in the Wilmington area?

My current ride is getting long in the tooth, but i don't want to go too co$tly.

Also, I'd like to go with a local business instead of Carmax, and give the money to a local company that will appreciate me, LOL!

Any names I should look for?

Thanks to all who respond!

Tabu

Used car dealers gotta make a living like anybody else, but they make that living by maximizing the profit margin on the used cars they sell, and the source of that profit margin is you. I know its a lot more convenient, but you are almost guaranteed to get a better car and better value by deciding what your budget is, what kinds of car might suit your needs and then let your fingers work their magic..on the keyboard of your computer, to find the potential candidates in and around Wilmington. Then find an independent mechanic you trust who will be on stand-by to look at your top candidate and check it out for you. My guess is there are plenty of guys on the Carolina boards who know a thing or two about cars and can help you decide on the kinds of car,  discern between all the possibilities on autotrader , craigslist and the local paper , etc. It would be the best "trade" you will make this year.

however, I'm pretty good at searching on the internet and comparing prices. I've already seen some good choices online. Unfortunately (as hobbyists should know, LOL) a nice picture on a nice website doesn't necessarily add up to a good buying/owning experience.

What I'm hoping to find is any personal recommendations for a dealer that folks have found to be trustworthy and who stands behind their vehicles.

PMs are welcome

well said!

Send me a pm and I'll shoot you my #

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The most important issue is to NOT pick a car with a poor reliability record and that are expensive to repair relative to your budget. These would include BMW, Mercedes, Land Rovers as so on. Set a budget and stick to it!

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I searched online came across exactly what I wanted at Bob king vw got a used vw exact model and all. Drove down got price I was OK with great service through out sale.

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My regular bought an Audi and while she is very good at some things :->, getting her fingers dirty under the hood is not one of them.  She has spent a fortune on keeping the thing repaired; every little thing is very expensive.  Despite the fact that she likes very nice things, she says that she'll never buy another one.
The Internet is your friend.