How to choose a name for your used car dealership:
Free Name Generator for Car Dealerships
For 15+ years we have built over 700 used car dealership websites across the Carolinas. Through this vast experience we have some valuable DOs and DONTs for naming your dealership.
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6 Tips When Choosing a Dealership Name
CAN YOU GET THE .COM?
Why .COM is Important
The .COM domain is the most trusted and widely used domain extension. If your ideal name isn’t available as a .COM, visit the site to see what’s there. If it belongs to another dealership in your state, steer clear. However, if it’s a dormant site, for sale, or unrelated and far away, you might consider alternatives like .NET.
What to Do if the .COM Is Taken
Don’t worry! You can tweak your name by adding geographic terms, such as a state abbreviation or a city name. Removing less critical words like “car” or “sales” is another option.
Sample Case: Prime Auto Sales
If primeautosales.com is unavailable, consider these alternatives:
primeautos.com
primeautonc.com
primeautosalesnc.com
primecars.com
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Google it!
Why Google Search Matters
A thorough Google search is crucial before finalizing your dealership name. It helps identify potential conflicts and competition in your market. Most customers will search for your business online, so understanding what they'll find is essential.
What to Look For
- Existing dealerships with similar names (especially in your state)
- Social media accounts and business listings - Check Social also!!
- News articles or negative press about similarly named businesses
- Trademark registrations that could cause legal issues
Sample Search Strategy: Carolina Motors
If considering "Carolina Motors," search for:
- "Carolina Motors dealership"
- "Carolina Motors + [your city]"
- "Carolina Motors reviews"
- "Carolina Motors near me"
Is it easy to spell?
Why Spelling Matters
Misspellings can cost you valuable website traffic and make word-of-mouth marketing less effective. Up to 20% of Google searches contain spelling errors - don't let these missed opportunities hurt your business.
Common Spelling Pitfalls
- Creative spellings (Karz instead of Cars)
- Commonly mispelled names (Geoff's Autos or Gallagher Motors)
- Sound-alike words (Express vs. Xpress)
- Hyphens and special characters
Consider relevance and longevity
Why Future-Proofing Matters
Your dealership name should grow with your business and remain relevant as the market evolves. Avoiding restrictive terms keeps your options open for future expansion.
Terms to Avoid
- Vehicle types (SUV, Truck, Electric)
- Price points (Budget, Luxury, Discount)
- Specific brands (unless you're a licensed dealer)
- Trendy terms that may date quickly
Sample Evolution Case
"Budget EVs of Charlotte" limits you to:
- Only electric vehicles
- Only lower-priced inventory
- Only serving Charlotte (not a negative but just something to keep in mind)
- Better alternative: "Charlotte Auto Exchange"
Does the name make sense?
Why Clarity Matters
Your dealership name should instantly communicate your business type. While creative names can work, they require more marketing effort to establish brand recognition.
Elements of a Strong Name
- Automotive terms (Auto, Motors, Cars)
- Geographic identifiers when helpful
- Professional and trustworthy words
- Easy to remember and share
Test it out!
Why Testing Matters
Getting feedback before launching helps identify potential issues and confirms your name resonates with your target market.
Testing Checklist
- Say it out loud 10 times
- Write it down without looking
- Use it in a sentence
- Create a simple logo mock-up
Sample Testing Scenarios
Phone Test: "Hi, I'm calling Capital City Motors about the Honda Civic."
Referral Test: "I got my truck from Capital City Motors on Main Street."
Social Media Test: "Just picked up my new ride from @CapitalCityMotors! #NewCar"