New Car Buying Tips

Many people ask us here at AutoHeroes about what pointers we can give them about buying a new car, or a late model used car. Although we don't want to give away all our secrets to success, we do have a few new car buying tips to offer consumers.

Car Buying Tip #1

Know Thyself - Before you are ready to buy a new car, you need to assess what you need versus what you want in a vehicle. Do you really need a massive luxury SUV? Sure, it's a great status symbol to some, but if you live in the city where parking is at a premium, you may end up kicking yourself. The same goes for weather. Do you want a convertible if you live in an area where harsh winters are common? Analyzing your needs and finding vehicles that meet your requirements should be your first step.

Car Buying Tip #2

Know Thy Car - Once you have narrowed your choices down to a few cars, it's time to take a test-drive. Before you go into the dealership, do some research. Remember, when buying a new car, reliable information is your best friend! Go online and read all about the vehicle. Find out as much as you can. By using online resources, you can find out how much your financing or leasing package will cost, or how much those mudflaps REALLY cost the dealer. Use your friends and family, online resources and magazines. The more information you have, the more likely that your car buying experience will work in your favor.

Car Buying Tip #3

Bullies do Exist - If there's one car buying tip that you take from this article, let it be the following: DON"T GET BULLIED INTO BUYING A CAR! If you don't feel comfortable at a dealership, then leave. You can find the same car at another dealership. If the salesman is making you feel uncomfortable, then ask to speak to a sales manager. Tell him/her that you don't appreciate being pushed, and that you'll take your business elsewhere. We here at AutoHeroes refuse to do business with dealerships that use pressure sales tactics. Remember, YOU have to say yes to the deal.

Car Buying Tip #4

Don't understand something? Then ask - Once you find the car you want, and you are negotiating the deal, make sure that the dealer goes over everything point by point with you. If you have ANY questions, ask them before you sign, since changing a deal once it is closed and you've bought the car is all but impossible.

Car Buying Tip #5

Watch your math - If you are financing or leasing, dealerships and salespeople will try and seduce you with low monthly payments. Do not fall for this!!!! When you are negotiating a price for your new car, do it like this:

Negotiate the selling price of the car first. Instead of talking about discounts off of sticker price, or trading in your existing car, start at the invoice price, and then make an offer, such as "If the invoice price is X, I'll give you $800 over that". Spend some time researching what the usual selling price for the vehicle is, then offer a few hundred below that.

The most important tip for buying a new car is that you educate yourself about the vehicle you are purchasing, and that you are comfortable with the deal you are getting.

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