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Explore insights and expert tips on 7 Tips to Buy From a Dealership Like a Pro to boost your auto knowledge and ownership experience.
If you are looking for reliability and safety, here are a couple of car-buying tips to help you along the way. Short-listing your options before test-driving your future wheels will steer you in the right direction!
Get a good understanding of the wide range of features and trims when seeking your dream car. This will avoid disappointment when visiting a dealership.
According to Consumer Reports, new vehicle prices, although lower in 2024, are still high. On average, new vehicles are 30% higher than before COVID. Buying is still challenging for the man in the street. Interest rates remain high.
Your dream car is out there - somewhere! A bit of patience and flexibility will get you your perfect car. Automobile manufacturers are prioritizing expensive models with superior trims. If this is not for you, then biding your time to find the right one might be a good idea.
This year new cars are plentiful in dealerships. Over 54% than in 2024. Cash-back deals and other incentives are playing a major role in attracting consumers. This is especially the case in electric vehicle sales.
Because dealerships are keen to offload models with better availability, they are offering buyers attractive incentives. Get car dealership advice for the best deals.
Identifying your needs and reading up on road tests and ratings will give you a clear picture. Look at all-around owner satisfaction and safety features.
A good point of entry is to read up on Consumer Report’s road tests and ratings. This will tell you what other consumers think about a dealership. Download and print a hard copy for reference and notes when at the dealership.
Do you need your car to get to and from work, and for taking the kids to school? Are you using your car for road trips, off-roading adventures, or for work use?
Do you need plenty of seating and interior space? Do you have a large family? Are you taking your mother-in-law and Rover with you to the seaside? Get the space you need without cramping your style.
Do you need space for storage? Do you require a large trunk to transport goods and luggage? Take these factors into consideration.
What matters the most to you when buying a car? Is it fuel efficiency or a powerful engine? Do you need to tow a camper trailer or trailer? Address these points before visiting the dealership.
Do you live by the seaside and need cover for rust damage? Will your car insurance insist on keeping your vehicle locked up at night? Do you like high-tech and comfort? Climatic considerations might play an important role when making a car purchase.
If you cannot find your car locally expand your geographical location. If buying a car from a dealership in a far-reaching location, this might prove impractical. Especially if you would like to test drive a car. Before signing on the dotted line, ensure you like the feel of your new car.
Driving to a far-away destination to buy your dream car might prove futile. Especially in a vibrant market. You might find your car sold before you get there!
Being flexible in your search could get you the perfect car. The dealership might have the exact model with many features. But not all the features you’d like.
Think through which features matter most. Perhaps you don’t mind settling for a car without everything you want. If you remain unsatisfied, leave.
Do you know the difference between the dealer’s price and the MSRP? (manufacturer's suggested retail price).
Find two to three cars you like by browsing the manufacturer’s website. Other useful websites are TrueCar and Cars.com. Another useful tool for online comparisons is Kelley Blue Book.
If you find car deals with decent financing or leasing options, you are almost there.
You need to know how much you can afford each month. Ask these questions.
How much will your insurance premiums set you back? Factoring in maintenance, a car loan, and fuel paint a clearer picture. Other pointers to factor in your budget are fuel efficiency and the resale value of your vehicle.
Cars are depreciating assets. Overpaying for a new car will affect your long-term losses.
You don’t want to get a loan on a car that’s going to lose much value over the next few years. Chances are you could end up underwater on the loan. This could happen when you owe more than the car is worth over the long haul.
A problem can surface when you buy your next vehicle. This could happen if you roll existing debt into a new loan. You don't want to pay higher interest rates and carry over a bad debt.
Once you have chosen your car and secured the financing, don’t forget to insure your vehicle. Get the right policy for your car. Car insurance is not the same as a factory warranty or a vehicle service contract.
You might discover negotiating a price could save you money. You might be eligible for a discount. Or you might get the dealer to give you a better deal to compensate for compulsory dealer fees.
preferable, and will it save time?
The out-the-door (OTD) price is the total cost you pay for a car. This includes taxes and fees.
Because this is your car and you will drive it, it is important to test drive the car. Don’t take the dealer’s word for it. Put the vehicle through the paces.
You need to apply for your loan to complete the deal. The process of applying for a loan depends on the type of loan you are getting. Car buyers moving forward with a pre-approved loan, contact your financier and apply. Visit the website to learn more.
