Car shopping can be very time consuming. It takes time to look at all of the different options and discuss pricing. With sound advice and reliable information, the process will be much less painful. Use this handpicked selection of car-buying tips and tricks to help you along the way.
Set up financing for your vehicle prior to visiting the dealership. Talk to either a bank or a credit union about it. You will more than likely get a lower interest rate than what the dealership would offer and have a better idea of how much money you can spend on your new car.
Sticker Price
Don’t pay the sticker price on a car. The dealer does not expect anyone to pay the sticker price. If you don’t know how to negotiate, bring a good negotiator along. Make sure you research the car you are interested in first, however, so you have some idea of what to offer.
Take someone with you when you are car shopping. This person has the ability to act as the perfect sounding board, and they can help you leave a deal that is not great for you. This can be any relative, a co-worker or a friend.
Get input and feedback from family members and friends. How satisfied are they with their vehicles? Do they wish they’d gotten another one? What kind of information have they heard with regard to various cars that are available? If you are getting ready to buy, this is one of the best ways to get started.
If you want a new car, contact the bank first to see if you qualify for a loan. This is vital for your security. You may get a better interest rate through a dealership, but it’s best to know before deciding.
If you are paying a high payment on a luxury vehicle right now, do not take that car with you. The dealer will take one look at your vehicle and refuse to work with you on negotiating a lower price. The only time this is a good idea is if you are planning to trade in such a vehicle.
Bring a friend along when browsing for a vehicle. Bring someone along that is unbiased and understands the market. A good friend can steer you away from making an emotional or impulsive decision. Whenever you test drive the vehicle, have this person with you and encourage him or her to let you know of anything bad they see in the car.
Know your purchasing price before you drive to the dealership. That number should be about the amount you want to spend, and the research you’ve done about the value of whatever car you want.
Never sign a warranty that is as-is when you’re getting a used car. This will be a decision you’ll regret later. They should at least offer some kind of 30-90 warranty when buying any car. When you don’t have such a warranty, any repairs after the car drives away will be your responsibility.
Educate yourself about incentives before embarking on the negotiation process. Find out about trade-in values, rebates, warranties, bank fees and any incentive programs. You will get a better deal if you actually know what to expect when you make your way into the dealership.
Figure out what the service department does for dealers you want to visit with. Do some research to find out how current customers feel about the service. Call the department and ask for assistance on something that you already know so that you can test them. Select a dealership with smart sales and service staff who are happy to assist.
Buying at month’s end may be your best bet. Dealers have quotas to meet. When you make your purchase at month end, it is likely that your deal will help them reach their quota. You can get a better price this way.
When you are car shopping, it is essential to get all the information you need to make a good decision. Use the ideas within this article to be sure that you wind up with a car you are happy with. You’ll be sure to come out happy.