Car Shopping 101 |
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Aubry Ann Maquiling
10 January 2013
Looking for the right car that would both satisfy your needs and fell within your financial capacity to pay can both be frustrating and challenging. Brand new car models and secondhand units with perhaps a well concealed trace of car bumper repairs share something in common. They are best acquired when you have all necessary information about their specs, acquisition process and the dealership.
Figure out what the service department of the dealers you want to visit does for customers. Ask around to get a sense of what current customers think of the service. You may call the department yourself and test them on trick questions. Your objective is to find a dealership staffed with knowledgeable and credible people that can help you find what you need.
Do not close a purchase deal until you are presented with an offer you are comfortably happy with before you suggest the idea of a trade-in. This will allow you to secure a better negotiating ground, knowing in advance how far the dealership would be willing to go on specific conditions.
It is common advice to shop for a car by the near end of the month. This is because most car dealerships have monthly quotas they must reach. At this time, sales staff that needs to fulfill their quota may be more likely to give you a better deal price-wise just to make a sale.
There had been too many stories of hapless customers ripped off by unscrupulous salesmen. Don't be one of them. Just because he or she is friendly doesn't mean he or she has your best interest at heart. Never allow their friendliness to convince you to buy a car that you really don't need.
Don't sign up on a warranty condition that is "as-is" when you're getting a secondhand car. These types of warranties smack of foolishness. No matter how nice done it is, a car bumper repair still means that unit has already suffered an impact that may have hampered its efficiency. Dealers should take such factors into consideration.
You should have decided on the parameters of the numbers you intend to play before stepping onto a car dealership lot. Meaning, you must have already reflected the amount you want to spend and the value of whatever car you want to buy beforehand.
Even before making the actual purchase, you must consider a car's fuel economy. It may cost more to buy an acclaimed fuel efficient vehicle. However, it may well be worth it in the long run. Do your math and think about this when you choose your car.
During negotiation, focus on the final price rather than the monthly installment. This will ensure that you will not end up getting surprised by overall price you will be paying. Obtain the best overall price ahead and arrange for a feasible financing.
It is the age of information and just like in most transactions nowadays, you will be in a much better bargaining position when you take the effort of educating yourself on the ins and outs, what and whatnots of car acquisition. The next time you go buy yourself a used or brand new vehicle, simply keep the above information in mind. With these tips, buying a car will be a lot smoother.