Consumers often feel stressed about a car purchase. With all of the types of cars and financing choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Use the following advice to help make car shopping less stressful.
If you pay the sticker price, you are basically throwing money at the dealer. Never pay the sticker price for cars. They purposely inflate the value to dicker with you, and you need to remember this fact.
When you look for a car, check out the ones that offer you a lot of good features in the safety category. The car must have ABS or anti-lock brakes. The more air bags the car has, the better. You’ll be in this car a lot, so safety is essential.
Think about both fuel economy, and how much money you have to spend, when you are out looking at cars. It may look like it’s great to get a V-8 that can tow, for example. But, ask yourself whether your truly need that additional power.
If you’re looking to buy a new vehicle, try and get financing from a bank before starting your search. Doing this helps ensure your security. In many cases, the dealership can secure an acceptable interest rate than you might find at your bank. Still, it helps to have a clear picture of what you can expect to pay.
Refrain from bringing up incentives or down payments before negotiating. Then you can consider incentives, trade ins and down payments. Negotiating first can get you a better price, and then you can discuss these little “extras.”
Social Security
Be careful about giving out a social security number. Many dealerships will try to get this information from you early in the game, and they will run your credit. Multiple credit report requests can damage your overall chances of getting a low interest rate. Wait until you have a sure deal before you fill out the part of the application that requires the Social Security number.
Prior to visiting an auto dealership, you should come up with a fair price. The price should come from how much you feel comfortable paying, along with the general price of the vehicle that you’re considering buying.
Ask your dealer to let you take the car to your mechanic. The mechanic you’re cool with should be fairly trustworthy. Don’t use a mechanic your dealer recommends to you. The mechanic should tell you whether it can be driven and if it’s a good enough deal for the price.
Look online for a great deal on a used car. You do not even have to go to the dealership until you are sure. You should look on Craigslist.com and eBay, or look in the newspaper. You will avoid high-pressure tactics from dealerships, and you may be able to save a lot more money.
Be sure to inspect carefully any car you are interested in buying. Are there any scratches or dents? Find any stains or tears on the carpet and the upholstery. Keep in mind that the car is yours once you’ve bought it. You will be responsible for all chips, rips, scratches and window cracks.
As soon as you feel the high pressure sale coming on, you should leave. There is no embarrassment in walking away. Lie if you must. Get the heck out of there! You have so many more options open to you. You do not have to deal with unsavory salespeople.
Wait a bit before purchasing the newest model. Getting into a new vehicle upon release will find you paying much more money. In a few months the hype will have died down, and you can find one at a much better price.
Now you’re ready for car shopping battle! Implement what you’ve learned here, and you’ll get through the process unscathed. You are sure to locate the vehicle you really want and get it at price you can afford.