Buying a Car for the first time from a dealership

[Doc Holiday]

Ok, so I'm tired of driving my beater, and am willing to finally forkout for a real vehicle.

I already have a few vehicles in mind, and a price range that I can afford.  But I've never made a purchase this big before,  So any suggestions? Tip? ect..

I am looking for a slightly used Subaru Crosstreck. the new ones are just outside my budget, but I've seen a few where I could get a certified used with low milage and still under factory warranty for just under $20k. 

My plan is to buy something by January, not trying to rush a choice since it's going to be my biggest financial commitment to date I want to cross all T's and dot I's before I do so.

[SmokinwithWilly]

Start shipping online. Know what going rates are before you walk in the door. My wife and I test drove several different cars without even considering buying that day. You cant impulse buy if you have already decided that you will be test driving only.Also look for financing outside the dealer, you can get better rates. A lot of upgrades can be gotten aftermarket much cheaper. If you go in armed with the information about the car you want, you wont pay full price and you will feel better when it's over. 

[Floppin]

Always be willing to walk away without the car you want. If you get up to leave after making your desires clear and they haven't been met they'll make a new offer usually.

[Mother Grabber]

edmunds.com has all the list and invoice numbers. I got my WRX at invoice, because I knew the numbers. First place I went to blew them off and gave me a quote over list, second place said ok.

you can also shop around on the phone. I bought my car and motorcycle at locations 100+ miles away by calling and negotiating over the phone, once I took a test drive somewhere close.

[pantherclaw]

Patience & time. 

When you've found the one ya want, be prepared to be patient, and you'llget the deal you want. Also go in with the idea of financing through them, as they are more inclined to give you their best deal. Before your first payment, go to the credit union of your choice with a small down payment, and refinance the loan. 

[PandaPancake]

Getting car buying advice from here is the same as getting at home dental advice 

[thefuzz]

The net has made it harder and harder for them to get one over on you, everyone....well most folks are just too educated.

I would spend a little time on finding out the best financing for your situation, and what you should get toward a trade in if you are going that route.

Personally, I don't let 1000 stand in my way if I want a specific car.  If I found exactly what I want, I buy it, now I'm not saying spend an extra 2000 or more, I'm just not one that feels like I need to get one over on the sales guy to be happy.  Some people are, and they miss out on things all the time.

[Moorgan]

I haven't used it personally (bit may soon) but truecar.com seems like they have a plan in place to get you good deals. Like I said though, haven't actually used it so it may all be smoke and mirrors.

[Hawk]

use your brain and not your heart.  don't get caught up in all the flashy bullshit.

if you know what you really want...get the money before hand.  go where you know the car you want is and walk in and ask for the sales manager...sorry to anyone that makes their living in car sales, but I never talk to a salesman anymore.  I do the work, the shopping, the financing etc...why should I pay a salesman after all that.  Tell the manager what you want and what you will pay and let him/her decide if they want to make the deal.  Remember...if you look hard enough, that exact same car is available elsewhere.

 

[Bronn]

Know what you are wanting to pay for the vehicle. Offer the dealership 2-3k under that at first, and be willing to walk away if they don't flex. They are in the business of selling cars. If you don't buy from them, they know you will buy from someone else. YOU have the upper hand.

[Bob NC]

use your brain and not your heart.  don't get caught up in all the flashy bullshit.

if you know what you really want...get the money before hand.  go where you know the car you want is and walk in and ask for the sales manager...sorry to anyone that makes their living in car sales, but I never talk to a salesman anymore.  I do the work, the shopping, the financing etc...why should I pay a salesman after all that.  Tell the manager what you want and what you will pay and let him/her decide if they want to make the deal.  Remember...if you look hard enough, that exact same car is available elsewhere.

 

LOL, and you can get an even better deal if you ask to speak with the custodian.  Sheeeeesh

[Hawk]

not sure what part the LOL goes with....but try it for yourself!

[panther4life]

Been in the car biz for 10 years. If you're waiting till January then wasting your time looking for a used vehicle that will no longer be for sale by then. May be similar ones but every used car is different and has its own unique history.

For new use truecar.com as this will get you the lowest price without having to haggle.

For used shop on car gurus for best deal on type of vehicle you want. The days of negotiating for thousands of advertised price on used is long gone. Everyone has to be competitive online so most offer closer to their lowest price up front. 

As far as your current car goes it's probably not worth much from your description so don't get hung up on trade value. Can get free quote from Carmax first and if dealer offers less Carmax gives you a week to take them up on your offer.

Lastly free credit reports are not always accurate. You can get the real report from any dealer(required to show you score by law after pulling your credit). 

if this truely is your first time buying anything over 10k then you will not get prime rates in spite of how good your score is. 

Good luck 

 

 

 

[Bronn]

On the Carmax thing... Give them a try for your old one if you are selling it, especially if you own it outright... Over the past 6-7 years or so, we have sold them 4 vehicles and banked about $86,000 IIRC. Granted, none of the vehicles were more than 4-5 years old when we sold them, but they make good offers in my opinion.

The first vehicle we sold them was a 2001 Chevy Blazer. We bought it in like 2003 for about $9,000. We drove it for like 3-4  years and sold it back to them for around $6,000.