A while back I had let you all know that my car is out of commission. So, it was time to get a new set of wheels. I already knew the car I wanted, options and all. I have never bought a car before, the cars I’ve had before I had nothing to do with the purchase. (I miss those days.) I’ve always heard how car dealers try to haggle and get as much money from you as possible. I decided to bring my stepfather for his support and car buying expertise. I hate succumbing to the stereotypes but when it comes to anything having to do with a car, I truly feel a man is best for the job, at least in my case it is. I’m all for “I am woman, hear me roar” but I’m woman enough to admit when I need help.
On the way to the dealership, my stepfather, James, prepped me and gave me some possible scenarios: They might ask what is the amount I want to pay in payments but don’t fall for that. Tell them to tell you what is the price of the car. They may try to get me to buy an extended warranty, the car automatically will come with at least a couple months of warranty. It’s up to you if you want more. I was mentally taking notes.
We go in to meet the dealer I had already contacted and the games began. We went over the formalities: What kind of car do you want? Nissan Altima What options? None What color? Blue. After that was all sorted out, the dealer made us aware of a special they were having that weekend and lucky me, it was on the exact car and model I wanted. I was really excited because including my trade-in it was a really good deal.
Now, this is where I got pissed off. Everything was ready to go, until I reminded the salesman that I wanted the car to be blue. For some reason the blue car was going to cost $400 more. They had very other color red, grey, silver but not blue at that price. Why? Because the blue one has mats and splash guards. Well, I wondered, can’t you just take the mats out and guards off. He said no, because that is the way it comes from the manufacturer.
The other colors didn’t come with mats and splashguards. I still wasn’t buying it, literally.
I was ready to walk because the color was non-negotiable, I wanted blue. James and I stood up and then the owner came over. I explained to him my confusion with the price. The salesman chimed in that he told us because the one they have in stock comes with kick plates. That was something new because he had never mentioned that it had kick plates before. So who knows what else the car they had in stock had that I didn’t want.
Finally, it worked out that I was able to get the advertised price with mats and splash guards included, in the color I wanted. Yay!
It was so stressful, the process and I wish I never had to go through it again. But I did learn some things about buying a car.
Don’ take the first offer they give you.
The will give you the “sticker price.” There is room to negotiate.
Have a number in mind.
Do your research, go on Edmunds.com or some other trusted car site ad find out the price of your car and what people in your area are paying.
Read the reviews.
I actually trust the consumer reviews more than the editors. Because the consumer is continually driving the car, whereas the editor may have just tested it out for a day or week.
Apparently, don’t tell them what color you want or they will jack up the price for that color.
Bring someone you trust with you if you’ve never bought a car before.
Take it from me. It can be stressful.
This is my first time being involved in the buying process and I’m praying that the next time I need another are I’ll be married and my husband can do it for me and I don’t have to be there.
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