Anyone buying a new car is looking for the best value. This process is not easy, especially when pesky salesmen are trying to convince you to make a deal that isn’t in your best interest. You should just know what you are doing.
Have an understanding of what you want in a car when you go out to buy one. For example, you will need to know your budget. Will you need to tote a big family around? What is the type of gas mileage you’ll need? Do you want a sedan or minivan? Write down all your desires and bring the list with you so you don’t forget any.
Make it a policy to always pay less than the sticker price. The salesperson knows they are not going to get that much when they sell the car. If you are not good at negotiating bring someone with you that is. You must know what the fair market value of the vehicle you want is before you set foot in the dealership.
Make sure that a budget is in place when you are car shopping. Don’t let the dealer talk you into buying a car that you can’t afford. Remember that you are the one that might be paying for your car for around 6 years, not the dealer.
When you are car shopping, you need to make sure it has plenty of the most important safety features. Anti-lock braking systems, or ABS, are a top priority. You also want to make sure there are air bags, and the more the better. You’ll be in this car a lot, so safety is essential.
Rent a car in order to test it out. Rent the car for a weekend to really see how the car drives. You should go on a small trip in the car. This way, you’ll either rule out the car or be comfortable buying it.
Social Security
You should only provide a social security number if you are seriously considering making a purchase from that dealership. Many dealers will ask for your social security number before negotiations even start. They will use this information to pull a credit report. You have to realize that the process of checking your credit can ultimately damage your score, so be careful in this respect. Wait until you have a solid deal before you give them a Social Security number.
You should have your number in mind before stepping onto a car lot. This number should reflect the amount you want to spend and the value of whatever car you want to buy.
Request that the dealer allow you to have the car inspected by a mechanic. Choose a mechanic that you trust. Do not use a mechanic suggested by the dealer. This mechanic can let you know if the car is in good enough condition to drive and whether the cost is worth the purchase.
Don’t divulge your trade-in car immediately. Keep the fact that you brought a trade-in car to yourself until after a price agreement has been reached for the new purchase. Telling the salesperson too soon that there is a trade-in involved can undermine your negotiations.
Try the Internet when looking for a used car. There is no reason to visit a car dealer these days. Try looking at Craigslist, eBay, or the local classifieds. It is possible to get a great deal and sidestep the high pressure tactics of traditional dealers.
Prices of cars are often listed on dealer websites. Search other states and places near you, you might find a deal that is out of this world. If you go online and compare price trends, you can find out the the cities that offer the lowest prices.
Cars go for better prices at the end of a month. Salesmen want to make their monthly goals and making one more sale might just put them over the count they needed. Take a couple days to negotiate at the end of a month to get a better deal.
You should use these tips when you go car shopping. Then you do not need to worry about a barrage of confusing information, because you will be prepared for what is likely to occur. Keep this advice handy and get to the dealership.