Most people need to shop for a car at some point. The process is exciting, but the thought of spending so much money can feel intimidating. Continue reading for some helpful tips for making your deal go much more smoothly.
You need to be informed when you step onto the car lot. What can you afford? How many people do you have to have fit inside your car? What gas mileage are you looking for? Do you want a two door or a sedan? Make note of everything you are interested in and carry the list around with you.
Don’t ever pay the full price for your car. The sticker price is not what the dealer expects to get for the car. If you don’t know how to negotiate, bring a good negotiator along. Before you go to the showroom, know what a good price is for the car so you will know your limits.
Bring someone along on your car shopping day. It is important to have objective observers during the process. Consider taking a close friend, parent, or spouse.
If you feel like you can be talked into things easily, make sure someone goes to the dealerships with you. Try bringing a relative or friend to ask important questions and negotiate offers. Tell your friend what budget you are looking at.
Use the Internet to shop. Almost every make and model is available online. Completely research any vehicle you are thinking of purchasing before you visit the car lot. An online search can reveal anything you would like to know including MPG, resale value, specifications, rating and size.
Have a set budget before you go to the car dealership. Calculate this number based on what you can afford, as well as current car values.
Keep the trade in you’re doing to yourself. Don’t disclose that you have a vehicle to trade in until you’ve negotiated a firm price for the new car you will be purchasing. By disclosing too soon, your dealer can use this fact against you and provide you with a terrible deal in order to compensate for this trade in.
Educate yourself about incentives before embarking on the negotiation process. Make sure you understand trade-ins, bank fees, rebate offers, warranties and all other types of incentives. This also helps you haggle more professionally.
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