A car dealership can be a very treacherous place for anyone who isn’t used to automobiles. Dealers will often know when they have a novice in front of them, and the bad ones will take advantage of it. If you don’t want to get taken for a ride on your next visit, no pun intended, then you need to learn a thing or two about cars and how dealerships operate first. This will allow you to avoid the common mistakes so many people commit when shopping for a vehicle. Let’s take a look at a few things you need to avoid when buying a car from a car dealer.
Dismissing In-House Financing
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about car dealers and financing is that dealers’ rates will always be higher than with other options. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. First of all, know that banks aren’t crazy about handing out auto loans. Second, car dealers with large inventories are often able to get better deals because they have special relationships with lenders.
This is how dealers like Accept Car Finance can get you low rate car finance. They have massive inventories and much more negotiating power than you, which is why you may never be able to get the same rate elsewhere. So, don’t dismiss in-house financing deals and look at the rate and conditions instead.
Looking Too Interested
Another major mistake people make when getting a car from a dealership is being way too transparent with their interest. If anything, you should be acting like you are borderline repulsed by the vehicles they are showing to you. Why? Because looking like you’re disinterested will shift the balance of power in your favour. The more you show interest, the lesser the chance that they will make offers to sweeten the deal. So, when looking at vehicles, try to spot any flaw that you can and point out some of the negatives of different models. You might be surprised at the kind of discounts that may suddenly pop up.
Not Exploring Your Options
Never go to only one dealership. The more options you’ll have, the less desperate you’ll come across. Visit at least three different dealers and don’t be afraid to tell them if you have found a better deal elsewhere. This will force them to compete until you get the best offer possible.
Not Taking the Vehicle on the Highway
If you’re going to test drive a vehicle, don’t just drive it in the parking lot or around the dealership. You can’t tell how well the car runs until you go to high speeds, so take it out on a main road if you can. If you notice any strange noise or issues with gear changes or alignment, these should be major red flags.
These are some of the biggest mistakes to avoid when going to a dealership and being aware of what they are could save you from scams. A car is a very serious investment, so take your time before making your final decision.
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