Buying A Car
Buying A Car:
Stick It To The Man
Oh the dreaded day you need to buy a car. Most women would rather run out in traffic or fall off a bridge than deal with some sleaze bag prick car dealer. We ran a survey a few months back to see what topics women wanted us to cover; car buying was in the top three. We actually thought the dread women feel about buying cars was over done, apparently not.
So here’s the deal. You can go into a car dealership or buy a car from a private person in one of two ways. One, you can be totally intimidated, uninformed and get screwed on the whole thing. The other, you get informed, get pumped and kick some ass! Below are a few tips to help you be the empowered, intellegent and strong woman you are:
1. Make Some Decisions Before You Look For A New Ride
Decide what you want in a vehicle — the features, body style, pricing, etc. — before you visit a dealer’s showroom. Stereotypical prick faced dealers will try to sell you a vehicle they want you to buy rather than what you want or need.
2. Know Your Stuff
Use the internet to research cars before you visit retailers. Check out dealer invoice pricing and the prices people are asking for specific models. To find comparisons on a car you currently own and want to trade for a new one, consult Kelley Blue Book used-car values.
3. The Salesperson Is Not Your Friend
Remember: The salesperson is there to make money; he’s not there to be your friend. Even if he’s your uncle, your cousin or the guy next door, never lose sight that, first and foremost, he’s looking out for his commission.
4. Get Preapproved
Get preapproved by your local bank or credit union before you go to the showroom. By doing so, you’ll know how much car you can buy for your money, and there’s an excellent chance you’ll secure a better interest rate at your personal financial institution than through the manufacturer’s credit arm.
5. Avoid Impulse Buying
At all costs, avoid impulse buying when purchasing a vehicle. Never let the salesperson know just how much you desire a specific vehicle. That knowledge puts the entire sales process in his court.
6. Bring Someone With You
Bringing a friend or partner with you can really help you take your time. You can step away together and discuss the situation. You can also have “save me” words that you can say to let your friend know that it is time to get you out of there.
Hope this helps you be more empowered and confident when you step out to buy a car. Your boyfriend or husband will love you for knowing all this stuff also. He may pretend like he knows his ass from a whole in the ground, but he probally doesn’t. Most guys are not as savey about cars as they were a couple decades back.
Good luck.
-The Guys
