All large purchases are always intimidating, especially if you are uninformed about the industry. One of the scariest purchases is buying cars. Many people fear they are getting ripped off and you surely don’t want that. Avoid buying a lemon by looking through these great tips and tricks regarding car purchases.
Do not allow yourself to get talked into a car you can’t afford. Tons of people get talked into buying a sports car by a slick-tongued salesperson telling them they look fabulous behind the steering wheel. This dealer is working for a commission, so your money is his or her money. Stick with what you can afford.
Take care of financing before you get to the dealer. You can talk to a bank or a credit union about it. They often have better interest rates and you can walk into a lot knowing you can pay for the car you want.
When buying a new car, check out reviews of the vehicle on the internet before going to the dealer. If people have had bad experiences with the car you are thinking of buying, you might want to choose a different one. Most new car loans are for 6 years and you do not want to have problems with the car in that time frame.
Do not mention trade-ins, incentives or down payments until you already have a price commitment on the car of your choice. You need to take these off their offer. It is to your advantage to lock in your deal prior to discussing any extras.
Never turn over your trade-in keys to the salesperson before the deal is finalized. Some pushy salespeople will hang onto them in an effort to pressure you into hearing them out, even after you have turned down a deal. Keep the keys in your possession and only hand them over when the deal is done.
Do not think that purchasing from a dealer is your only option. Checking local papers, listings and smaller vehicle lots may hold the key to finding the car you want without having to pay a big price. You can find a great car at a fantastic price by checking out the classified ads and the online seller sites.
Put the Internet to work for you. Practically all makes and models are available to you online. Do not visit a dealership before learning all about any cars you’re considering. By using the Internet, it is possible to come up with ratings, specifications, MPG, size, resale value and much more.
Never take a car at face value. Though you may not be a mechanic, it is a good idea to do a thorough inspection of the vehicle. An important part of the inspection is a test drive. This allows you to feel the car on the road, listen for any wayward noises and possible spot issues with performance.
Be on the lookout for year end specials. These specials generally start in the fourth quarter of each year and feature manufacturer set deals that remain unrivaled when compared to other deals in the year. These deals exist due to the new year and new model year, which means newer cars taking the place of older ones.
It is illegal for a dealer ship to roll back the odometer on any car they sell. Even if they put a new motor in the car, it is still illegal. If you suspect that a dealer is not stating the correct mileage on a car, leave and shop elsewhere.
Read before you sign. Make sure you read all the paperwork before you put your signature on it. The document binds you once it is signed. Take a copy of the contract home or have a professional look over it with you if you’re having difficulties. If you can’t, ask for a copy you can look over.
If you are planning on using your current car as a trade in, don’t let the dealer know right away. Your first goal is to negotiate down the price of the car you wish to purchase. Information like trade-in value is valuable to the salesman, so keep it to yourself until the right moment!
Make sure you’ve discovered the rebates before you purchase a car. Rebates are popular at dealership sites, as they make sales more likely. Less ethical dealerships won’t even mention a rebate and then they will take the cash back themselves without you ever knowing.
Your first offer should be at or very close to the invoice price of the vehicle. This likely be rejected, but will start the negotiation process in your favor. At some point, the salesperson will likely step out to speak to a manager. When they return, if the price is within your price range, accept. If not, continue negotiations. If you have not reached an agreement within 2 or 3 tries, it may be time to cut your losses and try another dealer.
You can buy a car online, skipping the dealership and allowing you to avoid high-pressure sales tactics. This is even possible for new cars on some lots, so do your research and find the car you want. Obviously, you won’t get to take a test drive if you never go to the lot, though.
Make a list of the cars that interest you. Once you know what kind of cars you like, you can begin narrowing the list down by price, features and reliability. It will make it easier for you to find the car that will suite your needs at a price that you can afford to pay.
One of the most helpful tips when buying a car is to avoid buying on emotion. If you come across a car you fall in love with, take the time to do your research and look for different availability options to get you the best value. You should already have an idea of what to pay before entering the dealership.
You can purchase the right car at the perfect price; it just takes a little information. Stay informed through this article and you are already ahead of the game. Picture yourself sitting in your brand new car, because it will be yours very soon! Good luck shopping and have fun!