When you start your car-buying journey, you become a target for car salesmen. They will try to upsell you on features and extras that you don’t need, or which aren’t worth the price they are asking for. As a savvy car buyer, you should outsmart such salespeople who are trying to get you to buy the car they want, not the one that’s right for you. To avoid falling victim to the tricks of a car salesman, here are some useful tips:

1. Do Your Research Before Shopping

Take time before going out shopping to educate yourself on what is available and the current market value of the car you want. This will give you a better idea of how much to pay, so that you can avoid being overcharged by a salesperson. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you will be to spot a good deal.

2. Email or Call Ahead

Email or call ahead to the dealership and ask for a quote on the car you want. This will give you an idea of current prices and provide a good starting point when haggling. Even when you believe you’ve found the right one, call around to other dealerships and let them know you’re looking for the best deal. This will help ensure that you get the fairest price.

3. Don’t Talk About Your Trade-in

When you call or first enter the dealership, don’t mention your trade-in right away. Negotiate the price of the new car first, and then let them know about any additional deals they can do with the trade-in. You may be able to get more money for it if you leave it out of negotiations until later. The salesperson may be tempted to offer you a lower price for the new car in exchange for keeping your trade-in and this way, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal.

4. Bargain Intelligently

Salespeople are trained to haggle and it may be tempting to get into a back-and-forth price battle with them. However, this can lead to frustration on both sides as you go round and round in circles without actually getting anywhere. Try to avoid indulging in this type of negotiation and instead focus on presenting your offer and seeing if the salesperson can meet your needs. Letting dealers compete against each other by asking for their best price is another great way to get the price you need.

5. Don’t Get Swept Away by Extras

Salespeople may try to sweeten the deal with free extras and add-ons such as a new sound system or window tinting. This can be tempting, but make sure you don’t overspend on these items – if they are truly necessary, you can always buy them separately at a later date and save yourself from overspending. Also, make sure you have a clear understanding of all the additional fees associated with the car such as taxes, registration costs or warranties.

6. Talk Sale Price Before Leasing

You want to make sure you have a good understanding of the sale price before signing any paperwork. Even if you plan on leasing, you’ll want to know the sale price so that you don’t end up with a lease agreement that may be more than you can afford or is not in your best interest. Introducing the leasing subject too early may give the salesman leverage to offer you a deal that is not in your favor.

7. Don’t Be Afraid To Walk Away

If the salesman is not willing to negotiate, don’t be afraid to walk away. Many times there will be other dealerships nearby who are offering better deals. You should always feel comfortable that you have done your research and that you are getting a fair deal. If the salesman does not seem willing to give you what you want or need, then there is no reason to stick around.

8. Have a Mechanic Check Out the Car

You should always have any potential car purchase checked out by your own mechanic before completing the sale. This can help avoid problems down the road, especially if you are buying a used vehicle. Remember that it is usually worth spending a few extra dollars on a good mechanic to ensure that you are getting the car of your dreams.

9. Test Drive Again Before Finalizing

Once you have come to an agreement on the price and any other terms, it is always a good idea to take the car for another test drive before signing the paperwork. This will give you one last chance to make sure that you are satisfied with your purchase and that everything works properly. If there are any issues, now is the time to bring them up and negotiate a better deal before making the purchase. Don’t forget to check the brakes and steering as well, to ensure that they are in good condition and that you have full control of the vehicle.

Reach Out to Eastern Shore Hyundai For the Best Deals

Finally, it’s important to remember that not all salesmen are out to take advantage of you. If you feel comfortable with the person selling you your car and they seem willing to negotiate, then there is no reason why you can’t get a great deal on the perfect car for you. That’s why it makes sense to reach out to Eastern Shore Hyundai – we provide quality cars at the best prices and they have a great selection of new and used vehicles. With our knowledgeable sales staff, you can be sure that you’ll get a fair deal on your next vehicle. So don’t wait any longer – contact us today.