Some auto manufacturers insist on buyers using the dealer for financing their vehicle. Or your dealer could offer to partner with a lending facility.
Applying follows the same path. You will need your government-issued ID and bank statements or W-2s.
Buying a used car might seem like a mammoth task. Especially for first-time car owners. We help you make confident decisions with user-friendly tips.
Before visiting a dealership, glean the knowledge you need beforehand. What type of vehicle is best suited to your needs?
What can you afford? Take into account fuel, fuel efficiency, maintenance, and insurance cover. Don’t forget the cost of registration.
Online tools give you an idea of the market value of the type of vehicle you want. Websites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds are easy-to-use tools. They will give you an idea of what you should pay when sourcing a used car from a dealership.
Edmunds is the go-to online tool if you are looking for an excellent used car.
Auto dealerships have to submit a Buyer’s Guide on every used car sold. This is according to the law.
Dealerships do not need to display a Buyer’s Guide for recreational vehicles or motorcycles.
A buyer’s guide particularly applies to light-duty vehicles and trucks. It also applies to demo models, and program cars.
Demo models are new vehicles that have not had any owners, leases or used as rentals. Staff at the dealership drive these demo models.
Program cars have low-mileage and are current model year vehicles returned after short lease or rental periods.
Dealerships in Wisconsin and Maine display their own Buyer’s Guides.
Any negotiated changes to warranty coverage will override anything in the sales contract. When finalizing the deal, ensure the dealership changes the Buyer’s Guide accordingly. This is together with changes to the contract.
Add-ons are optional extras that could cost you, the buyer, thousands of dollars. Add-ons include VIN etching, rustproofing, and gap cover.
Dealerships use this tactic when the buyer is ready to sign and tired of negotiations! At times, dealers include add-ons without your knowledge. Always know what you are buying and read the small print.
If you are keen on any add-ons, ask the dealer how much you will pay each add-on and get everything in writing.
Vehicle history versus a vehicle history report. They are not the same animal. A history report lists any damage or accidents. It won’t list mechanical issues.
A certified mechanic inspection of a used car is important. Once the vehicle has passed a certified inspection this will give you peace of mind. An independent inspection can save you, even if the dealership certified the vehicle.
You are responsible for paying for the inspection. It could save you substantially if the car has a major issue.
Safety inspections and mechanical inspections differ from one another.
Some dealerships are loath to let you take the car off the sales floor. This often is because of insurance regulations and restrictions. If this happens, find a mobile mechanic to inspect on the premises. If the dealership is still reluctant for you to inspect the car, then it is time to find another dealer.
Federal law does not enforce a return policy for dealerships. Before you buy a car get a return policy in writing and read the fine print.
Every state is different, and each has its own set of rules. In some states, dealers have to, by law, offer 3 days to cancel the contract and return the vehicle.
In other states, buyers can return their cars after a couple of days for a full refund. That is, if the dealer gives this option..
Fall and winter are the best times to find good deals, especially in December. The reason is dealerships often like to clear their floors for the new models in the upcoming year.
Promotions like Black Friday deals are usually the best time to find good deals. Important holidays like the 4th of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day have great deals.
Visiting a dealership at the start of the week at the end of the month is another great time to buy a car. Weekends can get busy with sales. Dealers are usually keener to offer deals end of the month to meet their sales quotas.
Learn about the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and invoice price. Ask the dealer what the invoice price is and then compare the two.
Find out what the out-the-door price is too. Prices closest to the invoice price are the best options.
Prices far beyond the MSRP are unrealistic. This is the signal to walk away from the deal.
Buying a new vehicle or a used vehicle is all a matter of choice. New cars are great to have, especially as they often come with brilliant factory guarantees. But for many, the new car prices are expensive.
Although used cars cost less, they may require expensive repairs, especially if the previous owner neglected regular maintenance. Determine if there is a warranty on the used car you can take over.
Certified pre-owned vehicles are often good options if you are looking for quality at a good price.
When you trade your old wheels for new ones, you will need extra documentation. You will need the keys, and your current registration papers. Bring the certificate of title to prove you own the vehicle.
Read over the fine print and every part of your contract. Ask questions before putting pen to paper. Buying a car from a dealership with knowledge will give you peace of mind. You will know you got a great car at a good price.
