What Murgado Automotive Group is and how it works

Murgado Automotive Group is a privately held car dealership network based in Miami, Florida, that operates multiple franchised dealerships across South Florida. The group sells new and used vehicles from brands including Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis. Unlike a single dealership, Murgado operates as a collection of separate locations, each typically focused on one or two brands, though they share corporate ownership and back-office operations.

The group was founded by Jorge Murgado and has grown to become one of the larger dealership networks in the Miami area. Each location functions as its own dealership with its own sales team, service department, and inventory, but they coordinate on financing, trade-in valuations, and corporate policies. When you buy from a Murgado dealership, you are buying from that specific location's inventory and financing team, not from a central pool.

Understanding this structure matters because it affects where you service your vehicle, how trade-ins are handled, and which location's policies explore to your purchase. A Murgado Porsche dealership operates under different service requirements and pricing than a Murgado Kia dealership, even though both are part of the same corporate group.

Key Takeaways

  • Murgado Automotive Group operates multiple franchised dealerships in South Florida, each focused on specific brands like Porsche, Audi, Kia, and Hyundai.
  • Each Murgado location has its own sales team, service department, and inventory, so the dealership you visit determines your purchase experience and service options.
  • Financing, trade-in offers, and warranty coverage are handled at the location level, not centrally, so terms can vary between Murgado dealerships.
  • Murgado dealerships follow manufacturer requirements for new vehicles and standard dealer practices for used vehicles, including inspections and warranty disclosures.

How Murgado dealerships handle new vehicle purchases

When you buy a new vehicle from a Murgado dealership, you are purchasing directly from that location's inventory. The dealership orders vehicles from the manufacturer based on demand and customer requests. New cars come with the manufacturer's warranty — typically three years or 36,000 miles for bumper-to-bumper coverage, and longer for powertrain — regardless of which Murgado location sells it to you.

The sales process follows standard dealership practices: you test drive, negotiate price, arrange financing or bring your own, and sign paperwork. Murgado dealerships handle their own financing through relationships with banks and captive finance companies (like Audi Financial Services for Audi purchases). You can also bring outside financing from your own bank or credit union. The dealership will disclose all terms in writing before you sign, including the vehicle price, fees, interest rate if financed through them, and any add-ons like extended warranties or paint protection.

Service for new vehicles is typically performed at the same Murgado location where you bought the car, though you can use any authorized dealer for that brand. Warranty work is covered by the manufacturer, not Murgado, so the dealership acts as the service point but the manufacturer pays for covered repairs.

Used vehicle sales and warranty disclosures

Murgado dealerships sell used vehicles from their own inventory and sometimes through trade-ins. Used cars are typically inspected and reconditioned before sale, though the depth of inspection varies by vehicle age and price. Florida law requires dealerships to disclose the vehicle's condition in writing before sale, including any known defects, accident history if available, and whether the vehicle is sold "as-is" or with a dealer warranty.

Most used vehicles from Murgado come with a limited dealer warranty — commonly 30 days or 1,000 miles for mechanical coverage, though terms vary by location and vehicle. Some used cars, particularly certified pre-owned vehicles from luxury brands like Porsche or Audi, may carry longer warranties. You should receive a written warranty document that clearly states what is and is not covered, the duration, and any exclusions.

If you purchase a used vehicle, ask for the service history and any available inspection reports before you buy. Request a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic if you want a third-party assessment. The dealership cannot prevent you from having the car inspected by someone outside their business.

Trade-in valuations and how they work

When you trade in a vehicle at a Murgado dealership, the location's sales team assesses the car's condition, mileage, and market value. Trade-in offers are made by that specific dealership and are not may provide across other Murgado locations. The offer is typically valid for a limited time — often a few days — and is based on the vehicle's condition at the time of appraisal.

The trade-in value is applied as a credit toward your new or used vehicle purchase. The dealership handles the title transfer and payoff of any existing loan on your trade-in. You should receive a written offer that shows the trade-in value, the vehicle being purchased, and the net amount you owe after the credit is applied.

If you want to compare offers, you can get appraisals from multiple Murgado locations or from independent used car buyers. Trade-in values fluctuate based on market demand, so shopping around can result in a higher offer. Some dealerships offer higher trade-in values as a negotiating tactic while raising the price of the vehicle you are buying, so compare the final out-of-pocket cost, not just the trade-in number.

