Lots of people have great (and not so great) advice on what you should do when shopping for a vehicle. There are countless articles dedicated to searching for, and getting the best deal on a new or used car or truck.
But sometimes, what you shouldn’t do is just as important as what you should do. There are plenty of things that car shoppers tend to do that hurt their own chances of buying the right vehicle and getting a good deal on it. Here are seven things you should avoid doing when you’re shopping for a car:
- Setting unrealistic expectations
One of the biggest challenges some people run into when shopping for a vehicle is that their budget doesn’t match their expectations. Vehicles these days aren’t cheap, but many are affordable through leasing and financing options. Be sure that you understand what’s out there and how it relates to the expectations you may have before you go shopping.
- Not being upfront
When car shopping, there is no scenario where hiding information or being dishonest will get you a better deal. None. Some people try to play games with salespeople or dealerships hoping to the better end of the bargain this way. Unfortunately, reality has a way of screwing that up because at the end of the day, credit, a vehicle’s price, trade-in value, and any other fees won’t change no matter what story someone makes up.
- Being inflexible
Don’t make the mistake of being inflexible with the vehicle you’re willing to purchase. Sure, some people have an exact make, model, and package that they want and refuse to deviate from that. But most people would be happy with a wide number of options, so being open-minded isn’t a bad thing. For the average vehicle buyer, there are dozens of vehicles that would suit their needs quite well.
- Talking yourself out of what you want
Some of us put self-imposed roadblocks between what we really want and what we allow ourselves to do. It’s important to not do this when buying a vehicle for the simple reason that it’s such a significant purchase. You’ll probably be paying for any vehicle you buy for a number of years, so it makes no sense to buy what you really want to buy.
- Being rude
Contrary to what some people might believe, trying to muscle your way into a better deal isn’t an effective approach. Being nice to employees at a dealership will go far in helping you get a great deal and great service. You catch a lot more flies with honey than you do with vinegar, and that’s very true when it comes to buying a car.
- Assume that a great deal will last
The automotive business moves fast, and discounts come and go just as quickly as some cars do. Manufacturers sometimes offer incentives to dealerships, which can come with some pretty dramatic savings for customers. The catch is that these promotions always have a deadline, and never last long. So if you’re offered a great deal, don’t blow it off and assume that it’ll still be there next week, or even the next day. If the numbers work for you, take it.
- Working with the wrong salesperson
Not all automotive salespeople are dishonest. In fact, the overwhelming majority are hard-working professionals who are making a living for themselves and their families. But there is a segment of the industry that’s unscrupulous, dishonest, and lazy, and they are the ones you want to avoid at all costs. Make sure you work with the right salesperson on your purchase and there’s no doubt you’ll walk away happy. And if you’re looking for someone to help you with your vehicle-related needs, please contact me. I’d be happy to help!
