As much as you look forward to buying a new car, you might dread the idea of visiting a local car dealership. No one would blame you because of the sales methods that they use and the way some try to force you to spend more than you can afford. You don’t need a lot of experience buying a car to save time and get the deal that you want because there are eight simple tips you can use.
Know What You Want
Knowing what you want before your visit can save you a lot of time. You don’t need to worry about a sales rep showing you a lot of different cars or trying to convince you to add some upgrades. Not only do you need to know the general type of vehicle you want, but it’s helpful to have an idea of the trim package or year that is right for you too.
Appraise Your Old Car Ahead of Time
If you plan to trade in your old car, find out what it is worth before you look at a new car. Many dealerships allow you to either appraise your car online or bring it in to find out its worth. With an online appraisal, you need to show how many miles are on the engine and its overall condition. You don’t need to spend a lot of time in the dealership to find out how much you’ll get for your trade.
Decide What You Can Afford
You should know what you can afford and how much you want to spend. This will help you say no to upgrades and vehicles that are outside of your budget. Think about how much money you make every month and how much you have left after paying all of your bills. If you buy a new vehicle, you also need to have your down payment on hand.
Choose a Reputable Dealership
Save time when you choose a reputable dealership. For instance, If you are shopping around for an Allstar GMC or any other type of brand, don’t be afraid to check Google for customer reviews or see if the dealership has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau. The best dealerships help you get in and out quickly without wasting a lot of time.
Apply Online
Another way to save time is when you apply online. Many dealerships now give you this option. You just need to pick out a vehicle and answer questions. The application will ask about where you work or your income source. You may need to supply references and include your contact information. Once approved, you can visit the dealership and pick up your new car.
Schedule a Test Drive
Are you unsure of what car you want? Maybe you looked at different models online and can’t make a final decision. Test drives help you narrow down your choice. Contact the dealership and explain that you’re in the market for a car but are still on the fence about which model you will buy. Taking a few test drives can help you pick out your car and spend less time at the dealership when you buy it.
Bring the Information You Need
Once you have a car in mind and are ready to buy, bring all of the information that you need to the lot. You usually need your driver’s license and proof that you have car insurance. If you buy a new car with a loan, you also need GAP insurance that covers the balance between what the car is worth and how much you owe. When you bring the right documents, you can get in and out much faster.
Make Your Thoughts Known
You can also save time when you are clear and make your thoughts known. This is the perfect time to state what you want and how much you plan to spend. Don’t hesitate to walk away from a pushy salesperson who keeps trying to convince you that you need a car with more features or that you need to pay for upgrades you don’t want. Even the pushiest of salespeople will help you get out quickly when they know you might walk away.
Closing Remarks
The next time you need to buy a car, use some of the top tips to save time at the dealership, including bringing all of the required documents and choosing a reputable dealer.
