Automobile Buying Tips
From Adviceopedia
Automobile buying tips can save you time and money while searching for the perfect car.
Contents |
Automobile Buying Tips and Advice
Free automotive advice is easy to find. However, it can be overwhelming if you are making your first big purchase by yourself.
New or Used
First decide if you want, or can afford, a new car. Though there are advantages to buying a brand new car, there are many used cars that are in great condition and will save you money in the long run.
The best part of buying a new car is you are the first person to drive it. However, many new cars and models still have problems for their owners. If you buy a new car, look for a make and model that is in at least its second year of production.
Benefits of Buying Used
The best automobile buying tips you will find share the secrets of buying a used car. Cars depreciate very quickly, and buying used can save you money if you buy it in the right year.
When Buying Used
When looking at a used car, find one that has:
- Low miles. If you buy a car from an older person who is retired and doesn’t drive very often, you can get a great buy. Interstate miles also are easier on a car than those who drive in the city or on back roads.
- No rust spots. Rust spots can rot through and create other difficulties with your car.
- Never been in an accident. You can find this information by running a vehicle history report using the VIN number. This number can also tell you if a car is stolen or a lemon. Don't trust the owner to give you all the facts.
- Has the original airbags. Though airbags can be repacked, they are not always done correctly. An auto mechanic can tell you if the airbags went off.
- Been well taken care of. Have a mechanic look over the car to check brakes, belts, and the car maintenance history to make sure the owners took good care of the car.
The Shopping Experience
Before hitting the parking lots, do your research first. Spend some time looking at different makes and models and compare safety features and benefits.
Know Your Budget
Know how much you can spend on your new automobile. Look at it from all angles including:
- Leasing, how much can you afford each month
- Buying outright, how much do you have in your savings
- Your trade-in value, use Edmunds or Kelly’s Blue Book to look up the current value of your vehicle so you have an idea of what you can deduct from the price if you plan to trade your current vehicle
When shopping, keep your budget in front of you at all times so you don’t fall in love with a vehicle you can not afford.
Test Drive the Car
Once you have an idea of what you would like in a car, it is time to hit the road. Since the purpose of the car is to get you around, you want something you feel comfortable driving.
Do not purchase the first car you test drive on the spot. Always test drive a few different cars so you have something to compare.
Negotiate the Price
The price on the car is not what you will pay. Car salesmen expect to negotiate and leave themselves wiggle room. However, it helps to understand why they want to sell it to you at the highest price possible.
A salesman gets paid on commission. If he doesn’t sell the car, he doesn’t make any money. However, the more he gets for the vehicle, the more money he makes.
Know the Car’s Worth
Before sitting down with the salesman, research the price on your own. If it is a used car, the value can be looked up at Kelley Blue Book or Edmund’s. Deductions are made based on condition and miles.
A new car price can be found through the manufacturer. However, that is just a recommended price and most lots will negotiate. Make a few calls to other lots and tell them what you are looking for. Keep a notebook of the prices they offer. Take the lowest offer to the local salesperson and let him know someone else is offering you this price.
Trade-In Value
Besides knowing the value of the car you want to buy, know what your car is worth. Use this knowledge towards the trade-in value.
Use these tips for buying cars to help make your automotive buying experience a positive one.
