1. Do your research. Talk to mechanics, friends, read reviews online - do anything that you can before you walk into the dealers. Get clued up on the car you want, find out the specs about it and any problem areas with that particular car. Never trust a manufacturer's own reviews or statistics - they're selling it! Find independent reviews and forums where people talk about the car you have in mind. 2. Shop around. Car sales have plummeted globally recently and all car manufacturers are struggling right now. They all want your business, but how much? I've heard of a guy that bought a top of the range car at 30% under list price. Not only that, he remarkably managed to get a lower end model thrown into the bargain - 2 for 1 - on cars! That doesn't happen every day but you'll never know if you don't try. 3. If you're financing the vehicle, shop around for that also. Dealerships often have in-house finance packages, but a quick trip down the high street will find you a much better rate for your borrowing. Maybe you can even get a better car for the same payment they are offering at the dealership. As always, consider what you can reasonably afford each month. 4. Be confident. If you're adamant that you can knock off $1000, try it. If you think you can squeeze 30, 50 or even 70% off the sale price, it all starts with believing that you can do it. What is the worst that can happen? They refuse. So what? Go elsewhere to spend your hard-earned cash 5. Listen to your head more than your heart. Convertibles are all well and good, when you live in Florida. I, however live in England, where I'd be able to have the top down for approximately 23 days a year unless I wanted to drive a bath all day long.
No matter which car you are looking at, there is always a better one. There is always a car with that little bit extra to stretch your budget just beyond breaking point. Don't give in to greed and always remember that a car is primarily for one reason - to get you from A to B.
My top tips on buying a new car should help you slash the advertised sale price of any car you see on a dealer's lot, be it used or new. Just stick to your guns and you will be surprised what you can achieve.
Get more tips on buying a car here.
Buying a car can be a difficult task. Having worked my own way through no less than 23 cars I know that buying a new car is daunting. Just remember that dealers are already a bit hot under their collars at the moment. Click the links above to find out how you can really take control of your car buying and get the dealers really worried when they see you walk in.