You are in the market for a new or used car but have never actually purchased a vehicle before. You want to have a good experience but are more than a little unsure of yourself and your decision-making and bargaining skills. Here are a few tips and suggestions on how to buy a new car:
Don't Settle for the List Price
Do not just walk into a car dealership, locate a car you love, and then pay the posted price. You must negotiate a car price to get the very best deal. If you are not comfortable doing this, bring along an outspoken and knowledgeable friend or family member who is. There is too much to lose.
Be sure to research the cars you are interested in. Find out what the going prices are and the pros and cons of each vehicle. Remember, the listed price and the final cost are often worlds apart, and you can only win when you or your arbitrator are firm on a lower price. Even when the salesman assures you that the posted price is the final cost, make every attempt to drive your price point down. He or she will not want to lose the sale, and will often make adjustments before they let you walk away from the deal. Even if you have to compromise on the final price, at least you saved some money.
Have the Vehicle Professionally Inspected
Ask for permission to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic of your choice. Even if you are very knowledgeable about cars, it is still a good idea to have another set of eyes on this costly purchase.
Take it to your mechanic and explain that you are considering the purchase of the vehicle and ask him to give it a thorough inspection. This inspection should include a test drive by this same mechanic. The mechanic should be able to tell you if there was any previous damage to the body or frame, whether there was any water damage, and if the vehicle had been repainted.
The inspection itself should not be too expensive and is well worth the expense. Just make sure you narrow down your choices to one car before paying for this necessity. Future major repairs will be avoided, and you will be able to have smaller repairs done free of charge before you sign on the dotted line.
Price Your Insurance Before Purchasing
Yes, that two-door sports vehicle is the car of your dreams, and you can imagine it sitting proudly in your driveway. You can almost feel the wind in your hair while you drive that shiny convertible with the person of your dreams sitting right next to you. Pricing your insurance is very important. Before you get your heart set on a flashy vehicle, you may want to have a conversation with your insurance rep to find out how much more these little luxuries are going to cost you. When you hear that final figure, you may want to re-think your priorities and settle for that sensible SUV in the corner.
On the flipside, if the vehicle you are considering has anti-lock brakes, factory airbags, and/or anti-theft accessories, you may be eligible for insurance discounts through some insurance companies.
Buying a new or used car is a big deal. That is why you must be extra-cautious when purchasing a vehicle for the very first time. If you have assistance from a more knowledgeable and skilled friend or relative, observe their tactics. You never know when you will need this necessary skill with another high-dollar purchase.
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