Car shopping is a big deal. It’s one of the biggest purchases that you make and you want to make sure that your money is well spent. Unfortunately, aside from the basics such as engines, tires, and zero to sixty, not many people know much about cars. Luckily there are ways to get around this information gap and help you make the right decision to help you get the car you need.
- Don’t pay the full price. A sticker price is just a number and not something that’s set in stone. Do your research beforehand by looking at sites like Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds to get an idea of what the car goes for. There are many sites that collect information about different cars and allow you to comparison shop across a variety of makes and models. This can save you in making a decision sooner.
- Bring a friend on your shopping day. Having a friend with you will help you avoid the typical pressure that you get when buying a car. A friend gives you an ally you can consult with and who can stop you from making a poor decision.
- Don’t feel rushed. This is a big purchase, you might be spending upwards of 20 thousand dollars, you should not purchase a car when you do not have time to think about your decision. You need at least a full afternoon, remember: you can always come back.
- Most salespeople have monthly quotas to fill. If you go to a dealership at the end of the month there’s a much better chance of getting a salesperson who feels pressured to make a sale. This gives you a little bit more leverage in your bargaining and can help you get better discounts and a better warranty.
- Try renting cars to get a car to test it out. Your dealership isn’t the only place that offers the car. Go and see if the car is available for rent. This will give you the chance to spend some time driving the vehicle and see if you really like it. Take the car on the highway, drive it to work, and see if it can handle your typical day. This is an easy way to your experience a car before buying it.
- Read everything before you sign. The documents are legally binding contracts, make sure you take a good look at them before agreeing to anything. Most places will allow you to take it home with you to read it. If you can’t take the contract home, get a copy or purchase agreement to look over.
- Don’t go out of your way to look like you have money. If salespeople see you as a rich person, they’re much more likely to take you for a ride. It’s easy to justify overcharging a rich person.
Hopefully, this info will get you better prepared to get the right car for you. Car shopping is a daunting experience! Use these tips to make the buying process that much easier. Enjoy your purchase, and enjoy your new car!
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