The 2019 Car Buying Season Is Ending.
If you want a new car ahead of the winter months, now’s the time to shop. Dealers are clearing out their 2019 inventory, and you still have time to get the vehicle you want before the snow flies.
New Car Buying Tips:
- See us for the financing – before you shop for the car. You’ll gain leverage because you are buying as if it were a cash deal. It also prevents the dealer from distracting you from the matter at hand – the price of the car, not the monthly payment.
- Stay focused on the car’s final purchase price; don’t shop by monthly payment. Many people will exceed their allowed budget when shopping by payment only. And rest assured, by financing with us, you almost always will have lower monthly payments.
- Keep all transactions separate. This includes the car’s purchase price; the financing; and the trade-in of your current vehicle. If you combine all three, the dealer can take advantage or manipulate the situation. Always negotiate the car’s price before talking financing or trade-in.
- Negotiate the price of the car using the “cost-up” method – not from the “sticker price down.” Use the dealer cost as your initial price-point; then ask the dealer how much above cost they are willing to sell the vehicle. Car prices range greatly. But most professionals consider buying a vehicle at $300 to $500 above cost a fair deal.
- Research online. There are many excellent sites available to help, such as www.edmunds.com, www.nada.com, www.kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book), or consumerreports.org. It’s a good idea to review pricing, safety features, options, fuel economy, and customer reviews.
- Visit at least two dealerships (three is even better). When you’re ready to shop, use the “cost-up” method, and ask the dealer how much above cost they’re willing to sell the vehicle.
- Next, work on your trade-in value. Once you’ve established a fair selling price, ask how much you’ll receive for your trade-in. You can call us first to find out what your trade-in is worth.
- Shop at month-end when dealers are looking to meet their quotas. They’re also looking to clear the lots of the 2019 models, so they may be willing to deal a little more on last year’s models.
- Don’t feel pressured. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure, leave, and visit another dealership or reflect on the deal. Cool off and wait a few days before deciding.