Car shopping can be an exciting, yet stressful process. And we all want to get the best deal possible for our money. However, car dealerships have a number of tactics they use to try and haggle you out of your money. So, how do you prepare yourself? Well, here are our top 5 secrets on how to get the best deal on that new car purchase!
Wait Till The End Of The Year To Shop
Did you know the best time to go car shopping is around December? This is because car dealerships have to get as much of their current inventory off the lot as possible to make way for the next year’s arrivals. Additionally, fewer customers are usually traveling to car dealerships, due to cold weather and a priority on holiday shopping instead. This means salesmen will be much more willing to negotiate prices in your favor. So, if you can, try to wait until the end of the year to grab that new vehicle.
Do Your Research Ahead Of Time
Car Shopping will be a much better experience if you do your homework before heading down to the dealership. Research the car models you’re interested in and see what price range they fall within. Sites such as Kelly Blue Book will show how much a vehicle can cost from a private seller and from a car dealership, so you can know what to expect. Also, be sure to explore various upgrades and add-ons to see what your budget can handle. This way, when you do go to the car lot, you will be better prepared to negotiate.
Car Shopping: Negotiate From Home
And speaking of negotiating, did you know that you can do the majority of your bargaining with the dealership from home? Experts recommend you test drive the car you’re interested in and then take the business card of the salesman and leave the dealership. From there, you can email them, setting your expectations and what you’re willing to pay. This works well in your favor because you don’t have to deal with the stress and hassle of negotiating at the dealership, where the salesman can try to pressure you into a bad deal.
Ask To Look At Everything You’re Paying For
One common trick car dealerships like to play is to sneak in add-ons to your final price tag without mentioning it to you. These line items can include fabric protection, extended warranties, paint/rust protection, etc. Add-ons such as these are completely optional (and almost always unnecessary) and you are under no obligation whatsoever to purchase them. So, before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to as for a detailed list of exactly what you are paying for. And cross off those extras too!
Get Your Auto Financing In Advance
One of the best things you can do before car shopping is to get your auto financing squared away ahead of time. Car loans at dealerships are rarely the best deal you can get, so it really behooves you to explore your options before you start browsing the car lot. And as it so happens, our auto financing partners are experts on getting you some of the best rates on the market. Visit us online today to apply!