three to five business days to return a vehicle for any reason; others give you no return period at all. Check your state's attorney general website or call their consumer protection office to find out your rights before you buy.
What should I ask the dealership about the car's history?
Ask how long the dealership has owned the car, where it came from (trade-in, auction, private sale), and whether it was ever in an accident or had major repairs. Then verify the answers by reading the Carfax or AutoCheck report yourself. Do not rely on the dealership's word alone.
Is it safe to finance through the dealership?
Yes, if you compare their rate to what you can get from a bank or credit union first. Dealership financing is often more expensive because they mark up the interest rate. Bring a pre-approval letter so you know your baseline and can negotiate.
What does "as-is" mean on a used car sale?
As-is means the dealership is selling you the car in its current condition with no warranty or promise that it works. However, as-is does not override your state's lemon law or implied warranty rights. Check your state's rules — you may still have protections even if the paperwork says as-is.
Should I get a warranty from the dealership?
Dealership warranties are optional and often expensive. Before you buy one, ask what it covers, how long it lasts, and whether you can use any mechanic or only the dealership. Compare the cost to what you would pay out of pocket for common repairs, then decide if it makes sense for you.