How to Buy a New Car?
For most people, buying a new car is the second-biggest investment they'll ever make. With that, it's completely natural to feel a bit confused or even overwhelmed. Buying a new car doesn't have to be difficult- the tips in this guide will teach you how to buy new cars. No more car-shopping on your lunch hour, or waiting all day to get served on a weekend. The car-buying process has changed quite a bit, thanks to the Internet. People are becoming more informed consumers, and our guide will give you the information you need in order to make an informed choice.
First, you need to decide how you'll use the car. Will you be using it to get back and forth to work, or for weekend fun? Will you carry cargo, tow a trailer, or drive through the city? All of these factors will influence your choice, and you should also think about the model's reliability, safety record, and fuel mileage. It's also a good idea to check the model line's past resale values.
Next, you'll need to come up with a reasonable budget, factoring in the monthly payment plus maintenance costs. If you are trading in another vehicle, find its KBB (Kelley Blue Book) value. Find a local area that has a few dealerships, check the newspaper and the phone book. Decide on a few dealers to visit and start early. Don't forget your driver's license- you'll need it in order to do a test drive.
Once you get there, find a car you like and look at the sticker price. The MSRP will be listed, and most of the time there is a dealer price as well. The factory sticker lists the features of the car, along with the fuel mileage. On the dealer sticker, the manufacturer's suggested retail price includes the base price, plus options and fees. In almost all cases, a 10% dealer premium is added to this price.
If the price seems reasonable, ask the salesperson if you can look at the inside- some places allow you to open the doors and climb in. Sit in the seat, checking mirror placement and leg/head room in the driver and passenger compartments. If possible, ask to take a test drive. Stick to city streets for a while, then take it out on the highway. Pay close attention to how the car steers, the size of its turning radius, its acceleration and braking.
Return the car, thank the dealer, and if you like the car, take their card so you can contact them later. Repeat this process for each dealer you pick, testing comparable models at each. When you've test driven a few different models, you can start comparing prices. Now is the time to inquire about delivery time and availability, if the car you want is a popular model or one with special features.
The sales staff of the dealer should factor into your decision. If you pick a trustworthy dealer with a good onsite service center, that adds value to the transaction. Keep in mind that you will be able to get service at any dealership that is covered under your car warranty. Start the negotiations on friendly terms; ask questions and tell what you like about the car. Make an offer- lower than what you want to pay, but not too low. Use the MSRP as a starting point, and allow the dealer to make a counter offer.
Negotiate until you and the dealer can both live with the price. Buying a new car doesn't have to be intimidating- if you know what to expect, the process will go much more smoothly.