June 15, 2009

How to Buy a Car - Frequently Asked Questions

When you buy a car today it is a highly competitive field and you have to know the answers to some basic questions before you even set out for the showroom. This article will help you to get the best deal going and walk away with a great feeling of accomplishment after negotiating that purchase. Here we will explore some of the most frequently asked questions people ask when they buy a car.

Should I know the make and model of car before seeing the dealer?
Not having chosen the make and model ahead of time is one of the most basic mistakes made. You should already know what you are after before setting out to the dealer so you can concentrate on the deal rather than allow the sales person to distract you by showing you model after model.You can narrow your choice down ahead of time by searching the internet for the type of vehicle and with a little effort should be able to find some owner's reviews for the make and model you decide on.

Should I prepare before going to the showroom?
Yes. It's a major mistake to show up at the dealer without having done your homework. If you followed the advice above you will already know the make and model you want so you should now set a budget for the purchase. It's important to work this out ahead of time as you will have enough to distract you when you are negotiating the deal. Set a figure you can live with and don't allow yourself to be oversold. You should also check your credit rating and what sort of deal you can get on financing. That way you have a figure to compare to the one the sales agent gives you so they will have to make you a better offer to get your business.

What's the best time to visit a dealer?
You will get the best deal by choosing a weekday in the last week of the month. This is simply because most people shop for cars on the weekends and the dealer can easily make a sale. On a quiet afternoon or morning you will have the dealer's full attention and they will be keen to make a sale on a slow day. The last week of the month the dealer is trying to make up or break that month's sales figures so will also be inclined to push through a sale.