Top 8 Shopping Tips From a Former Car Salesman

Buying a car can often feel like a game of chess between the seller and the buyer. From price negotiation and in-depth questions about the payment process, many people become stressed out from thinking about such an event. Fortunately, there are some great tips that can help simplify this process and leave you with enough sanity to enjoy a new vehicle. The best person to provide these strategies is someone who has been on the other end of the negotiations. Here are the top eight shopping tips from a former car salesman.

1. Buy a car at the right time

If you aren’t in a rush to purchase a car, you can save a lot of money by waiting for the right time. Naturally, cars are the most expensive within the first year of their initial release date. Towards the end of its model year, a car is often on sale for much cheaper. A bonus tip is to find a dealership with the newest models on its lot. They will most likely be offering last year’s models for great rates in order to make more room for newer vehicles. Black Friday is another great time to find great deals on vehicles.

2. Visit dealerships at the right time

Anyone who has visited a car dealership on the weekend understands how hectic these places can be when busy. It’s difficult to find a person to help during these busy hours. If you’re hoping to receive some information about a car without having to make a purchase, you should visit a dealership in the afternoon on a weekday. This will greatly increase your chances of finding an employee with a lot of time on their hands. If you’re having trouble finding a reliable report, you can use the vehicle’s VIN. Feel free to check VIN at vinnumberlookup.org, AutoDNA, AutoCheck or Carfax.

3. Learn about the history of the car

If you’re buying a used car, you should ask for a history report of the vehicle. These reports will contain some critical information about the car including past wrecks and mishaps. If the report is clean, you can make the purchase in confidence. If the report is problematic, walk away immediately.

4. Don’t dismiss every suggestion from the dealership

Dealerships are motivated to sell cars. This agenda will certainly manifest itself when you talk to a car salesman. Although these active attempts to make a sale can be annoying, you shouldn’t dismiss every suggestion from the dealership. They may be running special promotions, discounts, or other deals that could ensure you receive a better deal. In the end, a car salesman is your greatest resource when buying a car.

5. Start the paperwork over the phone

Many buyers don’t realize that dealerships allow paperwork to be completed over the phone. While it’s always a good idea to finalize the process at the actual dealership, there is no reason to wait around in the showroom for hours if it’s not necessary. You can call the dealership and begin the buying process a few hours or even a few days before coming in to make the final payments.

6. Take as many test drives as you need

You shouldn’t be shy about taking a test drive if you’re genuinely interested in buying a car. In fact, you should feel free to take as many test drives as you need to feel confident with your purchase. It’s a great idea to invite people who will regularly be riding in the vehicle to receive different perspectives. It’s better to discover any potential issues before making the purchase.

7. Give the dealership a reason to lower their price

Negotiations are always part of the buying process. Even with new cars, dealerships are willing to give discounts on most purchases. As a buyer, it’s always a great strategy to provide concrete reasons why the dealership should offer a discount. If you’re willing to use their service department exclusively, let them know. You could also mention your willingness to refer friends and family members to the dealership.

8. Double-check your insurance rates

Many people make the mistake of buying a car without first checking their insurance rates. There are too many factors that contribute to this overall cost to allow for an accurate guess. Some insurance companies charge more depending on the primary drivers of the vehicle. There’s nothing worse than realizing that your insurance payments are too high after buying a car. In order to avoid this painful scenario, you should double-check to ensure your insurance rates would be affordable.

Buying a new car doesn’t have to be a struggle. These eight tips can help you avoid some of the pain involved in the process.