If you’re anything like the rest of us, the idea of finding a new or used vehicle calls to mind images of pushy salespeople and fistfuls of cash. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be like this!
You need to know as much as you can before buying a car. This article will guide you in smart car shopping. Pay attention to each piece of advice. You will have much more room for negotiation if you know their strategies. Also, learn from others, by reading any rip off or scam alerts about a dealership.
If you can’t afford a car, don’t let the salesperson talk you into buying it. A salesperson will say anything and everything to get someone in a new vehicle, and the higher the price tag, the higher commission he will earn. You need to be aware that this salesperson is looking to make money through a commission, as well. Set up financing for your vehicle prior to visiting the dealership. Talk to either a bank or a credit union about it. This will help obtain an interest rate you can agree with and a better understanding of your actual budget.
Have at least a general idea of what type of car you’d like before you walk into a dealership. Research this online to see what car is most suitable for your budget and your family. How many people need to fit into the car? What type of fuel economy are you interested in? Do you want a sportier car or a family vehicle? Get it all down on paper, and bring it with you when shopping so that you don’t forget. You will also learn what price range to expect, making it less likely that a smooth salesperson will catch you unawares.
Pay attention to the overall price of the vehicle and not just the monthly payments. Salesmen can virtually give you any monthly price you want; however, a very low monthly price will result in you paying this amount for many years. As a result, your final cost will be extremely high. Focus your negotiating on getting the best deal possible on the total price and financing you receive. Then figure out what that works out to on a monthly basis.
If you’re driving a nice car already, don’t bring it to the dealership when you’re looking for another. The sales staff will see that car and decline your rock bottom offers, unless the car is one you plan to use as a trade-in.
Consider purchasing outside of a dealership. Checking local papers, listings and smaller vehicle lots may hold the key to finding the car you want without having to pay a big price. Use social networking sites and classifieds to help you find the car you want at a good price.
If you are getting your car from an individual, get your mechanic to see the vehicle before you purchase it. If the owners prevent this, you may want to look elsewhere. This could mean you have to pay for problems that aren’t evident at the time. You do not want to purchase anything without looking into it.
Don’t ever pay the full price for your car. The sticker price isn’t what the salesperson expects to receive for that car. If negotiating is not your strong suit, take a skilled negotiator with you. Do a little research on the market value of the type of vehicle you seek. Then you will know whether or not you are getting a good deal.
Test drive the vehicle you are interested in before beginning any negotiations. Be sure to test drive any vehicle. It doesn’t matter if it seems perfect. You can’t know without driving it. You need that hands-on experience. Even if you’ve test driven something similar, make sure to test drive the car you’re looking at now. There may just be something going wrong with it that you didn’t know about until you took it for a test drive. During the test drive you may find that you either love or hate the car.
Another important thing to consider when choosing a used car is the body. A car may look perfect from a few feet distance but having a closer look may change this shiny picture. Scrutinizing a car’s body can reveal traces of body works or hidden damage which would mean the car has seeing accidents. You probably wouldn’t like to purchase that kind of a surpise. You can read more advice on how not to buy a wreck here.
Shopping for a car can be fun but stressful. When you know what you’re doing, you’ll find it more fun. Remember what you have learned here, and you’ll be well on the way to securing the vehicle you really want.
