How not to be taken for a ride when buying a new car
Whether you are female, male, young or old, when it comes to buying a car there are some standard golden rules. Here they are:
Research! Research! Research!
This has to be the most important tip. You have to know what it is you are buying! First, decide what it is you want. Take in to account your lifestyle, your budget, and driving habits and narrow your search down to a couple of cars. Then read up as much as you can about your chosen cars. And decide what extra features, if any, you are willing to pay for.
We receive countless emails from our readers, asking advice on a used car, but having no clue as to what it costs, how old it is, what the mileage is, if it has a full service history etc. If you are interested in buying a car, research the car. Find out how much it is being sold for on sites such as Gumtree, AutoTrader, Cars.co.za etc. Get an idea of which year model is sold at what price. Take note of the mileage vs the price.
Do not be intimidated by the salesman
If you have researched the car you want, you will be armed with enough information to not be taken for a ride by any sales person. Make them aware that you are well informed. Be confident!
Women have reported that salesmen often spend ages talking about insignificant features, but don’t actually provide information about the important things. The salesperson needs to know you have done your homework so ask them questions you need to know. Don’t let them go off on their own tangent. Ask about the warranty, the fuel efficiency, the engine etc and if it is a second-hand car then ask about the service history, whether or not they can guarantee the car has not been in an accident, how many owners have there already been etc.
When you first walk in to the dealership, do not reveal how much you want to spend…the salesperson will almost always try push your maximum spend up a bit. Tell them which car it is you are interested in looking at.
Take notes.
Write down what you liked about the car, what you didn’t like, what the dealer was willing to offer you and at what price. You can refer to these notes after seeing a few cars.
Test Drive
So many people buy cars based on looks or brand image! But many people who had their heart set on a car are only left disappointed after they drove it. You have to be comfortable driving your car, every single day, for a very long time.
With second hand cars, be sure to turn the radio off and listen to the engine and listen out for any rattles or noises you aren’t familiar with. Pay attention to the seat comfort, the steering, the pedals. Of course, take note of the overall interior of the car.
With used cars, take an independent mechanic with you to test the car or take the car to the mechanic. You can easily set this up. If the salesman wants to make the sale and has nothing to hide, he will have no problem with a mechanic checking out the car.
Negotiate!
Do not just settle with the first amount the salesman offers you. To get the best price possible, you MUST negotiate. The price offered is almost never the lowest the dealer is willing to go. Dealers want to move cars and if you have done your research and have had any other offers, they will generally try and better that offer.
Make sure that your dealer, when making you an offer, is giving you the best possible price. Compare it with other offers, but make sure the dealer knows you want ‘apples’ compared with ‘apples’. They need to quote for the same options, same engine, same year etc.
Do not be patronised!
This is probably one of the only stand out tips for women. Not that men don’t experience this too, but generally, women are seen as not knowing as much when it comes to cars and so are easier targets. If a salesperson doesn’t seem to take you seriously, switch salespeople or go to another dealership.
The reason women are taken for a ride only comes down to not knowing enough. So educate yourself, be patient and do not accept the first deal that comes your way.
Source: Nolo, carbuyingtips.com