Used Vehicle Buyer

Lithia & Driveway • Ames, IA

2d

About The Position

Honda of Ames is a premier automotive dealership seeking an experienced Used Vehicle Buyer to drive the success of our growing pre-owned inventory. This role is ideal for a results-driven automotive professional with a strong background in used car purchasing, wholesale buying, auction sourcing, and inventory management. If you understand the used vehicle market, know how to buy right, and want to be a key profit driver in a high-performance dealership, we want to hear from you. As a Used Vehicle Buyer (Used Car Buyer / Pre-Owned Vehicle Buyer), you will be responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and acquiring quality pre-owned vehicles that align with dealership sales goals and profitability targets. This role requires market expertise, confident negotiation skills, and the ability to make timely purchasing decisions in a competitive environment.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Previous experience as a Used Vehicle Buyer, Used Car Buyer, Automotive Purchaser, Appraiser, or Sales Manager preferred
• Strong knowledge of used car values, wholesale markets, vehicle histories, and acquisition strategies
• Proven negotiation, communication, and decision-making skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced dealership environment
• Experience with DMS systems and online vehicle auction platforms
• High School graduate or equivalent, 18 years or older required.
• We are a drug free workplace.
• We are committed to equal employment opportunity (regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status).
• We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Responsibilities

• Source and acquire used vehicles through dealer auctions, online auctions, trade-ins, private sellers, and wholesale networks
• Analyze used car market trends, competitor pricing, and inventory availability
• Conduct vehicle appraisals, inspections, and value assessments
• Determine vehicle values, demand trends, and pricing strategies
• Negotiate purchase pricing and terms to ensure profitability and strong inventory turn
• Build and maintain relationships with auction representatives, wholesalers, and industry contacts
• Collaborate with sales management and dealership leadership to align inventory with sales objectives
• Monitor inventory levels and adjust acquisition strategy based on market conditions
• Maintain accurate purchasing documentation using dealership management systems and online buying platforms

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Paid Holidays & PTO
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan2
• Lithia Learning Center

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED