To get the best deal, whether you’re buying a new or used car, you want to avoid the “lion’s den”. In other words, don’t even go to a Dealer until you’ve already struck a deal.
That’s right. To get the absolute best price possible, you do not want to be sitting there in a Dealership negotiating back and forth with a salesperson. This is where they want you.
The Dealership is where they can wear you down or confuse you with their very effective selling techniques such as “the 4-sguare”, “going for a bump”, “using leg”, and many others.
Instead, you want to stay off their turf entirely by simply using the phone.
Call three or four Dealerships with similar vehicles and tell them you are buying a car in the next 48 hours. Also tell them the car you are interested in and that you are comparing final offers from four different Dealerships. Keep the call straightforward and short.
By doing this, the Dealers are forced to compete for your sale. Let them get back to you with their best “out-the-door” prices. If a Dealer’s quote takes them out of the running, let them know you’ll consider another offer from them.
Trust me, Dealers want your business. They’re not going to want to lose the sale, particularly when they also know you are buying a similar vehicle somewhere else.
The last Dealer standing wins. Only then do you go to the Dealership to look at and drive the car, and to then do the paperwork if you are satisfied.
This technique also works even better during the last two or three days of the month. Often, Dealerships have monthly quotas and their last few days “make or break them”.
By following this technique, you’ve been the one in control during the entire process.
Tags: Absolute, Bump, Buying A Car, Buying Car, Car Buying, Days Of The Month, Effective Selling, Few Days, Lion, New Car, Paperwork, Phone Call, Quotas, Salesperson, TurfRelated posts
Car Audio – What To Know Before You Buy Used Car Audio Systems
If you are looking for a car audio system and would love to save a little money when purchasing, you should consider buying a used system. Many people think you can only get quality sound from new equipment, but that is not true. You can find great packages that are sold directly from another consumer if you know what you are looking for. There are a few things to remember before making a purchase however. If you are considering buying a used system, think about these things before you throw down any cash.
The first thing to consider is what you need. You should always be aware of what your automobile can handle before purchasing a used system. When you go to a store to purchase new equipment, the salesperson usually assists you on knowing what you need. When you are purchasing from a consumer however, you may not be getting correct information. Since most consumers wont offer a refund policy, you will need to know that the equipment will work on your car before buying it.
The best way to figure out what you need is to go your research. Go to a salesperson or a audio specialist and ask them about the specific equipment you are looking at. Ask them if it will work in your car. You may even have to let them inspect your car, but they can likely tell you whether or not it will work over the phone. After you know that the equipment will work for your car, you will need to make sure the equipment works as it should. Ask to test the equipment, if it is not in a car at the time.
If you cannot test the equipment, you might not want to purchase it. Even though someone might tell you it works fine, they may not be as honest as you would like to think. Most sellers are honest, but there are a few who will try to trick you and you dont want to be their next victim. So, be sure that you know what you need for your current automobile and be sure the car audio system you are looking at is still usable. If you do these two things, you will be able to save yourself a lot of money by purchasing used quality equipment. It is always great to save money, but you only want to purchase used equipment that will work for you. If you dont, then you really havent saved anything at all.
Tags: Audio Specialist, Automobile Purchasing, Buy Car, Buy Used Car, Car Audio System, Car Audio Systems, Car Buying, Car System, Car Systems, Consumers, Love, Many People, Money, Quality Sound, Refund Policy, Salesperson, Specific Equipment, Test EquipmentRelated posts
Buying a new car can be fun and exciting, but it can also be very stressful. After all, it is a very big decision. If you are organized, armed with knowledge, and understand the game, youll find the experience a lot more enjoyable so here are some tips for buying a new car.
Start with the basics. Decide what type, size, and price range meets your needs; then move on to the details of the deal.
The invoice price is what the dealer paid for the car, not including any incentives from the vehicle manufacturer. The sticker price is the price the dealer wants you to pay for that car, including any optional packages that may be on that particular vehicle.
Find out the invoice cost of the car. This is the key to what type of deal you can get. Once you know what the dealer paid, you can better negotiate with the dealer. The dealer typically isnt going to give you this information, so youll have to play detective and round it up yourself.
You can easily get this information by spending less than $20 and calling the Consumer Reports New Car Price Service. Its a good investment because it usually results in about a $1,200 savings.
Now its time to get ready to bargain. Ask the salesperson to deal on their base markup over cost. Never bargain off the sticker price. Youve got the invoice price and thats what you bargain off of. What type of deal you can get depends a lot on supply and demand.
If the car you are looking at is in high demand, but there arent a lot of them available you could end up paying the full sticker price. On other models, you could land up paying just $500 over invoice and that would be a good deal!
Be wary of the for just a few game. Its a game of up-selling for services and items you often dont need undercoating, fabric protection, rust proofing, windshield etching, extra warranties, etc. Some of these services are nice; but most arent needed. Be careful because they can very quickly add a couple thousand dollars to your costs. So dont get caught up in the for just a few dollars more you can have
If you have a vehicle you are going to trade in, dont disclose this information to the salesperson until the price of the new car has been established and agreed upon. That way the price you are given for your trade is the true amount that is being offered rather than some inflated figure on paper. Then you can decide if you really want to trade your vehicle in. Often, selling privately is a better choice.
Keep your stress down by knowing what you want before you begin. When it comes time to get your financing in place know what size payment you are comfortable with and then work your terms to meet that payment size. Again, dont get caught in the up-sell game.
These tips for buying a new car will have you smiling and relaxed through the entire buying process.
Tags: Buying A New Car, Detective, Fabric Protection, Helpful Tips, Incentives, Invoice Price, Markup, Models, New Car Price, New Car Price Service, Optional Packages, Rust Proofing, Salesperson, Sticker Price, Supply And Demand, Thousand Dollars, Tips For Buying A New Car, Vehicle Manufacturer, Warranties, WindshieldRelated posts
Low Interest Rate New Car Loan – Tips For A Smooth Car Buying Experience
The car buying process varies for each person. If you have purchased or financed several vehicles, you likely know several tricks and techniques for securing a good deal. On the other hand, if you have never bought a new or used vehicle, you may fall victim to dealership scams. Here are a few tips to help make the car buying experience easier.
How Much Do You Want to Pay?
Before entering a showroom or dealership, do your research. What types of car do you want to buy? How much are you willing to pay monthly? Walking into a dealership blindly is a bad move. Car salesmen are very clever. Additionally, they have several tactics for convincing car buyers to purchase a vehicle they cannot afford.
To avoid overspending, research various cars and their prices. Take advantage of auto loan calculators. These provide a rough estimate of future car payments. When negotiating with a salesperson, let them know upfront how much you are willing to spend on monthly payments.
Check Your Credit Report Beforehand
When determining an interest rate for a new vehicle, finance companies will review your credit report. Prior to applying for a loan, obtain a copy of your personal report. This way, you have an idea of the interest rate you qualify for. Moreover, credit reports will reveal credit problems and inaccuracies that may hinder you from obtaining a low rate. If problems are present, fix credit blemishes before applying for a car loan.
In some instances, you may improve your credit by simply paying current creditors on time and reducing debt to income ratio. If possible, delay financing a vehicle until your credit score improves.
Get Pre-Approved for an Auto Loan
Dealership financing is offered. However, to get the best rate possible, you should obtain quotes from at least three auto loan lenders. If you are looking to speed up the process, consider getting pre-approved for an auto loan.
A pre-approval involves completing a loan application and providing necessary documentations. The lender will approve you for a specific amount. This is ideal because you avoid overspending. In most cases, lenders approve you for an amount that fits comfortably into your budget.
Tags: Auto Loan Calculators, Auto Loan Lenders, Bad Move, Car Buyers, Car Payments, Car Salesmen, Credit Blemishes, Credit Score, Dealership Scams, Debt To Income Ratio, Finance Companies, Future Car, Loan Tips, Move Car, New Car Loan, Personal Report, Reducing Debt, Rough Estimate, Salesperson, Vehicle FinanceRelated posts
Buying a new car is a major purchase with major amounts of money leaving your pocket. Ask an honest car salesman and he will tell you that he is trying to get his potential customers to buy something they dont really need. Ask a dishonest salesman and he wont tell you why. That about sums it up plus it opens the door for all kinds of scam artists to try to use tricks to get you to buy a new car. Arm yourself with all the information you can when buying a new car. Here are some tips:
There are some classic scams that car salespeople use to get you to sign the dotted line on a sales contract. Get on the internet and see what these scams are. Car salespeople are probably the most persuasive type of salesmen/women (most tend to be men) that you will come across. It is very tempting to give into their hype.