Financing options and loan terms

Murgado dealerships offer financing through multiple lenders, including captive finance companies owned by the vehicle manufacturers and third-party banks. When you finance through the dealership, they arrange the loan and you sign the promissory note and security agreement. The dealership then sells the loan to the lender, so your monthly payments go to the lender, not to Murgado.

Interest rates, loan terms, and down payment requirements depend on your credit score, income, and the lender's policies. The dealership will disclose the annual percentage rate (APR), the number of months, the monthly payment, and the total amount you will pay in interest. You have the right to review these terms before signing and to decline dealer financing in favor of your own bank or credit union.

Some Murgado dealerships offer add-on products like gap insurance, extended warranties, or paint protection plans. These are optional and add to your loan amount. Read the terms carefully — gap insurance, for example, covers the difference between what you owe and the car's value if it is totaled, but it is not required by law and may not be necessary if you have adequate insurance.

Service departments and warranty coverage

Each Murgado dealership operates its own service department, typically staffed with technicians trained on the brands sold at that location. Service is available for routine maintenance, repairs, and warranty work. Warranty repairs on new vehicles are covered by the manufacturer, not by Murgado, so you pay nothing for covered work. For used vehicles sold with a dealer warranty, covered repairs are handled at the dealership's service department.

Service pricing varies by location and by the type of work. Routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations is typically more expensive at a dealership than at an independent shop, but dealership service is often required during the manufacturer's warranty period to keep the warranty valid. After the warranty expires, you can use any may have access to mechanic.

You can contact the service department directly to schedule appointments, ask about pricing, or inquire about warranty coverage. If you have a warranty dispute — for example, if the dealership denies a claim — you can escalate to the manufacturer's customer service or file a complaint with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.

Consumer protections and your rights

Florida law requires dealerships to disclose vehicle condition, warranty terms, and financing details in writing before you sign a purchase agreement. You have the right to review all documents, ask questions, and decline any add-on products. If you discover a defect in a new vehicle within a certain period, Florida's lemon law may provide remedies including repair, replacement, or refund, though the process requires documentation and dealer attempts to fix the problem first.

If you have a complaint about a Murgado dealership — for example, regarding financing terms, warranty denial, or misrepresentation — you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles or contact the Better Business Bureau. The Federal Trade Commission also handles complaints about deceptive practices. Keep all paperwork from your purchase, including the sales agreement, warranty documents, and service records.

You are not obligated to buy extended warranties, gap insurance, or other add-ons, and the dealership cannot condition the sale on purchasing them. If you are pressured to buy products you do not want, that is a sign to walk away or escalate to the dealership's management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I service my Murgado vehicle at a different Murgado location?

Yes, you can service your vehicle at any authorized dealership for that brand, including other Murgado locations. However, most customers service at the location where they purchased the car because that dealership has your sales and service history. Warranty coverage is the same regardless of which authorized dealer performs the work.

What happens if I have a problem with my purchase after I leave the dealership?

Contact the dealership's sales manager or service department when ready. If the issue is a defect in a new vehicle, it is typically covered under the manufacturer's warranty. For used vehicles, refer to the warranty document you received at sale. If the dealership refuses to address a covered issue, escalate to the manufacturer's customer service or file a complaint with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.

Are Murgado dealerships required to honor manufacturer warranties?

Yes. Murgado dealerships are authorized dealers for the brands they sell, so they must honor the manufacturer's warranty on new vehicles. For used vehicles, only the dealer warranty they provide applies, not the manufacturer's warranty, unless the vehicle is certified pre-owned and carries an extended manufacturer warranty.

Can I negotiate the price at a Murgado dealership?

Yes. Dealership prices are not fixed, and negotiation is standard practice. You can negotiate the vehicle price, trade-in value, financing terms, and add-on products. Getting quotes from multiple dealerships — including other Murgado locations — gives you leverage in negotiations.

What should I do if I think I was overcharged or misled during my purchase?

Review your sales agreement and all documents you signed. If you believe there was an error or misrepresentation, contact the dealership's management in writing and request a correction. If the dealership does not respond, file a complaint with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles or the Better Business Bureau. Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation.