car shopping

1. 58

   jnozposted 14 years ago

   SHARE WITH US YOUR TIPS ON HOW TO APPROACH PURCHASING A NEW CAR OR USED.....LAST WEEK OF THE MONTH IS BEST TIP OF THE MONTH,,,DO YOU AGREE.....

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   1. 50

      DreamCarposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It should be comfortable, spacious and good on road.
      It should also give a good mileage, with a powerful engine.
      It should have a stylish look and lovely color to go with it

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      1. 95

         wildernessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         It should get at least 45 - 50 MPG and able to easily travel at the speed you will use it.
         It should have low enough emissions to be exempt from emissions testing.
         It should have multiple air bags and other passive safety features.
         It should have bluetooth to your cell.
         Style and color are immaterial - "Does it fit your needs" is the question to ask.
         
         Everyone has a different "perfect" car.

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2. 80

   earnestshubposted 14 years ago

   I did a hub on just that!

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3. 68

   asterionposted 13 years ago

   Buying during the last week of the month can help you get the best deal. Salesmen do have quotas and if they are close to hitting their goal they may push a little harder to get you sold.
     My best advice is to do your homework. Know what you want,as well as what you can afford. No one can take advantage of you if you know the facts.

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4. 60

   howtosoftmod11posted 13 years ago

   be very patient and do a lot of research. I always go to my friends and ask for opinions too but make sure your asking the right friends.
   
   try not to buy something on impulse remain calm and take your time with your choice

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   1. 69

      skleinposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Take the emotional equation out of the purchase. Most people buy a vehicle on pure emotion. When that happens they usually make a bad decision and don't get the best deal. I say keep your emotions in neutral gear. By doing so you'll make a better decision and get a better deal.

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5. 95

   wildernessposted 13 years ago

   Probably the biggest thing I've found is the willingness to walk away from the deal.  Just flat say "No" and walk away.  I've had salesmen chase me out of the showroom with a better deal and I've had them call me hours or even days later with better offers.  They key, though, is to mean it - if the deal isn't good enough turn it down!

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   1. 63

      Mishaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Works for me, too
      
      The culprit though is to do your homework before you show up at a dealership, so you know what is a good deal and what is not. Shopping around helps quite a bit, too.

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      1. 95

         wildernessposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Absolutely.  You should never let a salesman tell you the actual value of a car.  Find out yourself, and then beat it.
         
         Interestingly, we have several used car lots around here that won't dicker.  The price is the price and when they give you a trade in value that's it.  They won't budge.  They seem to be doing alright - I think because many people won't do homework and won't say no.  As a result they always get the short end of the stick and that kind of lot works well for them.  Prices may be a little high, but not much, and are better than they can get elsewhere.

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6. 83

   DonnaCSmithposted 13 years ago

   I just posted a hub about the pitfall of buying a used car. I mixed up with a crooked dealer. he ended up having to give me my down payment back when the DMV caught that I had not been told the car had been in a wreck. The box had not been checked indicating  I knew it. The dealer wanted me to check it after the fact, when I said no he had to refund my money.
   
   So, I am back to looking for a car. But hopefully now I am armed with more knowledge.

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7. 66

   Ivorwenposted 13 years ago

   The best thing I have found is to know exactly what you are looking for and what you are willing to pay, which means knowing your credit ahead of time, if you will need a loan.
   
   When it comes to used vehicles, I prefer to buy from individuals.  I think one gets a better deal in the long run and you are more likely to get a complete history of the vehicle.  (The last vehicle we bought came with all the maintenance records.)
   
   Otherwise, I agree with wilderness -- just walk away.  If the deal is not what you are looking for, leave.

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8. 79

   Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

   Mighty Mom's big three
   (agree with everything that's been said already, too).
   
   1. Always check the Carfax report on the car. If you're going to be looking at a few cars, it's worth it to get the VIN number and pay the fee to subscribe to Carfax service.
   
   2. Know the value of the car you're buying AND the car you're either selling or trading in. IMO it's always better to sell your car private party. You will get more $ for it.
   I had heard good things about Carmax so took my 2000 Mercedes there to sell. They told me they could only pay the "auction" price. I sold it PP and got $2,000 more than Carmax quoted me.
   
   3. Always get a used car checked out by YOUR mechanic before you buy it. I've done this the right way and done it the wrong way (once being pressured by the "broker" I bought from to use the on-site mechanic). Unh uh. INSIST on having the car looked over by a mechanic of your choice that you trust.
   If the seller refuses, as wilderness says, walk away.

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9. 58

   Ross Kposted 13 years ago

   Carfax is not reliable.  Many cars have clean carfaxes but have been in some sort of accident.  If the owner does not report the accident or has repaired the damage sans insurance nothing with will show up.
   
   The best way to have the car checked is do a PPI or Pre Purchase Inspection through an independent shop.
   
   Always, always do research whether its pricing, options, financing etc.  You will always come out on top.  Go to the dealer as a "buyer" not a "shopper". 
   
   Work with the sales manager or internet sales manager they have decision making approval.  Then you dont have to play "good cop, bad cop"
   
   Remember dealers are a business and they have a right to make money.  Salesman are commissioned based.  The more sales the can do the better for them.  Dont waste their time and yours and its a "win win" situation.

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10. 60

    Bizziebeeposted 13 years ago

    Even if you are in a rush to purchase a vehicle, don't let that be apparent when visiting car dealerships. Also, if you think that you can pay off the car in the minimum time offered by the loan, do it! Don't get sucked into taking a loan that's longer than you need. Just my two cents

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11. 59

    Idude607posted 13 years ago

    The best time to buy cars will be at the end of the year where dealerships are trying to unload on last year models. Yes, you wont be getting the latest "thing" but you could really SAVE a lot of money. As with any "big" purchase, make sure you do your homework first!

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12. 58

    camilleWposted 12 years ago

    Car shopping? Dealerships in California are good for working with. Whenever you need anything, mostly an automobile, they will help you. You can try out the Toyota Camry. It sells like insane because it is well-liked. The whole family will enjoy riding in this automobile. It will last for a long time and is very durable. You need to find an excellent dealership in California to help you find the vehicle. To locate a dealership with the vehicle, go to: http://cardealexpert.com/model/21326/2012-Toyota-Camry

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