What are the best questions when buying a car? (from a dealership)?

Question

I know I have to ask about monthly payments and APR financing charges, also about make and model of car. But what about rebates? What hidden things can thety "get me" with? What small print should I be weary of? I want to walk in informed and educated and not as an easy target. How can I not get ripped off? I am a woman and not very auto-savvy. I have a crap car to trade in and can only afford $200 or less as a monthly payment. $1500 down. I know I have to be strong and know what im talking about or else I could taken for a ride (pardon the pun). HELP! used car dealers?? New car dealers? People in the know? Anyone????

Answer 1

I'm a Finance Manager at a Pontiac, Buick, & GMC Dealership and I will tell you that the best thing you can do is to go in any dealership WITHOUT pre-conceived notions about how things can, should, and are going to go.

Buying a car is not a script that you follow...its all about know what you can afford and sticking with it. Before anyone else here tells you that we are all about ripping people off...just know that we as dealerships are not NON PROFITING ORGANIZATIONS. We show up each and every day to our jobs just like you do...with hopes of make money so that we can support our family, pay our mortgages and live a decent life.

And to address the latter part of your question....as a Finance Manager I don't know of many new car that you will be able to buy with $1500 down (even with rebates) and finance at $200 or below per month. You had better have a perfect credit score and even then I don't know if it will be possible....so knowing that much you definitely shouldn't have any pre-conceived notions...

You should probably think about purchasing a used car rather than new if you're thinking about staying at or below $200/month.

Answer 2

first off if you going in on a clean deal you are at an advantage. If you are looking to buy new or year end model check the manufactures site on the Internet to see the latest incentives programs. Check with your various local dealers about dealer incentives. If you have a friend that works for one of the automotive companies or suppliers they may be able to extend an employee discount to you as a refereed friend. If you have a trade-in know what the average trade is buy looking it up in an NADA listing. Ask first what the dealer is willing to offer you on trade before you even tell him what you are looking for....if he doesn't offer a fair price just walk out. If you like his offer continue to negotiate....remember that if you tie in your monthly payment comfort zone they will attempt to hit it anyway they can by stretching the limits of the loan payment schedule. This could cost you thousands. Check with your bank or credit union about becoming pre-approved for a loan that meets your ability to repay....then you will know about what you can afford. If your looking to buy a used car as a knowledgeable friend or mechanic to accompany you and help look for a good buy. Remember it's your money...don't be afraid to say no! I've walked away from many offers only to have the salesman call the next day with a better one. Clean up your car if you are going to trade it as you will get the best offer on a clean car. If your trade is really a dog try negotiating a clean deal then before you agree on a deal ask him for an offer to take the wreck off your hands if he wants the sale he will give you something for it and you won't have to deal with it later. Don't forget there are lease options also that carry lower monthly payments.

Answer 3

Ask the dealer if red crayon would be harmful to the paint job, since you intend to put a huge red circle around the scratch and write "So and So dealership did this and refused to take responsibility" on the side of the car.