Ready to go Car Shopping? What You Should Look Out for

Feb 2015

Autos are not a light investment. It’s a mistake that most buyers make and as a result of which they cumulatively waste both time and money. They may blame the human nature for being distracted with the flashy cars a dealer had put up, but it does not mitigate the loss incurred. A more reasonable approach is to know what you need before you go shopping.

Practical Requirements

Buyers really should take a step back and evaluate which ones available come closest to being their dream car. Does it have ample space in the boot, for example, or offers the recent luxury convenience they want (not desire). That’s not saying that you shouldn’t be flexible, but knowing what you want, including the option packages for the vehicle helps narrow down your list.

Financial Options

Want to be a smart shopper? Then decide how much you can pay for it prior to shopping, taking into consideration as well the interest and monthly payments to pay off the loan you had taken. See the reviews to know what you can afford.

Research

Have you done your homework? Budgeting for a vehicle also entails running costs for insurance, maintenance, fuel, and car tax. The biggest factor is the depreciation value, i.e. the reduction in value with increasing mileage and age, to consider. Survey the resale values of every model, trim level, color that you are interested in. Check to see if the car’s ever been written off by an insurance company or stolen.

Dealership or Private

Buying from a private seller appeals to most people as they search online, or among the listings in the local paper. They are generally the cheapest bargain one can have, but they have a drawback: there’s no legal comeback if things turn sour later since it was ‘sold as seen’.
On the other hand, there are the more expensive, independent and, higher still, the manufacturer’s franchised dealer. The edge? The approved used car will come with a warranty not to say with rebates and incentives.

Contract Inspections

If the car still holds appeal to you after having checked and test-driven it, you may want to proceed with price negotiations. Use an even and polite tone when putting forth points like worn tyres for bargaining. Have a contract drawn up mentioning the sale price, trade-in value, down payment, sales tax, destination charge, total cost, loans, once both parties agree.
These tips would ensure you don’t go out of your way to get the car. In the end, however, it all comes down to your dealer. The better their reputation is, the better your chances are of finding a good deal.