The process of purchasing a car is something that strikes fear in the hearts of many. The fact is, however, that by spending the necessary time to research the process ahead of time, car buying does not have to be so daunting. Read the article that follows, and you should have the information you need to make the best choice for you and your family.
Never buy a car on your first purchase to the showroom. Every car dealer will try to get you to walk out with a new set of keys in hand. While this may be tempting, understand that this is a big purchase. Take your time shopping around and make sure that the deal you’re being offered is really the best one for you.
Find out about the different warranties that are available. You do not want to spend a couple thousand dollars on a warranty that is not going to cover the repairs that commonly occur. Instead, shop outside of the dealership to find one that will cover the repairs at a better price.
Do not allow anyone to intimidate you into making a purchase that may not be the right one for you. Do not fall for lines like “This will be gone if you try to buy it later.” These types of statements are usually made to sway you into make a purchase right away.
Take someone with you when you are car shopping. They will help you stay grounded about the offers and also help you find any problems in the car. This company could be your life partner, a best friend or a trusted family member.
Never limit your options when shopping for a car, and that means not settling on a dealership if you don’t have to. The vehicle you are interested in may be available from a smaller lot, or from a private seller. Search through community area classifieds and hunt through social media to focus your search on cars available in your neighborhood.
Have a friend or family member that sells cars come along with you as you search for a new car. Car salesmen can be very aggressive, but if they know that you are with a fellow salesman you will have an easier time getting the deal that you want and deserve.
If you are car shopping and want to test drive some different cars, make sure you bring your license and insurance card with you. Many dealers will want a photo copy of them before you drive. This is just to protect them in case someone steals or damages a car. If you do not have them with you, they might not let you test drive.
If a dealer offers to give you, a used car that is similar to the new car you are interested in, make sure to check the value of that car first. Go home and take a look at some online pricing guides to help. Sometimes these really are great deals, but sometimes it is a bait and switch practice used to get used cars off the lot.
Do you want to buy new or used? There are certain situations that might make it better for you to buy new, but if your budget does not allow for it, there are great used deals as well. Learn about warranties and rebates on both new and used before you begin shopping.
Consider skipping the dealership completely and go with an auto broker. An auto broker usually works with several dealerships and acts as an intermediary to get you the best deal on the car you are looking for. They work on commission, however it can still save you time and money in the long run. Be aware though that a few states have banned auto brokers.
When it comes to buying a car, you need to be as flexible as possible. Generally, you will find good vehicles made by big-name companies. If you want a compact car, you should look into getting a Toyota Corolla, a Honda Civic or a Ford Focus. If you spend some time comparing prices and features, you should be able to get the best value for your dollar.
There are many calculators online which help you figure out what you’ll actually be paying every month on your car, so use them. While you may think a $25,000 car is cheap, the interest rate on it when you get a short-term financing deal may make the payments far higher than you think.
If you do not get a good feeling about the salesman that you are working with, walk away. There are many different personality types out there and sometimes two personalities will clash from the beginning. If you find this happening, the best thing to do is walk away and request a different salesman.
Once you narrow your list down to a few models, go for a long test drive. Test the cars on literally every surface you plan to drive them on. Take it on the highway, city streets, park it in a crowded mall parking lot, drive it to the school, your work, your home. This is the only way to truly know what it offers.
Understand that dealerships gain a commission on financing the cars they are selling. Some dealerships will offer you a great rate, asking you to sign paperwork and then later tell you that you do not qualify for that rate. In some areas, you might be committed to the purchase, even at a higher rate. This is a costly mistake, and one you should always avoid.
Do not sign anything until you are absolutely sure you are ready to make the purchase. As long as you haven’t signed, then you hold all the power in the transaction. Remember you can leave the negotiation table and go to another dealership if you are feeling uncomfortable for any reason.
Car shopping is not always an enjoyable experience, given the multitude of factors that must influence the final decision. Education and information are critical tools when it comes to making the right selection. Heed the tips and guidance found above, and you can have a car shopping experience that is not only stress-free, but that results in the perfect choice being made.