5 Things Mommy Needs to Know about Buying a New Car
I live for car shopping! No. Really. I really enjoy it. And it doesn’t matter if I am trying to get a great price at the dealership or the most for my money in a private sale, I love shopping for cars. The first time my husband and I went new car shopping I fought back the urge to negotiate a better deal because I thought “he’s got this”, but my husband most certainly didn’t have it. He fumbled and we got the worst new car deal in history. I am not kidding. It was a lesson learned; a hard, costly, lesson.
A year later, my father tagged along with my husband and I to buy a second family vehicle. Dad talked my husband into letting me handle the negotiations. He shook his head and laughingly said “No really. Just sit back and watch this. I don’t know how she does it.”
We left the dealership that day with a new to us dealer certified SUV. I paid forty-percent under sticker, out the door. That means, what I paid included tax, tag, and title + no dealer fees! It was like buying an SUV fifty-percent off!
I bought an SUV for 50% off!
Do you want to know how I did it?
5 New Car Shopping Tips for Mom
The first, most important rule of car buying is not to get attached or overly excited. If you love the car you are looking to buy, pretend you can live without it, even if you can’t! If the seller knows you “really want” the car, they aren’t going to negotiate as well. Remember, it is their job/goal to get the most money from you. If they think you will pay more, they will work to make that happen.
Second, don’t be afraid to speak up! If you see your husband (or significant other) is not negotiating well, or if your gut instinct says not to buy, say something! Ask to step away to discuss the matter alone. It’s okay to do that, really!
Third, don’t forget, the seller wants to sell. Owners want to sell their car. The dealership salesman wants you to buy. Everyone has their list price and a bottom line. Everyone. They want to work with you. Tell them what you are willing, or able, to pay. At the end of the day, they want you to buy the vehicle as much as you want to buy it!
Fourth, shop with cash. This is the gold that gives you the biggest advantage in negotiations. Regardless if you are buying from a dealership or an independent seller, shop with cash whenever possible. If you need an auto loan, obtain your loan before you shop. This will prevent you from overspending and give you more room to negotiate.
Fifth, sometimes the deal is done in silence. What does that mean? That means, you can give someone your offer, they can counter, stand your ground and wait it out! The pause may be uncomfortable, but if you see they are thinking about it, wait it out. If nothing happens, tell them goodbye. Walk away. Be okay with walking away! My favorite phrase is “This is my number, give me a call if you change your mind.” I’ve only had to actually leave once. Most of the time, they agree before I make it back to my car.
Are you looking to buy a new family car?
Visit Cars.com to shop and compare before you buy!
These are really good tips. I worked with a guy that was very good at negotiating. Others paid him $200 to go with them to the dealership and work with the salesperson. Everyone said he was well worth the money. He saved them $1000s. It is an art to do that, I do not have it but my husband does.
This is good information. There isn’t much I dislike more than buying a car. I like these strategies. Around here, any decent car would have multiple people interested, so you can’t be hesitant, and you don’t have much leverage. But if you keep trying, even if you end up walking away a few times, sooner or later it should work out fine!
Very good guide to go by when trying to find that car jut for you. Alway try it out, and not feel pressured to have to buy it right away.
I grew up with a Dad who is a used car salesman, lol, so I think if I buy a car, I ought to drag him along. Surely he could tell me if I’m being played, right??? Seriously, this is good advice.
Knowing the tips will surely help a lot of people before buying.