Morrie's Auto Group is a regional car dealer and service network in the Upper Midwest
Morrie's Auto Group operates multiple dealerships and service centers across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, selling new and used vehicles from brands including Toyota, Honda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac. The company also runs independent service departments that handle maintenance and repairs for vehicles of any make or model, not just those sold through Morrie's locations.
If you are considering buying a vehicle from Morrie's, trading in a car, or taking your vehicle to one of their service centers for repairs or maintenance, this guide explains how the company operates, what to expect at each type of location, and what questions to ask before you commit.
Key Takeaways
- Morrie's operates both new-car dealerships and standalone service centers, so you can buy from one location and service at another.
- New-car dealerships handle financing through banks and credit unions, while service centers typically accept cash, card, and insurance billing.
- Used vehicles at Morrie's dealerships come with a warranty that varies by age and mileage; ask for the warranty terms in writing before purchase.
- Service centers can work on any vehicle brand, not just those sold by Morrie's, so you are not locked into using them after you buy.
- Pricing and inventory vary by location, so calling ahead or checking online before you visit saves time.
How Morrie's dealerships work when you buy a new car
When you walk into a Morrie's new-car dealership, you are entering a traditional franchise operation. The dealership owns the inventory on the lot, handles the sale, and arranges financing through partner banks and credit unions. The salesperson's job is to show you vehicles, discuss features and pricing, and move you toward a purchase agreement.
Financing at a dealership works differently than walking into a bank yourself. The dealership submits your information to multiple lenders at once, and you see offers from each one. The dealership earns a small fee for arranging the loan, but you are borrowing from the actual bank or credit union, not from Morrie's. Before you sign, read the loan terms carefully: the interest rate, the length of the loan, the monthly payment, and any fees. If the rate seems high, you can decline and bring your own financing from a bank or credit union you already use.
New cars come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects for a set time or mileage — typically three years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage. Morrie's does not set this warranty; the car maker does. The dealership will explain what is covered and what is not, and you should ask for a copy of the warranty booklet before you leave.
What to expect when buying a used car from Morrie's
Used vehicles at Morrie's dealerships are inspected and priced based on age, mileage, condition, and market demand. The dealership offers a warranty on used cars, but the length and coverage depend on the vehicle's age and mileage. Some used cars come with a 30-day or 60-day powertrain warranty; others may have longer coverage. Ask the salesperson for the warranty details in writing before you buy, and understand what "powertrain" means — it typically covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, but not brakes, suspension, or electrical systems.
Before you purchase a used car, you have the right to have it inspected by a mechanic of your choice. Many dealerships allow you to take the car to an independent shop for an hour or two. This inspection costs $100 to $200 but can reveal problems the dealership's inspection missed. If the inspection finds serious issues, you can negotiate the price down or walk away.
Used-car financing works the same way as new-car financing: the dealership submits your information to multiple lenders, and you choose the best offer. You can also bring your own financing from a bank or credit union.
Service centers and maintenance at Morrie's locations
Morrie's operates service departments at many of its locations. These departments perform oil changes, tire rotations, brake service, transmission fluid changes, and major repairs. You do not have to buy your car from Morrie's to use their service center — they work on any vehicle brand.
When you bring your car in for service, the service advisor will ask what work you need done, inspect the vehicle, and give you an estimate before they start. Ask for the estimate in writing and understand what is included: parts, labor, and any shop fees. Service centers typically charge by the hour for labor, and labor rates vary by location and the complexity of the work.
Payment at a service center can be made by cash, credit card, or debit card. If you have insurance coverage for certain repairs — such as glass replacement or collision damage — the service center can often bill your insurance directly. Ask whether they participate in your insurance company's network before you drop off the car.
Trade-in value and how Morrie's handles your old car
If you are buying a new or used car from Morrie's and you have a vehicle to trade in, the dealership will appraise it. The appraiser looks at the vehicle's age, mileage, condition, and market value, then offers you a trade-in price. This price is deducted from the purchase price of the new car, reducing the amount you finance.
Trade-in prices are often lower than what you could get by selling the car privately, because the dealership takes on the risk of selling it later. Before you accept a trade-in offer, you can check the market value of your car on websites like Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides to see whether the offer is fair. If the offer is too low, you can decline and sell the car yourself, though this takes more time.
Once you accept a trade-in offer and sign the paperwork, the dealership owns the car. You are no longer responsible for it, and the title transfers to Morrie's.
Warranty coverage and what is not included
New cars sold by Morrie's come with the manufacturer's warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty does not cover wear and tear, accidents, misuse, or maintenance items like oil changes and air filters. If something breaks during the warranty period and it is a covered defect, the dealership's service center will repair it at no cost to you.
Used cars come with a limited warranty set by the dealership, not the manufacturer. The length and coverage vary widely, so ask for the terms in writing. Some dealerships offer extended warranties for an additional fee, which extends coverage beyond the original warranty period. Extended warranties can be worth the cost if you plan to keep the car for many years, but read the fine print to understand what is and is not covered.
Regular maintenance — such as oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid top-ups — is your responsibility and is not covered by any warranty. Keeping up with maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and keeps your warranty valid.
How to contact Morrie's and find a location near you
Morrie's Auto Group has multiple dealerships and service centers across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. You can find a location near you by visiting the Morrie's website and using their location finder, or by calling their main customer service line. Each location has its own phone number, and calling ahead before you visit saves time — you can ask about inventory, pricing, service availability, and hours of operation.
If you are shopping for a specific vehicle or service, mention that when you call. Dealerships often have different inventory at different locations, so the car you want may be at a location farther away. Service centers can usually schedule appointments in advance, which reduces wait time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a car from Morrie's online or do I have to visit in person?
Morrie's offers online shopping tools where you can browse inventory and get pricing information, but the final purchase and financing typically require an in-person visit to sign paperwork. Some dealerships may offer delivery or other arrangements — call your local Morrie's location to ask what options they provide.
What happens if something breaks on my new car right after I buy it?
If a defect appears within the manufacturer's warranty period, bring the car to any dealership that sells that brand — it does not have to be the Morrie's location where you bought it. The dealership will repair it under warranty at no cost. Keep your purchase paperwork and warranty documents with you.
Do I have to use Morrie's service center for maintenance to keep my warranty valid?
No. You can take your car to any repair shop for maintenance and repairs, and your warranty remains valid as long as you follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Using Morrie's service center is convenient if you have a location nearby, but it is not required.
What should I bring when I go to buy a car?
Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns). If you are trading in a car, bring the title and keys. If you are bringing your own financing, bring a pre-approval letter from your bank or credit union. Having these documents ready speeds up the process.
Can I return a car if I change my mind after I buy it?
Most car dealerships, including Morrie's, do not have a standard return period. Once you sign the purchase agreement and take the car home, the sale is final. If you discover a serious defect, it may be covered under warranty, but buyer's remorse is not grounds for a return. Read the purchase agreement carefully before you sign.