Going to the car dealership can be a very stressful experience. Experts say that buying a car is more stressful than getting married. Keep reading below for 12 tips to make your next trip to the dealership a more seamless experience.
1. Do Your Research Before
Before you even arrive at the dealership, do your research. Ensure you have all the details about the car or cars you are interested in, including pricing, vehicle packages, and warranty options. Knowing what to expect when you arrive at the dealership will save you time and stress.
2. Have a Budget in Mind
A set budget for your car purchase is essential before going to the dealership. Not only will you know what you are willing to spend, but sharing this budget with your dealer will ensure you don’t waste time seeing vehicles not in your price range.
3. Get Pre-approved First
If you are financing your new vehicle, getting pre-approved can save you a lot of time later in the process. By getting pre-approved, you can confirm your budget and ensure you won’t get denied after finding a car you love.
4. Don’t Act Too Eager
It is time to put on your best poker face. When negotiating any business, you don’t want your emotions to impact your decision-making. You don’t want the person you are negotiating with to know your thoughts or feelings. If you want a car, the money will do the talking.
5. Understand MSRP
In car-buying lingo, “MSRP” stands for “Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.” Many people fail to understand that the MSRP is not set in stone. It is still negotiable despite the official stickers on the car that may indicate otherwise.
6. Consider the After Costs
Cars continue to accrue expenses long after you drive them off the lot, regardless of whether it is a new or used vehicle. Consider things like car repairs and tire maintenance before you buy.
7. Test Drive
This may seem obvious, but it is crucial to test drive a car before you hand over any money. You want to ensure you are comfortable driving and handling a vehicle before you drive it every day. While it is rare, you also want to ensure the particular car you will be driving doesn’t have any noticeable problems when driving.
8. Review Car Insurance Options
With car insurance rates on the rise, it is essential to know your coverage options before you buy a car. Once you have a vehicle in mind or have a few options, you can get a free quote from a car insurance agency.
9. Get a Car Inspection
Before you sign and pay for your new vehicle, have it inspected by a professional to ensure the car has no defects. Using a third-party inspector to avoid bias and get the most accurate report is also a good idea.
10. Do You Really Need That?
This is a great question to ask yourself at the car dealership. Especially with new cars, dealers often persuade you to upgrade to nicer seats or sound packages. Many of these upgrades go unused after a while and don’t add to the long-term value of your vehicle.
11. Bring a Buddy
As with many things in life, buying a car is an experience that improves with having another person along for the ride. Not only will you enjoy the company, but you are less likely to be haggled by persistent car salesmen if you aren’t alone.
12. Expand Your Search
Don’t get discouraged if your local car dealerships don’t have just what you are looking for. You can expand your car search by looking online at car dealerships that may be 50 or 100 miles away. While this distance may seem out of the way, many dealerships offer delivery options.
15 Car Brands Leading the Pack in Reliability in the U.S. Market
Buying a car can be a complicated process, and it can feel nearly impossible. To make your decision a little easier, here are some of the most reliable car brands on the road today.
15 Car Brands Leading the Pack in Reliability in the U.S. Market