When making a vehicle purchase, you should make sure that you’re getting the value that you want. This process is not easy, especially when pesky salesmen are trying to convince you to make a deal that isn’t in your best interest. With a little research, it is possible to make the car buying experience a good one.
Don’t be persuaded to sign for a car that your budget cannot afford. People are often pressured into a beautiful, but expensive car by a good salesman. Remember that the salesperson is trying to make a fair commission, so selling expensive vehicles can help them.
Make sure your financing is in order prior to shopping for a car. Check with a bank or local credit union to get this done. This will help obtain an interest rate you can agree with and a better understanding of your actual budget.
Take someone along to help you car shop. They may hear things you miss and will help make it easier to turn down a deal, should it be an unfavorable one. Consider taking a close friend, parent, or spouse.
Expect to spend a few hours in a dealership when shopping for a car. You don’t want to rush yourself into purchasing a car that you aren’t sure about. Allowing for an entire afternoon is best. If you don’t have a lot of time, think about leaving and coming back later.
If you know you are easily convinced by salespeople, you should not go shopping for a new car by yourself. A friend can be brought along to help you figure out the worth of the car and ask questions that are important. Before going, let them know what you expect to pay and what you are looking for.
If you own an expensive vehicle, do not drive it to the dealership to buy a new car. The salesman may take one look at your fancy ride and refuse any low-ball offer you make. If you are looking to trade the vehicle in, this does not apply.
When you start shopping, it can be helpful to invite an objective friend to accompany you. A friend there with no interest in the automobile will provide an honest, impartial assessment about the decision. Take them along with you during the test drive, and ask them to tell you any negatives they see.
Ask the dealer to let you have the vehicle inspected by the mechanic you have. Be sure to have a trustworthy mechanic standing by. Don’t use a mechanic your dealer recommends to you. Your mechanic needs to let you know if the car is safe to drive and represents good value for the money.
Before visiting a dealership, call in advance to find out whether or not your preferred make and model vehicle is on the lot. The salesman will do everything they can to have the car ready for you. When your heart is set on something in particular — a hatchback, for example — you will be wasting your time by showing up at a dealership that cannot meet your needs. You should call ahead.
Avoid purchasing any used vehicle that is as-is. This could be a bad decision. The minimum you should accept is a 30 to 90-day warranty. If your engine or transmission is destroyed on the day that you buy the vehicle, then you are going to be the one responsible for fixing the repair.
Prior to the negotiation, get an idea about every potential incentive. You must learn about bank fees, warranties, trade-in values, rebates, and other incentives. This also helps you haggle more professionally.
When a salesman says he is going to present your offer to the manager, do not accept the offer. Provide another counteroffer. Whenever they present this offer to their manager, understand that their next counteroffer will be the lowest that they’ll go. If they are eager to sell, this is likely to be as low as they will go.
If you’re buying a vehicle and you’ve got the credit to receive that bank-offered interest rate, do it! This can save you lots of money, and you won’t need to get other lenders’ insurance rates. Banks usually have a lower interest rate.
Be flexible on the brand of car you are interested in purchasing. Big names have the models you want. Each of these have their own version of a compact. Doing just a token amount of comparison shopping and research will tell you the best priced models with the optimal package of features.
You should ask your friends, family and coworkers about the dealerships where they got their cars. See if any would actually recommend the one that they used. Be sure to discuss such specific topics as ongoing servicing and repair. Find out if the car they bought has stood the test of time. If you get multiple endorsements of a single spot, make sure to pay that dealer a visit.
Look into financing alternatives prior to shopping for a new car. That will give you a better idea of what you can afford, so you can consider vehicles that are in the appropriate price range. Plus, if you know your budget up-front, you are not as likely to be swayed by offers of small down payments or lower monthly payments for a pricier vehicle.
After having read this article, you should have a much better idea as to how to approach the salesmen when you’re purchasing a vehicle. You’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way. Keep these things in mind when you begin.