Tips for buying a car

Posted by fredclark on September 21st, 2010

When you are in the market for a new car, things can be a little intimidating. There are so many makes and models to choose from. It seems like there is a dealership on every corner as well. So, where do you start?

The first thing that you should do is decide on a few important things. Are you buying a new or used vehicle? What features are most important to you?

For example:

Is fuel efficiency or safety more important?

Cloth or leather interior?

Color?

Then you need to figure out your price range.

A general rule to follow for determining what price range you looking for is to assume that for every five thousand dollars you finance, your payment will be around one hundred dollars. So, if you finance fifteen thousand dollars, then your payment would be around three hundred.

This is not exact! It is just to give you a general idea.

So, if you have three thousand dollars for a down payment and can afford a three hundred dollar monthly payment, then you need to look in the seventeen to eighteen thousand dollar price range.

Once you determine these things you are ready to shop right? Wrong! This is when the internet becomes your buying buddy. Research the model of vehicle you are looking for. Try to find at least five for sale in a fifty mile radius. This way you know the price you should be paying!

Now you are at the dealership. It?s time to start talking about payment, right? No! This is the time when, if you have a trade-in, negotiate the trade-in value ahead of time. The next thing to do is get a final selling price for the vehicle you chose. Do not mention payment!

The sales representative is usually trained to sell you a car based on the payment! This is a sales tactic and it does not have your best interest at heart. If you cannot agree on a fair sales price you should walk away.

After you agree on price, it?s time to shop your rate and term. A five-year term makes the most sense for most situations. If you are careful to not mention payment and concentrate on trade-in value, sales price, rate, and term, you will be pleasantly surprised when you find out what your payment will be.

Let us just look into one scenario:

You go to the dealership to buy a New ABC car. You have a down payment of one thousand dollars and need to keep your payments at two hundred a month. You know that you are looking to finance ten thousand dollars or less.

The car you want is twelve thousand five hundred dollars. You have found it on the internet for eleven thousand. Explain to the sales person that you have seen it elsewhere for eleven thousand. Ask is they are willing to beat their competitors price. Most of the time they will lower their price.

If they agree to match the price, then it?s time to talk rate and term. You have good credit and they offer you a five year loan at 7% interest. First, ask them for a better rate. While they are seeing if they can offer a better rate, call your own bank and get an offer from them. A lot of times, your bank will beat their offer.

You agree on the financing and are ready to find out your payment!

Sales price $11,000

Deposit - $1,000

Other fees (tax, title, etc.) + $585

= amount financed ($10,585)

Your payment $203 per month!

You are ready to shop for a new car.

Go get that vehicle!