Get the Upper Hand on a Car Lot

Shopping for a new car can be an exciting but stressful experience, what options, what color, what is the best year…just a ton to consider. The main issues to address are of course what do you want in a car.  Dealers will tell you what they want you to want in a car, not what you really need or even what is good for you. Telling a customer who has kids they need a car with a car navigation system and car stereo with DVD capability is common. That is nice but not something she needs to pay $3000 extra to have when its a option. Before ever setting foot in a car dealer it is a good idea to do some research.

From the moment a buyer walks onto a lot, dealers are watching everything they do and checking out what they drove when they entered the lot. What people need to realize is that the dealer is the enemy, not as much in the “at war” way but more in the opposing team sort of way. The whole idea is to score more points than them.  In the end the dealer will be making money off you and it is your right to try and spend as little as possible. Many new and used car buyers seem to believe that the car salesman is their friend but big smile or not they are only there to get your money. The idea here is that if they are going to get your money make them work for it.

There are a few things that an informed consumer is going to want to know and use as some great bargaining chips. Always do a nation-wide search because the prices may be different in other locations and you can use that as a way to swap the cost of the car. Find out how long that particular car has been on the lot and how long the average sale is for that model, if they are slow moving models know a few hundred dollars off for getting the car out of their space. Cars that sit on a dealer lot depreciate just like the one in your drive way, just remember all the tricks dealer use to degrade your trade-in can also be applied to the car you are buying. Last, remember you are in charge. No matter how far along you are, until you sign on the dotted line you can stand up and walk out the door at any point. This is the single most powerful weapon you have, if you leave they get nothing so they will give you a better deal just to get your money. Just like a telemarketer you can always tell a dealer that they are not wanted and don’t forget to negotiate your trade as well. If they offer you $6000 right away, push for $7000 and last but not least once they have made their final offer be sure to ask for even more of a discount.