Buying a new car or signing a lease can be an exciting time but as most of us know, it’s also stressful! Here are 10 car tips and steps you should to get the best deal on a new car. Buckle up, it’s going to be a fun ride!
Before you march into that dealership, arm yourself with knowledge. Hit up websites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to get the lowdown on your dream ride. Knowing the average price tag in your neighborhood will make it less likely that a salesperson will try to take advantage of you.
Don’t ever try haggling in person, the salespeople can be quite convincing and before you know it, you are getting a crummy deal. Instead, email every local dealer for the car you want to buy and ask them for X car but with a desired monthly payment of $xxx.xx. From there, compare their quotes send screenshots of the quotes to other dealers and let them battle for your business. Just like that, you have turned into a negotiating ninja!
Salespeople love to meet goals. If you show up when they’re desperate to hit their numbers—end of the month, quarter, or year—you might just snag yourself a sweet deal. Think of it like shopping for post-holiday bargains but with cars. Personally, we always get our cars at the end of the month, and it always works like a charm.
You may have your go-to dealer that’s right around the corner, but don’t put all your eggs in one dealership’s basket. Take a spin around different lots to see who can make your car dreams come true at the best price. It’s like dating; you’ve got options!
Line up your loan before you set foot in a dealership. Let them know upfront that you are pre-approved, and they will instantly know you have done your homework. It’s like having a secret weapon up your sleeve. Plus, if the dealer knows you’re pre-approved, they might just try to sweeten the deal to win you over because they know you are ready to buy.
Eyeing last year’s model could save you big bucks, especially if it’s about to be replaced. Sure, it’s like buying Halloween candy on November 1st, but who doesn’t love a discount?
Keep an eye out for rebates and incentives. If they don’t offer any, you can simply ask! Some of our favorite asks (that usually get granted) are:
Remember to ask with confidence. Even if you don’t have any, fake it! These sweet deals can slash the price tag, making your wallet breathe a sigh of relief.
If you’ve got a trade-in, don’t let them know until the very end! And by the end, we mean we you have already been quoted the monthly price you were aiming for. But FIRST, make sure to get an idea of what your ride is worth via kellybluebook or a quote from a dealer. Once you are armed with that knowledge, include that as down payment to lower your payment even further.
If the salesperson is too pushy or annoyed with how prepared you are, walk away! There’s something empowering about strolling out. You might just get a call with a better offer. If not, there are plenty of fish in the car dealership sea.
Leasing can be tricky with all its little details. Here are the things you should look out for:
Everything mentioned above is what I have personally done with every car purchase or lease I have done. The car above is my 2023 Audi A3 that I was able to get with $0 down and $420 a month payment. Without haggling, the payment would be $500+ so I know these tactics work! And there you have it, my personal guide to snagging a great car deal without losing your mind (or your sense of humor). Remember, it’s all about staying informed, playing it cool, and not being afraid to walk away. Save Sensei out!
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