Ever walked onto a car lot and felt that weird, immediate pressure in your chest? Like you're about to be hunted by a guy in a cheap suit? Most of us have. But there's this specific spot on East Broad Street—Byers Outlet Columbus Ohio—that kind of flips the script on the typical used car experience.
It isn't some flashy, neon-soaked showroom. It’s basically the "best-kept secret" arm of the massive Byers Auto Group, which has been around since 1897. Seriously, the family started with horses and buggies. Now, they're sitting on a massive network of high-end imports, and the Outlet is where the gems from their trade-ins end up.
If you’ve lived in Central Ohio for a while, you know the name. But you might not know how the Outlet actually works. Honestly, it’s where the high-mileage heroes and the budget-friendly daily drivers live.
What Actually Is Byers Outlet Columbus Ohio?
Let's clear up the confusion first. Byers has dealerships all over—Dublin, Delaware, Grove City. They’ve got Porsche, Audi, and Subaru. But Byers Outlet Columbus Ohio functions as their centralized hub for pre-owned variety.
Located at 7077 E. Broad St., it's a dedicated used-car supercenter. They don't just stick to one brand. On any given Tuesday, you might find a 2015 Toyota Camry sitting next to a 2021 Jeep Cherokee or a 2024 Nissan Sentra with surprisingly low miles.
The inventory usually hovers around 20 to 30 cars on the physical lot at once, but they have access to the wider Byers network. This matters because most of their stock comes from local trade-ins at their own import stores. You aren't getting mystery cars from some random auction in another state. These are often vehicles that were serviced right here in Columbus.
Why people keep going back
- The "No-Haggle" Vibe: Most shoppers mention that the sales team—guys like Austin B. or Jerry Entingh—don't follow you around like a shadow.
- Price Transparency: They tend to list their "best price" upfront. You’ve probably seen their listings on CarGurus or DealerRater with those "Great Deal" badges.
- The Inspection Safety Net: Because they're backed by a huge group, these cars aren't just "as-is" junk. They go through a technician's check. If it doesn't pass a basic safety standard, they don't put it on the Broad Street lot.
The Reality of Buying Here (The Good and the Weird)
Look, no dealership is perfect. I’ve seen some reviews where people were annoyed by a wait time for an oil change or a specific finance guy who was a bit too "old school." That’s just car buying in 2026.
✨ Don't miss: Jerry Jones 19.2 Billion Net Worth: Why Everyone is Getting the Math Wrong
But there’s a nuance to the Outlet. Since it’s a high-volume spot, cars move fast. If you see a 2021 Subaru Forester on their website in the morning, there is a very real chance it’s gone by 5:00 PM.
They also handle a lot of "distance sales." I found a story about a buyer from several hours away who did the whole thing via email with a salesman named Greene. They aren't just catering to the Whitehall or Reynoldsburg crowd anymore; they’re shipping cars across the state.
Hours of Operation
Don't show up on a Sunday. They're closed.
Monday through Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Common Misconceptions About the "Outlet" Name
A lot of people hear "Outlet" and think "Salvage" or "Rebuilt." That’s a total myth. In the Byers world, "Outlet" basically means "Value."
While their sister store, Audi Columbus, might be selling $90,000 RS models, the Outlet is where you find the $15,000 to $25,000 workhorses. We’re talking 2016 Honda Odysseys with 150k miles that still have plenty of life, or a 2013 Chevy Equinox for someone’s first car.
They also carry surprisingly new inventory. Right now, they’ve got 2024 RAM ProMasters and 2024 Toyota Tundras. It’s a weird mix, but that’s what makes it worth a stop. You never quite know if you're going to find a bargain-bin sedan or a nearly new truck that someone traded in because they wanted a Porsche instead.
🔗 Read more: Missouri Paycheck Tax Calculator: What Most People Get Wrong
Navigating the Financing Maze
Financing is usually where the wheels fall off the car-buying experience. At Byers Outlet Columbus Ohio, they use the same finance specialists that handle their luxury brands.
This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, they have relationships with dozens of lenders, which is great if your credit is... let's say "under construction." On the other hand, they are going to offer you the extended warranties and the GAP insurance.
You’ve got to be firm. If you don't want the extra coverage, just say no. They’re generally respectful of that, but remember, their job is to sell.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over to East Broad Street, don't just wing it.
First, check the website inventory ten minutes before you leave. I'm serious. Their turnover is high.
Second, get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) if you're looking at something with over 100,000 miles. Even though Byers technicians look at these cars, a second set of eyes never hurts. One reviewer mentioned finding a few grand in needed repairs on a Honda Pilot that the dealership hadn't caught yet. To their credit, Byers responded and tried to make it right, but your best defense is your own mechanic.
💡 You might also like: Why Amazon Stock is Down Today: What Most People Get Wrong
Third, ask about the car's origin. Since Byers has so many locations, they can often tell you if the car was a "Byers Original"—meaning it was bought new from one of their stores and serviced there its whole life. That’s the gold standard for used cars.
Fourth, don't be afraid to talk to the "Collector" side. The Byers family also runs a "Collection" division for high-end stuff. Sometimes, the Outlet guys can help you bridge the gap if you're looking for something specific that isn't on the Broad Street lot.
Lastly, bring your trade-in. They are notoriously aggressive about buying cars because they need the inventory for the Outlet. Even if you don't buy from them, get a quote. It’s often higher than the big national "we buy cars" chains.
Byers has survived for over 120 years by being a "tight ship," as current owner George Kauffman puts it. Whether you're a first-time buyer or just looking for a reliable winter beater, the Outlet is a solid, locally-owned starting point. Just do your homework, move fast on the good ones, and keep your mechanic’s number on speed dial.
Next Steps for Your Car Search:
Start by browsing the current live inventory on the official Byers Auto website to see what's actually on the lot today. If you find a vehicle you like, call (614) 388-9186 to confirm it hasn't been sold before you drive out. Once you're there, ask for a copy of the internal inspection report to see exactly what their techs found before the car hit the front line.