It can be very intimidating to visit a car dealership. You will find a great car at a good price if you take the time to do some research. Read the following article for some excellent advice on how to make the best choice.
Do not let a salesperson sell you a vehicle you can’t honestly afford. If you allow it, a salesman will convince you that you need something more expensive or sporty. Remember, the salesperson is after a commission.
Check online for deals. Online searches can help you get a great price. Once you’ve found a great deal on a vehicle, you can go there to test it, or you can have them just buy the car for you. If you can get to the dealership, make the drive to save the most money.
If you are getting your car from an individual, get your mechanic to see the vehicle before you purchase it. If this is something the owners won’t okay, then it’s probably best to avoid it. You never know what horrors lie beneath the hood. You need to know what you are getting into.
The asking price of a car is always just a starting point, and you should never pay that amount. This isn’t what the dealer thinks the car is worth. If you aren’t comfortable negotiating, bring someone who is. You must know what the fair market value of the vehicle you want is before you set foot in the dealership.
Test Drive
Prior to purchasing a car, test drive it. This is true even if you’ve driven another car of the same model. It’s important to know how this exact car handles. No two cars are exactly the same. Give every car that you consider a test drive to prevent buying a lemon.
Safety features are a must when car shopping. The car must have ABS or anti-lock brakes. It is also important to have air bags. You’ll be in this car a lot, so safety is essential.
If you’re driving a nice car already, don’t bring it to the dealership when you’re looking for another. You might not get a good deal if they see a nice car that they know is expensive.
Never disclose the trade-in, what you have down, or what you want until you have a price ironed out. These will be removed from that bottom line price. Get the deal down pat first, then talk business with trade-ins and so forth, your wallet will thank you.
A dealership is not the only place to buy a car. You might be shocked to discover that the car you want is available on a smaller lot, or even from an individual private owner. You should use your newspaper or sales pad to find a car from a private owner.
Car salesmen have quotas to meet. Use this system to your advantage by shopping for a car at the end of the month. Due to their quota, salesmen become a lot more friendly at the end of the month in most cases. That way, you have more leverage as you negotiate.
Social Security
Be cautious about giving out your social security number. Dealers request this information so they can run a credit report on you. Having multiple dealerships check your credit will have a negative effect on your score. Wait until you know you have a deal ironed out before you offer your Social Security number.
Look online for a great deal on a used car. There isn’t a reason to go to a dealer anymore. You should look on Craigslist.com and eBay, or look in the newspaper. Using this technique will allow you to save time and the headache generally associated with car buying.
Always read before you put down your John Hancock. If you just sign without reading, you might be disappointed. The document binds you once it is signed. If reading this contract while at the dealership is uncomfortable for you, then ask if you can take it home with you so that you can look over it during any time that is convenient for you. If you can’t, ask for a copy you can look over.
Not all dealerships and salespeople are identical. While car salespeople have a reputation for being pushy, this sales method is losing ground. Many dealerships take a more subtle approach to selling these days. If the salesperson is too aggressive, you should not hesitate to leave. Some salespeople are rather pleasant and are more than happy to help you save money.
If the salesman is intimidating you, leave. Even if a salesperson wishes for you to stay, just go. Give any excuse you’d like, but don’t stay another minute. Leave immediately! There are other dealers who would love to help you.
Give it some time before you buy a newly released model of a car. You will pay more for the newest model when it has just been released that you would if you waited a bit. Once the hype dies down after a few months, then make your move.
Be sure to look for rebates before you go shopping. Rebates are given to entice you to buy. Those dealership that are less ethical won’t mention the rebate and will try to take the cash themselves while you’re unaware.
Purchasing a car can be fun, but it can also be stressful and financially tiring. If you are educated about car shopping, it can be a fun experience. Keep in mind the information presented here, so that you can have the best possible experience.
