Where To Begin

1 – What vehicle type should you buy?

Analyze how much driving and how much hauling of passengers and cargo you really do.  And be practical about it!  Yes, that Audi Q7 is ultra cool and luxurious.  But would a mid-size SUV like Honda Passport actually do the job for you?  Or maybe what you really needs is a Subaru Outback.  Yes, it would be nice to lay a 4x8 sheet of plywood flat in back. But when was the last time you bought one?

See what we mean?  Think, think, think.  Decide on the type before you decide on the vehicle.

2 – Set a budget

Everybody gets this one, right?  Know what you can afford before you start looking.

3 – Do your homework

With the internet, there’s no excuse for going into a dealer unarmed.  And btw?  The dealer is more likely to respect you as a savvy buyer down the road.  So go to the manufacturer’s websites and look at the type of vehicle you’ve settled on.  Compare features.  Compare  prices.  Check the mileage and insurance estimates.  Check the safety ratings.  Compare warranties.  You’ll find it all right there.  And what you don’t find, most manufacturer’s provide web links to.  Read reviews and check the consumer buying guide sources. And above all – investigate the factory financing, incentive, and rebate programs.

4 – Make a list

Based on your homework and your knowledge of the vehicle type that’s right for you, make your short list of vehicles to consider.  Don’t go crazy.  Keep the list short.  Three to five choices should do it if you’ve done your homework properly.

5 – Know your financing.

Find out your credit score at any one of several consumer credit sources such as freecreditreport.com.  If your credit is in the high good-to-excellent range, this is going to be much easier. Chances are, you’ll qualify for factory financing programs which are usually the best rates and the most straightforward in terms.
If your credit is a little weak or downright dicey, try applying to (one of these) on line.  You’ll be armed with the power of know what you’ll be able to borrow, and what it will cost you.  Which will make you better able to compare the dealer’s secondary financing options.

6 – Your old vehicle

If you’re going to trade it in to the dealer, be prepared for making the process a bit more difficult.  This variable gives the dealer an opportunity to play with the overall cost package more.  On the other hand, it can save you considerable time, expense and aggravation to simple trade in.  If you’re going to sell, check the Kelly Blue Book for your car’s value. Be realistic about its condition.  Also check your local market – classifieds and dealer used vehicle ads – to get a feel for what similar models are actually selling for.  Most local Shopper publications and newspapers have lots of other tips and even signs and other materials to help you sell on your own.

7 – Start the process

Go to your local dealer websites and see what they’re offering on your vehicle of choice.  Check out the local inventories.  Know what you’ll be seeing before you ever set foot in a showroom. In fact, some of the more heads-up dealers will make the online process so smooth you can practically buy the car online.

8 – And now the fun part

Armed with product knowledge, a sense of your budget, and the various incentive programs available – visit a dealer.  Be firm, but don’t be antagonistic.  The dealer doesn’t really want to work at it any harder than you do.  Your quick demonstration of facts and reality will cut to the bottom line faster.  And it’s liable to be a better bottom line for both parties.