Car Buying Techniques

There are many articles out there about auto sales techniques so here are some proven buying techniques. Keep in mind that allot of today's auto sales professionals are good people just trying to make a living. They enjoy their trade and want you to be equally happy when you drive off the lot: preferably in one of their cars. 

I know because I am one of them.    Before you drive on the lot:

DO YOUR HOMEWORK! If you are reading this then you are probably on the internet. Open another tab or window, use a search engine, and start typing in anything that vaguely has to do with cars and narrow your search from their. This will save you allot of time when you finally step on the lot. Make sure you have plenty of time when you do finally start looking. It always takes longer than you expect to come on a lot and even do research once you are there. There is no "10 minutes on and off the lot."    When you are first on the lot: Usually you won't be at the dealership long before a salesman comes up to you and welcomes you to the store.  It's common for allot of customers to want to shop around before someone comes out and this is understandable to you and the sales associate. It isn't so understandable to the managers in the "sales tower." Keep this in mind before you shoe him or her away. They are only trying to do their job in most cases. Would you like it if someone kept  you from doing your job?   Be wary if they ask for your keys when you are first on the lot though, yes it may save you time on an appraisal but it the opposite will be true if they "lose" the keys when it comes time to negotiate and you decide that you no longer want to be there.      If you don't like your salesman, leave immediately or ask for someone else. Like I stated earlier, most sales people are really good people.  However there are guys out there I wouldn't trust pocket lint to. These are not sales professionals they are hustlers. They only want your money and could care less if you feel like you are getting ripped off. A true professional cares about their customers and understands that this needs to be a good deal for you also.   Product Presentation and Test Drive:

Throw Politeness out the Window

Do not be mean and rude! This means tell them how you feel If you want a dent removed then point it out. If you want something like speakers or dvd player then mention it. If you have any question, then just ask it! It won't hurt their feelings! By the time they have showed you the car they have asked you allot of questions. Now it's your turn. It will show that you are intelligent and will earn respect. Keep in mind a large number of people are entering the car business each day, they may still be learning and not know all the answers to your questions. However, this will give you an opportunity to see how willing they are to get your questions answered.   The "key rule" at the beginning applies to your driver's license and insurance card at the test drive phase. Most car dealers need proof of insurance and license before you can take their car on a test drive. However, you need it back before you take the car out on the road. If they want to hold on to it, demand it back, if they refuse, LEAVE! (not before getting it back.) A common solution is for them to make a copy.   Negotiating 

Price:

It is common for most people to try to get the lowest price possible and who can blame them. However keep in mind that the person sitting across from you works on commission. This means that his or her income is based on how much profit is made on the vehicle.  

Think of it like this:

In a fine restaurant that with awesome waiter that keeps your glass full and makes sure you are happy throughout the entire meal you are most likely to leave a large tip.

At the same time, if you walk into a place and you see your waiter only once, your order is wrong, your food cold, etc then that waiter will be very fortunate to get any tip at all.

The same is true for your sales consultant. If you really liked them then return the favor by making sure that they are getting a good commission. If you didn't like them and you didn't follow my advice from earlier then go for invoice price (i.e. the jugular).   Promises and warranties:

This can be tricky since it varies from state to state. The best advice that applies to each and every person is:

First make sure every promise made by the salesman is written down on paper. 

Make sure you understand the wording. If you can't understand the wording then have it written in a way that you can understand it.  

Make sure you get a copy of the written promise and that it has the sales manager's signature on it as authorization.    It's not uncommon to be nervous when purchasing an automobile. For most it will be one of the priciest items they will purchase in their life. The car sales process can be very hectic or fun. Listen to your gut level instincts and leave if you feel you must. Keep in mind that it has to be a good deal for you and the dealership. Follow these basic guidelines and it should help you enjoy your car buying experience.    Disclaimer:

Nothing mentioned in this article is to be considered "legal advice." Any matters pertaining to law should be handled though a competent attorney according to your state's laws.  

Article Source: EzineArticles.com