Dont be afraid to say No.
If there is ONE thing you dont like about a car dont buy it. That one thing will bug you down the road as you make those expensive car payments and the honeymoon has worn off. Often, people find the need to purchase another car than keep mending the current one, because of their poor decision making when purchasing the existing one.
Dont give the salesperson a feel for what you like and dont like. Dont get too personal with the salesperson. Scam and con artists are skilled at getting into you head and detecting something you have an emotional or preference stake in. Keep focused on buying a car and try to avoid the small talk with the salesperson.
How much is that car really going to cost you in terms of maintenance, insurance, and fuel? There are web sites where you can get this information. Another bit of knowledge to arm yourself with is knowing how much that car loan is going to cost you in terms of interest.
Check your credit report and correct any errors that may be there. It will help to get your loan approved faster.
Read reviews on various cars and educate yourself before going to the car lot. The internet has a wealth of information resources for buying new cars.
Today, there are many places where you can purchase a car. There are classifieds in your local newspapers, local car dealerships, car magazines, the internet, with a huge array of sites, also offers many great deals. Ebay is also an increasingly popular destination to find cars and not necessarily just to from it. Ebay can also be used for researching the car you are looking to buy. You can use it to gain an idea of how much cars in general go for based on your specifications and conditions. There are many, many new listings every hour that you can browse through to help find your new car.
Tags: Buying A New Car, Car Loan, Car Lot, Car Payments, Car Salesman, Car Salespeople, Con Artists, Decision Making, Dotted Line, Expensive Car, Honeymoon, Hype, Maintenance Insurance, Poor Decision, Sales Contract, Salesmen, Salesperson, Scam Artists, Scams, StakeRelated posts
Small business owners are using a very effective method of advertising to sell cars. They have incorporated the use of video technologies to offer automobiles for sale to the public and let them view these automobiles on their television. These automobile videos are a good way for people to see the true image of an automobile before they drive to a lot and talk to a salesperson.
Any car dealership could have thousands of automobiles on a lot at any given time. People can access some car dealerships on line, and spend the afternoon looking at each one on video tape if they so choose. The seller is always given an option of using videos to sell the car, and those that choose this option often sell their automobile quicker than someone who did not.
Several cable networks offer community bulletin boards which feature video ads to sell a variety of items. For one low fee, the average person can put their automobile up for sale and tape a video of the car while it is sitting in their driveway. These ads also provide the specifics of the sale offer on video for people throughout the local community to view at any time during the month.
While videos make buying cars easier, they can never replace the need for a person to make a personal inspection of the automobile. The videos used to sell cars will provide people with contact information so that they can arrange for an inspection of the vehicle when it is convenient for both parties. These videos can also serve to protect the public if there is a problem with the car shortly after sale. The condition of the automobile and the terms of sale are captured on video tape and can be used in court.
Some businesses organize car auctions and record videos of each automobile so that people in the back can view the automobile up close. There are usually several angles taken on video that will give a potential buyer a view of the automobile from the front, side, and rear. People truly enjoy being able to see video images of the interior of the car that include the front and backseat views.
Videos can prove very useful when they are used to sell cars, boats, and items used in water sports such as jet skis. Many car dealerships provide security on their automobile sales lot by running video cameras all night to record any type of vandalism or destruction that occurs on their property during the day, or at night. Some insurance companies give discounts on their insurance policies if video cameras are in use all of the time at a business.
