Car Buying Tips

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Before you go shopping:

• Decide on your maximum price (never quote this to a seller).  Remember to include licensing and taxes. Shop around for loan interest rates. 
• Decide what features you want on the car -- performance, safety, comfort, styling, carrying capacity, all-weather capabilities, off-road capabilities, and what minimum features you need (automatic, A/C, etc).
• Check Kelley Blue Book and Edmund's for prices.  Their prices are maximum trade-in value and maximum retail price on a dealer's lot.

Shopping around:

• Once you decide on potential types of vehicles visit dealers for test drives even if you don't intend to buy from a dealer.   When you go in tell them you "aren't going to buy a car today", but that you want to test drive a particular type of vehicle.

When you find a vehicle you're interested in:

• Have an independent mechanic check out the car.
• Start bargaining at low Blue Book.

Buying from a private party:

• Private party sales are less expensive, but you have to do the DMV leg work.  There's more risk of getting a lemon than you would have buying from a reputable dealer.  Don't buy from "Joe's Honest Used Cars."  Those vehicles were dumped by the major dealers because they don't want to ruin their reputation.
• Ask:
  • Is it paid off?
  • Why are you selling?  Do they look you in the eye and give you an honest answer?
  • How many owners has the car had?  If the car is four years old and has had four owners, look out.
  • How long have you owned it?  If it's less than a year, look out.  It depends on why they are selling.  Maybe they just got into too high of payments and decided they can't afford it.  Or maybe the car has problems.
  • What's wrong with it now?  If it's an older car and they say, "Nothing", look out.
  • Do you have the repair records?  If someone claims they change the oil every 3,000 miles make them prove it.
  • How long has it been for sale?  The longer it's been for sale the more they'll bargain.

Buying from a dealer:

• They are the professionals, watch out!   Don't think you can get one over on a car dealership.  You're on their turf.   But there are things you can do to level the playing field.

• When you go in don't be in a rush.   Plan on spending the day if you have to.

• Focus on a particular model, not a feature, so you can't be talked  into something else on their lot with that feature.   Something probably more expensive.

• Don't give the salesman any more information than you have to.  You don't have to answer any personal questions until you've made a deal. They are looking for things to "use against you."

• If the salesman tries to move you towards a different model, price range, or anything else you're not interested in just ignore him.   Keep in mind you have the money he wants.  Try to stay in control of the conversation. 

• A salesman will try to create tension in you to make you uncomfortable so you'll hurry up and deal.  You can do the same.   There's nothing wrong with saying "This is my offer. Take it or I'm leaving."  When he comes back from the proverbial trip to his manager apologizing for not being able to get you your price, then get up and walk out.   Maybe he'll come after you, maybe he won't. There's no law saying you can't come back in an hour or a month and do it again.  In fact, if you are getting too tense and the salesman seems to be in complete control then leave!  Come back later.   Heck, just go to the bathroom for a few minutes.

• The "going to see my manager" bit is designed to make you sit and make you nervous.  Go grab a Coke and a magazine and sit in their waiting room.  Let'em know you're not sweating.  Don't go sit in the car you're trying to buy and drool all over it!  If the salesman sees the emotional attachment they'll use it against you.

• When negotiating you can disagree, you can even argue, but stay civil.  If you lose your temper you've lost control of the situation. The salesman knows this.

• Bring in a friend.  Preferably one that's in sales.

• Stay focused on what you want and what you will pay.  Remember, it's your money and they want it.

• Buy at the end of the month, or the end of the day. Buy on Christmas Eve if you don't have any plans.  Go in a half-hour before they close as long as you can stay later.  They'll be in a hurry.

Tips on how to inspect a used car from a Miata enthusiasts' page.