Car Buying Tips

2008-09-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Car Buying Tips

Written by Blaine A. Gray

Have you been thinking of buying a new or pre-owned car? Look no further for the best tips and how to avoid being taken to the cleaners.

Let’s start with an introduction. I am a former Internet Manager of over 12 years and almost 20 years in the car business. I know the difference between a Dealer making a profit and that same Dealer taking advantage of customers like you. That is why I have started my own auto brokerage in Los Angeles named Auto Deals 4 Less and my office is located in Reseda, Ca.

I can help you either by helping you negotiate the deal or having a dealer contact you directly. If you choose to battle with your local dealer here are some basic tips listed below. But why not let a 20 year Automotive Expert help you and do all the work for you?

Go online and do some research. You need to arm yourself with knowledge to be more prepared to negotiate a better deal. There are many sources for information some good and some bad. Here are some basic tips that help you save money.

1. You can always start with Chevrolet Dealers Valparaiso. This will help you with a starting point of what you need to research more. View inventory of new cars or Used Cars Burns Harbor.

2. Visit the manufacturer’s website. They will give you accurate model info and list all current customer incentives.

3. Check out places like Edmunds.com or KBB.com to get invoice pricing and any factory to dealer incentives and rebates. Remember to read the small print regarding local dealer advertising and dealer destination charges. You can also find trade-in approximate values. It is best to use more than one source to make sure you get correct info.

4. Use some Third Party websites like Carsdirect.com or Cars.com (these are not endorsements just a couple ideas).

5. Use a search engine such as Google to find different sources of info on getting quotes.

6. Use a broker to help you get your best deal and save money and time.

7. Submit multiple quotes starting with Boston Used Car then use the manufacturer’s website and the any other you wish to use.

8. Check out some Blogs like this one for some informative information.

9. Know your credit score and your ability to qualify for the best rates. Try this easy 30 second credit application at Marlborough Bad Credit Car Loan.

10. If you do not get what you think is a fair deal be prepared to walk out. If there is any room left to negotiate they will not let you go. But remember the Dealer somewhere has to make something or break even or they probably will not make the deal. You cannot make up a net loss in volume.

11. Make sure you know your payoff (call and get a 10 day payoff) on your trade if you still owe money. Make sure it is in writing that the dealer will pay this off in 10 days or no deal.

12. Get an approximate trade-in value before you go to the Dealer so there are no surprises on low trade in values.

These are not all tips and tactics but some of the best based on my years of experience. My best advice is to be over prepared and you will have the upper hand. If you find this helpful, feel free to contact my brokerage firm to help you use all the tips and tricks I learned after 20 years in the automotive business.

Secrets of Car Buying

2008-06-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

Most dealers are happy to make a smaller profit as long as you let them make a profit. As a consumer you do not want to pay too much, but on the same hand you cannot expect a dealer to lose money to move a vehicle. There are many ways to make sure you do not over pay for your next vehicle but do not make an unreasonable offer either. The Internet is a great source of information, from third party websites such as Edmunds, Carsdirect or KBB. Then there is the manufacturer websites like Honda.com and finally there is the dealer website like Shreveport Used Honda. All three sources can be useful. You can look up latest incentives and rebates, check out current interest rate offers and research invoice pricing. This way you will have an idea of what to pay, both in terms of pricing but also in terms of interest rates. Remember you need to look at the total price you pay for everything not just the price or you may pay too much over the course of the loan.

As in any business a dealer does need to make a fair profit and if you are reasonable you can get a great deal all the way around. If you are unreasonable be prepared to get worked and possibly left with an unrealistic offer to buy, or the “if I could, would you “. This is just a test to see if you will buy at a price not meant to mean the price you can buy it for. This is also know as a “lowball”, and is often given to people who are not willing to buy today, or are unrealistic. Remember if that price as you walk out the door sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Submit some requests online to get pricing ideas. Shopping for a Toyota try Used cars Burnsville. Do not fall for the old call me or come in to get my Internet pricing. Most dealers will give you a quote if you request it after they make the other offer. Just let them know you will only do business by email first. Looking for a Roush Mustang try Richmond Ford.

Dealers hate chain letter email/faxes they get saying you are shopping all dealers and you know all about their business including their profit margins. Most dealers just throw those away. You can never find out the cost to do business for a dealer, so shop but do not try to tell someone one you know their bottom line. Remember a good deal is a state of mind. So once you buy the car be happy with your new car and never think again about what you paid, just enjoy your new vehicle. If you are worried about the price you pay the time to do that is in your research before you buy it. Good luck and I hope you find this useful.