Automotive > Auto Dealerships
December 02, 2025
TV Advertising for Used Car Lots
Build buyer trust and compete with big dealerships using TV advertising for your independent lot.
Table of Contents
Used car buyers are skeptical by nature. They've heard the stories, seen the stereotypes, and approach every dealership with their guard up. TV advertising builds the trust that turns skeptical shoppers into confident buyers.
When your lot appears on the same channels as major franchise dealerships, you instantly earn credibility that a Facebook ad or CarGurus listing can't deliver. You're not just a name on a website. You're a real business that invests in reaching customers professionally.
Why TV Advertising Works for Used Car Lots
Independent dealers face unique challenges that TV advertising directly addresses.
Build instant credibility. Being on TV signals you're an established, trustworthy business. The "sketchy used car lot" stereotype dissolves when buyers see you on NBC, ESPN, or their favorite streaming channels.
Compete with franchise dealers. Major dealerships spend heavily on TV advertising because it works. Now you can match their visibility without their budget. Start at just $50.
Reach active car shoppers. Target households in your market area who fit buyer profiles. TV advertising reaches people before they start comparing lots, so you're on their visit list from the beginning.
Showcase your difference. Whether it's your selection, financing options, no-pressure approach, or warranty program, TV lets you tell your story in 30 impactful seconds.
Overcome stigma directly. Professional TV presence counters negative perceptions head-on. When buyers see your commercial, they see a legitimate business, not a caricature.
Real Results from Used Car Lot TV Ads
Independent dealers using TV advertising report consistent results:
Increased lot traffic from buyers who saw the commercial
Improved trust levels with "I saw you on TV, so I came here first" comments
Better financing applications from more qualified, pre-aware customers
More referrals as brand recognition builds in the community
The key insight: TV builds awareness before people start their car search. When they do start shopping, your lot is already a familiar option rather than an unknown.
How It Works for Used Car Lots
Getting your dealership on TV is simpler than dealing with a difficult trade-in:
Share your website or social media. Adwave's AI gathers your lot imagery, inventory highlights, and branding automatically.
Review your custom commercial. See a professional 30-second ad featuring your dealership in about 2 minutes. Highlight your selection, financing options, or what makes you different.
Target car buyers. Reach households in your market area who fit buyer profiles. Target by ZIP code or radius around your location.
Launch and track results. Your ad runs on 100+ premium channels including streaming services. Promote current inventory and financing specials.
Affordable Pricing for Used Car Lots
TV advertising for your lot starts at just $50. That's less than one listing on CarGurus or Autotrader.
Consider the value: a single used car sale might net $1,000-3,000 in profit. One new customer covers months of TV advertising.
Adwave creates your commercial for free. You only pay to run it on premium channels where buyers are watching.
Put Your Lot on TV
The used car business is built on trust. TV advertising builds that trust faster than any other channel, putting you on equal footing with larger competitors and overcoming buyer skepticism before they ever step on your lot.
Ready to earn trust at scale? Create your first TV ad and see what your dealership looks like on the big screen. It takes about 2 minutes and costs nothing to try.