Car shopping can bring dread to your heart. It could remind you of times past where the salesman took advantage of you. Stop the insanity and read this article as the advice here will keep you safe from the sales pitch of even the most advanced car jockey on the lot.
Rather than buying a brand-new car, purchase a lightly used one that is only a couple of years old. Many cars come with transferable warranties that last for three years or 36,000 miles. You will save a significant amount over buying new, and the warranty will give you peace of mind for the first year or so.
Know what you need in your vehicle before you go to the lot. You can do your research online to find the vehicle best equipped for your needs. You will also be able to find a car you can afford and not be swayed by a salesman.
Check out the maker’s site if you want to customize your car. While the cars on the dealership lot may be the kind of car, you want, a number of car manufacturers give you the opportunity to customize the car a bit with color and features. You may have to wait a few weeks more to get your car, but it might be worth it.
Before buying a car, consider the cost of insurance. If you are financing the car, you will probably need comprehensive coverage, in addition to liability protection. Some cars cost significantly more to insure than others. Avoid any surprises by asking your insurance company for a quote before you sign any paperwork.
If you are trading your car in, take it to a detail shop and have the upholstery and carpets cleaned along with a wash and wax. Doing this one thing can usually net you several hundred dollars or more in trade-in value compared to a car that isn’t clean.
Make the right car purchase for yourself by deciding major things before entering a store. This includes things like mileage, make, model and even color. You can do a lot of research online to get an idea of prices and avoid the high pressure situations that come with a car salesman.
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.
Be on the lookout for year end specials. These specials generally start in the fourth quarter of each year and feature manufacturer set deals that remain unrivaled when compared to other deals in the year. These deals exist due to the new year and new model year, which means newer cars taking the place of older ones.
Used car deals can often be found online. There is no reason to visit a car dealer these days. Check Craigslist, eBay and classified sites. You can save tons of cash and avoid pressure sales you’d get at a dealership.
The job of a dealer is to maximize their profits. Some people forget this as they shop. Also, avoid extras when negotiating your sales price. It is not uncommon for inexpensive cars to become costly through add-ons.
See? This simple, easy to follow guide of advice will give you the power next time you’re the one negotiating for a car. Print it off and study it as you prepare for the big day and I’m sure once you own your new car you’ll be bragging to your friends about what a great deal you got
Rachael is a content writer at sendkoala.com, who has written on a Ultimate Resume Guide, from colored diamonds to SEO software. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, sketching, cooking, and video games.