Car shopping is a process that is very exciting for some but frightening for many. Some research and review can help make the process of car shopping less daunting. Begin by using the following tips and soon, you will successfully get the car you need.
Get a loan approved before going to a dealership. Part of the reason it takes so long when you buy a car is that they must check your credit score and secure a lender. If you have a loan in-hand when you visit the dealership, the purchasing process will be streamlined.
Know your limits. Before you start shopping for your next car or truck, decide how much you can afford to pay, and stick to it. Don’t forget to include interest in your calculations. You can expect to pay around 20 percent as a down payment as well, so be prepared.
When shopping for a car, bring someone along. They can serve as a disinterested observer and can help you walk away if you are not getting a fair deal. You may want to bring a friend, parent or partner.
Research the value of your trade-in. Not only do you need to research the best price for the new car you would like to purchase, but you also need to know how much your trade-in is worth. Do your homework and find out the retail and wholesale values of your trade-in. Aim to get the retail value from the dealer.
Before you even walk out the door to go to the different dealerships to search for an automobile to purchase, do your homework. If you have a specific car make and model that you are considering buying, do some background research. Have there been numerous recalls for this vehicle. What do current and former owners of this make and model say about their automobile?
Never commit yourself to buying only from dealerships. You can also shop at small lots or buy from private owners. Take advantage of classified ads and websites intended to help you identify sources for the car you want.
Have a friend or family member that sells cars come along with you as you search for a new car. Car salesmen can be very aggressive, but if they know that you are with a fellow salesman you will have an easier time getting the deal that you want and deserve.
Salespeople often have monthly quotas to reach. Use this fact to your advantage by going to a car dealership at the end of the month. Salespeople who have not yet made their quota will be more willing to negotiate in order to seal the deal. You can get a lower price as they’re more desperate than you are.
Be firm in what extras you want. Almost every salesperson is going to at least attempt to “upsell” you in an effort to get a bigger sale. Don’t let them pressure you into the next model up or features you don’t need. If they claim not to have the model you are looking for in stock, only the “better” one, ask if they can locate one at another dealer.
Talk to your bank or credit union before you head out to the dealership when you are in the market for a car. Find out how much of a loan you are eligible for. This way, you will know how much you can afford to spend, and you will know what kind of car to look for.
Many people who have bad credit end up at a buy-here pay-here dealership. Be very careful of these types of dealers. Usually they buy cars at auction for little money and the majority of the money they make is off of the high interest rates they charge. If you have any choice, always get a loan from a bank, not the dealership.
Don’t tie yourself into one make or model, but also avoid opening yourself to every single car. You should go into a dealership with a goal-orientated flexibility. This means that you need to research two or three cars beforehand and then be willing to switch between these based on the best negotiation.
Buying a vehicle can definitely be a very scary experience. Car shopping can be a fun experience if you take the time beforehand to learn about the process. The above piece is wonderful beginning step for the process.
