Rick Case Automotive Group is a dealership chain with locations across Florida
Rick Case Automotive Group operates multiple car dealerships throughout Florida, primarily in the Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County areas. The group sells new and used vehicles from various manufacturers and also provides financing, trade-in services, and after-sale support like maintenance and repairs. If you are considering buying from one of their locations, understanding how they operate and what to expect can help you make a more informed decision.
Like any large dealership group, Rick Case has specific policies around pricing, warranties, financing terms, and return windows. These policies vary by location and by vehicle type, so the experience at one Rick Case dealership may differ from another. Knowing what questions to ask and what documents to request before you sign can protect you during the purchase process.
Key Takeaways
- Rick Case Automotive Group operates multiple locations across South Florida, each with its own inventory and sales team.
- Dealership financing is one option, but you can also bring pre-approved financing from a bank or credit union to compare rates and terms.
- New vehicles typically come with manufacturer warranties, while used vehicle warranties depend on the dealership's policy and the vehicle's age and mileage.
- Most dealerships have a return or exchange window of a few days to a week for used vehicles, though terms vary by location and vehicle condition.
- Getting a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic before you buy a used vehicle can reveal problems the dealership inspection may have missed.
How dealership financing works and when to shop elsewhere
When you buy a vehicle at Rick Case or any dealership, you have the option to finance through the dealership itself or to bring your own financing. Dealership financing is convenient because the paperwork happens in one place, but it is not always the lowest-cost option. The dealership earns money by marking up the interest rate, so the rate they offer you may be higher than what you could get from a bank or credit union.
Before you visit a dealership, contact your bank or credit union and ask what interest rate they would offer you for an auto loan. Write down the rate, the term (how many months), and any fees. Then, when the dealership presents their financing offer, you can compare the two side by side. If the dealership rate is higher, you can ask them to match it, or you can decline their financing and use your bank's loan instead. Some dealerships will work with your outside financing; others prefer to handle it themselves.
Your credit score affects the interest rate you receive, whether you finance through a dealership or a bank. If your credit score is lower, you may see higher rates across the board. In that case, it can be worth waiting a few months to build your credit before buying, or asking whether a co-signer with better credit could help you find a lower rate.
Understanding warranties on new and used vehicles
New vehicles sold by Rick Case come with the manufacturer's warranty, which covers defects in parts and workmanship for a set period — typically three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty is the same whether you buy from Rick Case or from any other dealer selling that brand. The dealership does not create the warranty; the manufacturer does. You should receive a warranty booklet with your paperwork that explains what is and is not covered.
Used vehicles do not come with a manufacturer's warranty unless they are certified pre-owned (CPO). Certified pre-owned vehicles have been inspected and reconditioned by the dealership and come with an extended warranty, usually lasting one to three years depending on the dealership's program. Rick Case may offer CPO vehicles, but not all used vehicles on their lot will be certified. For a used vehicle that is not CPO, the dealership may offer a limited warranty of their own — for example, 30 days or 1,000 miles on the powertrain. Read the warranty paperwork carefully to see what parts are covered and for how long.
If a vehicle has high mileage or is very old, it may come with no warranty at all, or only a warranty that covers specific systems like the transmission. This is why getting an independent pre-purchase inspection is important for used vehicles: a mechanic can tell you what repairs may be coming, and you can factor that into your offer price.
What happens if you want to return or exchange a vehicle
Most dealerships, including Rick Case locations, allow customers to return or exchange a used vehicle within a short window — often three to seven days, depending on the dealership's policy. This window gives you time to have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic or to discover problems that were not obvious during the test drive. The exact terms should be in your purchase agreement, so read it before you sign.
Returns and exchanges usually come with conditions. The vehicle must not have been driven beyond a certain mileage (often 100 to 200 miles), and it must not have been damaged by you during that time. If you return the vehicle, you may lose the down payment or be charged a restocking fee. If you exchange it for a different vehicle, the dealership may adjust the price if the new vehicle is worth more or less. Ask the salesperson to explain the return policy in writing before you buy, so there are no surprises later.
