Car dealerships are typically franchised to sell and service vehicles by specific companies. They are often located on properties offering enough room to have buildings housing a showroom, mechanical service, and body repair facilities, as well as to provide storage for used and new vehicles. Many dealerships are located out of town or on the edge of town centers. An example of a traditional single proprietorship car dealership is Collier Motors in North Carolina. Many modern dealerships are part of corporate-owned chains such as AutoNation with over 300 franchises. Dealership profits in the US mainly come from servicing, some from used cars, and little from new cars. The average new car price was $33,419 in 2015, while used cars cost $19,397.

No less than three dedicated customer service employees working the office while the mechanics are doing their thing. Courtesy cars couldn't be easier to use. I brought in my 2002 Acura RSX because of a check engine light. (nb: the diagnostic test is between $50-60.) AHC explained the service needed clearly and in a non-condescending way. Fixed some smaller things while they were at it, like replacing the battery in my key fob. The bulk of the fee was for parts; labor fee was reasonable for SV. Told me the car should be ready by the afternoon, and it was. This was my test-run for a place, not the dealership, which has become ridiculously expensive. I feel pretty good about bringing my car back when it's time for the 100,000 m. service.