Only 26% of Americans Feel Confident When Car Shopping
Cool weather and falling leaves mean that it’s car-buying season, but shoppers aren’t exactly confident in their ability to negotiate at the dealership, according to a study from Capital One. The Capital One Auto Navigator survey found that just 26% of potential car buyers have faith in their own abilities to manage the process to their own advantage. That lack of confidence is well-founded, too. There are plenty of sneaky things car dealerships will try to pull.
Whether it’s your first car or your fifth, these 30 car-buying tips can help you win the negotiation and save money. Before even setting foot in a dealership, make sure you’ve put yourself in a position to leverage the best car deal possible and not get suckered into paying for something useless.
Do: Consider the Type of Car You Need
There’s no shortage of different kinds of cars for sale, so the first thing to consider is how you’ll use your car. You might want to buy a dream car but it might not fit your lifestyle. Evaluate your family’s needs, the demands of your commute and the vehicle’s central purpose before narrowing down your selection.
For example, if you have a family of six, you’re going to need a vehicle with more seating than a typical sedan. Or, if you have a long commute every day, you might need a car with better gas mileage.
Don’t: Neglect Your Research
The only way to figure out how to buy a car is to do your homework. Research isn’t always the fun part of buying a car, but it might be the most important. Read reviews and look into different brands, models, and financing options online before you even visit a dealer.
Keep in mind that visiting a dealer at all is likely to require an appointment, depending on dealer policy and virus restrictions in your community. Many dealers have upped their online shopper-assist and remote communication offerings, and some provide no-visit test drives where the sales rep brings the car to you.
Do: Identify the Fair Market Value and Average Selling Price
Use a widely accepted source like Kelley Blue Book to find out the fair market value and average selling price of the car you’re considering. When car dealers know you’ve done your homework, they are more likely to offer their best deal first.
Make it a champion day!
Shop Smart Autos is not responsible for any errors in price or vehicle information provided to us from our dealer partners. We take every precaution to ensure the information is accurate and correct. Any questions please contact the dealer.
