Needing a new car is almost always a nightmare—even for the most budget savvy people reading this. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the car you want, at the price you want.
1. Know your credit score and financial situation before you go to the dealership.
One of the ways that car salespeople get the better of buyers is by telling them “based on your credit score, we can offer you X amount in monthly payments.” They bank on a buyer not actually knowing his credit score or what is on his credit report. Don’t be that guy.
You are entitled to one completely free credit check on yourself every twelve months. The federal government has even endorsed AnnualCreditReport.com as the best avenue to travel to get this information. Pull up your report with each of the three major reporting agencies.
PRO TIP: If you don’t need that car right now, take the time to really comb through your credit reports. Make sure they are error free before you go car shopping! You don’t need a mistake the credit bureau has made to force you into exorbitant payments.
2. Save up for a big down payment
The more money you pay up front (the “down payment”) the less money you will have to borrow to finance your car. This means that your monthly payments will also be much lower over the course of your car loan. The dealership is also more likely to work with you to give you the payments you want if you can put a solid chunk of cash down on the car. Try to have at least 20% of the car’s value saved up before you go to the dealership.
3. Buy used!
These days a car is labeled “used” within just a few months of the car being delivered to the dealership. It is possible to get a car that is less than twelve months old at used car prices. To make sure that the used car you want to buy really is just used and not a lemon in disguise, work with a dealership that will certify it’s used cars. For example, BMW of Towson certifies pre-owned vehicles. If you live outside of the Maryland travel zone, check with your local used car dealerships.
4. Shop Around
Spend some time figuring out exactly which kind of car you want and then start searching your local dealerships for that car. Compare mileage, price, what shape the car is in (is it still in good shape or is it all banged up?), etc. If you really love the price of a car at dealership A but would much rather work with the people at dealership B, take proof of A’s price to B. Many dealerships will match prices if it means they can keep your business. If they won’t, you have to decide if it is worth paying more money to work with the people you like better.
These are just four tips to help you get the car you want at the price you want. Beyond all of these, though: be firm! You don’t have to let the salesperson boss you around. It’s okay to negotiate and to stick to your guns!
This is a post by Sam Peters.
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