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| More and more people every day are turning to the internet to find their next car. The advantages of buying an automobile
online are overwhelming in comparison to visiting a car lot in person. Nevertheless, it's still helpful to remember that online or in person you're
still dealing with a car salesman and you should always keep your guard up. |
Use the internet to research your next car. If you're looking for a new car then take a look at
Edmunds.com
and their True Vehicle Pricing
report. This report gives you all the ammunition you need when talking turkey with a dealer. When he realizes
that you've done your homework and know the facts he will be more reasonable and negotiable. Used Cars need to be dealt with on a one to one
basis since no two are alike. Check the inventory of larger used dealers like
DriveTime.com
to narrow down your selection. |
| When trading in your old vehicle keep it separate from your new car negotiations. Car salesmen are notorious
for giving you a great deal on the new car only to find out they're stealing your old car for nothing. Nail down the new car bottom line first and
then ask what they'll give you for your old car. Compare that figure with what you think you can get on the street and if necessary sell it on the
street. The idea is to keep as much equity as possible and roll that into your new car. |
| Another thing to remember is that most dealer profit is made after the sale of the car. You know after you
shake the salesman's hand and then he leads you back to the finance manager to sign paperwork? It's here that they attempt to up sell you with
things like window tinting and undercarriage protection. Even if you wanted these extras they would be cheaper on the aftermarket. You
should always avoid these dealer extras unless you cant live without them and they're factory installed. |
| Speaking of the finance manager... get pre-approved for a loan through your bank before you even come to the dealership.
The salesman will take you more seriously knowing that you can buy a car. The sales manager will be less likely to let you walk without his
'best deal' and the finance manager will lose any psychological advantage to get you to pay more for financing. Even if the factory is offering 0%
financing they will make that back on a higher sales price. Get your own financing and negotiate the lowest price you can and you'll come
out ahead in the long run. |
Buying a car online is not just a good deal but can be fun also! Take advantage of all the tools the internet has to offer
to help you negotiate the best deal possible. If it seems complicated or like it's too much work just remember the old days when you had to drive
from dealership to dealership walking through car lot after car lot. It's much easier today to get a great deal on a new or used car. Heck
you could even assume somebody's lease
with no money down if you wanted to. Check out all of your options! |
