- Research the cars.
Know what type of car you want to buy – make, model, features. Narrow it down to 2 or 3 models. This will save you time running between dealerships. - Research the dealerships.
Know what dealerships you want to do business with. Visit Women-Drivers to read reviews on women’s actual experiences while Browsing, Buying or Servicing a vehicle. Take the Women-Driver’s Negotiating Test to find out what type of negotiator you are and to receive customized negotiation tips – know your strengths and weaknesses. - Take your time.
Be sure you are buying a car that works for you – functionally, technologically, and financially. Do not fall in love with a car that you cannot afford. Remember that you will typically make payments for 3-5 years; be reassured that it is a payment you can manage for that period of time. - Know when to shop.
Go to the dealership during the day, in nice weather. Shop towards the end of the year or the end of the month. September and October are when the new years models are unveiled, and dealerships are ready and willing to work out premium deals. Some dealerships impose quotas on their sales people to hit monthly numbers, so going to the dealerships the last week of the month can make a difference. And, shop towards the end of the day. A long day with no sales may prompt a salesperson to offer you a better offer. - Be clear that about your expectations.
Let the dealership know exactly what you are willing to pay and how much time you have to finalize the deal. Even bring in other offers and let them know “the lowest price wins.” Backup what you say with actions. - Don’t sign the contract “just to get it over with.”
Salespeople are good at wearing buyers down. But if you give in to them, you will lose money. Unsure if you are purchasing the right car, or if the payment is something you can truly afford? Leave the dealership, return home and sleep on it. There is no need to feel guilty about leaving the salesman hanging. It’s your hard-earned money! - A good deal is whatever YOU say.
Going to the car dealership is like going to Target or Tiffany’s. You made a purchase and you got a good deal. Why? Because you said so! Do remember, in the dance of negotiating, the other guy needs to make money, too. - Take it for a test drive.
Once the car selection is narrowed down, have your partner or friend drive with you in the car – they may notice things that you may have missed. He or she can try the passenger seats, see if the door opens wide enough, determine if there is adequate foot and backseat space. If you drive the car during the day, come back later and take it for another test drive at night. Make sure that the headlights, interior lights and fog plans all work for you. Your road-test minded friend will be able to give you his or her opinion as well. - Get a Vehicle History Report.
When buying a Certified Pre Owned or Used Car, make sure to receive a vehicle history report from a reputable source. You will need the Vehicle Identification Number (usually found on the windshield). This comprehensive report can uncover any hidden problems that the dealership did not make you aware of. It also includes mileage history, who has owned the car, how many people have owned the car and where it’s been. - Don’t do business with a salesperson that is pushy, disrespectful or intimidating.
You do have a choice and you do have the power. If the negotiation process is not working for you – or, if you don’t like the way the salesperson is talking to you, let them know what is not working. Be upfront and ask them to shift their tactics or tone with you. If there is no change in behavior, then, ask the General Sales Manager to assign you a new sales person, or leave the dealership. There is another dealership that is a better fit. - Express yourself.
Register for free and write a review about your visit at the dealership on Women-Drivers. Share your experience with other women and help them locate Women-Drivers Friendly™ dealers in your city.
2 like
Permalink: http://www.vibrantnation.com/live-it-lists/11-tips-for-going-to-a-car-dealership-alone/
ReginaLove, that is SO great to hear! As for soy, it may help with menopause symptoms -- it it controversial. The best way to use soy is in the form of whole fermented soy foods (miso, tempeh, tamari and natto). Non-fermented soy foods such as soy mi
Agreed. I never thought I was vain until I had a mastectomy at age 39. I was devastated and told the doc I wanted to wake up with implants. Now at age 60, I am lopsided and wondering if I was just avoiding the inevitable. You get what you get and you
Sounds very interesting.
Spike, you are awesome! Love your perspective, thanks for sharing.
add your responses
0 Responses
Stay in touch with the conversation. Subscribe to the RSS feed for comments on this post.
You must be logged in to post a comment.