4625 Dick Pond Rd. Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 Sales: 843-650-2917

Locally Owned Matters Why Buying Used Local Wins

When it comes to finding a dependable used vehicle in Myrtle Beach, you have choices. Franchise dealerships, big-box auto retailers, online car-buying apps… they all promise convenience. But there’s one option that consistently delivers more value, more trust, and more long-term peace of mind: buying from a locally owned dealership.

In a community like the Grand Strand - where relationships matter and word travels fast—choosing local isn’t just a feel-good decision. It’s often the smarter one.
Here’s why buying used local wins every time.


1. Local Dealers Know Local Needs

Myrtle Beach isn’t like everywhere else.

We have:

  • Coastal humidity

  • Seasonal traffic

  • Families, retirees, tourists, and workers all needing different types of vehicles

  • Drivers who rely on their cars daily for hospitality, healthcare, construction, and tourism-related jobs

A locally owned dealership understands what works here - whether that’s a fuel-efficient commuter, a roomy family SUV, or a reliable work truck.
Because they live here too.


2. You’re Not Just a Buyer - You’re a Neighbor

When you buy from a locally owned dealership, you’re not customer #48819 in a national database.

You’re someone the team may run into at:

  • the grocery store

  • a Friday night football game

  • a local festival

  • or even on the road

Local dealerships value reputation over trends. Why?
Because
how they treat you today is how the community talks about them tomorrow.

In the Grand Strand, word-of-mouth is everything.


3. Local Dealers Stand Behind Their Vehicles

Unlike large corporate retailers who operate by volume, local dealerships depend on:

  • repeat buyers

  • referrals

  • satisfied customers

  • and a long-standing community presence

This often means stricter standards on what they put on the lot, plus a willingness to walk buyers through the vehicle history, condition, maintenance expectations, and best long-term choices.

There’s accountability you can’t always find online or with out-of-state sellers.


4. Faster, Friendlier Service

With local ownership comes:

  • quicker decision-making

  • flexible financing options

  • personalized communication

  • and someone who actually answers the phone when you call

Whether you need guidance on payments, repairs, recommendations, or trade-ins, local means human, not corporate queues or automated chatbots.


5. Your Money Stays in the Grand Strand

Every used car bought locally helps support:

  • local employees

  • local families

  • local charities

  • local schools

  • community events

  • and the overall local economy

Instead of sending profits to corporate headquarters states away, you’re reinvesting right back into your home.

Buying local is one of the simplest, most meaningful ways to strengthen Myrtle Beach.


6. Local Dealers Adapt to Real Community Feedback

Because local businesses are closer to their customers, they adjust faster.

If people need more trucks, more SUVs, more work vans, more affordable payment options, or more reliable starter cars - local dealers hear it first and respond quickly.

They’re building a business around the Grand Strand, not forcing a national agenda onto it.


7. Trust, Transparency, and Long-Term Relationships

Buying a vehicle is a major decision.
Local dealerships succeed by building trust - not just for the sale, but for years to come.

Whether you:

  • upgrade vehicles later

  • send a friend

  • recommend a coworker

  • or come back for your teenager’s first car

…that relationship matters.

And that’s what sets local apart.


The Bottom Line: Buying Used Local Is a Win for You—and Your Community

Myrtle Beach is built on hospitality, relationships, and taking care of our own. When you choose a locally owned dealership, you get more than a vehicle:

  • You get trust.

  • You get accountability.

  • You get real people who care about your experience.

  • And you keep your dollars right here at home.

Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for years, one thing remains true:

Locally owned truly matters - especially when it comes to buying your next used car in the Grand Strand.


Common Myths About Buy Here Pay Here Dealerships (

Common Myths About Buy Here Pay Here Dealerships (And the Truth Behind Them)

When you’re shopping for a reliable vehicle—especially with credit challenges—it’s easy to get overwhelmed by misinformation. Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) dealerships often get a bad reputation online, but many of the things people warn about are outdated or simply untrue.

It’s time to clear the air. Here are the most common myths about BHPH dealerships—and the real facts every buyer should know, brought to you by The Car Store.

