When car shopping, it’s important that you are getting the best car for your money. It isn’t easy when a nagging salesman tries to get all of your money. But, it is possible if you know the right strategy.
Never buy a model that is out of your price range. Some salesmen can talk you into an expensive car you cannot afford. Remember that the salesperson is trying to make a fair commission, so selling expensive vehicles can help them.
Check online to find the best deals. Doing some online research can result in major savings. When you find a vehicle that you like, visit a dealership that has it in stock or ask your own dealer to get it for you. If the vehicle isn’t too far away, consider driving up to the dealership to save yourself some extra money.
Set up financing for your vehicle prior to visiting the dealership. Go to your local credit union or bank. This will generally help you get the lowest possible interest rate, and you will go into the car buying process with your eyes wide open with respect to your budget.
Family Member
If you don’t know how to deal with sales pitches that are high pressure, get a companion to shop with you. It could be a friend or a family member, as long as whoever you take has some knowledge of the process and isn’t a “pushover.” You should talk to your friends or family member about your budget and needs before you head out to the dealership.
If you already have a pretty expensive car, do not drive that to the car dealership to make a purchase. This type of car will cause the dealership to ignore any low offers you make, unless of course the car is one you are planning on trading.
Test Drive
Taking a test drive is imperative. Test drive the vehicle you have chosen before beginning negotiations. There’s nothing that will allow you get a feel for the car like a hands-on demonstration. You may notice trouble with the brakes, misfiring, sticking or slipping gears, or a number of other factors that the dealer didn’t tell you about.
Before you start shopping for a car, you should decide how much you want to pay. This number must be based on what you wish to spend, along with market research on your chosen model’s general value.
Research is key to a used car purchase. You can even learn online about a car’s value. The Blue Book or other sources can be useful for determining a car’s value. If the dealer is selling a car for more than what these two sources price the car at, then go elsewhere.
Keep in mind that all dealerships and salesmen are different. Although some salesmen can be pushy at times, not everyone tries to sell a car this way. Some dealerships adopt a customer-oriented approach and offer a quality service instead of pressuring you into buying a vehicle right away. When a salesperson begins to be pushy, do not hesitate to leave. Lots of friendly salespeople exist who would be thrilled to help you.
Never sign a warranty that is as-is when you’re getting a used car. You will end up regretting this decision. They should at least offer some kind of 30-90 warranty when buying any car. If the vehicle needs a major repair a day or two after you buy it, you will have to pay for the repair.
After going over this article, it should be easier for you to approach buying a car in a whole new light. You’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way. Keep these tips in mind and get out there!