Tag Archives: Preparation

Preparation Is Key When It Comes To Car Shopping

Have you ever wanted to turn the tables on the dealership when you’re trying to buy a vehicle. Perhaps you’re so stressed because you don’t have the right knowledge to flip things on them and give yourself the best deal. Maybe you don’t understand what they’re doing. Keep reading to find out what to do.

Never go with the set price of a car when you’re car shopping. Usually people price things knowing that they’ll have to lower it when the buyer gets there. If you are paying with cash, it doesn’t hurt to tell them that either. People that see a lot of money are more likely to let it go for less.

Before you set foot into a dealership, do some research online. Check nearby dealership’s websites and record their listed price on the vehicle you want, as well as any special deals they might be offering. Having this information at your disposal will be a valuable asset when it comes time to negotiate with a salesman.

Try to bring someone with you if you are going shopping for a vehicle. 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. You may want to bring a friend, parent or partner.

Always test drive a car before you buy it. Even if you’ve already test driven this exact brand and model, you must know if it drives well. There could always be something which makes you hate driving the car.

Do not be turned off from a car because it is used. Most people would like nothing more than to buy a brand new, shiny car. But, is this really feasible for your financial situation? Many used cars are perfectly fine and will not break your back nearly as much as a new car will.

Watch out for the car salesman who offers you a price on a car before he visits his sales manager. The salesman will tell you anything you want to hear, but only the manager can approve the deal. Ask to speak to the manager face to face and see the deal on paper before committing to purchase the car.

Don’t buy a car online from someone without going and checking it out first. If you are not mechanically inclined, bring someone that is. Also be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. People will take advantage of you if you’re not good with cars, so try to bring along someone that knows about them.

A good way to figure out what kind of car is ideal for you is by attending an auto show. Auto shows are the best place to directly make vehicle comparisons. It will also give you a chance to talk to many knowledgeable people all in one location. Once you visit an auto show, you should possess more knowledge on the vehicles that interest you.

If you’re worried about your credit score, you can check your credit report before you go to the dealership. It’s free to check your credit report once a year, so take advantage of that. By knowing your credit before you go to the dealership, you’ll be able to determine if you’d be able to qualify for any low interest financing offers.

A dealer with a great reputation may offer you a better deal than one which advertises great prices. You may find that a dealer who people like to buy from offers perks which aren’t available elsewhere, including reduced pressure sales tactics and lower overall price due to freebies thrown in to the sale.

How the staff at a dealership treats you when you arrive and thereafter show a lot about how they work. If the same salesperson takes you from start to finish, you have a good lot. If they pass you off to a high pressure “closer,” you might want to head to another location.

Avoid the warranty options offered by car dealers on used cars. They are almost always overpriced and usually do not cover the more expensive repairs that you would want to have done Instead, purchase your warranty separately from a trusted warranty company that you find on your own. If you do not know of any, ask a friend or family member for advice.

Check into all the different incentives before you negotiate a price. Find out about trade-in values, rebates, warranties, bank fees and any incentive programs. Entering into negotiations for your vehicle purchase will go much more smoothly if you already know your options.

Do not allow a dealer to pressure you into making an immediate purchase. The truth is that there may be a similar car in another car lot that is has a better price. Let the dealer know you are interested, but make it clear that you want to consider other dealers before making a final purchase.

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.

An unfortunate truth of car shopping is that women are often targeted as easy sells. If you feel as though you are not being respected, leave that dealership. It is possible to find a female saleswoman, but there are also many dealerships that are modern and understand that women are equally informed.

You should now have a better grasp on what the dealership is trying to hand you when you’re purchasing a vehicle. Knowing their strategies and techniques will help you explore your options better. You don’t want to just take something when you don’t know enough about it. Instead, get what you deserve!