Tags: Angles, Automobile, Automobiles, Average Person, Buying Cars, Cable Networks, Car Auctions, Car Dealership, Car Dealerships, Community Bulletin Boards, Local Community, Personal Inspection, Salesperson, Small Business Owners, Specifics, True Image, Video Ads, Video Images, Video Tape, Video TechnologiesRelated posts
Virtual World, Virtual Car Dealerships – Buy Online Through Car Finder Services And Save Money
Everyday, the world of the virtual marketplace gets more real. Dealers, owners, salespeople and services around the world are learning the value of putting their stores online. The automotive manufacturing, marketing and dealership sectors have a greater reliance and expertise in knowledge management than any other industry. This extends to viable E-commerce and cutting-edge online presentation of value-added products. In October of 2005, the New York Times reported that according to the National Automobile Dealers Association, 94% of the dealers in the US have websites with many of them registered through car finder services. The monthly average customers that visited any given dealer site were 230, as compared to a monthly average of 116 in 2004. Consumers are not just window-shopping or researching possible on-lot purchases, they are buying online at a dramatically increasing rate. Typical dealer sales conducted entirely online have increased from an average of 4.9 to 7.5 monthly in just two short years. 1.6 million people a month now buy their vehicles online. This is a staggering statistic. However, given the outstanding customer service and convenience provided by virtual car dealerships, its no surprise. This is part of a worldwide upward trend in auto related site traffic and business. Although site traffic numbers are higher in Germany, Sweden, and Holland, online sales are 60% higher in the USA than the world average.
One of the advantages of the online marketplace and virtual dealership sites is the fact that comparison-shopping is more convenient and less confusing for the consumer. For example, you are more times than not looking at a limited selection of make, model and inventory when you visit your local dealer. The price is approximately whatever the salesperson says it is. Knowing that auto sales are always negotiable, and that most salespersons work from commission, you are immediately put on notice that if you want a good deal, you will have to haggle. Offers and counter-offers then ensue. The salesperson plays the “good cop” role as he shuffles off with offers to a mysteriously absent manager or “bad cop” that is, of course, reportedly inflexible and steadfast. You, on the other hand, sit and twiddle your thumbs for hours on end waiting for a reasonable counter-offer. Usually eight or ten hours later, you are tired, confused, stressed out, and just plain exasperated. You may or may not have worked out a deal. Many car-buyers consider this a frustrating experience, not a satisfying or pleasurable one. Thanks to advancing IT technology and online virtual dealer showrooms, the scenario described above is becoming less common all the time.
The online marketplace allows you to select from an entire world of inventory and options. All makes and all models are available. MSRP and invoice cost are available and price quotes are yours for the asking. Many dealership sites will provide you with a complete detailed list of options and specifications on any make and model that may have caught your interest. Multiple views and zoom features are available for new and some late model vehicles. Some more advanced virtual showrooms can even provide three hundred and sixty degree interior scans. Do you want to hear what your new high performance vehicle sounds like? Yes, you can hear it online in some virtual showrooms. You can access financial worksheets that will calculate your monthly payments right down to the penny. You can do everything short of kicking the tires and taking the test drive. Online, there are no grandiose showrooms, in-your-face sales promotions, prizes, colorful dcor, or overdressed salespersons to drive the dealer’s overhead off the chart. There are no mysteries. On car finder sites like http://www.carfinderservice.com, you can provide a description of exactly what type of vehicle you are looking for and your zip code. You receive a prompt reply from a trusted in-network dealer in your area. This is not an auto-reply with a generic message. You receive a phone call from an actual local salesperson with all the information you need. This includes the availability, the value-added price, and answers to any questions you might have. In addition, there is no cost or obligation to use many of these services.
The value of the in-network dealer is obvious: They have made a commitment to provide consumers with the lowest possible price. A quote at rock bottom price results because the dealers’ cost to obtain you, as a customer is almost zero. These savings can then be passed on to you. We are talking about prices that are usually one percent over the dealer’s invoice. This is a huge bargain by anyone’s standards. There are a number of factors that are taken into consideration to determine pricing at this stage of the online buying experience. One of them, of course, is supply and demand. If a vehicle is in high demand, the price can be as high as the MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price). However, the fact that you are dealing with an in-network dealer is going to carry more than adequate weight into the quote you receive. You get the lowest possible price and the best quality service available anywhere by using a car finder service online. You get the virtual royal treatment with this system.
