10 Steps for the First Time Car Buyer

Buying a new vehicle is an exciting moment in life. It should be celebrated instead of dreaded. Many people do not like purchasing a car because of several factors. Factors such as: bad experiences in the past, novice salespeople that use pressure tactics, and not enough information being provided. We are ready to bring the fun back to purchasing a car. No longer will you feel pressured, rushed, or uncomfortable with the buying process. Follow these steps to save yourself time, money, and be happy with your new vehicle.

Purchasing a Car: The Steps

• Step 1: Why do I want to buy a car? What need or desire are you trying to overcome? Ask yourself all of the preliminary questions before beginning to look for a vehicle. How will you pay for it, and how much can you afford?
• Step 2: What features do I want in the vehicle? Select a type of vehicle to purchase. There are many options available some for free, and some for an additional cost.
• Step 3: Research online because it is the best tool of the informed consumer. Now that you know what type of vehicle you would like, and what features you enjoy. You can do product comparisons, and see what the market value is for similar automobiles in that class.
• Step 4: Initial dealership visit. Get the feel for the environment, and the type of service the dealership is providing. How quickly are you greeted? What questions are they asking you, are they interested in getting you the vehicle that meets your needs?
• Use this visit to gather the information you need to make an intelligent buying decision. Decide whether or not you want to spend your money at this dealership or with someone else. If you are treated professionally, they respect your time, and are willing to value your business, then you should purchase from that dealership.
• Step 5: Research online. Now you are looking for reviews of the dealership itself, and not the vehicle. The best type of business transaction is one where both parties benefit. Creating a long lasting business partnership is valuable to both you and the seller.
• Also, if you have a vehicle to trade in have the estimated values from Kelly Blue Book, NADA, and Kelly Black Book if possible. These resources provide an approximate market value for your trade. As an informed customer you should have a realistic amount you would like for the trade. The salesperson should provide you with the current market value, as well as what the dealership feels your vehicle is worth.
• Step 6: Test drive. This should be done at least once if not multiple times. Make sure that you enjoy the drive, and have all of your questions answered.
• Step 7: Sit down to talk numbers. Be prepared with as much information as you can. Understand that you do not want this to be a long drawn out process, and are serious about purchasing the vehicle. If you have followed the previous steps in this article then you will already know the value of the vehicle before sitting down. At this point you should know the MSRP, and what the total amount the dealership is asking for after installed accessories. Costs typically include but are not limited to a destination fee, an administrative fee, dealer installed accessories, and processing fee.
• If you are negotiating a vehicle trade, understand that the dealership incurs many costs when taking in trades such as: Cleaning / Reconditioning, Advertising, and Vehicle Demand.
• If the demand for your vehicle is low, then do not expect to get very much for your trade.
• Several things affect the value of your trade.
• Step 8: Finalize the numbers. If the Salesperson or Sales Manager is not willing to negotiate price see if there are other perks they offer. Will they provide you with any free oil changes? Do they have a complimentary car wash whenever you stop by? DO NOT attempt to get everything in the store for free! Remember that the dealership is in business to make money, and that the sales person works on commission. Understand the value of your trade, and the value of new vehicle. Now come to an agreeable amount including perks. If they are a professional dealership they will not try to swindle you, and on that same token you should be a professional customer and do not try to swindle the dealership.
• Step 9: Purchase the vehicle. This will typically occur in the Finance Department even if you are not financing the new vehicle. By this point you are excited about your new purchase, and cannot wait to show it off!
• Step 10: Follow up. What perks did the dealership offer? Did they contact you within a week to make sure that you are happy? Are they making good on the things they promised you?

Overall the best advice is to be as informed as possible when making any purchase. Know how much you are willing to spend, and be sure that you are comfortable with the dealership. We pride ourselves on being focused on our customers, and value your business.