If you take a look at any newspaper, you will find many ads claiming to find you the car of your dreams – but prepare for a shock as soon as you see the price tags on those vehicles.
Many people make the mistake of heading straight to the dealership to buy a new or used car without doing any research. They have no idea what the cost of the latest model is, and they don’t know what the sensible cost of a used vehicle is either.
To help you be someone who gets the best deal on their car purchase, here are some tips you need to know.
* Do your research. You don’t want to waste your time, of course. But would you rather waste your money? Make sure to get online and learn about the car’s value and features. That way, when you walk into the dealership and find the car that you want, you’ll know what its real value is rather than the value of the markup they are charging you.
* Think auction. Have you tried to use an online car auction? These are outstanding ways to get a good car, a long as you can get down to see them or at least have them professionally looked at.
* Use the web. Many dealerships do provide a good deal of information, nd even the cars that they have available on their websites. This is the perfect way to know what is available before you head down there.
* Know what to look for. Look at mileage, damage, features, and age. Compare one model to the next to know the benefits of spending several thousand dollars more. With your research, you should know what basic features are. Look for those that are additional.
* Don’t stop at the first dealership. If you book some time to look at several dealerships, don’t find the car you want, and just buy it. You should invest at least a day to really think it over before making a decision. It’s not really a great deal unless you are sure there is nothing else out there that is a better deal.
Purchasing a car means knowing what to expect from the purchase, as well as from the vehicle itself. Take your time to find a wide range of vehicles to consider, and learn about them before making any decisions. If you walk into a dealership knowing what you are looking for and what price it should be, then no salesman will be able to give you a hard time or take you for a financial ride. Take the time to do a little research to find a good vehicle, and you’ll be proud to drive it away.
Another tip worth remembering is timing. Dealerships often have monthly or quarterly sales targets, and if you show up at the end of the month, you might find a salesperson more eager to strike a deal. Similarly, shopping at the end of the year or during holiday sales can save you thousands, as dealers clear out old inventory. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, either. Many people accept the sticker price without question, but it’s almost always marked up. Even a small reduction can mean big savings when financing. A confident, well-informed buyer has the upper hand every time.
