Buying a car can be an exciting venture, especially when you have something in mind that you really want. There are so many possibilities and options, the best thing you can do for yourself is prepare to have the most pleasant experience possible with the least amount of stress. Help yourself out by following along on this car buying survival guide.
Commission Free is the Way to Be
Gone are the days of car salesmen trying to get you to pay the most for a vehicle. Nowadays there are dealerships that are ‘commission free.’ This means that the salespeople do not make any commission off the sale of your car. They are much more pleasant experiences without the hassle of haggling. If you are able to ask around to find a dealership that will focus on getting you in the right car rather than making the most money off of you, you will have a much better experience.
Buddy System
Bring a buddy with you for your car buying adventures. Be sure to bring someone that will help you make decisions when you are faced with tough ones and not someone who will just sit there and not give a straight opinion. You will be making tons of decisions – some big like financing, and some small like air-conditioned steering wheels, so it will be helpful to have someone to turn to for aid on the journey.
Don’t Be Hangry
Make sure you are properly fueled and have a full stomach before getting to the dealership. Even if you know exactly what car you want down to the model, you will be spending a lot of time at the dealership. Especially during the financing part of the journey – the boring and most decision-filled portion – you are going to need your wits about you. Bring some snacks and pack some water to stay hydrated. Buying a car is not a sprint, it’s a marathon and you need to stay fueled to have the best experience.
Research and Research Some More
Do most of your research from the comfort of your own home. These days you can even browse inventory before you get to the dealership. Have a good idea of what features are included in your vehicle you are interested in and how to get the most for the least amount of money. Sometimes one model fully loaded is more money than the next model up in its most basic form. Pay attention to where the money is being spent in your new car. If you are trading in your old car, definitely know what its estimated value is. Do a couple of searches through Kelly Blue Book, CarMax, or Carvana – these will all give you free estimates. When you take your old wheels to the dealership, you’ll know what a fair price should be.
Car buying doesn’t have to be a struggle. You can actually enjoy the process with a few of these ideas. Most of all, enjoy the journey and enjoy your new car.
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