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Car buying experience changing due to COVID-19 pandemic

Posted at 9:48 PM, Jun 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-24 02:22:52-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — If you were in the market for a new car before the COVID-19 pandemic, expect your experience at the dealership to change upon your return.

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“Good thing about a car dealership is we’ve got a big open space, so we’re able to practice the social distancing,” said Tyler Corder, of Findlay Automotive Group. “You’ll see we’ve got plexiglass dividers.”

Findlay, a member of the Nevada Franchised Auto Dealers Association, is one of the Las Vegas-area car dealerships changing the purchasing process.

“The test drive is a little challenging, we’ll let people drive around the lot,” Corder said.

When you get inside the vehicle, you’ll see the seat, steering wheel, and the gear shift covered.

There also won't be a salesperson with you inside, in an effort to practice social distancing.

It’s also possible to avoid going to the dealership altogether.

Findlay patterned up with JoyDrive, which is completely contactless.

You can buy or lease the vehicle online, and the car is then delivered to your home.

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A recent American Automobile Association survey found that one in ten people said the pandemic would influence their decision to purchase a new ride within the next six months, due to incentives and low-interest rates.

“I think people got their stimulus money, they didn’t spend any money while they were at home, so they had a little more available,” Corder said. “And there’s a lot of good incentives now.”

The dealership has turned a corner since March and April when the showroom doors were shut.

Continuing coverage of the coronavirus pandemic

“It feels much better now than it did before, for sure,” said Corder.