Research car pricesWhile searching for a new car, determine what average prices are, so you can recognize the difference between a good and not-so-good offer. With your own comprehensive research, you’ll end up paying a price closer to invoice, rather than MSRP.
Get price quotes
Choose a limited number of cars (possibly three) you are seriously interested in and get free price quotes from local dealers. This process will include “building” your car – choosing year, make, model, trim, exterior color, interior color, etc. – and determining your method of payment as well as the trade in value of your current car. You’ll be asked to supply your personal information – first, last name, phone number, etc. – along with the ideal time for a dealer/sales manager to contact you. This usually occurs within 24 hours and he or she will ask you to provide a few more details on the car you “built.” During this phone call, be sure to request prices with all applicable taxes and charges included, commonly referred to as the “out-the-door price.”
Negotiating your new car purchase
With the lowest quote in hand, contact your preferred dealers and see if they’ll match or beat it. (Dealers tend to compete with each other because they want your business.) Consider negotiating online as this pseudo-dialogue can provide you with hassle-free process. It is much easier to stop an email string than it is to walk out of a dealership with a salesperson shouting “bigger and better deals” at you, hoping you’ll sit back down. Either way, once you find an ideal price and have read through all the fine print (and most of all, are comfortable with the deal), purchase that car!
