What Florida Fine Cars offers and where to find them
Florida Fine Cars is a used car dealership located in Margate, Florida, that sells pre-owned vehicles to local buyers. The dealership operates as a private business, not a government agency or nonprofit, so all transactions are between you and the dealer. They maintain an inventory of used cars at their physical location, and you can visit to browse vehicles in person.
Margate is in Broward County, in the Miami metropolitan area. If you're shopping for a used car in that region, Florida Fine Cars is one option among many dealerships in South Florida. Like any used car purchase, buying from them involves inspecting the vehicle, negotiating price, arranging financing if needed, and handling the title transfer through the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- Florida Fine Cars is a private used car dealership in Margate where you can view and purchase pre-owned vehicles in person.
- Before buying any used car, have a mechanic inspect it independently to identify hidden problems that affect safety and resale value.
- Get a vehicle history report using the VIN to learn about past accidents, title issues, and service records.
- Negotiate the price based on the car's condition, mileage, market value, and any needed repairs you discovered during inspection.
- Complete the title transfer with the Florida DMV within 10 days of purchase to legally register the vehicle in your name.
Steps to take before visiting the dealership
Start by determining your budget and what type of vehicle meets your needs. Check your credit score if you plan to finance through the dealership or a bank, since your score affects the interest rate you'll receive. Research the makes and models you're interested in to understand typical prices for the year, mileage, and condition you're looking for.
Visit the dealership's website or call ahead to ask what vehicles they currently have in stock. This saves a trip if they don't have what you're looking for. Ask about their return policy, warranty terms, and what documents they provide with each sale—these vary by dealer and affect your protection if something goes wrong after purchase.
Inspecting the vehicle and getting a history report
When you find a car you're interested in, request the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the dealership. Use this 17-character code to pull a vehicle history report from services like Carfax or AutoCheck. These reports show whether the car was in accidents, had flood damage, was declared a total loss by an insurance company, or has outstanding liens. A clean history report doesn't may provide the car is in good condition, but a red flag in the report should make you reconsider.
Never buy a used car based on the dealership's inspection alone. Hire an independent mechanic—one you choose, not one the dealer recommends—to perform a pre-purchase inspection. This typically costs $100 to $200 and takes an hour or two. The mechanic will check the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and other critical systems. They'll give you a written report listing any problems and estimated repair costs. This information is essential for negotiating price and deciding whether the car is worth buying.
Negotiating price and financing options
Use the vehicle history report, the mechanic's inspection results, and comparable prices from other dealerships to negotiate. If the inspection found needed repairs, subtract the repair cost from the asking price as your starting offer. Dealerships expect negotiation on used cars, so don't accept the first price they quote.
You have two financing routes: borrow from the dealership directly, or arrange financing through your bank or credit union before you arrive. Dealership financing is convenient but often carries higher interest rates. Bank or credit union financing usually offers better rates, especially if you have good credit. Get pre-approved for a loan before shopping so you know your budget and can compare the dealership's offer against your bank's terms.
Completing the purchase and title transfer
Once you agree on price and financing, the dealership will prepare a bill of sale and other paperwork. Review every document before signing. The bill of sale should list the vehicle's VIN, the sale price, the date, and both your name and the dealer's name. Keep a copy for your records.
In Florida, you have 10 days from the date of purchase to transfer the title into your name through the Department of Motor Vehicles. You'll need the bill of sale, the title signed by the previous owner (which the dealership provides), proof of insurance, and a completed process for Certificate of Title (Form HSMV 82040). You can submit these in person at your local DMV office, by mail, or through the online system on the Florida DMV website. Registering the vehicle in your name protects you legally and is required to drive it on public roads.
What to watch for when buying used
Avoid dealers who pressure you to decide quickly or who discourage independent inspections. Legitimate dealerships welcome inspections because they indicate a serious buyer. Be cautious of prices that seem too low for the vehicle's age and condition—this often signals hidden problems or title issues.
Ask the dealership directly whether the car has a clean title, a salvage title, or a branded title. A salvage title means the car was declared a total loss by an insurance company and may have structural damage. A branded title flags other issues like flood damage or odometer problems. These vehicles are legal to buy and drive in Florida, but they're worth significantly less and harder to resell. If the dealer doesn't disclose the title status upfront, the vehicle history report will show it.
After the purchase: warranty and recourse
Florida law requires used car dealers to provide a written warranty on vehicles, though the terms vary. Some dealers offer a limited warranty covering specific parts for a set period; others sell cars "as-is" with no warranty. The dealership must disclose the warranty terms in writing before you buy. Read this document carefully and keep it with your title and bill of sale.
If a major problem appears shortly after purchase, contact the dealership in writing to report it. Document the issue with photos and a mechanic's report. Dealers are required to respond to warranty claims, though what they cover depends on the warranty you purchased. If the dealership refuses to honor a valid claim, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which oversees used car dealers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a used car to the dealership if something goes wrong?
Florida law does not require used car dealers to accept returns. Your only recourse is the warranty the dealership provided at sale. If the warranty covers the problem and you report it within the warranty period, the dealer must repair or replace the part. Always read the warranty terms before buying.
What if the title has a lien on it?
A lien means a bank or lender still owns the car. The dealership should pay off the lien before transferring the title to you. Ask the dealership to confirm in writing that the lien will be cleared before you take possession. If you discover a lien after purchase, contact the dealership when ready—this is a serious problem that prevents you from owning the car outright.
Do I need insurance before I drive the car home?
Yes. Florida law requires all vehicles on public roads to have liability insurance. Contact your insurance company before you leave the dealership and provide them with the VIN and purchase details. Many insurers can issue a temporary policy over the phone that takes effect when ready.
What documents should I keep after buying the car?
Keep the bill of sale, the signed title, the warranty document, the vehicle history report, the mechanic's inspection report, and your DMV registration confirmation. Store these in a safe place. You'll need them if you ever sell the car, file an insurance claim, or dispute a warranty issue.