Shopping for a new vehicle


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Buying a Vehicle

Shopping for a new vehicle

With the average price of many new cars now over $25,000, your shopping strategy should begin with research to narrow your choices. Your homework should include selecting the type of vehicle with the options that best fit your needs. You'll also need to draw up a budget to see what you can afford to pay.

Once you've limited your selection to a few vehicles, you're ready to test them out. Your next step is to select two or three dealerships for shopping. Find out how those dealers handle their customer complaints by asking your friends and neighbors. They are the most reliable sources for recounting especially good or bad experiences. Or check with your local Better Business Bureau. Then visit your selected dealerships.

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The Vehicle Shopping Experience
During the shopping experience it is easy to let your heart rule your head. If you fall in love with a vehicle, be sure not to overreact; give yourself some time to sit back and make sure it's the vehicle for you. You don't want to make an impulse buy on a purchase as important as this. You should know within a few hundred dollars what a fair price is for the vehicle you're considering, so stick to your plan and be prepared to shop elsewhere if need be.

Test Driving Tips

Consider comfort and roominess
Are the windows and door locks easy to reach and operate?
How do the brakes feel when applied? Is the ride smooth at various speeds and on different road surfaces (i.e., highway, city street, bumpy road)?
How is the noise level inside the car?
If you have children, check child safety features
Check sight lines and how easy it is to reach important controls
Test acceleration onto highways
Take notes on each car you drive so you'll remember everything when you're making your final decision

After each test drive, write down the price of the car from the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) sticker for the options you want. Then, in the privacy of your home, compare that price with the invoice or actual dealer cost of the vehicle.

You should research the specific options of the vehicles you're interested in by looking at online guides, resources, and publications. You will also get a good estimate of what the vehicle should cost you.

When you take a test drive the salesperson may ask you for your driver's license. Never automatically hand over your license or social security number to anyone. Instead give them a photocopy of your driver's license with the words "no credit checks authorized" on the face. This will prevent the dealer from checking your financial standings. When you leave, get the copy back.

Getting the Most for Your Trade-In
While you stand to get more money on your old vehicle if you sell it yourself, most people trade in their vehicle. Know your present vehicle's trade-in value. Either consult any of several used vehicle buying guides or automobile web sites, or visit two or three used vehicle dealerships and ask them what they'd pay you for your old vehicle. The difference between getting the most for your trade-in and selling it yourself could be significant, but so can the hassle.

If you decide to trade in your old vehicle, be sure to discuss your trade-in as a separate transaction only after you've settled on the price of the new vehicle.

Next: Financing options