For most people, buying a new car is no easy decision. Picking your favourite car out of the myriad of choices available today can frustrate one to no end. Fortunately, there are a few pointers you can follow when it comes to picking your final choice. Facing a similar dilemma recently, here are the factors I followed to decide on my first car and get the best deal:
Browse Without a Buying Intention
The first time you go to a dealership, you shouldn’t be looking to buy. Let the salesman know you’re just browsing and don’t let them talk you into anything immediately. Better yet, drop by on a day when the dealership is closed. Take notes on what you like, then return home and do some serious research. Most dealerships maintain an online database of cars on their lot, so you can also do this from the comfort of your home. Take a look at a free invoice report so you know what the dealership paid for the car, giving you a better position to negotiate.
It’s always in your interest to get the best possible price on each transaction, which is why you should do your research ahead of time. If the dealer isn’t willing to negotiate, shop elsewhere. Don’t forget that your entire leverage with the car dealer lies in your ability to walk out the door. You don’t need to be rude about it, but be firm in what you’re willing to pay and be willing to walk away. No car salesman is going to take a loss on a sale, but even a couple hundred dollars discounted is better than a dead deal.
Don’t Let The History Remain a Mystery
You’ll need the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), make, model and model year to do this and if the dealer won’t give it to you, beware! Ask for a complete service record and look through it carefully, especially for signs of any major repairs. When you have shortlisted multiple cars, look through Consumer Reports online to check for reliability, common issues and any other pitfalls for the particular cars you are looking at.
If you’re shopping for used cars most dealers provide CarProof reports so that you can ensure the car has never been in an accident or any other troubling scenarios. You can also confirm the number of previous owners (if any), if it ever failed inspection or if it was ever stolen or recalled. While you’re at the various dealerships, note the quality of service you receive and how you are treated. When you go ahead and buy your new car, remember that you will likely be coming back to the dealership for maintenance and servicing, so be sure to choose a dealership that treats you with respect and courtesy.
Compare All Your Options
When deciding on my new car, I looked at a number of options such as the 2013 Honda Civic coupes, the Infiniti G37 as well as the Lexus IS-300. Make sure you check out the the cars in broad daylight so you can notice any fine imperfections in the aesthetics. Talk to each dealership about extended warranty options as well as added services such as pre-scheduled maintenance. For the Audi A4, I threw in Audi Care so I wouldn’t have to worry about paying for individual maintenance appointments.
Of course, it goes without saying: take all the cars for a test drive. Drive at different speeds and on different road conditions to get the broadest spectrum of driving experience possible, helping make a better-informed decision. In the end, the car you buy has to be a car you enjoy driving comfortably, so take your time.
Got any tips to add when it comes to choosing between a varieties of cars? Let us know in the comments below or send us a tweet @Unhaggle!
