Even if you’ve failed to get a good deal on a car in the past, that doesn’t mean that you can’t do it now. Learn what you need to learn so that you can negotiate. You do not have to just go with the flow!
Have at least a general idea of what type of car you’d like before you walk into a dealership. Do your homework to find the best car for your needs. You will also find out what it will cost, so you won’t get scammed by a salesperson that is trying to trick you.
Overall Price
Focus on the overall price, not the monthly price, in negotiations. The monthly price can be changed to suit your needs, but the overall price will still be very high. Don’t forget to check that before you sign on the dotted line. Rather, concentrate on getting the lowest overall cost for the car. Use that number, then calculate the optimal monthly payment amount.
If you are buying a car from a dealer have your mechanic look for it. If the dealer vetoes this, veto them. You need a mechanic to give you an objective opinion about the car’s condition and check for damages, submersion in water or other problems some dealers try to hide.
If you know you are easily convinced by salespeople, you should not go shopping for a new car by yourself. You are more likely to remember to ask all the right questions and negotiate the best price if you have back up. Tell your companion your priorities and budget goals in advance of your trip.
Never disclose the trade-in, what you have down, or what you want until you have a price ironed out. These options should be subtracted from the lowest negotiated price. You are sure to do better if you negotiate the price first, then throw in the other factors.
Test Drive
Be sure to always test drive a car before buying it. Even if you know what your next car should be and the dealer has it, still take it out for a test drive. No amount of prior research can compete with first hand experience. Maybe you don’t like the ride, or you may find the car isn’t built in a way your body can adapt to.
Social security numbers should not be given until a deal is made. Many dealers will attempt to get this from you right away in order to run a credit check. You have to realize that the process of checking your credit can ultimately damage your score, so be careful in this respect. Only give your number to the company you want to finance your purchase.
When you start shopping, it can be helpful to invite an objective friend to accompany you. An objective party will make it easier for you to avoid basing your purchase decision on emotions. Don’t only settle for having them there in the showroom. Take them along for the test drive as well.
Your trade-in should be kept a secret from the dealer. Wait to mention a trade-in vehicle until after you have a firm deal on the new vehicle. When you let them know up front, they’ll alter their offers based on that fact.
Do not buy used cars without doing research first. There are many websites online that will give you an estimate of what your car can be sold for. Kelly Blue Book as well as NADA or reputable sources for finding car values. If the dealer sells for too much, try to find an alternative dealership.
Do you now feel that you have the confidence necessary to control the situation the next time you buy a car? You ought to be more confident, seeing as these tips will be of great use. There’s no reason to take what the dealer says as gospel truth. You can take charge and negotiate the best deal for yourself now that you are armed with knowledge.