Car Purchasing Tips for Women

Most women look at a car differently than a man does. They know that if the kids are "touching" or there's no place to put the sippy cup, life will be miserable. Since they are so important in finding the next family car, there should be a good way to cut the stress involved.

Let's face it, most of us wonder if we are getting a good deal. Do we need the extended warranty? Would it be better to lease or purchase the car?

Every time you walk onto the car lot, you are at their mercy. They have it down to a science as to how they approach you, what they say and even where the bathrooms are located. They also deal with those long forms of fine print daily while you scarcely have time to read what you are signing. Wouldn't it be nice to have an experienced car salesman take you by the hand and help you get the best possible deal?

The more you know before you walk onto the car lot, will cut your stress and help you to make a better deal. In this case, knowledge really is power.

1. Consider the time of year - most new models come out between August and November. If the car you want will soon be updated, ask for that to be considered in its price..

2. Do Your homework and the persuasion techniques of sales agents will be disarmed. The internet is a wonderful source of information. Spend a little time and find out what the factory invoice price of the car you plan to buy really is. Check out the blue book value of your trade in. Refuse to be pressured. If you are uncomfortable in any way, it doesn't hurt to have to "go pick up the kids" and take a break.

3. Ask agents about unadvertised sales. Sometimes they have models that they would rather sell and will give a price break to reduce inventory.

4. Remember that most prices are negotiable. If you aren't comfortable hashing out a good deal, bring a friend who is good at it.

5. Avoid going to dealers during the weekend because that's the time when most people usually buy cars. Instead, go during the middle of the week when agents are eager to close a deal. You also might do better if you go to a car dealer near the end of the month when he is trying to meet sales goals.

6. A car is a major purchase. Take your time. If there is something that you aren't sure of, you can leave and return after you have checked it out. Many sales agents don't want you to leave because they know you can easily buy from someone else. That's not your problem. We women are so sympathetic. This is not the time to think about the poor salesman and how his boss will react to "your puny offer".

Don't talk yourself out of a good deal

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If these tips have given you something to think about, you might want to get more information. My friend, Jennifer, told me about Inside The Dealer's Playbook. It's written by a man who used to sell cars but didn't like the tactics he was expected to use. In this book, he shares what he knows with you. It's packed full of solid car buying information and is fascinating to read. You can find more about it at Taking The House Edge.

Hi, I am a woman and I do drive a car. The tips I recommend on this page make sense to me and that is why I posted them. However, you should know that if you decide to buy this book, I might make a few cents on it. Nothing big but in the interest of full disclosure, I wanted you to know. Happy car shopping.