Before you buy a new or used car from a major dealership there are some facts you need to know.
Experience :: Simply put, understanding your limits will clear your mind to receive winning information and keep the upper hand in any vehicle price negotiation.Cutthroat :: Many, though certainly not all, dealerships don't care about your situation, but try to get much of your money as they can get in the entire buying process. Ask around, there are reputable dealerships out there.
High Pressure :: Don't feel intimidated by feeling the heat that you may have to apply to your salesman. He chose this job, not you. Your only job is to remain pleasant, calm and unyielding to your terms. Always keep the control over the sale even if it means walking out to do so.
Highly Motivated :: If you hold to your guns, they will usually grant your deal (within reason) because they are highly motivated to "turn" cars off that lot as quick as they can. They may not have made a bundle off you but they made a little and moved a car too, that's usually enough for them.
Curve Balls :: Just when you think you think you've got them you can let your guard down right? Wrong! If they can't beat you in the car itself they'll give it a go with the warranty, add-ons and financing! Don't let your guard down until your out the door and driving away in a good value!
MOTIVATIONS: It's a Two Way Street!
The pressure that arises during a car deal can intimidate a lot of folks. Salesmen know that most people have at least two common denominators when it comes to buying a new car:
Now, there are two common denominators about the dealerships that you now know:
Find the right car Don't go on fads or looks. Examine your practical needs first. How many does the vehicle need to seat. What extras are needed versus which are not. What kind of driving will the vehicle employed for etc.
Investigate Look into the vehicle reviews on the internet. Read up on it on automotive forums where new owners can praise or punish it. You can easily find the invoice price, retail & wholesale value of the car by simple keyword searches.
"Hold Backs?" When you make your plan up remember that most dealerships have an extra "hold back" beyond the invoice that they get from the manufacturer. It usually amounts to about 3% the cost of the invoice price. This gives them room to look like a poor sole trying to make a buck, "Here's my invoice! Your asking me to basically break even? I have to make a living too!" Don't believe it! If you offer $100 over invoice for vehicles at & under $15,000, $200-$300 for vehicles at & under $21,000 and $500 for higher priced vehicles you'll usually get your deal.
Dealer financing Dealer financing is just another way for them to try to rip you off! Unless your taking advantage of a manufacturers ad campaign that has a great rate it is usually best to go into the dealership with cash or outside financing. Check with your bank first, then research some different loans on the internet. In a very short time you'll find a loan that works for you.
Extended warranties Here's another common scheme to take more of your dough without giving you much in return. Find an outside source extended warranty company and decline any dealer attempts at extended warranties, upgrades, add-ons or insurance.
Salespeople Don't worry about which salesperson you get. It's really not the person you'll be dealing with anyway. Your real "opponent" is the sales manager.
Control Never lose control. When you find yourself being practically verbally abused just calmly walk out and take your business elsewhere. If they ask you to stop however, stop. Always give them another chance to fix it and eventually they will.
First Only negotiate the cost of the vehicle first. No trade in amount. No rebate amount included. Just the cost of the vehicle. Remember what we learned about "hold backs". NEVER negotiate your deal on a monthly basis, ONLY negotiate on total cost.
If the salesperson asks you straight out "Will you be bringing a trade-in?" you won't be wrong by saying "No, I don't think so" because until your sure the deal is right a trade in would be ripping you off. Once the deal is done however, your free to trade-in without fear of being ripped on the main negotiation. Remember it's your show not theirs.
Last Once you've negotiated your acceptable price, feel free to mention your trade in and make sure you receive any rebates that may be available. Rebates are an incentive over and above that are straight from the manufacturer.
What are the 'pro's' to trading in at the dealer?:
Convenience. It's less hassle for you later. You won't have to place the add, show the car, answer the calls etc.
The process is much quicker than selling the car yourself.
The dealership will streamline some of the paperwork issues for you like switching the tags etc.
What are the 'con's' to trading in at the dealer?:
They will only give you wholesale price at very best!
You can get mush more from selling it yourself.
The dealer will always try to use it as a leveraging tool in your new car deal.
This checklist works both ways. If your buying a used car check these issues! If your selling, make sure these issues are not a problem! It is also a good idea to get the car history from a site like Carfax.
Check the condition of the clutch. Throw it into gear and floor it, if the motor races like its trying to catch up the clutch is most likely bad.
ALL electrical problems with radio, lights, blinker, brakes lights, AC etc.
Look at all the fluid levels. Is the oil and or the transmission fluid burned or dirty?
Check for fluid leaks.
Watch for smoke out of the exhaust.
Test the emergency brake on an incline. Ii it is hard to release the cable may need to be replaced.
Do the brakes pulsate, squeak or grind.
Measure each front tires wheel well distance forward and backward. If they differ greatly the car may been in an accident.
Check the AC and the heater.
Does the car pull? This could indicate bad alignment.
Windshield cracks.
Does the brake pedal sink slowly? You may need a master cylinder.
Does the car have power to spare going up a hill? This could signify a serious engine problem.
Does the transmission shift rough?
Don't worry & don't hurry. Never go into a dealership impatient to leave with a new car! You'll surely end up ripped off if you do. Good "dealer boys" will smell that impatience a mile away and exploit it at your expense.
www.cimstireregistration.com
This site allows you to register tires and contains information on tire registration. The site's three main sections focus on information important for tire consumers, tire dealers and tire manufacturer/brand owners. Dealers are required by Federal Law to offer registration to all tire customers. Registering tires allows the manufacturer to contact the buyer in the case of a recall. The law also stipulates that this information can be used for recall purposes only. Whether you are a tire consumer, tire dealer, tire manufacturer or brand owner, it is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities regarding tire registration, and this site provides the information to stay ahead of the pack.
www.carsafety.org
For over 30 years the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has been a leader in finding out what does and doesn't work to prevent motor vehicle crashes and reduce injuries in crashes that occur. The Institute's research focuses on countermeasures aimed at all three factors in motor vehicle crashes (human, vehicular and environmental) and on interventions that can occur before, during and after crashes to reduce losses. Much of the Institute's important research and information is available through the website. This includes statistics, reports, publications, downloadable PDF's, news releases, videos, DVD's, numerous research topics, state law facts, extensive FAQs and vehicle safety ratings.
www.momsminivan.com
With over 101 ideas of fun things for kids to do in the car, this award-winning site has something for kids of all ages. From car travel games and road trip activities to tips for traveling with children of all ages, this site has it. Organized by age group, there are games for babies, toddlers and older kids. There are even travel freebies, songs with lyrics, printable games and much more. Written by moms for other moms, don't take the kids on another road trip before consulting this site!
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