Decide Before You Go Shopping for a Car

How savvy are you when it comes to shopping? Are you the type that takes the time to study circulars, so that you can save 15 cents on a can of soup with a coupon? Do you go online and order samples, so that you don't actually have to buy the product or print out coupons from a website? For some reason, even the most bargain hungry shopper loses all these money saving skills when it comes to buying a car. Some do manage to demand the best bargain they can get, while others let the shiny new cars in the lot blind them to potential discounts. Which kind of buyer are you?

Several criteria go into determining the kind of car buyer you are. Undoubtedly the most important is that you need to bargain from a position of strength, and that you don't need to budge from your position.

The most important is that you need to remember to bargain on the actual, on-road price, which is often a lot more than the quoted price. In this price, several costs are not included; once you sit down to negotiate a car purchase, remember that it has to be on the final price. Once you have made your offer on a certain price, never come down. If the dealer wants to stick to his guns, let him, there's always the next dealer.

After you have found the right dealer, go for aspects that he is particular about, or where his bargaining strength is. For example, some sellers would be interested in knowing the periodicity of your payment, whether it is a monthly, bi-monthly or a quarterly. Make sure you opt for the monthly plan, since it gives you greater flexibility and is cost-saving in the long run.

Don't also get stuck with the payment method, since this is one of the clever traps by which the finance guy can squeeze you. Be careful not to fall into this trap, unless you are buying cash-down, and not on a monthly plan.

Never be an impetuous buyer; this is when your judgment is clouded, and it takes nothing for the experienced finance man to sniff you from a long distance, and easily drag you into his trap.

Remember that a new model is flashy and new only for the next few months, even weeks at times. If the seller entices you into buying the new model with several of its features, remember that they are only cosmetic changes, unless the very car you are looking out for is a different one! And a year later, its resale value would be no different from that of any other car, simply because it would have become an old model by that time.

Also, make sure you don't buy cars that are selling like hot cakes. This type of car is always an advantage to the seller, and does not give him any need to negotiate, as much as it leaves you with little space for maneuver.

Deciding to buy a car is great, but just before walking into the showroom; make sure you have these points in mind, so that you ride out a smarter buyer!