I am a first time female car buyer - can you give me some advise that will keep the car sales people?

from taking advantage of me?I am a first time female car buyer - can you give me some advise that will keep the car sales people?
Make sure you go to the dealer with someone else, preferably and older family member. Let them know what you are looking for and planning to spend, and they'll help you to avoid being sucked into and overpowered sales pitch.I am a first time female car buyer - can you give me some advise that will keep the car sales people?
Hi Nick,





Just by inquiring here you've already taken the first step, that is to expand your knowledge and become informed as much as possible about the process.





You didn't say if you are purchasing new or used, if it's new then you don't have to be concerned about the quality of the car you are buying (quality meaning the current condition, if it's been wrecked, flood damaged etc)





If it's used, then of course those are important factors and it's something that you need more info about.





First is to do some research on pricing, the best site is http://www.edmunds.com, there you can get the invoice pricing and be more prepared about what's considered a fair price.





You should be forthcoming, in a diplomatic way of course, let them know what you've found as far as pricing. This should be stated as soon as possible, or as soon as the conversation allows. By letting them know, they will at least not start so high with an original offer.





Don't appear to be so eager, if this is really the car you want, don't show it. This will allow leverage on their part and reduce your bargaining power once again.





Of course it's not just the bottom line price of the car that consumers pay for. It's add ons, such as paint sealants, undercoatings, window etching, PREP Fees and other items they may approcah you into buying.





My personal and professional opinion is that these items are very seldom needed, if at all.





Except for Gap insurance, this insurance will protect the value of the loan in case the vehicle is totalled, you'll be protected and not owe a on a totalled out car.





Extended warranties are another issue as well, depending on your usage of the vehicle, this may or may not be a good option for you. I'm a firm beleiver that they are valuable under the right circumstances, but they are not always a good idea for every circumstance.





If you consider a warranty, you can always purchase before the original factory warranty expires. If you purchase when you buy the car, and it's included with financing, you'll be paying finance charges for something that you aren't useing.





Financing is another source of income for dealers, if you finance thru a credit union or bank, you will most likely get a better interest rate, but if you finance outside the dealer, they may not be willing to negotaite with bottom line pricing.





You should compare the options and use an online comparison calucalator once you have the details. These can be found on most sites that offer auto loans.





Another small rule of thumb is the best time to buy, most people will tell you at the end of the month, this does have some value, but dealers will often ROLL the 1st day or 2 of sales into the previous month.





The manufactuer will offer incentives to dealers for number of cars sold, so if they are short, they may roll these couple of days to earn their incentives.





As with any business, sales people and dealerships are in business to make a profit, and so they should, but there is a big difference between making a profit and being taken advantage of.





Lastly, become familar with some of the scams that take place and be aware when they are attempting to push these on you.





Jerry Christopher


http://www.usedcarwise.com





PS--If you are buying used, as I mentioned above, more research and knowledge will be needed.
If at all possible, don't go to a used car dealer. Your best bet is to buy a car from an individual.
let him take advantage of you! sleep with him. especially if he's married. the next day try and get a good deal. trust me.
If possible take someone along who knows what they are talking about, assuming that you don't. Failing that, there are websites about that can tell you about common faults on used cars, often with a checklist for you to print off. When it comes to haggling for price, ask for a reasonable discount (don't ask for way too much, hoping to meet in the middle) and state a reason for it - even if it is spurious.
I hate to say it but you need to take a man with you - even if he knows absolutely nothing about cars - that's just the sexist world we live in I'm afraid.





You could always do your homework before going to the garage (specification, fuel economy, engine size, previous owners etc) - just be prepared to be bull sh***ed.
Show these guys your confidence. Think like a guy. Remember that you are meeting them to buy a car, not to flirt with them. Get a friend with you if necesasry. Be prepared to walk out of the conversation if something isn't right. :)
I'm a female who's bought 3 cars practically on my own. You DO NOT need to take a man with you. However, know the facts. Do your research online, decide what kind of car you want and know the in's and out's, know what the vehicle is worth. This way when you get to the dealership they won't be able to tell you that you are getting a bargain when you really aren't. Also, know what your credit score is and what reasonable interest rates are for your score so that they won't be able to stiff you there either. Assess your expenses and know what you can and cant afford, often times a sales person will try to convince you to buy something you REALLY can't afford afterwards you are the one stuck making the payments and there is NO WAY OUT! And if you really want to ensure everything is on the up and up (in respect to pricing) ask them to see their invoice cost, you鈥檇 be amazed at what they'll show you just to make the sale!





Oh yea try going at the end of the month.... Sales people are a lot more willing to please the customer since they have a quota to meet!





Remember be ASSERTIVE!





GOOD LUCK!!!!
Be wary. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!





Be very careful of private sales - often cheap and convenient but not so fun when the police knock on your door and take your car as it's stolen.





Be cautious too, of cars they seem keen to make a good deal on - they have good reasons for wanting to palm them off! If there say, are two cars of the same make and kilometres but one is a lot cheaper - look for the hitch.





Don't be sucked in by ';high performance'; features like a turbo - tends to use a lot more fuel, too.





Be cautious of cars formerly used for taxi work, deliveries, police work, etc. People often think it's good they've had a lot of regular use - but they've also often been given a fair hiding on the roads - more wear as a result.





Former government department cars are good - usually low hours and often LPG - at least here in Australia!
Make sure it has a recent road-worthy certificate! (blue certificate). If not don't go there; it may not have passed a vehicle inspection which allows the car to be road-worthy and registered.


RACQ provides extensive information and advice relating to buying cars. (www.racq.com.au) They provide services such as vehicle inspections, and and will inform you of the company to contact to do a search on the car if it is secondhand, to make sure it is not stolen or the property of a finance company. Don't believe everything you're told and make sure you have a cooling-off period on your contract before signing. Happy days!