New Car Buying Tips

• Do your homework. At one time, car dealers were offended when people came into their dealerships with car features they wanted and prices to beat. That's not true anymore. Now car dealers actually welcome informed consumers because it helps them better serve them. Don't be shy about telling the car salesperson or manager exactly what you want and how much you'd like to pay. With "no haggle pricing" and an emphasis on long-term relationships with customers, it's in the salesperson's best interest to help you buy the car you want. Salespeople may also steer you toward models you hadn't considered but have the same features for less cost.


• Try out the car. Take a long test drive, at least 15 minutes. Some people even note you need at least 30 minutes to be able to get a "feel" for a car. Also, have the kids sit in the car, open the trunk, try the radio. A car is a major investment and you want to be certain the one you choose will suit your needs. It's a myth that car salespeople don't want couples or those with kids to shop or try out the cars. The dealers welcome families because it gives salespeople the opportunity to highlight how the car can best serve their needs.


• Judge a dealership by its Web site. This might seem unfair because not everyone is Web savvy. Still, dealers' outreach to customers - not just for new and used car sales but for answering questions - is a good indicator of how they'll treat you as a customer. One New Jersey car dealership started a Web site "hot line" just to answer people's general questions about cars. The dealership has reported increased sales. The new customers are often those that were tired of stonewalling and appreciated the dealership's straightforward answers, according to dealership managers. You should demand that much from a dealer before you buy.


• Ask for recommendations. Just as car dealerships vary, so do the salespeople. Ask friends and family if they had a good experience with a particular salesperson at a dealership. Find out specifics and then go to that salesperson. One of the best new car buying tips available is to namedrop with a salesperson so they know they're working not just for you but for the original customer.


• Consider shopping toward the end of the month. That's when car dealers are trying to move the most cars and often have the best incentives available. If you want a deal, that's likely the best time to shop.

With the right back of tricks and a helpful set of car buying tips, anyone can navigate the complicated waters of buying a car. By taking your time and being prepared, you give yourself the best possible chance of finding the right car for your needs.