Ah, the fun of buying a new car
Feb 24 '00
Buying a new car can be quite a task. It can be fun or can leave you wondering why you ever wanted to bother getting a new car. Each case is different based on several factors. For one, the type of car you buy determines the hassle level. Another factor is where you buy the car. Other factors include, the price, your attitude, and your financial situation.
Lets face it that car dealers like most other businesses are in it for a profit. They are not in the business of providing autos and service at a loss. Eventually if they lose money on each deal, they will be forced to close their dealership. So keep this in mind as I make my other statements.
I have found over the past few years while looking at various cars, it matters quite a bit what type of car you are looking to buy. That does not mean if you pull in to a Porche dealer with a 1985 beat up car that you will get the same service someone pulling up in a Lexus or Mercedes will get. However, if you are reasonable and look like you can pay the bill for a high end car, you will usually be given much better treatment in a high dollar vehicle car dealership.
My experience while looking for a sports utility vehicle was one filled with ups and downs. It all depended upon where I went to look and at cars and the type of vehicle I saw. When I looked at the Honda SUV I was pounced upon by millions of salespersons all wanting to make a quick sale. They wanted to run numbers and were mostly concerned about a monthly payment. I got pretty fed up and told them I did not want to give them my business.
By contrast when I looked at the Lexus and Infinity SUVs I was treated well. For one, I looked at each of those vehicles over the internet. When I went it I had an appointment with a specific salesperson who explained the details of the car. He then took me on a test drive and let me drive as much as I wanted. In both cases they even demonstrated the anti-lock brakes. Thankfully I have only used them once in a real on the road situation.
At the Lexus dealer the offices were nicer, more comfortable, and the staff was much more professional. They did not shove me at a stupid deal. In fact when I got to the final details on my Lexus, we did not settle on a deal that night, and we were the last ones there by over an hour. The next day I called them back and we finalized a deal. From there it was time to go pick up my new car.
Upon delivery I was met with a cold soft drink and loads of leather goodies. I toured the dealership and assigned a service representative. I was taken everywhere I would ever need to go, including the refreshment centers in both the new car dealership and the service center. This was intended to make me feel comfortable when I come in to look for my next car as well as bring my car in for service.
The high price cars often buyers with a higher level of financial knowledge according to several sources. Towards that end, I find less difficulty getting through the finance manager's office. They let you do your paperwork and move along. This is helpful when you are on a tight schedule.
When buying the car, talk numbers only if you are ready to buy the car or walk from the deal if you do not like the numbers. If you play games, you will fall right into the sales game and you may end up suckered into buying a car you otherwise did not plan to buy. The salesfolks seem to know how to make those who are not firm about not buying, to buy a car! That is the way they line their pockets with money.
When you go to buy your car, go to a reputable dealership, dress reasonably well (Because slobs are often treated with less respect which does not help close a deal) and know your numbers. If you research your car ahead of time, both your trade in and the new car you want, you will know what number to negotiate towards. Information is available at the Kelley's Blue Book site and at various car sites such as microsoft carpoint.com.
During my last purchase, I knew my numbers, I knew how to push for more through trade off deals. I asked for extra goodies at cost or below cost to end up with a great vehicle for a lower overall cost. I was also a better buyer for the salesperson because we went in ready to deal and together we came up with a fair deal for all parties. I did not expect the car to be given to me at a loss.
To sum it up, when you go to buy a car, do your research, know the appropriate interest rates for your car, go to a reputable dealer, work out your best deal, and try to have fun. If you make the deal a win-loss situation between yourself and the dealer, no one ends up wining. However if you go for a win-win deal I am sure everyone will go away happy and you likely will not pay any more or less than you would otherwise.
Enjoy and Good Luck!
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Epinions.com ID:
dbhoutx
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Member: David
Location: Houston, Texas
Reviews written: 324
Trusted by: 223 members
About Me:
David loves outdoor activities, travel, breeding Registered Texas Longhorns.
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