Car Buying Decision Guide

There are periods in the economy when things slow down. At any time that the economy slows down, you'll start to see more advertisements on television and in print for car deals. It means the dealerships are looking to make deals and sell some cars. This is a good time to visit the car lots and consider buying a new car.

At the start of any given month, a dealership will try to get the month off to a good start with a surge of purchases and make some good deals. If sales don't materialize, then the same tactic will be used at the end of the month. Another good time.

You should definitely go after 3 p.m. If the sales person has not had a good sales day, s/he will be almost desperate to make a deal.

Almost everyone has heard of the bait and switch tactic, where a particular car is advertised, but when you get to the dealership, "it's already gone, but hey, here's another (more expensive) car to look at."

Then there's the "today only" tactic. The sales person will tell you he's got another buyer interested in the car, but if you make the deal today, you can have it. Does s/he really have another buyer? Only the sales person knows, and s/he's certainly not going to tell you.

Priming The Pump is a tactic to get you to say "yes" to certain questions, like, "Aren't these leather seats comfortable?" and "Doesn't this car sound great?" You have been primed to answer yes to the final question, "Wouldn't you like be in this car today?"

Do your homework before you ever step onto a car lot! Know the bottom line prices that dealers pay for car and work up from there, instead of trying to finagle the dealer down from the over-inflated price s/he will try to sell you.

Also, know what options are important to you and decide which ones you want and which ones you can get cheaper after-market. Refuse to pay the dealership for options you don't want or need.

If you are offered an extended warranty, be very careful and ask lots of questions. The extended warranty may be voided easily if stipulations are in place that requires you to provide certain measures of upkeep throughout the life of the car. Ask if you can have work done anywhere or must you use a particular service provider. Is there a deductible amount? What exactly is covered? By asking pertinent questions, you'll know if you need the extended warranty or not. Since the cost can by prohibitively high, you'll want to use caution.

And finally, get your own financing lined up. Talk to your bankers about your credit score and what kind of loan you will best qualify for. You will then have something to compare to when the dealership tries to sell you on using their financing service. Their service is usually NOT the best deal you can get. After all, whose interest are they really looked out for, anyway?

This car buying decision guide is intended to help you make the wisest and most cost-effective decision when making your next car purchase. But there is much more you can learn from car buying guide.

Whether you're looking for a new car, used car, want to lease, or have a trade, the car buying decision guide will help you to avoid these traps and pitfalls that plague many car buyers. You can learn the "insider's view" of how car dealerships really run and how they make money off you.

Check this car buying decision guide here so buying your next car will be a piece of cake!