Car shopping can bring dread to your heart. It could remind you of times past where the salesman took advantage of you. Stop the insanity and read this article as the advice here will keep you safe from the sales pitch of even the most advanced car jockey on the lot.
Never, ever skip the test drive when you are car shopping. You have to get behind the wheel of that car and see how it feels before committing to a buying it. Make sure you try a variety of driving conditions, including surface streets and interstate driving. Do not forget to try pulling it into a parking space in a shopping center.
It’s very important to go for a test drive before making a purchase. You may have already driven the same model and make, but you should drive the exact car you plan to buy to ensure its quality. It’s possible that the vehicle has some defect or issue that might affect the way it handles on the road.
Consider selling your car privately, rather than trading it in for the new car you want. You will almost always get more for your car through a private sale than you would through a trade in. Even if the dealership makes it sound like they are giving you a great trade in value, they will likely raise the price somewhere else to make up for the difference.
Do your research before you even step foot on a car lot. You want to have an educated position when it comes to such a large purchase. It is a good idea to know what models you are interested in, and what the fair price is for those specific cars.
Do not pay for lots of extras when you are buying a car. Sure, it would be nice to have a lot of fun features in your new car, but do you really need them? Every toy or gadget you add jacks up the price of the car considerably. Figure out what you really need, and just stick to that.
Before you go in to look at a new car, make sure you have thoroughly researched the proper trade in value of your current car. In fact, why not try to sell it yourself first before you buy. Either way, you will get more from your vehicle if you know what it is really worth.
Don’t feel locked into one dealer or dealership. You can also shop at small lots or buy from private owners. Tap into social media sites and classifieds in your local area for a more targeted search for the ideal car at the best price for your needs.
When you start shopping, it can be helpful to invite an objective friend to accompany you. They can assist you with preventing mistakes like emotional decisions. Ask them ahead of time to keep their eyes and ears open for any flaws that they might notice as well.
Do not discuss your trade-in. You want to offer your trade-in after you’ve already negotiated the price of your vehicle. When you let them know up front, they’ll alter their offers based on that fact.
Whenever you are in the market for a car, be it new or old, make sure you take it for a test drive. You need to get a feel for your car to see if you can picture yourself driving it day in and day out so this step cannot be emphasized enough.
If you know what kind of car, you want, and you know what dealership you want to go through, give them a call before you go. This way, the dealer can have the car ready for a test drive when you get there. It will save you and the dealer time that could be spent negotiating.
It’s usually better to do car shopping at the end of the month. Salespeople are anxious to meet their monthly quotas, and your sale may be just what they need. Allow yourself several days time at the end of a month to negotiate a deal.
Discuss insurances prices with your carrier before you get that new vehicle. You may think a certain car is affordable for you, but there may be high premiums attached to it that you aren’t aware of. Take into account both the sticker price of the car and the insurance rate when you are determining the actual cost of the car.
Try your best to get rid of unnecessary charges such as the advertising fee. You should not have to pay money for that fee at all! If they won’t budge, it is not the deal for you. It is almost guaranteed that they won’t want you to walk on the deal over it.
A great tip for anyone contemplating a vehicle purchase is to ask friends and family members if they are privy to any manufacturer’s discount programs that may result in a lower overall price. Many car makers and parts suppliers operate “friends and family” discount programs in which employees can provide others with discount codes that can be used to generate substantial savings on new cars and trucks. Taking advantage of such opportunities is a great way to make your dollar stretch even further at the dealership.
Even if you have had your heart set on buying a particular vehicle, try to keep an open mind. There are many people who get so fixated on one car that they allow better deals to slip through their fingers. Look at other cars that are similar to the one you want since they may be a better fit for you.
See? This simple, easy to follow guide of advice will give you the power next time you’re the one negotiating for a car. Print it off and study it as you prepare for the big day and I’m sure once you own your new car you’ll be bragging to your friends about what a great deal you got.