What to know before you Walk into a Dealership
You want to get the best deal possible on that car you have been eyeing. Your work in achieving this goal does not start when you enter the dealership, but rather before it. There is much research to be done before you step foot on the shiny white floor of the dealership.
What you want in a car
First, you need to decide what you want in a car. Consider the characteristics that are important to you. Of course, safety is vital. You may look for a car that offers great gas mileage, has a lot of cargo space, boasts a comfy interior, etc. Write down all of the attributes that you desire.
Set a budget
You need to be realistic in your budget. Remember that you will have costs above the base price of the car, including tax, tag, title and other fees. Also remember that your insurance may go up with a more expensive car, so be sure to consider this in your calculations. You can come up with a price range.
Car Research
One of the most important steps to take before walking into a dealership is to do research into potential cars. This is important no matter whether you are looking for a used or new car. There are many places where you can research.Consumer Reportsoffers a wealth of information including safety tests, maintenance records, etc. Make a list of cars that you like. Print out this information so that you have it when you go to purchase your car.
The fine art of negotiating
Car dealers are skilled in the art of negotiating, and you can be too. You may want to practice with a friend. Learn to keep your emotions in check and not seem overly eager.
Other options
In most areas you will have many choices of where to buy your car. Research these before you walk into your first dealership. The choices you make will depend on whether there is one dealership in town or twenty. With the blossoming of the Internet, there are many other ways to find, buy and sell cars. Know your choices so that you will know how much power you have to walk away. A car is a big purchase and it may be worth a little drive elsewhere for more choices.
With knowledge you will get the best possible deal for your new or used car. The more prepared you are, the better.
