The Definitive Guide To Buying Your First New Car

When visiting a dealership, you should:

 Have a price in mind

 Be open to test driving a few cars

 Be friendly, but firm about what you are looking for

 Ask about financing

 Ask about specials and sales

 Take your time and look around for as long as you want

 Bring a friend

Have A Price In Mind

After you have determined how much you can afford to spend each month on a new car and after you have looked at your options online, you are ready to brave the dealerships. Many salespeople are very friendly and helpful, so you should ask any questions you may have along the way. Always have a price in mind when visiting a dealership. This will make it easier for salespeople to show you the cars that they have in stock. If you have researched a dealership, make a list of cars that they sell in your price range and ask to see those first.

Be Open To Test Driving A Few Cars

Taking cars for test drives can be a lot of fun. You should look for a number of things when on a test drive. Look for how the car feels when you are driving it, how well the brakes are working, how the dashboard is set up, and check out the interior of the car. Look in the trunk, the backseat, glove compartment, and other areas that are important to you. You should feel comfortable in the car. You should test drive a few cars while at the dealership.

Be Friendly, But Firm About What You Are Looking For

After test driving a few cars, salespeople will usually ask if you are ready to make a purchase. This is your time to ask any other questions you may have. If you want to look at other dealerships, you should ask for their business card and tell them you will think about it. You should always be friendly with salespeople, but you should also be firm. Some people can be very intimidated by salespeople. You should not feel pressured to buy a car when you are not ready to.

Ask About Financing

If you are interested in a car, you should ask questions about financing. Many dealerships work with banks to find car loans for those who have no credit, bad credit, and good credit. If you are buying a new car for the first time chances are you do not have much of a credit history. This can make it difficult for you to qualify for a car loan. You may need a co-signer, which is a person who will vouch for you and agree to make car payments if you cannot. Larger car dealerships may work with banks that are willing to grant first time car buyer loans. While the interest rate may be higher than normal, you will be able to build a solid credit history by making payments each month. You will learn more about financing in the next chapter.

Ask About Specials And Sales

You should also ask salespeople about sales and specials that the dealership or the manufacturer may be offering. This could save you a lot of money. Sometimes a salesperson will be able to give you a discount if you recently graduated from college or are going to college, are in military, or are starting a new job. If you are looking for a car right before or after a holiday sale, you may get a reduction in price.

Take Your Time And Look Around For As Long As You Want

When visiting a car dealership, you should take your time. Since you have done your preliminary research, you will be knowledgeable about the cars you test drive. You should be open to suggestions made by the salesperson as long as they are keeping your price in mind. If you are feeling rushed or pressured into buying a car, thank the salesperson for their time and leave the dealership. Plan to spend a few afternoons at different dealerships when looking for a new car. You can call ahead and set up appointments to test drive certain cars. This will save some time. You should enjoy the car buying process in every stage and at every dealership.

Bring A Friend

It is not uncommon to bring a person with you when shopping for cars. This person may be more knowledgeable about cars, may be able to ask additional questions you may have forgotten, or may offer moral support if you do not like dealing with salespeople. If your friend is also interested in buying a new car, you will be able to be the research and visit the dealerships together.

There are many types of dealerships in your area. You can start at some of the smaller ones and work your way up to the bigger lots if it will make you feel more comfortable. You should visit different lots to get an idea of price. While most lots will offer standard warranties, financing, and variety of vehicles to choose from, you may find the sales people are friendlier at certain dealerships than at others. Friends will also be able to keep sales people from pushing too hard when you are undecided at the dealership.

There are many reasons to choose one dealership over another. You may find the location of the dealership is more convenient. One dealership may have more