Everyone buys a car at some time during their life. Many buyers feel they get ripped off every time. How can one get a great deal while still buying a car you can be happy with. Lots of articles tell how to get a great deal. This article reveals how not to buy a car. Sometimes it's not what you do, but what you don't do that cost you more money. What not to do when buying a car. 1. Wait until your car dies before shopping. Buying in a panic is a bad idea. It's easier to overlook something important. 2. Buy in a hurry. Even if your old car is still running, some buy too quickly. This is not a race. Research the car you want and what suits your needs. This is easy today with the internet. You can research each vehicle you're interested in and even buy online. 3. Ignore your credit score. Some car salesmen try to convince you you cannot qualify for their best rates. Check your credit score beforehand. Knowing your credit score will keep the car dealer from forcing unfair interest rates on you. Be sure your rate is final. Some dealers try to raise rates later, by calling and telling the buyer they did not "qualify" for the interest rate discussed. 4. Depend on the dealer alone to provide your car loan. Have a loan set up if the car company can not or will not offer you a better loan than your credit union or bank. Know your options. 5. Believe whatever the salesperson tells you. Big mistake. He or she is there to make money for themselves and their company. You can test their honesty by comparing something about the car they tell you, with what you discovered in your research. 6. Combine an old loan with a new one. Some car companies offer people with remaining loan payments a chance to combine loans. This is a bad idea. Along the same line, never negotiate the trade in value of your old car while negotiating for the new car. Keeping the two separate, prevents the sales person from sneaking in unnecessary costs and fees. It limits confusion. 7. Buying without driving. Be sure to test drive your "future" car, preferably with a friend who owns that car first, so you can find out any special oddities. If the car salesman wants to go on your test drive, say "No Thanks". It's hard to check the car out with a constant sales pitch in your ear. 8. Go alone. If you are uncomfortable with negotiations take someone with you who can assist you or give your support. Also, don't take someone with you that will give the salesperson information about you. The salesperson will use whatever they know about you to get a better deal for the dealership. 9. Mix the car costs with loan costs. Tell the salesman you want the "total cash price" of the car. Salespeople may try to add additional fees in a loan discussion. If they must give only the price of the car, they can not easily add other fees and charges to your total cost. Be sure the salesperson does not add any additional costs in the paperwork either. Read the paperwork. Don't assume anything. Total price should mean total price. Certain cautions and preparations will ensure you make the best decisions and get the best deal when buying a car. A car is an important purchase; do it right. |