New vehicles typically have a longer return window than used vehicles, sometimes up to 30 days. Again, this should be spelled out in your paperwork. If you are unhappy with a new vehicle, contact the dealership's sales manager or customer service department as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Getting a pre-purchase inspection protects you on used vehicles
Before you commit to buying a used vehicle from any dealership, take it to an independent mechanic — not one affiliated with the dealership — for a thorough inspection. This inspection typically costs $100 to $200 and can reveal mechanical problems, rust, accident damage, or maintenance issues that the dealership's inspection may have missed or downplayed. A mechanic will check the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical system, and more.
You can usually arrange this inspection as a condition of your purchase agreement. The agreement should state that the sale is contingent on the vehicle passing an independent inspection, and that you have a certain number of days to complete it. If the inspection reveals major problems, you can negotiate a lower price, ask the dealership to make repairs, or walk away from the deal.
For new vehicles, an independent inspection is less critical because the vehicle is covered by the manufacturer's warranty and has not been driven or maintained by previous owners. However, some buyers still choose to have a new vehicle inspected to catch any manufacturing defects early.
Trade-in value and how dealerships calculate it
If you are trading in a vehicle as part of your purchase, the dealership will offer you a trade-in value. This value is what they will credit toward the price of the new vehicle. The dealership's offer is based on the vehicle's age, mileage, condition, market demand, and their ability to resell it. It is not always the highest price you could get for your vehicle.
Before you visit the dealership, research your vehicle's value using tools like Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, or Edmunds. These tools ask for your vehicle's year, make, model, mileage, and condition, and they give you a range of values. Knowing this range helps you evaluate whether the dealership's offer is fair. If the offer is significantly lower than the market value, you can negotiate, or you can sell the vehicle privately and use the proceeds to buy from the dealership.
Keep in mind that the dealership's offer may be lower than the private-sale value because they take on the risk of reselling the vehicle and may need to make repairs or cosmetic improvements. However, trading in is more convenient than selling privately, and you avoid the hassle of showing the vehicle to multiple buyers.
Questions to ask before you sign the paperwork
Before you finalize your purchase at any dealership, make sure you understand every line of the contract. Ask the salesperson or manager to explain any fees, charges, or terms you do not recognize. Common questions include:
- What is included in the price, and what is an add-on fee (such as documentation, delivery, or dealer prep)?
- What is the interest rate, term, and monthly payment if I finance through the dealership?
- What warranty comes with this vehicle, and what does it cover?
- What is the return or exchange policy, and how many days do I have?
- Are there any extended warranties or service plans being added to my contract, and can I remove them?
- What happens if I want to pay off the loan early — are there prepayment penalties?
Do not sign anything until you have read it and understand it. If the salesperson rushes you or becomes evasive about a question, that is a red flag. You have the right to take time, ask for clarification, or walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate the price at Rick Case or other dealerships?
Yes. The sticker price is a starting point, not a final offer. You can negotiate on the vehicle price, the trade-in value, financing terms, and add-on fees. Research the vehicle's market value beforehand so you know what a fair price looks like. Be prepared to walk away if the dealership will not meet your target price.
What should I bring to the dealership when I buy a vehicle?
Bring a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns). If you are trading in a vehicle, bring the title and keys. If you are financing, bring proof of your down payment (bank statement or cashier's check). Ask the dealership what documents they need before you visit.
Is it better to buy a new or used vehicle from a dealership?
New vehicles come with a full manufacturer's warranty and have no hidden maintenance history, but they cost more and lose value quickly. Used vehicles cost less but may have unknown problems and come with limited or no warranty. The choice depends on your budget, how long you plan to keep the vehicle, and your comfort with risk.
What if I discover a problem with the vehicle after I buy it?
If the problem appears within the return window and you have not exceeded the mileage limit, contact the dealership when ready to discuss a return or exchange. If the problem appears after the return window, check your warranty to see if it is covered. If it is not covered and the problem is serious, you may have legal recourse under your state's lemon law, though this varies by state and vehicle age.
Can I buy a vehicle online from Rick Case?
Many dealerships now offer online shopping and delivery options, but policies vary by location. Contact your local Rick Case dealership directly or visit their website to see what online services they offer. Even if you buy online, you will still need to visit in person to sign paperwork and take possession of the vehicle.