Going to a dealership to buy a car can be intimidating and fun. Research will help you end up happy after your purchase. Use the following advice to help you make the best decision.
Shop around online before visiting a dealership. You have to know the exact car you want, or have a short list, before you go to the dealer. Research brands online to learn what you like best as well as which brands are safest. The dealer often won’t talk about safety or other things it’s important for you to know.
If you’re buying a car from someone, make sure you get your mechanic to look at it prior to buying it. If the owner is reluctant to let you do that, walk away. This could be an indication that there are hidden dangers or maintenance problems with the vehicle. Make sure that you understand this before making a purchase.
Don’t give out your SS number quickly. A lot of places can use this information and they’ll take it and use it to run your credit. Having multiple dealerships check your credit will have a negative effect on your score. Be positive that you have a solid deal waiting to go before you provide your SSN and other information.
You must have an upper limit on your spending set before going to a dealer. That number should be about the amount you want to spend, and the research you’ve done about the value of whatever car you want.
Look no further than the Internet when you are looking for a used vehicle. There is no reason to visit a car dealer these days. Instead of a dealership, you could visit Craigslist, eBay, or classified ads. That way, you can make a fair deal without pressure.
If you have a certain model in mind, call to see if there is one on the dealer’s lot. If you go there and they don’t have what you want, the salesperson will try to get you to buy a different car, even if it is not what you were looking for. Make sure, though, that the car is there for you. Call them beforehand and ask.
Keep in mind that all dealerships and salesmen are different. Salespeople are known to be aggressive, but this method doesn’t work as well anymore. If you are more careful with a buyer this time, they are likely to come back and buy again. If you don’t like who you’re dealing with, leave the lot. Lots of friendly salespeople exist who would be thrilled to help you.
Fuel economy should be considered prior to getting a car. Cars that get more miles to the gallon might be worth the extra investment upfront. Think about the long-term when deciding which car to buy.
If you start to feel uncomfortable or pressured by a salesman, just walk away. They may ask you to stay, but don’t. If you need to, lie! Leave immediately! Many more options await you, so staying there isn’t going to do you any good.
Wait until the month’s end to shop for your car if you can. Many salesmen have a quota of sales that they need to make, so they will be eager to work with you! Negotiate towards the conclusion of the month for the best possible deal.
Find out about all potential dealers’ customer service. Do some research on what opinions the current customers have of this service. You may even choose to call the department yourself and ask questions to see how they respond. Choose a dealer with a knowledgeable staff to ensure your happiness when you need help.
When a salesman says he is going to present your offer to the manager, do not accept the offer. Make sure you provide another counter offer, and then you’ll know it’s the lowest they will go. They want the deal to be done quickly, so they should be at their lowest price at that point.
Though car shopping can be enjoyable, it can also be stressful. However, you can prepare by educating yourself on the process so that you know what you’re doing. Keep in mind what you’ve just learned to get the best results.