Go with your own instinct!
Jan 04 '00
Buying a car doesn't have to be a bad experience. I sold cars before I decided to start a family. My husband has been in car management for 20 years. Let me share with you my insight.
The dealer is there to make a profit, it's no big secret. Most anybody can go on the web and find out the invoice price (what dealer pays) and if there is any incentive or holdback (money that the dealer receives). Note: Usually only imports have incentive or dealer cash, all makes have holdback.
I would suggest you shop for a car with all the information you need, educate yourself first. Not all salespeople are deceptive, that has changed from years ago. There is too much liability to keep an employee on board who practices business that way. Treat your salesperson with respect and he/she will treat you the same way.
Always test drive the car your looking at, make sure your salesperson KNOWS the product, if not, ask his/her manager or just ask for a new salesperson period. There is nothing worse than a heartbeat trying to sell a car that they haven't got the first clue about. Know what you can afford, the sales manager does. Your salary, credit and current vehicle tell the story, don't bite off more than you can chew. Take into mind insurance when you buy that new car.
Ok, onto the most important part, price! You know what you want to spend and you know what you can afford so be cut and dry with the salesperson and save the million trips back to the sales manager, it gets old.
If you trade your car every few years & drive a normal amount of miles per year then LEASE! Leasing is not horrible like stories you may have heard. When you lease you are paying for the depreciation on the car and sales tax on your payment. Most people cannot afford a payment on a $32,000 SUV with conventional financing, it's simple math, figure it out. If you lease, most times you will see a considerable difference in payment. You know the car needs new tires, brakes, plugs and other stuff around 3 or 4 years, when you lease you don't have to worry about that. You will have to stay within a certain frame of miles for the length of your lease, usually 12-15,000 per year. Don't go over, you WILL pay for those miles! Leasing usually requires little down, first payment and sometimes security. Don't sink thousands into a down payment on your lease, you WON"T get it back and NEVER, I mean NEVER lease for more than 39 months!!!! If your are proposed a 60 month (5 year) lease, then don't buy. It may be the payment you can afford but chances are you'll be out of warranty in 3 years and it's your responsibility to return that car in good shape with normal wear and tear. Leasing that long is just not smart.
If you like to keep a car a long time then leasing isn't for you.
Keep in mind that most cars (Ford's, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Toyota, Honda) do not have a huge mark-up. Your sales person IS NOT making alot of money, he rely's on a bonus schedule to usually bring home a decent salary and to do that he works long hours and works hard. If he is selling you a Ford Escort or Focus for a little under sticker price he is making about $50 if he is lucky. If your are just out playing look at cars and you know you can't afford one or your are the last person in the world who buy a car right now than DON't waste a salesperson time, his TIME IS MONEY. Pick up a brochure and browse on your own.
Utilize your rebates or special rates if they apply. Keep your current car in good shape, it DOES make a difference when you go to trade.
Ask friends or family if they have had good dealings with a salesperson, use a referral system and visit a reputable dealership.
Always use common sense and your gut instinct, if it feels wrong then it is.
Everyone has a horror story when it comes to buying a car but alot of people have had wonderful experiences. The public has come to expect the worst and it shouldn't be that way. Your not going to buy unless you feel like you have been offered a great deal, the salesman & management know this.
The dealership my husband works for has no desks, people sit at open round tables in a huge showroom. Management sit at a open counter, it's stress free and a friendly environment. Look for a place like this, it can make a difference if you are not in a little back office and the manager is peering at you from the next office. You should only be in a office when it comes to financing, thats your personal & private information and it should be discussed the same, one on one.
Advertising is a big crock of Sh*t so just disregard anything you read!!
Car buying is changing and I feel for the better.
Good luck & thanks for reading my opinion.
**Check out my opinions on the Ford Focus & Excursion & the Mazda 626!!
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Epinions.com ID:
djones
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Member: Deanna
Location: Plainfield, Illinois
Reviews written: 111
Trusted by: 58 members
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