Question 1

What does Link Auto Buyers do?

Accepted Answer

Link Auto Buyers is an independent vehicle-buying service founded by Shawn Yates. We act as the link between the dealer and the buyer, using 20+ years of dealership experience to review quotes, negotiate deals, and run end-to-end purchases for everyday cars, classics, fleet trucks, and high-line/exotic vehicles.

Question 2

How much does Link Auto Buyers charge?

Accepted Answer

We offer two flat-fee retail packages: Deal Negotiation for $1,250 and Full Concierge for $2,000. Specialty services for classic cars, commercial fleet units, and high-line/exotic vehicles are priced by project — call 480-282-0060 for a quote.

Question 3

How does a car buying service work?

Accepted Answer

You tell us the vehicle you want and your budget. We open competitive quote requests with the right dealers, negotiate price, fees, and financing in writing, and hand you a clean deal to sign. Depending on the package, we can also handle sourcing, trade-ins, and delivery end-to-end.

Question 4

Do I still have to visit the dealership?

Accepted Answer

We work to keep you out of the dealership whenever possible, but some circumstances — such as trade-in appraisals, out-of-state deliveries, or specific lender requirements — may require a quick visit. We handle the heavy lifting up front and will clearly explain if an in-person step is needed.

Question 5

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

Most Deal Negotiation projects wrap within 3 to 7 days once we lock in the target vehicle. Full Concierge projects, especially sourcing across states, can take 1 to 3 weeks depending on inventory. Rush timelines are possible — just tell us up front.

Question 6

How do I start working with Link Auto Buyers?

Accepted Answer

Fill out the buyer intake form on the home page or call/text 480-282-0060. We'll ask about the vehicle you want, your budget, timeline, trade-in, and financing situation, then recommend the right level of service.

Question 7

How is Link Auto Buyers different from an auto broker?

Accepted Answer

Most brokers are paid by the dealer or lender they place you with. We are paid only by the buyer — no dealer commissions, no lender kickbacks, no split loyalty. Ask any broker: "Do you receive any payment from the dealer or lender?" Ours is always a clean "no."

Question 8

Is it worth paying someone to negotiate a car?

Accepted Answer

For many buyers, yes. The dealership process can take 8–14 hours, involve confusing fees, and include hidden rate markups or add-ons. Our flat fee removes the pressure and often pays for itself by avoiding unnecessary extras and securing better terms.

Question 9

Can you help me negotiate a car price?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Deal Negotiation package is built exactly for that. We source competing quotes, negotiate price and add-ons, review the finance or lease terms, and push for the best trade-in value so you arrive at a fair, transparent deal.

Question 10

What fees should I watch out for when buying a car?

Accepted Answer

Common fees include documentation fees, dealer preparation, VIN etching, paint protection, extended warranties, and marked-up interest rates. We review every line of the deal and flag items that can be negotiated, removed, or sourced elsewhere for less.

Question 11

Are dealer add-ons ever worth buying?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Extended service contracts and GAP coverage can make sense — but the dealer's version is usually 2–3x the price you'd pay through your credit union or an independent provider. Never buy them the same day; take 24 hours to shop them.

Question 12

What is an interest-rate markup?

Accepted Answer

The lender approves you at one rate (the "buy rate"). The dealer can add up to 2 percentage points on top and keep the difference. Always ask for the buy rate and compare to at least one outside pre-approval before signing.

Question 13

Can you save me money on financing?

Accepted Answer

Often yes. We compare dealer financing against outside pre-approvals from banks and credit unions, and we push back on rate markups. On a 60-month loan, even 1% off the rate can be worth over $1,000.

Question 14

Should I buy new or used in the current market?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your budget, timeline, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. New cars often come with incentives and full warranties, while used cars can offer lower depreciation. We help you compare real-world cost of ownership so the decision fits your situation.

Question 15

Lease vs. finance: which is better?

Accepted Answer

Leasing works well for drivers who want lower payments and a new vehicle every few years. Financing is usually better if you want to own, drive high mileage, or keep the vehicle long-term. We run the numbers both ways and negotiate the terms that match your budget.

Question 16

How do I know I'm getting a fair trade-in value?

Accepted Answer

Get multiple offers before you commit. We recommend checking retail listing sites, local dealers, and online appraisal tools. We can also negotiate the trade-in separately from the new vehicle purchase so you see the true value on each side of the deal.

Question 17

Should I sell my car privately or trade it in?

Accepted Answer

Private sale usually nets more money, but takes time and effort. A trade-in is faster and often carries a sales-tax credit that closes some of the gap. We'll run both scenarios so you can decide with real numbers.

Question 18

Can you help buy a car in another state?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We routinely source vehicles across state lines and coordinate delivery. We also verify the vehicle's condition, paperwork, and seller reputation before you commit.

Question 19

How does delivery work for out-of-state purchases?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate open or enclosed transport based on the vehicle, get insurance in place for the trip, and handle title/registration paperwork with your home state DMV. You just receive the vehicle at your driveway.

Question 20

Do you help with pre-purchase inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For used, classic, and exotic vehicles, we arrange independent pre-purchase inspections with the right specialist for the marque. A $200–$500 PPI can save you thousands.

Question 21

Do you help with classic cars and hot rods?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Classic cars require a different approach: documentation, originality, rust, drivetrain condition, and provenance matter as much as price. We source, inspect, and negotiate classic and specialty vehicles so you buy with confidence. Call for pricing.

Question 22

Do you buy fleet or commercial vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle dump trucks, water trucks, cranes, landscaping trucks, and other commercial fleet units for companies. We can spec vehicles for your operation, request fleet quotes, and structure financing. Call for pricing and fleet sizing.

Question 23

Can you source high-line or exotic cars?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We specialize in high-line, supercar, and exclusive vehicle sourcing. These transactions require discretion, market knowledge, and careful inspection. We represent your interests throughout the process. Call for pricing.

Question 24

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Arizona and work with buyers across the United States. Many services can be handled by phone, email, and video, and we coordinate local or remote delivery depending on the vehicle location.

Question 25

Do you take a commission from the dealer?

Accepted Answer

No. Ever. We only get paid by the buyer. That's the whole point of the service.

Question 26

Do you guarantee savings or financing approval?

Accepted Answer

No one can guarantee a specific savings amount or loan approval. What we guarantee is that we work only for you, explain every number, and apply 20+ years of dealership knowledge to protect you from overpaying and unnecessary add-ons.

Question 27

What information do you need to get started?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle (year/make/model or a short list), your budget or payment target, timeline, whether you have a trade-in, and your financing/pre-approval situation. The buyer intake form on the home page covers all of it.

Question 28

Is my information kept private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We only use your information to work your deal, never share it with third parties for marketing, and delete records on request. Our full privacy disclosure is on the intake form.

Question 29

What happens after the deal is done?

Accepted Answer

You drive (or receive) the car. We stay available to answer any follow-up questions on the paperwork, warranty, or trade coordination — that's included at no extra cost.

Question 30

Should I buy an extended warranty?

Accepted Answer

It can be worth it on complex modern vehicles or exotics with expensive service costs. But the dealer's price is usually inflated. We help you decide whether one makes sense — and where to buy it if it does.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to start a deal?