First time car buyer

[Guitarman]

I could really use some advice. I'm planning on buying my first brand new car in the coming months, and i'd like to avoid getting suckered in by the dealer. Anyone with car-buying experience mind sharing some insight with me? Hidden fees to watch for, what to do, things of that nature. My previous cars were used from private owners so this'll be my first time walking into a lot looking to buy, and it'll probably be custom made to get the paint scheme i want.

Help me BG!

[Sythe]

TAKE YOUR TIME! Seriously this is huge. Remember there is no rush what so ever for you to get this car, so don't let them set your pace. I got caught like that myself. I let them get me all excited and wound up dropping a down payment before i knew what was happening. Tho i do love my car lol

[Kailee]

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/

Make this website your new bible.

[jmc]

I purchased my 2nd new car back in march........... I knew exactly what car I wanted, what color, what build date and the works. Ended up taking me 2 months after I was approved for a loan to actually purchase the car, just to get a better deal on the car.

So don't rush into things..... do your own research online, figure out what you want and goto the dealership knowing exactly what you want and what you don't want.

Don't be scared to leave the dealership, and NEVER put down a refundable deposit unless your truly set on purchasing that car within the next few days.

Best part since your buying a new car, is you can walk out of the dealership and look at the same car from a competitor. Give the other dealer a call back, and tell them the awesome deal the competitor is gonna give you for the exact same car. If they truly need a sale, thye would probably give you a great deal.

[Guitarman]

awesome, see thats all stuff i didn't think about. keep it coming!

[Abandon]

buy used.

[Sol-Blackguy]

Someone mentioned this before, so I'm not taking credit, just repeating it:

When you get to the car lot, look for a board that shows who's made the most sales by commission. Ask for the guy at the bottom of the list by name and go for the jugular.

[Jodwahh]

Someone mentioned this before, so I'm not taking credit, just repeating it:

When you get to the car lot, look for a board that shows who's made the most sales by commission. Ask for the guy at the bottom of the list by name and go for the jugular.

Lol thats fucking cold man, I like your styles.

[Velgadess]

bring a friend. you can be overwhelmed if you go @ it alone. have your friend be there to keep you grounded and level headed. Remember your friend is there for you. maybe they'll see something they don't like that you will miss. or they can nit-pick about stuff, talking to you and making you want to reject the deal which in turn the dealer will do his darnest to complete the deal.

[Guitarman]

i'll probably bring my dad along tbh, he's pretty hard-headed and intimidating.

[Aerides]

No matter what you do, how much research you've done, what "expiring deal" you're offered, never make a deal the day it's presented.

Always sleep on it, check it out, etc. Dealer's will say "What can I do to make you take this new car today" and I laugh at them. Why the hell would you make a $X thousand decision in 10 mins.

Only exception would be you're at the end of your homework and now are ready that day. If you're not ready, don't say yes.

Drive the car a few times at different places. Make sure you get what you want, not what they have - "oh yeah the gray interior is gonna be at least 6 weeks but we have the beige now" - you're gonna be in this thing for years get what you want and don't compromise after you know what you can afford.

[bebeci]

I recently purchased a brand new Toyota from a dealership with lifetime oil changes. But I can only use those lifetime oil changes at a certain dealership. It was surprising that they are all in competition with each other.

Anyways, there's a website out there that lists how much the dealership got the car for. Afterwards, the dealership upmarks up. You'll want to find out the cost of the car, then jump the price 3% - 6%. That's the middle ground for pricing.

If someone can find the website, throw it down here (at least, that's how it works in Canada). It does cost 20$ to join, but you can view up to three cars. Considering you'll be saving, at least 1500$, it's worth it.

Edit: http://www.carcostcanada.com/1/en/default.asp
Not sure if there is a US equivalent, but you get the idea.

[Mjd]

Look at Scions, it's fixed pricing. I had a tC before I kissed a railing with it.

Also, shopping around is the best advice you're going to get.

[Velgadess]

www.truecar.com
new car pricing by region.

