Julia's Car Buying Tips
Every time you turn on your television, you are likely to see a commercial for a car dealership, and all the dealerships seem to be offering once-in-a-lifetime deals. There are certain times of the year where you can get a better deal, but you need to do your research first. Here are some tips on buying a car without "getting taken for a ride".
1. Keep a level head. Don't get caught up in the hype over that new car; negotiate as much as possible. If you get a particular deal from one dealer, and then take it to another seller, you may get them to meet or beat that price. Paying in cash can also get you a better price.
2. Ask the right questions, especially if you are buying from a dealer. Don't ask if it gets good fuel mileage, because "good fuel mileage" is subjective- they may consider 8 mpg to be good, but you probably don't. Ask "How many miles does it get per gallon?"
3. Don't be afraid to walk away. If the dealer or seller senses that you are overly enthused about your potential purchase, you are much less likely to get a good deal. Here's a good place to practice your poker face!
4. Skip all the extras. Do not pay for things you don't really need, such as fabric protectant, detailing, pinstriping or the extended warranty. If you have planned and budgeted properly, you should be prepared if there are issues with the car.
5. Take a friend or family member for support. They can help you keep a level head, and they can help you remember things about the car- which can help you make an informed decision later.
Unless you are rich, you probably cannot afford to buy a new car outright. Doing that doesn't really make a lot of sense anyway; we all know that new cars rapidly depreciate in value (most lose about 60% of their value in just four years). If you are limited in funds, you will likely be much better off saving to buy a good, reliable used car.