Is it Worth Shopping at a Small Town Car Dealership outside of Rochester?

If you are shopping for a used vehicle, your first instinct might be to head straight to the biggest lots in Rochester or even Minneapolis. Bigger city usually means more options, better prices, and a more professional experience, right?

Not always.

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At first thought, it might seem like it's not worth it to even consider shopping from somewhere like Spring Valley, Zumbrota, Lewiston, etc. Those dealerships can't be as good as the big dogs in town, right?

Right?

We hear these assumptions all the time. Many shoppers are surprised when they finally make the short drive and realize how different the experience really is.

Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths about buying a used car from a small-town dealership and explain why shopping outside the city can be one of the smartest moves you make.

Myth #1: Small-Town Dealerships Have a Limited Selection

This is usually the first concern people bring up. They picture a small lot with only a handful of vehicles and assume that if they want options, they have to stay in the city.

What most people do not realize is that some small-town dealerships, like ours, are part of a larger automotive group.

That means the vehicles you see on our lot are only part of the picture. In many cases, we can access hundreds of vehicles across multiple locations.

Here is where things get even better.

Instead of bouncing from dealership to dealership and explaining your situation over and over again, you can work with one person who gets to know what you are looking for.

One salesperson. One conversation. One point of contact.

You tell us your budget, your needs, and what matters most to you. We do the legwork. The process stays simple, personal, and efficient without the pressure that often comes with larger stores.

Myth #2: City Dealerships Always Have Better Prices

It is easy to assume that bigger dealerships in places like Rochester or Minneapolis can offer lower prices because they sell more cars. In reality, that size often works against them.

Large city dealerships carry massive overhead. Bigger buildings, higher property costs, larger staff, and heavier advertising expenses all add up quickly. Those costs have to be covered somewhere, and they usually get built into the price of the vehicle.

Small-town dealerships operate differently. Our overhead is lower, which allows us to price vehicles more competitively. When shoppers compare similar vehicles side by side, it is common to see savings of $500 to $1,000 at a smaller dealership like ours.

Give it a shot--it's actually easier to compare new cars, because they're guaranteed to have the same wear and tear (they're new!). Check out a new 2026 Silverado on our site, and try and match the same trim, features, and packages with another dealer in Rochester or Minneapolis.

That can be real money staying in your pocket for a very small change in driving time.

Myth #3: Small Dealerships Lack Quality or Professionalism

Maybe the vehicles at these dealerships are a bit cheaper--fair enough. But isn't that because they are lower quality?

Some buyers worry that a smaller dealership might cut corners or lack the structure of a big city store. That concern makes sense, but it does not reflect reality.

As a franchise dealership that sells new vehicles, any rural car dealer that is a licensed new car franchise, is held to strict standards by the manufacturer.

From paperwork and compliance to customer satisfaction and service practices, those expectations do not change based on the size of the town.

On top of that, our reputation matters deeply to us. In a small community, relationships are everything. We are not trying to rush you through a transaction and move on to the next deal. We take the time to do things right because our customers are also our neighbors.

That extra care often leads to a better overall experience, more attention to detail, and a smoother purchase from start to finish.

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How Far is it Really from Rochester to Spring Valley?

Another common hesitation is the drive itself. People hear “Spring Valley” and assume it is a long haul.

Let’s look at the actual time on the clock.

From southern Rochester, the drive to Spring Valley is about 28 minutes, max.

Driving across Rochester during busy times can easily take 20 minutes or more. From Austin to Spring Valley, the trip is roughly 30 minutes, as well.

Now, think about leaving work, downtown Rochester, and driving across Civic Center to hop on the highway and head home. That'll take you the same amount of time, and it's in stop-and-go traffic--not the smooth highways between Rochester and our dealership.

Or, for some people who prefer to buy from dealerships up in the cities, that trip can take an hour and a half on a good day or even longer with traffic.

So it's not necessarily an issue of the driving distance.

When you put it that way, the question becomes simple. Is an extra 20 minutes of driving worth saving $500 to $1,000 on your next vehicle?

For many of our customers, the answer is an easy yes.

A More Personal Way to Buy a Used Car near Rochester

City dealerships often move fast. The pace can feel transactional, rushed, and impersonal. That works for some shoppers, but not everyone.

At a small-town dealership like Chevrolet of Spring Valley, the atmosphere is different. We slow things down. We answer questions. We make sure you understand your options and feel good about your decision before you sign anything.

You are not just another number walking through the door. You are someone we want to work with again and see around town for years to come.

If you have been limiting your search to the city, it might be time to rethink that approach. A short drive could lead to better pricing, a smoother process, and a buying experience that actually feels enjoyable.

Take a look at our current inventory and see for yourself. And whatever you drive, make sure you love what you drive.