Asbury Automotive Group operates over 80 dealerships across the United States

Asbury Automotive Group is one of the largest publicly traded automotive retailers in the country, with dealerships in roughly 20 states. The company owns franchises for brands including Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, and others. If you're shopping at an Asbury dealership, you're dealing with a corporate-owned location rather than an independent dealer, which affects how pricing, inventory, and financing options work.

Because Asbury is publicly traded, its dealerships follow standardized processes across locations. This means pricing structures, trade-in valuations, and financing terms tend to be more uniform than at smaller independent dealers. It also means the dealership has corporate oversight and standardized complaint procedures if something goes wrong after the sale.

The size of Asbury's network means inventory can sometimes be transferred between locations if a specific vehicle isn't in stock at your nearest dealership. However, this also means you're working within a larger system where individual salespeople have less flexibility on pricing than they might at a smaller operation.

Key Takeaways

  • Asbury Automotive Group owns over 80 dealerships across multiple states and brands, so you're buying from a large corporate retailer with standardized processes.
  • Pricing and trade-in offers follow corporate guidelines, which reduces negotiation room compared to independent dealers but also means less variation between locations.
  • Asbury dealerships offer in-house financing through their own loan programs, but you should still compare rates with your bank or credit union before accepting their offer.
  • The dealership's corporate structure means formal complaint procedures exist if you have issues with your purchase or service after the sale.
  • Inventory can sometimes be transferred between Asbury locations if the vehicle you want isn't at your nearest dealership.

How Asbury's corporate structure affects your purchase price

Asbury dealerships use centralized pricing systems that tie vehicle prices to market data and corporate profit targets. This means the sticker price you see is less likely to be a starting point for negotiation than it would be at an independent dealer. Salespeople at Asbury locations have less authority to discount below corporate guidelines, though negotiation on trade-in value, add-ons, and financing terms is still possible.

The trade-in valuation process at Asbury dealerships typically uses automated appraisal tools that factor in the vehicle's condition, mileage, and market demand. You can request a detailed breakdown of how they arrived at their offer. If the offer seems low, get an independent appraisal from a service like CarMax or a local mechanic before accepting it. Asbury's corporate system means the offer won't change much if you push back, but knowing the market value of your trade-in gives you a concrete number to work from.

Dealer add-ons like extended warranties, paint protection, and fabric treatment are common at Asbury locations. These are optional and often marked up significantly. Read the warranty terms carefully and compare pricing with third-party providers before agreeing to add them to your loan.

Financing through Asbury versus outside lenders

Asbury dealerships offer financing through their own captive finance company and through relationships with external lenders. The dealership makes money on the spread between the rate the lender gives them and the rate they offer you, so their rate may not be the best available. Before you visit the dealership, get pre-approved for a loan from your bank or credit union. This gives you a concrete rate to compare against what Asbury offers.

If Asbury's rate is lower than your bank's, you can accept their financing. If it's higher, you can decline and use your pre-approval instead. Some dealerships will match or beat an outside rate if you show them the pre-approval letter, though Asbury's corporate guidelines limit how much room salespeople have to negotiate on financing terms.

Read the financing agreement carefully before signing. Check for prepayment penalties, gap insurance costs, and any add-on products bundled into the loan. Asbury dealerships are required to disclose all terms in writing, and you have the right to take the agreement home and review it before signing if you ask.

Inventory and vehicle selection at Asbury locations

Asbury's network of over 80 dealerships means a single location may not have every vehicle in stock. If you're looking for a specific model, trim level, or color, ask the salesperson whether it can be transferred from another Asbury location. Transfer typically takes a few days to a week, depending on distance. You'll usually need to put down a deposit to hold the vehicle while it's being transferred.

Asbury locations also order vehicles directly from manufacturers. If you want a new car with specific options, the dealership can place a factory order. Lead times vary by brand and current production schedules, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months. The dealership will provide a build sheet showing exactly what options are included and the final price before you commit.

