Car shopping is something that some people love and some people dread. The best way to ensure that the process is something you can enjoy is to arm yourself with information well in advance of setting foot into a dealership. By using the information that follows, you will have what you need to do just that.
If you are in the market for a used car, a great way to tell if the speedometer is correct is to look at the gas and brake pedals. If someone says the car has 30,000 miles on it, and the brake and gas pedals are worn, it is a good indication the odometer was turned back.
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.
Search for your new car online before you ever visit a dealership. Searching online allows you to look at inventory from multiple dealerships, and it makes you privy to information about online only pricing. This is a great way to comparison shop and really make sure you are getting the best deal.
A great tip for those looking to buy a used car would be to research what the resale value of the car is. Look at the Kelly Blue Book value and compare it to the condition that the vehicle is currently in to see whether or not the price is fair.
Demand a safety report and vehicle history report from the dealer. Any good car dealer will have these items available for any vehicle on the lot. This is information that will tell you how safe the vehicle is as well as any major accidents or work that has been needed on the car.
Understand the financing office. Most dealerships make the bulk of their money in the financing office. Your interest rate, extended warranties and other add ons are all sold at a premium once you are in there. Understand this, and select any of those options carefully. Most are not necessary for the average car owner.
Although monthly payments are important when considering a new car purchase, many times a dealership will extend the length of the loan and raise the interest rate to get smaller payments. To avoid this do not negotiate payment amounts until you have negotiated the sales price of the vehicle.
Never shop for a car based on what you want to pay monthly. Most car sellers will try to help you shop around a monthly payment. This means they can put you in a car that is not what you want by telling you it is what you can afford. The only one who wins is the dealership.
All car dealerships are not made equally. If you find one store to have prices that are very expensive, just walk right back out. If they have overpriced their products, you can feel free to assume they will not take this negotiation seriously. Look for a reputable dealer instead.
Always read your contracts! You should not just sign the contract without reading. Ensure you read it from top to bottom. If you sign, you’re bound to the agreement. Do not hesitate to ask if you can take the contract home to go over it carefully. If this is not possible, get a copy or purchase agreement to look over.
Consider skipping the dealership entirely. An auto broker will work with multiple dealerships to find you the best deal on the car you want. You can usually find these online, and the dealerships will pay the fees for their use. This is a good way to comparison shop without having to visit multiple dealerships.
When shopping for a car, it is important that you keep safety in mind. “Passive Safety” involves the features the car has to keep everyone in it safe. This includes reliable seat belts, air bags, energy-absorbing crumple zones and head protecting advice. Look for these features when searching for a car.
A certified used vehicle does not guarantee that the vehicle is in good condition. This is just a new way for car dealers to trick people into thinking that they are guaranteed a high quality used vehicle. Do not fall for it. Research certified vehicles just as you would any other to fully protect yourself.
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!
If you figure out there’s an advertising fee within the car’s price, ask the salesperson to remove it. You shouldn’t have to pay for that! Tell your dealer that you will not buy the car if you have to pay this fee. They will probably change their tune quite quickly.
Do some research before you visit a dealership. Read a consumer’s magazine or shop comparison shop online. You’ll also be able to find features, pricing, and options packages from these sources. You can save yourself a great deal of time that would otherwise be spent wandering around the dealership.
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.
There is no need for car shopping to be a dreaded part of your life every so often. By taking the time to acquire a bit of knowledge about what to expect, it is possible to have a good experience when you purchase your next vehicle. By revisiting the facts above whenever necessary, you can have confidence in your ability to get the vehicle you truly desire.