[willriker]

1) DO NOT FORGET ABOUT YOUR TAXES. When buying a new car, people often forget to take certain deductions from thier taxes. Things like sales tax are often tax deductable. Not to mention that if you are able to get it before filing your taxes, you will be able to claim them on your 2009 tax return. This can be big money, enough to pay your car loan for a couple/few months.

2) never rush, most salesmen will try to get you to buy the car before leaving the lot. Well, unless you are going for an expencive lexus or bmw.

3) dont worry about how long it will take to get your car in. Think of it like having a burger made for you at a restaurant vs mcdonalds. Sure, mcdonalds is faster... but the one from the restaurant is definately worth the wait by comparison.

4) do not be suckered for every added ammenity. This has become a huge revenue maker for the dealerships. Thinks like scratch proofing... its an extra coat of wax. Dent repair, your car insurance already covers this. Some will charge like 200 dollars for a glorified car wash. The same thing with scratch removal service. Dealerships take money, in advance, to remove a scratch. What if you move too far away to use this service when you need it. What if you never need it. Remember what you are already paying for through AAA or your car insurance. People throw away thousands of dollars on these ammenities, and they do not realize that they are already covered.

5) Many people want to worry about resale value. If this matters to you, be truthful to yourself. How long do you intend on driving your car for. Try to estimate how much the car will be worth at that time/milage. If you prefer to drive the wheels off the car, nvm.

6) Do not be impressed by their automotive repair shop. You are not buying their automotive repair shop. And they will try to nickle and dime you to no end. My wife bought a new suv from a place my own uncle works at. She did not like the wipers/battery. The changed one wiper, and placed a half-dead battery in her car.

7) Most warrantee's are NOT invalidated when you do maintenance outside of the 'designated' shop. Things like oil changes, brakes, flushing the radiator, etc can be done anywhere. You can even do these things yourself without invalidating your warrantee. Many salesmen will tell you the opposite. Read your contract, do not take thier word for it.

8) You are buying a brand spanking new car. You are the customer that the auto dealers are begging for right now. Do not let them even try to convince you into something. Sure they can recommend something to you, they do have more knowledge than you do. But, do not let them convince you if you know you do not want something.

9) Check on the history of the car. I do not mean carfax... this car is brand new. Check on any recalls. Check on reliable sources of information, like consumer reports. Check out other customers reviews. These are people who bought your car already, listen to thier feedback.

10) Do not take the mileage listed on the car to be the absolute truth. When they test their cars gas mileage they will do everything they can to gain an advantage. They will strip out every amenity, baseline model (less weight). They will use a special type of fuel that you do not have access to. They will keep the windows up, radio off, keep the RPM's below 2000. And perhaps the dirtiest trick of all would be driving in the same direction as the wind. Your gas milage will always be lower than the listed value on the car. The lesson, do not go for a car just because it lists 2 miles pergallon more than another car. If the car is listed at 5-10 miles per gallon more, this is too large of a differance to engore. But, 1-3 miles pergallon should not effect your decision.
11) remember, above all else that you have the money. They want your money. Take your time. both in terms of time and money,I i is a big investment on your end.

[izembo]

most times the minimum theyll take for a car is cost + $100, and then make you pay the ~$500 dealership fees. i worked at a dealership for awhile, and only way they gonna take less than that is if its a car thats been sitting for awhile and they need to get rid of it

[Xno Kappa]

Mitsubishi cars are garbage. That is all.

[Kainos]

Since we're in a recession you have a big advantage because most dealerships are not making money like they used to.

I would recommend after you find what car you want and settle on a price/package, to walk away from it and then contact other dealerships in your area that have the same car you want. Speak to a salesman and tell him the deal you have at the other dealership and see if they can offer a lower price or better incentives. You can go back to the first guy and see if hhe can make a counter offer.

[*Shinzon*]

Edmunds.com is a great tool. Depending on the brand and what kind of deal the dealerships are offering, Edmunds.com can compare the current going rate for cars and also show you deals that you may not be aware of. Sometimes certain dealerships offer discounts that don't get advertised on a large scale and unless customers ask they often don't get talked about.

[Serif]

buy used.

^