Purchasing a Car? I Have Some Tips for You
Apr 15 '00
As we all know, purchasing a car can be a good experience, bad experience, or sometimes even hell. These situations can be very stressful, but if you know, it can turn into a cat and mouse game, with you being the cat. You win when you break the dealership down and have them act on your demands. Being the son of a salesman has taught me a thing or two.
First and foremost...
Stand Your Ground
Have an exact price range in mind, know what necessities you want in the car, and stick to your guns for everything they are worth. Salesmen will try to get every dime out of you. Don't fall into the salesmen's trap of offering you bells and whistles you don't want or need in the car, and ultimately end up doling out more money. Know what you want and what you want to pay for the car. By doing this, you are showing the salesman you are very serious about your offer(s). Remember this important tip: You don't need to buy the car, you only want it. You can take your business elsewhere too. The dealership and salesman need to sell you the car. Advantage: You. If you have to, just leave your offer on the table along with your phone number and leave. They will more likely than not call you back to deal with you.
Don't Let the Salesman Know Certain Things
One of these things not to tell the salesman is the fact that you may have extra money laying around. By doing so, they will try very hard to suck that money out of you. Remember, they work off of commission, so the more money you deal out, the more money they make. If they find out you have more money, they will tell the sales manager, and most likely, they will not meet your price offer.
Don't mention you have a trade in until a final deal has been worked out. This way, you will get the best price for the car you want. The sticker price will not be as high because if you have a trade in, then the dealership "owes" you money. To compensate for this, they will not go as low on the price of the car you want. If you first get an exact price on the car, then mention you have a trade in, you get the best of both worlds.
Visit Just Before Closing Time
This little tactic works great. It puts you in the driver's seat(no pun intended! Honest!). Think about it: Everyone at the dealership is tired and want to go home. Why not end the day quickly and make it decent by ending it with a sale? Basically, the dealership workers just want to get off work and go home to their nice homes and family; and if they can get a sale just before that, it makes the day that much better.
Know How Much the Car You Want Really Costs and your Trade In Value
Make sure to invest some time in knowing how much the car you want really is, and how much profit the dealership will probably make off you. Knowing the real value of your trade in is also quite important. You could get ripped off. You may be able to sell your trade in at a private dealer's lot for more money.
Summary
1. Know what you want and your price range.
2. Don't let the salesman know of extra money.
3. Don't mention the trade in until a final deal is reached.
4. Go in just before closing time.
5. Know all car values.
Conclusion
You are shopping for a car because you want to, not because you need to. The dealership/salesman need to sell you the car. Always stand your ground and know your price range. Here is a great piece of advice I received from my dad: A good deal is a deal where you are happy with what you get in the car for what you paid.
I sure hope this helps, and best of luck to you shopping! Thanks for reading!
Side note: Thanks dad.
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Epinions.com ID:
Jaywa
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Member: Jay Padzensky
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Reviews written: 85
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