Car dealerships: 5 dealer groups compared

Start with a nearby store. Then compare the vehicle, the complete price and the written terms before you sign.

Check which dealer groups have a selling location in your state. Compare the five networks below, then ask the chosen store for a complete quote. Online inventory and delivery do not mean every location uses the same terms.

AutoNation logo
AutoNation, Inc.

AutoNation

4.5 / 5 · Editorial rating

AutoNation combines new-car dealerships, AutoNation USA used-car stores and its own lender. It is worth comparing when a store is nearby and you want the purchase, financing and service in one network.

Key features

Written pre-owned return terms

A store FAQ lists 5 days or 250 miles.

Trade-in offer

A published offer lasts 7 days or 500 miles.

Online steps and home delivery

The 10-K lists several steps you can finish online.

Captive lender

AutoNation Finance lends on cars the group sells.

Pros

  • Sells 30 new vehicle brands through 245 stores, per the 2025 10-K.
  • A store FAQ publishes a 5-day, 250-mile pre-owned return guarantee.
  • Gives a trade-in offer that lasts 7 days or 500 miles.
  • Has a captive lender, AutoNation Finance, plus 52 collision centers.

Cons

  • Stores are concentrated in the Sunbelt, mainly Florida, Texas and California.
  • The 5-day return window is short next to a 7-day window at some rivals.
  • Terms sit on store pages, so they can vary by store or for out-of-state delivery.
Hendrick Automotive logo
Hendrick Automotive Group

Hendrick Automotive

4.4 / 5 · Editorial rating

Hendrick lists dealerships in 13 states and lets shoppers search inventory online. Consider it for a local dealer relationship or a car elsewhere in the network. Ask for shipping and return terms before buying.

Key features

Shared inventory search

Browse vehicles across the dealership network.

Shipping options

Ask the store about delivery to your area.

Purchasing centers

Charlotte and Concord centers offer vehicle appraisals.

Lender network

Financing is arranged through participating lenders.

Pros

  • Lists 103 dealership locations across 13 states.
  • Lets shoppers search a combined online inventory.
  • Offers a seven-day quote at its Charlotte and Concord purchasing centers.
  • Provides financing tools with participating lenders.

Cons

  • The selling dealership determines the transaction details.
  • Ask for the return policy before you commit.
  • Shipping charges require a quote.
  • Financing terms depend on lender approval.
Lithia Motors logo
Lithia Motors, Inc.

Lithia Motors

4.3 / 5 · Editorial rating

Shop through Driveway, then choose an eligible delivery or pickup option. The network includes its own finance company and partner lenders. Return limits depend on the vehicle, and shipping fees are not refundable.

Key features

Buy online and ship

Driveway.com lets you pick a car and have it shipped.

Return policy

Pre-owned cars under $100,000 get 7 days or 400 miles.

Instant offer on your car

Driveway's FAQ says you can get an offer online.

Financing

Apply for financing in real time with Driveway's lending partners.

Pros

  • Operates 455 locations and 54 brands, per the 2025 10-K.
  • Ships cars from its network to your driveway.
  • Gives a 7-day, 400-mile return window on pre-owned cars under $100,000.
  • Offers an instant online quote for your current car.

Cons

  • Shipping fees are not refunded on returns.
  • New cars and pre-owned cars at $100,000 or more get only 4 days or 50 miles.
  • Cars sold from New York to buyers outside New York are not eligible for return.
  • The 10-K does not list U.S. states, so coverage near you needs checking.
Asbury Automotive logo
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.

Asbury Automotive

4.2 / 5 · Editorial rating

Clicklane lets you browse, finance and arrange delivery through Asbury’s dealer network. Check the selling location and complete quote first. Delivery options and return conditions need to match your address and vehicle.

Key features

Clicklane online buying

Clicklane describes itself as 100% online car buying.

Delivery

Delivery to your home, office or a dealership.

Sell or trade

Get an appraisal quote in about 90 seconds.

Lender marketplace

Compare finance offers from participating lenders.

Pros

  • Operates 171 dealerships and 39 collision centers in 15 states, per the 2025 10-K.
  • Clicklane offers online buying, delivery and trade-in appraisal.
  • Publishes a 7-day, no-questions-asked return policy for Clicklane purchases.
  • Lets you choose among lenders through its lender marketplace.

Cons

  • The network serves selected states and local markets.
  • Delivery fees and eligibility need a quote.
  • Ask whether the return policy has mileage or condition limits.
  • Lender approval determines the final financing offer.
Sonic Automotive logo
Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Sonic Automotive

4.0 / 5 · Editorial rating

Choose a Sonic franchised dealership for a new car, or consider EchoPark for used inventory. Ask the selling location to confirm the return rules, finance offer and where the car will receive service.