Tags: Auto Sales, Automobile Dealers Association, Automotive Manufacturing, Car Dealerships, Car Finder, National Automobile Dealers, National Automobile Dealers Association, New York Times, Outstanding Customer Service, Salespeople, Salesperson, Staggering Statistic, Traffic Numbers, Upward Trend, Value Added Products, Virtual Car, Virtual Dealership, Virtual Marketplace, Virtual World, Window ShoppingRelated posts
Why This Lawyer Says You Should Buy Car Insurance From An Independent Broker
I don’t sell car insurance, but as a lawyer practicing in the field of personal injury I frequently see people suffer because they have the wrong insurance coverage. Often, this happens because they purchased directly from an insurance company instead of an independent broker.
Many of my clients who have been seriously hurt in a car accident were struck by someone who had no insurance or only the minimum liability insurance coverage, which is $25,000 in New York and much less in many other states. Unfortunately, many of my clients were sold insurance policies with liability limits of $100,000 or $300,000, but were not sold matching uninsured and underinsured coverage.
Just this week, yet another new client had this problem. My client was a pedestrian crossing the street when she was struck by a car which fled the scene. The driver was caught shortly after leaving the accident, but the owner of the car only has the New York State minimum liability insurance of $25,000 and my client has serious injuries consisting of many broken bones including a fractured arm, leg and skull.
My client owns a car with liability insurance limits of $300,000, but she purchased the insurance from GEICO whose salesperson didn’t sell her underinsured coverage. GEICO does not use independent insurance brokers, but sells insurance directly to consumers through in-house sales agents.
For a small fee, my client could have purchased underinsured coverage of $300,000 which would have allowed her to recover $300,000 for her injuries instead of $25,000. Ironically, she did not need the $300,000 liability coverage to protect her assets. However, since you cannot buy underinsured coverage higher than your liability coverage, I would have advised her to purchase $300,000 liability coverage for the sole purpose of being able to purchase $300,000 underinsured coverage.
I have had many clients in this situation who lost their jobs because of serious injuries and incurred substantial debt. If they had matching underinsured coverage, the additional money available to pay their claim would would be a big help to pay their bills and get their life back together.
Underinsured motorist coverage will pay you money from your own automobile insurance policy if you have been hurt in a car accident by someone who was negligent for causing your injury and who had less liability insurance coverage than you did. Uninsured motorist coverage will pay you when the other car did not have any insurance coverage or the identity of the other car is unknown.
Underinsured and uninsured coverage is inexpensive and usually available in limits that match your liability insurance coverage. It is not available in amounts greater than your liability insurance coverage.
Underinsured and uninsured coverage is so important that a couple of states now require coverage limits matching your liability insurance limits, unless you decline the coverage in writing. Several years ago, I suggested to several New York State senators that they enact a similar law in New York.
I have also seen many clients who were not sold the maximum medical payments insurance, which costs me only $2.01 per month on my car insurance policy. This is particularly important for people who do not have a good health insurance policy. It is also beneficial for passengers who do not have health insurance.
Why should you buy car insurance through an independent insurance broker? The courts have defined the reason. There have been several “malpractice” lawsuits against insurance companies for failure to offer underinsured and uninsured motorists coverage limits matching the liability limits. However, when the insurance company sells directly to consumers, these cases have gone in favor of the insurance companies. The courts found that when a consumer buys insurance directly from an insurance company, rather than an insurance broker, the consumer is only buying insurance and is not paying for advice.
When you buy auto insurance from an independent insurance broker who represents several different insurance companies, you get the advantage of an insurance professional who can evaluate your needs and advise you accordingly. Additionally, only an independent insurance broker can provide you with a choice of insurance companies and premiums, so you get the best coverage at the lowest price.
Whether you buy your car insurance directly from an insurance company or through an independent insurance broker, always make sure that you purchase matching uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and the maximum medical payment benefits.
Tags: Broken Bones, Car Accident, Car Insurance, Geico, House Sales, Independent Broker, Independent Insurance Brokers, Insurance Company, Insurance Limits, Insurance Policies, Liability Coverage, Liability Insurance Coverage, Liability Limits, Minimum Liability, New York State, Pedestrian, Personal Injury, Salesperson, Sell Car, Sole Purpose