Buying A Vehicle should be fun, but it is also a business decision. Most people do not think of it this way, but your home has it's own little economy. Money in should be more than money out, and hopefully you end each month with a little more than you started with. That is the basic desire in business. And buying a vehicle is a business decision. Make sure you make the right decisions....
Figure out what is important to you before you go looking.
Make a list of "gotta haves, be nice to haves, and don't needs" PRIOR to hitting the market. If not, you could get caught up in the moment and make choices that you regret later.
2. Understand that most vehicles are pretty good.
The car business suffers from the same illness politics has, the incredible amount of misinformation that content creators put out there in an effort to sway your decision is usually suspect, at best. The best opinions regarding vehicles come from Google reviews. In my humble opinion, the only reviews worth considering are Googles. That and if you have friends that drive something you are considering, seek their real world viewpoint. Additionally, you can join a Facebook group that has customers that own the specific vehicles you are considering.
3. Buy what you want, not whatever is the "Best" deal. in the last three decades I wish I had a nickel for every customer that came in to the showroom trying to trade the car they purchased last week or last month. It is an extremely expensive proposition to try and get out of something you bought very recently.
Make certain that you buy something that you love. If you cant do that, make sure you at least really, really, like it.
4. Most dealers today are reputable, but make sure yours is.
The word loyalty has all but disappeared when we think of brands. In times past, customers would drive the same brand their whole life. It also used to be the same with dealerships. Families would buy from the same dealer sometimes generation after generation let alone vehicle after vehicle. It stands to reason that if you are engaging with an unknown dealer, then you do not know their sales practices and will want to be cautious. Again, research reputations through Google, Social media and your personal circle of influence to find recommendations as to where to buy. Always get any promises made in writing.
5. Always understand your buying power.
While today's customers are more and more informed, I am continually amazed at how many folks that have not put a lot of thought in to what their personal buying power is. Take the time to understand credit, current market interest rates and terms, trade values and Average selling prices of vehicles that you are interested in. It can make a world of difference.
6. Value your time. According to Autotrader- The top five activities conducted online by car shoppers include researching car prices (71%), finding actual cars listed for sale (68%), comparing different models (64%), finding out what current car is worth (63%), and locating a dealer or getting dealer info (46%). This can take as much as 40 hours of your time prior to ever stepping foot in a dealership. Use it wisely, do not overanalyze get through it all without having a mind-melt.
In conclusion, try to get the best vehicle for your purposes and then match it up to your paycheck, prioritize the right options and features, and go to a Solid Dealer with a Great Reputation.
Until next time...
- The Skipper
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