How to find the right car dealer for you
Buying a new car can be exciting, but it's hard to know how to choose a car dealer that's right for you. Many people fear being scammed by an unscrupulous car salesman or avoid buying cars from a car dealership because they don't want to deal with a salesperson at all.
However, finding the right car dealer can make buying a car a lot easier. They may be able to help you get exactly what you're looking for and stay within the budget you've set for your new purchase. Not all salespeople are dishonest, and some of them genuinely want to help you find the car that's best for you.
Below are some steps to follow so you can be sure you are choosing the best car dealer and you don't have to worry about being scammed or taken advantage of when buying a new car.
Part 1 of 2. Researching Dealerships
Searching the Internet for reviews of the dealerships you are considering buying a car from can give you some insight into the reputation of the dealership and introduce you to the reviews of other customers who have used the dealership in the past.
Step 1: Read reviews. Search the Internet for reviews of car dealerships. A great place to look is here on cars.com.
- Functions: Look for reviews that mention great customer service, or find a specific car dealer who helped the reviewer. If you enjoy the way another car buyer is treated at a particular dealership or a particular seller, it might be a good idea to consider visiting that dealership or getting that dealer's name.
Step 2: Contact your dealer. Contact the dealership where you would like to consider buying a car.
The best way is to talk to someone on the phone; however, you can also contact them via live chat on their website.
When you contact the dealership, explain that you are looking for a vehicle. Request a quote for the car model you would like to purchase.
- Functions: To contact the dealership via chat, look for the chat icon on their website. There will either be a live link with the word "chat", or you will see an empty conversation bubble. Once you click on it, you will be prompted to reply to the agent in a chat window.
Bring this quote with you to the dealership. If the salesperson at the dealership doesn't keep it or wants to upgrade it, you can go elsewhere.
Step 3: Ask a friend for a recommendation. Word of mouth is a great way to find out about reliable sellers.
Going to a dealership and asking a salesperson who has helped someone you know is a great way to get started on the right track with a salesperson because they will appreciate the extra business their past work brings them.
- FunctionsA: Many want to ask how long the salesperson has been at this particular dealership. Sellers who have worked at the dealership for a long time will be more knowledgeable and more likely to have a good reputation because they have worked at the same dealership for so long.
Step 4. Research the car you want to buy. The more you know about a car before buying it, the easier it will be for you to know if the seller is misleading you about the car.
Pay close attention to the car's market value to see if the seller is offering a reasonable price.
Part 2 of 2. Talk to the seller
After doing all your research, it's time to choose a car dealer. Being prepared is the best way to go when entering a car park. Remember that sellers have to sell cars, so they want to help you, but they also have to make a profit. Talking to an honest, knowledgeable seller is the best way to make sure you get the best deal.
Step 1: Ask lots of questions. During a conversation with the seller, you should ask a lot of questions, especially those that you already know the answer to.
This way you can determine if the seller is being honest.
If the seller doesn't know the answer and leaves to get information from someone else, you'll know that he/she is trying to help you get the information you need to make a decision.
- Functions: The salesmen won't know every fact about every car in the parking lot, but if they're honest with you, they'll tell you they don't know and find out for you. Beware of sellers who make up information you know is not true based on your research before going for the lot.
Step 2: Get all the facts. Beware of sellers who want to sell you a car based only on monthly payments and won't disclose the full value of the car.
They may be able to get you a small monthly payment with a high interest rate, or they may take a long time to repay, so you end up spending a lot more than you planned.
Step 3: Don't let yourself be pushed around. Be wary of overly aggressive or unusual sales methods. Some salespeople will be pushy or impatient, which is usually a sign that they are more concerned with closing a deal than helping you find the best car and value for you.
- FunctionsA: If you are unhappy with the way the seller treats you, ask to speak to someone else or contact another dealer. When making a large purchase, it is better to feel calm and confident than to intimidate or rush an aggressive seller.
Be sincere and clear about what you are looking for so that the seller understands your budget and what type of vehicle you would like. This will help him/her determine the best car for you on the site.
- FunctionsA: Shop around. You don't have to buy the first car you see, and the seller at another dealership may offer a lower price if you were offered a different amount from the previous dealership you visited.
Remember to do your research, be honest with your seller, and ask lots of questions. If you're feeling awkward from a salesperson, it's probably best to try someone else. If you catch a seller trying to tie you up with high interest long term rentals or they aren't giving you the right information, look elsewhere until you find what works for you.
