Franchised dealers face a stark choice: either expand into once-untouchable inventory or watch budget-conscious buyers disappear to competitors already comfortable with branded-title cars.
Part of the issue is modern car tech. Bumpers and grilles are now stuffed with sensors, cameras, and radar. A minor fender bender can mean thousands in electronics and calibration. Add higher labor rates and pricey imported parts and insurers often decide it is cheaper to total the car than fix it.
The question for dealers is not just “can we fix it?” but “can we stand behind it?”. Reputation is a fragile thing when you’re selling cars that customers rely on every day.
