Buyer + Dealer Brief · 2026-10-06
The better deal starts with fewer unanswered questions.
Recent buyer-experience data points to a practical opportunity: make availability, written numbers and the next step easier to understand.
What the latest report says
CDK Global’s October 1 report put its September Ease of Purchase score at 79%, down from 81% in July and August. That means most respondents still described the purchase as easy. The report also described friction around vehicle availability, negotiation, paperwork and time at the dealership.
For buyers: get the next step in writing
Before spending another afternoon at a dealership, confirm the vehicle is available and ask for an itemized offer. Keep the selling price, taxes, fees, trade and financing assumptions separate. Ask what still needs approval and what could change. A clear answer is more useful than a vague promise of a great deal.
For dealers: a quick no is better than silence
Our takeaway is operational: respond to the actual request. If the vehicle or terms do not fit, say so. If they do, show the conditions in writing. That lets everyone focus on a realistic transaction rather than another round of follow-up.
What this does and does not establish
This is our interpretation of one industry report, not proof that all buyers dislike car shopping or that a concierge guarantees savings. We use the findings to ask better questions and design a clearer process. No individual dealership is being evaluated here.
Sources & context
CDK Global: Car Buyers Frustrated With Purchase Experience in September
Published 2026-10-01
Auto Advocates editorial analysis. Source dates are shown so you can assess freshness. This article is not a dealership rating.