usedcarwise
Favorite Answer
Hi rwill,
I wouldn't classify them as tricks, but knowledge and being informed are paramount when shopping for a new or used car.
Especially used, with a new car you can feel RELATIVELY safe that what ever you buy hasn't been wrecked, damaged, been invloved in flood waters etc.
(Although, even with a new vehicle it's still possible it was perhaps damaged on the lot, or driven by a salesperson or customer and damaged and repaired. I've seen it happen numerous times)
With a used vehicle, even the salesperson will not know what type of condition the car is in, he/she of course may lead you to beleive otherwise.
Once you are satisfied with the condition of the car, financing and other issues come in to play.
Be prepared as well on pricing, if you are considering a particular vehicle, do some research on the prices, perhaps visit the Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds web sites for prices.
Don't appear to be so eager, if this is really the car you want, don't show it. This will allow leverage on their part and reduce your bargaining power once again.
Of course it's not just the bottom line price of the car that consumers pay for. It's add ons, such as paint sealants, undercoatings, window etching, PREP Fees and other items they may approcah you into buying. My personal and professional opinion is that these items are very seldom needed, if at all.
Extended warranties are another issue as well, depending on your usage of the vehicle, this may or may not be a good option for you.--- I'm a firm beleiver that they are valuable under the right circumstances, but they are not always a good idea for every circumstance.
If you consider a warranty, you can always purchase before the original factory warranty expires. If you purchase when you buy the car, and it's included with financing, you'll be paying finance charges for something that you aren't useing.
Financing is another source of income for dealers, if you finance thru a credit union or bank, you will most likely get a better interest rate, but if you finance outside the dealer, they may not be willing to negotaite with bottom line pricing.
You should compare the options and use an online comparison calucalator once you have the details. These can be found on most sites that offer auto loans.
Another small rule of thumb is the best time to buy, most people will tell you at the end of the month, this does have some value, but dealers will often ROLL the 1st day or 2 of sales into the previous month.
Manufactueres will offer incentives to dealers for number of cars sold, so if they are short, they may roll these couple of days to earn their incentives.
As with any business, sales people and dealerships are in business to make a profit, and so they should, but there is a big difference between making a profit and being taken advantage of.
See the links below for other info
Jerry Christopher
http://www.usedcarwise.com
Anonymous
Make sure you do your research before you go - not just on the type of boat you want but also all the accessories you need/ want (and what they do) so that you don't get talked into buying extras that you don't need or use or that may already be covered by something already installed on the item. Be confident but at the same time open to suggestions - not all salespeople want to rip you off. Re interest rates, shop around before you get there - check rates AND repayments at the banks, your accountant etc. Interest rate is not the only thing to be concerned about, repayments may vary wildly due to fees and charges associated with the loan. If you take dealership finance, read the contract carefully, check and recheck the details match what was quoted and make sure you leave the yard with a signed copy of the contract. Finally and sadly, being a woman who has worked in car dealership, i can say that on some occassions presentation will get you everywhere. Look great but MEAN BUSINESS. Good luck!
AOMGMC77
Research! Know the car, know the MSRP by the maker. Know the resale value. Know as much as you can about the car before you walk in the door.
Shop around! Go to different dealerships and let them know you are shopping for the best deal.
Shop at the end of the month. If the dealership has monthly sales contests, quotas, etc. salesmen will be more willing to negotiate to get those last sales for the period.
ash_m_79
Take a mechanic with you. He will inspect the car before you take delivery. Therefore you will know that you got a good deal and not let the salesman trick you in buying crap.
cowboy750
always be ready to walk away if you don;t like the price. Until you sign papers, you can leave any time. Once your gone, your gone and the salesperson know that. Also, know what you want and how much it should cost. BE wary of the "too good to be true" deal, it probably is