Key features

Happiness Guarantee

Outside California, EchoPark cars have a 7-day or 250-mile return guarantee.

Offer on your car

EchoPark's offer lasts 7 days or 500 miles.

Inspection

A 190-point quality inspection and road test.

Franchised dealerships

134 new vehicle franchises across 24 brands.

Pros

  • Operates 111 franchised stores in 18 states and 18 EchoPark stores in 10 states.
  • Gives a 7-day, 250-mile return guarantee at EchoPark outside California.
  • Gives a 7-day, 500-mile offer on your car, with a $500 bonus for acting in 48 hours.
  • Runs a 190-point inspection on EchoPark cars.

Cons

  • Third-party financing only, with no captive lender.
  • EchoPark has no customer-facing repair services.
  • Restocking fees and other charges may apply to returns.
  • Confirm the service arrangement for a car bought from EchoPark.

First, find a store that serves you

Compare states and local access

Begin with the location directory. Store counts are a snapshot, not a promise that a particular car or service is nearby.

Network snapshot · Nov 2, 2026
Dealer groupPublished footprintYour next check
AutoNationFacilities in 20 statesFind the selling store and service location
Hendrick103 dealership locations in 13 statesConfirm local stock or a shipping quote
Lithia / Driveway455 locations across the U.S., U.K. and CanadaConfirm the U.S. selling store and delivery area
Asbury / Clicklane171 dealerships in 15 statesCheck the local brand and Clicklane eligibility
Sonic / EchoParkFranchised stores in 18 states; EchoPark in 10Choose the appropriate new-car or used-car network

The public-company counts come from 2025 annual reports and refer to December 31, 2025. Hendrick’s figures come from its website. Check the current directory before traveling.

Compare how you buy

On a phone, scroll across the table to see every column. Ask the selling store to confirm its own terms.

Buying options · Nov 2, 2026
GroupOnline buyingFinancingTrade-in
AutoNationOnline steps and delivery optionsAutoNation Finance on eligible vehiclesPublished offer example: 7 days or 500 miles
HendrickCombined inventory and shipping optionsParticipating lender networkSeven-day offer at Charlotte and Concord centers
Lithia / DrivewayOnline purchase with delivery or pickupDFC and partner lendersOnline offer and pickup options
Asbury / ClicklaneOnline buying with local delivery optionsThird-party lendersOnline appraisal tool
Sonic / EchoParkDealer search or EchoPark used inventoryThird-party financingPublished EchoPark offer: 7 days or 500 miles
Used-car example

AutoNation

  • Store FAQ: 5 days or 250 miles
  • Confirm eligibility for the exact vehicle
  • Ask when the return clock starts
Online purchase

Driveway

  • Pre-owned under $100,000: 7 days or 400 miles
  • Shorter limits apply to other vehicles
  • Shipping fees are not refundable
Other policies

Confirm with the store

  • Clicklane advertises a seven-day return policy
  • EchoPark terms depend on the location
  • Request Hendrick’s policy before signing

These are published examples, not universal return guarantees. Confirm the vehicle, mileage limit, fees and deadline in writing.

Which network fits your buying style?

What matters most after location?

You want a local dealer and an in-house lender

Consider AutoNation

Compare the store’s complete quote with an outside finance offer.

You want a car shipped from another market

Consider Driveway

Include shipping and the cost of a possible return in the comparison.

You prefer a local dealer with online steps

Compare Hendrick and Asbury

Confirm the selling store, financing route and delivery terms.

You are choosing between new and used

Separate Sonic and EchoPark

Compare the network that sells the kind of car you want.

Before you commit to a car

Get these details in writing

How we compare

  1. Location

    Start with states, stores and service access.

  2. Buying process

    Compare inventory, delivery and trade-in steps.

  3. Written terms

    Check the complete price, financing and returns.

  4. Final quote

    Confirm the exact offer with the selling store.

We compare published company information and offer terms. Public-company network counts use 2025 annual reports. Hendrick’s figures use its own website. We did not buy a vehicle or test dealer services. Ratings are editorial estimates on a five-star scale.

Sources and editorial notes

The review pages list the sources behind each dealer profile. Information was checked in the source notes on November 2, 2026. Store-level terms can differ.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Where should I start?

    Find a selling dealership that serves your state. Confirm the exact car, delivery area and nearby service options before comparing the finance offer.

  2. Does online buying remove the dealership?

    No. An online platform can handle parts of the process, while a dealership sells the vehicle. Ask which business will appear on the purchase documents.

  3. Can I return any car bought from these groups?

    Do not assume that. Policies can depend on the vehicle, price, mileage, selling location and delivery. Ask for the full written terms before signing.

  4. How should I compare financing?

    Get an outside quote, then compare APR, term, amount financed and total payments with the dealer offer. Keep the car price and optional products separate from the financing discussion.