Shopping for a car should be fun. Sitting behind the wheel is one of the best feelings you can have, and it stands to reason that the buying process should also be enjoyable. People often associate negative emotions with car purchases, but this isn’t necessary. Here are some helpful tips to help you enjoy shopping for your new car.
Shop for your car online before you go to a dealership. You should be sure of what you want before you go to the lot. Always look online for the best deal on a used or new car.
Always negotiate the price of a vehicle. No dealer truly expects you to pay exactly what they ask. If you don’t think you can properly negotiate, bring along someone who can. Before you go to the showroom, know what a good price is for the car so you will know your limits.
Get your budget straight before you head to a car dealership. Don’t let the dealer talk you into buying a car that you can’t afford. They are not going to be stuck with the car payments for the next several years.
Don’t discuss trade-ins, incentives or down payments before negotiating a base price. These items should all be subtracted from the rock bottom price. You will end up with a better price if you negotiate the deal first, then discuss these “extras”.
Most salespeople have monthly quotas they need to meet. This system works to your advantage at the end of the month. Anyone who needs to make their quota will do what it takes to sell a car. You might get a better deal this way.
Test a car by renting the same make and model. This will give you a chance to spend some time driving the vehicle. Take your family on a road trip, and you’ll see if the car is a fit for you. Doing so helps you make an informed decision on such a large commitment.
Use caution when it comes to providing your personal information, like a social security number. A lot of dealerships will ask you for this information so that they can run your credit. If you don’t get a car purchased there, just getting that credit run by them may end up hurting you in the long run. Do not provide the dealer with your identification information until after you have agreed on terms.
Use the Internet to find used vehicles. You can find a car without visiting a dealership. Look in classifieds, on Craigslist, and on eBay. Using this technique will allow you to save time and the headache generally associated with car buying.
Research properly when getting a used car. This can give you a better idea of what you should be paying. Kelly Blue Book is a great resource to determine the value of a car. If the dealer is selling a car for more than what these two sources price the car at, then go elsewhere.
All dealers and salespeople are not created equally. It is true that a lot of salespeople are pushy, but some dealers understand that customers do not like these methods. Some dealerships adopt a customer-oriented approach and offer a quality service instead of pressuring you into buying a vehicle right away. If you find yourself with a pushy salesperson, don’t be afraid to walk away. Your business is up for grabs to any salesman in town, and they would all be delighted to work with you.
Don’t accept an as-is warranty! You’ll regret it afterwards if you do. Any competent dealer will offer warranties that cover a 30 to 90 day time frame. If the vehicle needs a major repair a day or two after you buy it, you will have to pay for the repair.
If you can, wait until the end of the month before purchasing a car. Salesman need to hit a quota per month, so this time is optimal for shopping. Allow yourself some time to negotiate in advance of month’s end in order to get the best deal.
Make sure you’ve discovered the rebates before you purchase a car. Many dealerships want a sale badly so they may offer a rebate. If the dealership is less reputable, they will simply pocket the rebate.
Do not simply accept a sales offer on a new vehicle based upon what you FEEL your trade-in is able to fetch. Rather, it’s imperative that you verify the actual value of the trade-in before you approach the dealer. This is a good way to find out how much you should expect from the trade in and factor this amount in the final price.
You want to look sharp but not rich when buying a car. You will have an easier time getting a good deal if you don’t look like you can afford to toss away millions.
Prior to buying a car, be sure to test drive it. The car may have issues they you don’t see until you make a certain turn or get to a certain speed. Look for issues, pay attention to unusual noises and drive the vehicle on different kinds of roads before you decide to purchase it.
If the bank offers you a good interest rate on a car purchase, take them up on the offer. A great car is a nice investment, and taking out a bank loan is more affordable than dealing with the dealership. Compared to other lenders, you bank’s loan is usually the best.
While some people cringe at the thought of buying a car, after applying these tips you can avoid the stress. However, you can find quite a few ways to take the pain out of the shopping experience. Use the advice here to get your dream car without any added stress.