Myth #1: “Buy Here Pay Here dealerships are only for people with terrible credit.”

The Truth:
While BHPH financing is designed to help credit-challenged customers, it’s not ONLY for them. Many buyers choose it because they want fast approvals, simple requirements, and a straightforward buying experience. Even customers with decent credit appreciate the convenience and flexibility.

Myth #2: “The cars at BHPH dealerships are low quality.”

The Truth:
A good BHPH dealership stands behind its vehicles. At The Car Store, every vehicle is inspected, serviced, and reconditioned before it hits the lot. We want you on the road—not in a repair shop.

Myth #3: “Interest rates are automatically sky-high.”

The Truth:
Rates depend on risk, but they aren’t automatically extreme. Since BHPH dealers finance in-house, they take on more risk than banks—so rates reflect that. Still, a reputable dealership like The Car Store keeps rates fair and transparent and works with you to build a payment plan that fits your budget. We also allow early payoff without penalty.

Myth #4: “BHPH dealerships only offer weekly payments.”

The Truth:
Payment schedules are actually designed to match how YOU get paid. At The Car Store, customers can choose between bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payment schedules. Loan terms are straightforward as well—three years is usually the maximum.

Myth #5: “Buy Here Pay Here dealerships always report payments to the credit bureaus.”

The Truth:
Not all BHPH dealers report to credit bureaus—and that’s okay. The Car Store does not report payments, but we use your payment history with us to offer perks such as better terms, lower down payments, and upgrade opportunities on your next vehicle.

Myth #6: “BHPH dealers don’t care about their customers.”

The Truth:
This myth sticks around because of a few bad actors, not the entire industry. At The Car Store, we rely on long-term customer relationships, fair pricing, dependable vehicles, and flexible payments. When you succeed, we succeed.

Buying a car is a big decision, and you deserve real information—not myths. At The Car Store, you’ll find flexible financing, dependable vehicles, and a team committed to helping you stay on the road. For buyers working through credit challenges or simply wanting an easier approval process, BHPH can be one of the smartest, most stress-free ways to get into a reliable vehicle.

What does Buy Here Pay Here Mean

The Smart Way to Buy a Car: Why Buy Here Pay Here at The Car Store Might Be Right for You

At The Car Store, we believe everyone deserves a dependable vehicle — even if your credit isn’t perfect.
Life happens, and sometimes traditional lenders just don’t understand that. That’s where our Buy Here Pay Here program comes in.
We make it easier for real people to get approved, stay on budget, and drive away in a car they can count on.


?? What Does “Buy Here Pay Here” Mean?

With Buy Here Pay Here, you handle everything directly with us — no middlemen or banks involved.
That means:

  • You buy the car here

  • You finance it here

  • You make your payments here

We make our own approval decisions based on your situation, not just your credit score. While we do check credit, we understand that credit challenges don’t define you. If you’ve had no more than two repossessions and have been on your job and at your residence for at least six months, you’ve already met our main requirements.


?? Real People. Real Chances.

Our team looks at the whole picture — your job history, stability, and ability to pay — not just what’s on paper.
We help customers every day who thought they couldn’t get approved anywhere else.

All you need to get started is:

  • A valid driver’s license

  • Proof of income

  • Proof of residence

  • A reasonable down payment

Once approved, you can drive away the same day!


?? Flexible Payments That Fit Your Schedule

We know every customer’s paycheck is different, so we make payments work around you.
At The Car Store, payments can be made:

  • Biweekly

  • Semi-monthly

  • Monthly

We’ll match your payment plan to your pay schedule — simple, flexible, and stress-free.


?? Reliable Vehicles, Honest Deals

Every vehicle on our lot is carefully inspected for quality and reliability. We want you to drive with confidence, knowing your car will get you where you need to go.
Plus, our friendly staff will walk you through every step — from picking the right car to setting up a payment plan that fits your budget.


?? Why Customers Love The Car Store

Our customers keep coming back because we:

  • Offer fast approvals

  • Have fair and flexible payment options

  • Treat every customer with respect and honesty

  • Believe in giving people a second chance

We’re not just selling cars — we’re helping our neighbors get back on the road and move forward.

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