Used vehicle inventory at Asbury dealerships is typically certified pre-owned (CPO) or recent trade-ins. CPO vehicles come with extended warranties and have passed the brand's inspection standards. Trade-ins may have shorter or no warranty coverage, so ask what's included before you buy.

What happens after you buy: warranty and service

New vehicles come with the manufacturer's warranty, which is the same whether you buy from Asbury or any other dealer. Used vehicles sold as CPO include the brand's extended warranty coverage. Trade-in vehicles may have limited or no warranty, depending on age and mileage. The sales contract will specify exactly what warranty coverage is included.

Asbury dealerships handle warranty service at their service departments. Because Asbury owns multiple locations, you can sometimes get service at a different Asbury dealership if it's more convenient. However, warranty work must be done at a dealership that carries that brand, so you can't take a Ford to a Chevrolet dealership for warranty service.

If you have a problem with your vehicle after purchase, contact the dealership's service department first. If the issue isn't resolved to your satisfaction, Asbury has a formal customer complaint process. You can also file a complaint with your state's attorney general's office or the Federal Trade Commission if you believe the dealership violated consumer protection laws.

Comparing Asbury dealerships to independent dealers

The main trade-off with Asbury is standardization versus flexibility. Prices are more consistent across locations, but you have less room to negotiate. Financing terms are transparent and follow corporate policy, but the rates may not be as competitive as what you'd find elsewhere. Inventory is larger across the network, but a single location may have fewer choices than a large independent dealer in the same market.

Independent dealers often have more flexibility on pricing and financing because they're not bound by corporate guidelines. However, they may have smaller inventories and less formal complaint procedures if something goes wrong. Asbury's size means you're dealing with a company that has to follow standardized practices and has corporate oversight, which can be an advantage if you need to escalate a complaint.

If you're buying a specific brand, check whether Asbury owns a dealership for that brand in your area. If not, you'll need to shop elsewhere. If Asbury does own a dealership for the brand you want, get quotes from both Asbury and independent dealers in your market before deciding where to buy.

Red flags and common issues at dealerships

Watch for pressure to buy add-ons you didn't ask for, especially extended warranties and paint protection. These are optional, and you should never feel obligated to purchase them. If a salesperson says an add-on is "required," ask to see that in writing. It won't be, because add-ons are always optional.

Be cautious of financing terms that seem too good to be true. If the dealership offers a rate significantly lower than what your bank quoted, ask why. Sometimes dealerships offer promotional rates on specific vehicles or for customers with excellent credit. Other times, the rate is low because the loan term is longer, which means you'll pay more interest overall. Compare the total cost of the loan, not just the interest rate.

If you're buying a used vehicle, request a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic before you finalize the purchase. Even CPO vehicles can have hidden issues. The inspection costs $100 to $200 and can save you thousands if it uncovers a major problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate the price at an Asbury dealership?

You can negotiate, but Asbury's corporate pricing system limits how much room salespeople have to move. Focus your negotiation on trade-in value, financing terms, and add-ons rather than the vehicle price itself. Getting a pre-approval from your bank gives you leverage on financing.

What if I want to return or exchange the vehicle after I buy it?

Most Asbury dealerships offer a short return window, typically three to seven days, depending on the location and vehicle type. Check the sales contract for the specific return policy before you sign. Returns are usually subject to mileage limits and restocking fees.

Does Asbury offer any loyalty programs or discounts for repeat customers?

Asbury dealerships may offer loyalty discounts on service or future purchases, but these vary by location and brand. Ask your salesperson what programs are available. Corporate-wide loyalty programs are less common than at independent dealers.

What should I do if I have a problem with my vehicle after purchase?

Contact the dealership's service department first and document the issue in writing. If the problem isn't resolved, escalate to the dealership's management. Asbury has a formal complaint process; ask for contact information for the dealership's general manager or customer service department.

Can I buy a vehicle online from Asbury?

Many Asbury dealerships offer online shopping and delivery options, though availability varies by location and brand. Check the specific dealership's website to see what online purchasing options they offer. You'll still need to complete paperwork in person or via electronic signature.