Knowledge is power when it comes to buying a car. The first tip is to check the NADA value of the vehicle. Know before you even go into that office to get or make an offer. Know before you go! How much money do you think educated car buyers can save over uneducated buyers when buying the same car? Would $5,000 get your attention?
While you may not save as much as $5,000, you'll save a bunch if you avoid these classic car-buying errors.
If you act excited, the sellers know they have a unique product you want. The price goes up instantly. Keep that enthusiasm in check until you've driven home.
If you buy on your first visit to a dealership, you don't have time to compare. Take your time. Be willing to walk away. The price at most dealerships falls quickly if you move slowly.
Feel free to make a deposit if you really want a vehicle. But don't give it until the boss says, "Yes." Some dealerships use deposits to keep you there while they try to convince you to pay more. And you can't leave if they have your deposit—money, a credit card, a driver's license, or your kids.
Because dealerships make a much larger profit if they lease rather than sell, even the best dealership may try to "switch" you. They'll try to convince you leasing is cheaper than buying. In most instances, it isn't. If you want to lease, don't do it on the spur of the moment.
A dealership can give you the least you will take for your old car. But you have a right to get the most your car is worth. To know that value, clean it up and try to sell it to several used car dealerships. Your car's real value is the highest amount you're offered for it. Don't accept less than that in trade.
The dealership may not be the cheapest place to finance. Bring a copy of the filled-out dealer contract to Elevate Credit Union and compare deals to find out. If the dealership doesn't give you a copy, they're probably not the cheapest.
It is so easy to trust the dealership and everything they say but don't. It could cost you a lot more money. Make sure you know the car's actual value and exactly what you are buying. Find out what your bottom line is. If this is all too much for you, we can help. Let us know the offer, and we can honestly evaluate the deal. As with most credit unions, our members come first. We care about your financial health because we are doing this together.
Need an auto loan? Did you know you can apply online? Check it out here: Elevate Auto Loans