Buying a Car Tips

So you're looking to purchase your next car, here's some tips!

*source, I've worked in 6 different dealerships in a bunch of different positions and for some reason think I know what I'm talking about* A lot of this is geared towards buying a new car, but most of it applies to used as well.

How to find the right salesperson

DO YOUR RESEARCH
- Don't hesitate to research a ton online. Even if you're only considering one make and model, look at different dealerships and talk to a bunch of them. Ask if they have any current incentives going on, or if they offer Fleet Discounts for certain employers.

EMAIL IS BEST MAIL
- When you put in an inquiry online to speak to a dealer, if you don't want to be called a bunch I'd avoid putting in your phone number. Most dealerships will reply quickly to email, and if you're going to be talking to a lot of dealers you don't want everyone calling you at once. If you start making headway with a salesperson you think you'll like, then give your phone but suggest texting, a lot of dealers will happily do so. Also avoid manufacturer's websites as a way to put in an inquiry, they'll send your contact info to multiple dealers in the area all at once.

MAKE FRIEND
- A lot of times you'll find a salesperson you click with, and often dealerships are working with similar incentives and therefore can give similar discounts. If you find a salesperson you like and get along with, then they're more likely to give you that extra discount when you ask for it, rather than trying to hold a ton of profit in the deal.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
- Don't just show up at the dealership unannounced! You'll run the risk of being "upped" by one of the senior aggressive salespeople and having way less of a fun time. If you set an appointment, they'll be waiting for you with everything set up already in most cases.

Getting the "Best" car

I LIKE THIS ONE
- Look at a few cars on the lot until you find a model you like. Depending on the manufacturer, finding one could be easier or hard, for example Hondas and Fords have "trim levels" so you basically say what trim and color you like and boom, whereas luxury brands like Mercedes or BMW you specify what packages and options you want and try to find the best fit.

SERVICE LOANERS
- Always ask if they have any service loaners available. These will be technically "new" cars which they've lent out to their service clients and have a few thousand miles on them, you usually get a huge discount on them and they can still be leased and qualify for most new car incentives.

MAKE A LIST OF NEEDS/WANTS
- Say you live in the Pacific Northwest like me and are constantly in gripping terror of snow (which never really comes but whatever) and NEED AWD. That's a need. However wanting navigation or something like that be prepared to let go of, especially with luxury brands as the dealer will always give you the best deal if they don't have to locate a car from another dealership.

Signing/Finance

CASH IS NOT KING
- It used to be that purchasing with cash was always the best way to get a good deal. I can not stress enough how that is NOT the case. Often times dealerships get a kickback from banks, so even if you only finance a small amount at a low APR they will be more interested in setting you up with financing, even through a Credit Union or a National Bank.

ASK FOR INVOICE PRICING
- This one is a tricky one. If you're coming from an "Internet Price" or any of the fleet/incentive pricing mentioned above, you're usually close to this number, however if you feel like you're not getting a great deal ask to see the invoice on the car. That'll show what the dealership paid for the car. A lot of Sales Managers won't love this, however if you've done your negotiation politely and properly, they'll be close to the number anyway and probably won't have a ton of issue showing you it.

DOWN PAYMENT MEANS GOOD EQUITY
- Down payment on a financing contract is definitely your friend. You have no idea how many customers I've had who have purchased a new car with little to no money down thinking they got a great deal, when in reality they try to trade out their car a few years later and are still buried in it. Any down payment you make goes towards covering the inevitable depreciation, and lowers your payment, so it's always in your benefit to put as much down as is fiscally responsible.

SIGNING THINGS
- Once you've agreed to terms, it comes time to sign paperwork. This is also typically when dealerships will attempt to sell you on aftermarket protection products, things like Clearmask, Warranty, GAP Insurance, and Pre-Paid Oil and Maintenance. Really my suggestion is to go with your gut, however I can say that in a lot of scenarios dealerships make little to no money on the Pre-Paid Maintenance and especially if you're financing over a long period of time that could come in handy if you've got the extra money. They can even work it into your payments. Also ALWAYS request a copy of the CarFax. Just a peace of mind thing. Then you have an idea of where the car was last serviced before you purchased it, so they may know the vehicle fairly well.

PERFECT SURVEYS
- Recently dealerships have been under a huge amount of pressure from the manufacturer to receive perfect surveys from customers buying new cars. If their scores are below a certain percentage they lose huge amounts of money from the manufacturer. Usually if you offer to give a perfect survey, they'll be more amicable to any requests you may have.

Cat Tax

Hope I helped at least one person out. If there's any other questions I'm happy to answer them.