Buying a new car involves many choices, along with having to deal with many tricks and tactics that some car dealers may employ. Using car brokers can help avoid many of these potential pitfalls.
Picking a Car that's Right for You
Do your homework, and decide on what type of car you require prior to entering car purchase negotiations. Don't fall for "bait and switch" tactics where would be buyers are drawn in with a cheap car offer (the "bait"), which is then talked down, in order to switch a buyer to a higher priced car. Knowing what features you want is also important, so you can compare like for like. This will help counter car dealers that try to throw in (potentially unwanted) extras, in order to avoid dropping their price.
Comparisons to Similar Cars of Different Makes
This will help you compare features. Don't fall for some dealers' "puppy dog closes", where a customer is allowed to take a car home for a night or day, in the hope they will become attached to the car.
Test Drive
It is imperative that a test drive is taken, or maybe a few test drives of comparable car makes. This will help the car buyer decide on the best model for them, and not be swayed by salesmen into buying a different car that they are not familiar with.
Affordability
Only buy a car that you can afford. Some car dealers using clever tactics to make you pay more than you were initially prepared to. One such tactic is known as "high balling", where an excessive price is offered for a trade in, which the customer will eventually pay for in the form of a higher price for their new car. Another sneaky way overall cost may be increased is via a "bouncing trade", where a dealer reduces your accepted trade in price at the last minute, under the guise of a problem following inspection of your old car.
Running Costs
In addition to the purchase cost, ongoing running costs need to be considered. The fuel efficiency, insurance costs, repair & spare parts costs of various cars should be given some thought.
To Buy Outright or Not?
Be aware that you will generally pay more if buying a car on finance. This may suit some people, but make sure you have a good idea of current interest rates before even considering signing up for finance in a car yard. Some dealers might offer a "special deal" on a car loan, to deflect attention from a purchase price you might be a little unhappy with. While you might be offered lower than the car dealer's "normal" rate, this needs to be viewed in comparison to loan interest rates elsewhere.
Resale Value
Driving out in a shiny new car is a great feeling, but as part of one's prior research, looking at how well certain cars maintain values will help you choose a car that will get you a better deal when it comes to the time for a trade in.
Comparisons Between Dealers
Shopping around should yield a better price, but beware of "low balling", where a dealer may give a buyer an unrealistic price, which can't be beaten by competitors (as one shops around). Upon returning to the original dealer, the customer is deliberately worn down by delaying tactics, such that they eventually accept a higher price than the one initially quoted.
Using a car broker that can offer fleet sales pricing to individual consumers can be a smart way to save on a car purchase.
Picking a Car that's Right for You
Do your homework, and decide on what type of car you require prior to entering car purchase negotiations. Don't fall for "bait and switch" tactics where would be buyers are drawn in with a cheap car offer (the "bait"), which is then talked down, in order to switch a buyer to a higher priced car. Knowing what features you want is also important, so you can compare like for like. This will help counter car dealers that try to throw in (potentially unwanted) extras, in order to avoid dropping their price.
Comparisons to Similar Cars of Different Makes
This will help you compare features. Don't fall for some dealers' "puppy dog closes", where a customer is allowed to take a car home for a night or day, in the hope they will become attached to the car.
Test Drive
It is imperative that a test drive is taken, or maybe a few test drives of comparable car makes. This will help the car buyer decide on the best model for them, and not be swayed by salesmen into buying a different car that they are not familiar with.
Affordability
Only buy a car that you can afford. Some car dealers using clever tactics to make you pay more than you were initially prepared to. One such tactic is known as "high balling", where an excessive price is offered for a trade in, which the customer will eventually pay for in the form of a higher price for their new car. Another sneaky way overall cost may be increased is via a "bouncing trade", where a dealer reduces your accepted trade in price at the last minute, under the guise of a problem following inspection of your old car.
Running Costs
In addition to the purchase cost, ongoing running costs need to be considered. The fuel efficiency, insurance costs, repair & spare parts costs of various cars should be given some thought.
To Buy Outright or Not?
Be aware that you will generally pay more if buying a car on finance. This may suit some people, but make sure you have a good idea of current interest rates before even considering signing up for finance in a car yard. Some dealers might offer a "special deal" on a car loan, to deflect attention from a purchase price you might be a little unhappy with. While you might be offered lower than the car dealer's "normal" rate, this needs to be viewed in comparison to loan interest rates elsewhere.
Resale Value
Driving out in a shiny new car is a great feeling, but as part of one's prior research, looking at how well certain cars maintain values will help you choose a car that will get you a better deal when it comes to the time for a trade in.
Comparisons Between Dealers
Shopping around should yield a better price, but beware of "low balling", where a dealer may give a buyer an unrealistic price, which can't be beaten by competitors (as one shops around). Upon returning to the original dealer, the customer is deliberately worn down by delaying tactics, such that they eventually accept a higher price than the one initially quoted.
Using a car broker that can offer fleet sales pricing to individual consumers can be a smart way to save on a car purchase.