Researching a Car That is Right For YouWritten by Kevin Schappell
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Now how do you get information which is on your list? Here is a list of excellent resources to use in your search. Offline: ˇConsumer Reports Magazine ˇAuto Week magazine ˇYour local newspaper's auto section ˇLocal dealers Online: ˇConsumer Reports - requires a subscription just like magazine. ˇEdmunds.com ˇKelly Blue Book ˇNADA guide book ˇCar.com After your research is done you should have a clear picture of which car is right for you. What do you say? Clear as mud? Well take a step back and if you have 2 vehicles which are comparable you will then have to resort to one of following. Go with your gut feeling. You know one which says get Porsche not Yugo. Ask your wife, husband or SO. (you might want to let them in on decision a little earlier than this if they will be driving car too.) Flip a coin. Ask your god for some divine intervention? Good luck!
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on car maintenance, buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car expert, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles.
| | Making the dealer an offerWritten by Kevin Schappell
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Making offer: Explain to salesman that you have researched dealer's invoice price and any incentives they get from selling car and you have calculated price you are willing to pay. How much over invoice should you offer? 4% - 6% has been a good number. I would offer 4% over invoice if you trust dealerships service department and plan on getting your car serviced there. Why offer them less if you like their service? Well they will end up making more money on your in end by servicing your car. Make sure you mention this to salesman; it's a good bargaining chip. What next? Wait......... if they do not take deal, politely leave your name and phone number and go home. Better yet go to another dealer and see if they are willing to take your offer. Remember you can always go back and they can always call you when they realize you will not be buying on impulse and really mean business. You have spent hours researching, why throw that away buy getting nervous and signing a deal you do not feel is fair.
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on car maintenance, buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles.
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