Car buying is an emotional experience. I don't care what anyone says. It's emotional for the buyers and it's emotional for the sellers. I know, I've been both. With all the online websites designed to make money off of the car dealers, you find tips and advice and confessions and scary stories about all the horrible things that can happen when you go "swim with the sharks" - while car shopping, I figured I would try to help you understand the BEST way to approach the experience.So here's the deal... there is some truth to the stories your read and at some dealerships you may fall into a place of being taken advantage of. However, not every dealership is operated the same way. It is important to remember that fact. Think about it... even Starbucks and Subway's have some subtle differences.
Nissan of Elk Grove, Mazda of Elk Grove and Infiniti of Elk Grove are owned and operated by a very good man. His philosophies ring in everyone's ears... when something happens we all seem to ask ourselves... "What would John do?"... that answer is take care of the customer.
So I apparantly blog the same way I talk... pretty un-edited and I circle around a number of points until I finally tie it together is a sweet little wrapped package with a fancy bow :) The purpose of this is to share some good tips on how to prepare.... so here it goes:
- Go ahead and get excited!!! It is absolutely ok to want things you don't need. Be realistic about it though and don't go too overboard with the wants. Clearly define the things you NEED and the things you WANT... make a list and decide where you can compromise.
- Set a budget for yourself. That whole champagne taste and beer budget comes into play during an automotive purchase... there are a whole bunch of high tech gadgets on vehicles that can add up pretty quickly. So make sure you know what you can actually afford.
- Make an appointment to drive the vehicle you are interested in. Week-days are the best time to get the most personal attention and save yourself time and money.
- Contrary to most beliefs - don't wait until the last day of the month to decide. Early on in the month there are some "fast-start" competitions and the team really will do what they can to make it happen.
- You are the one who will be making this payment for the next 3 - 6 years. So it's ok to get some stuff you want! You be the judge.
- If you want all the gadgets... consider pre-owned instead of new.
Consider leasing if your driving habits are suitable. I find that most of the time I get bored and want something new every 2 - 3 years. I happen to live in the town I work in and don't put many miles on my cars... I learned the hard way that rolling over loans into new loans is not the best idea. So I lease now and couldn't be happier!
That's it for Monday! I'm ready to go home to my family! Hope this helped or at least made you smile. Until next time!
Cali Car Gal!
