Over 50 percent of people say they’d rather clean their homes than negotiate with a car dealer. There’s no doubt that buying a new or used car can be daunting, especially if you don’t know much about cars. There are over 100 new car dealerships in Montana, so you’re spoiled for choice. No matter which one you choose, however, make sure that you get the best deal possible.
Be open to haggling
Don’t be afraid to haggle! If you’re a skilled negotiator, you can shave as much as 15 percent off the purchase price of a car, according to ABC News. Known as “grinders”, customers who walk into dealerships and try to get the lowest price on a car are more likely to clinch a better deal. So, don’t accept the initial price on offer. The key to being a good haggler is to do your homework before you go to a dealership, e.g., looking up Audi for Sale online. Know what other deals and prices are out there, as well as how much you can afford on monthly car payments. This enables you to let the dealer know exactly how much you will or won’t budge, forcing them to lower their price.
But know when to quit
Some car dealers want you to stick around at the dealership so that you’re more likely to purchase the car at their price after seeing that your negotiating isn’t going anywhere. If you tell the dealer that the price isn’t where you’d like it to be so you’re going to shop around some more, this can actually work better than if you stand there trying to bring their price down. You’re likely to get a call from the dealer who won’t want to lose a customer. When you leave, it also helps to go check out a different dealership or search online for the latest car deals. If you can prove that you’re getting a better deal elsewhere, this is more likely to make the dealer accept your price.
Time your car shopping right
You shouldn’t just walk into a dealership at any time. Certain times of the year are more favorable for getting car deals. You’re more likely to find cars selling at good prices at the end of the year when there are sales. This is because car dealers will be trying to sell last year’s models at lower prices. It’s also a good idea to buy a car during the cold winter months. This is because there’ll be fewer shoppers around in the car lot, which means lower demand of which you can take advantage. Research published by CNBC found that November is the best time of the year to get discounts on both midsized and compact cars.
Don’t immediately accept the extended warranty
A dealer might suggest that you purchase an extended warranty, otherwise known as a service contract. This is a way for the car dealer to make more money on labor to service or repair your car. Although the dealer might be insistent on getting you to service your car at his or her dealership, understand that you can have it serviced elsewhere at a better price. Do your homework by getting a price quote from the car dealer and then shopping around to see if you can get something better. Be aware that a car dealer might state that their extended warranty isn’t negotiable, but you could very well find a dealer who offers you a lower asking price and is more willing to lower it.
Ask for other perks
If you can’t lower the price of a vehicle, the sale doesn’t have to be aborted. The dealer could have other perks up his or her sleeve that you should ask about. For example, some dealers might offer you complimentary oil changes for a specific amount of years. This might not sound like a lot, but bear in mind that changing your oil is one of the most important things you can do for your car, and it should be done ever 3,000 miles. Getting an oil change costs between $20 and $55, according to Cost Helper, so that translates into thousands of savings over a few years.
Buying a car at a dealership can feel intimidating, so it pays to know some important skills that can get you a better deal. From knowing what perks dealers have on offer to learning how to haggle, becoming a more informed car buyer puts you in the power seat. If your credit score is less than ideal, exploring subprime auto loans could be a viable solution. To find out more about subprime auto loans and whether they are suitable for your situation, go to the website of reputable lenders or financial institutions.