Buying Your New Car
Think about what type of vehicle and options you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Do some research. You’ll be less likely to feel pressured into making a pressured decision at the showroom and more likely to enjoy the experience.
Consider these suggestions:
Research books or magazines at a library or bookstore, or consider using the Internet, that discuss vehicle features and prices. These may provide information on the dealer’s costs for specific models and options.
Shop around to get the best possible price by comparing models and prices in ads and at dealer showrooms. Plan to negotiate on price. Dealers may be willing to bargain on their profit margin. Usually, this is the difference between the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and the invoice price.
Consider ordering your new car or allowing the dealer to trade with another dealer if you don’t see what you want on the dealer’s lot. A dealer trade might mean some extra miles but it saves you gas and time shopping around looking for the exact features and color you want. Ordering a vehicle may cause a delay, but cars on the lot may have options you don’t want — and that can raise the price. In many cases, dealers often want to sell their current inventory quickly, so you may be able to negotiate a better deal if an in-stock car meets your needs.