This isn’t an easy to accomplish when you are under pressure from a slick car salesperson.
If you’re shopping for a used car, try to have it inspected by a mechanic not from the dealership. If the dealership says no, go somewhere else. Your mechanic will check for things such as engine wear, if it has been in an area affected by flooding, as well as many other problematic things.
Never buy a model that is out of your budget. Many people get hoodwinked into buying a sports cars because salespeople say the salesman says they would look good in it. Remember that salespeople are motivated by the salesman wants his commission!
You can save a great disservice if you fail to negotiate a price lower than sticker. You should not pay for what it says on the advertised price. Sticker prices are marked intentionally high as a way to facilitate negotiation.
When shopping for a car, bring someone along. 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. They can be anyone from your Mom to a coworker.
Get a car loan lined up before visiting the dealership. If you already have an approved loan, this process will be much faster.
You can literally save a lot by doing some research online. When you find a vehicle that you like, either go to the dealership selling the car or have your own dealer get the car for you. If the actual dealer offering the car is relatively close by, go get it yourself.
Do not mention trade-ins, incentives or down payments until you already have a price commitment on the car of your choice. These are costs that should be taken off of the final price of the car. You can get the best price this way.
When you haggle, focus on the price of the car overall, but on the total purchase price at the end of the terms. Dealers will do anything and everything to get you that monthly price, but you’ll pay monthly prices for years on the total cost of an outrageously-priced car. Negotiate the best overall deal for the car. Then calculate what that works out to on a monthly payment you can afford is.
Get input and feedback from trusted family and friends with regard to their vehicles. Are they impressed with the car choices they made? Do they think the decisions they have? What information have they heard about different cars out on the market?
Most salespeople are expected to meet monthly quotas. Use this to your advantage and shop for your car at month-end. Salespeople who have a quota to meet are eager to make another sale. That way, you have more leverage as you negotiate.
Safety features and specifications are a must when shopping for your next vehicle. Anti-lock brakes or ABS are an absolute must for any car. Safety is of the utmost importance because you are often in this car.
Don’t drive an expensive car to the dealer when you’re looking to buy another car. Once they see what you are driving, they will not accept any of your offers and try raising prices because they will assume you can afford to spend more on a vehicle.
If you have a certain model in mind, call to see if there is one on the dealer’s lot. If you visit a dealer without knowing in advance what you are looking for, a salesperson will try to sell you ANYTHING. Make sure, though, that the car is there for you. It takes only a few minutes to call in advance.
Shop for your new car towards the month’s end. Most car dealerships have monthly quotas for their salespeople that they are trying to meet at this time.
You might not get the car you desire. Not opting for frivolous features will not make much of a difference in your driving experience.
If there are advertising fees associated with the car’s main price, inform the dealer that you’d like it removed. You should not have to pay this fee. If they wish to keep it, then consider walking away from this deal. They are sure to reconsider their refusal.
Bring a friend who isn’t personally affected by your decision to buy a car. This friend can assist you in making mistakes like allowing your emotions to get involved. Ask this person to point out any flaws that they might notice as well.
You should now feel more confident when purchasing a vehicle. You will not feel unprepared or unknowledgable during negotiations. Remember these tips and get started with your car shopping.
Never go car shopping without doing your research. There are online vehicle comparison sites and print publications that can help. You’ll get approximate prices, and features which are either standard or extra. Using these sources, you can spend less time and save more money at the dealership.