Buying a car usually involves a great deal of money. That’s all the more reason to prepare by doing lots of research and finessing your negotiating skills.
GET ALL THE FACTS
Firstly, before you even start shopping around, determine your needs and the type of vehicle you prefer. Set a maximum budget and find out the selling prices of vehicles that interest you.
After narrowing down your choices, get as much information as possible about the vehicles in question. If you’re thinking about purchasing a used vehicle, a visit to the website recalls.gov can be very useful for finding out about any current recalls applicable to the models that interest you. Other sites that publish consumer reviews about the reliability of makes and models can help you steer away from lemons and sniff out money-saving deals.
If you’re interested in a new car, be sure to read up on road tests carried out by different car reviewers. The opinions of these experts will help you confirm or discard your choices.
ROAD TESTS AND INSPECTIONS
The next step is the road test, for both new and used cars. This is one of the most important steps, as a particular vehicle doesn’t necessarily suit every driver. Don’t hesitate to ask for a longer road test than the one that is suggested to you; after all you’re the customer.
In the case of a used vehicle, it is always best to have a road test and a mechanical inspection. Most car dealerships will agree to let you have the car inspected by an independent mechanic you trust.
NEGOTIATE
Lastly, prepare to negotiate. Whether you are looking for a new or used vehicle, keep in mind that the car dealer has fixed his or her price to include a margin of profit, which is totally normal. This leaves you some room to negotiate. Be on the lookout for any deals that are being offered by manufacturers.
Also, month- and year-ends are a good time to buy. Car dealers often have monthly objectives to meet and therefore will be able to offer rebates to clear the lot for the arrival of next year’s models.For a used vehicle, compare the prices of other similar models. Once you have come to a decision, make an offer in order to get the best price possible. Don’t be in a rush to buy; remember this will be an important investment for you, so make sure you think things through.
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