1) How soon do you want to purchase a car or truck?
Immediately
In a few days
I can wait
When buying a new car, patience is a virtue. The later in the month you buy a car, the more willing the dealer is to lower the car price. As the calendar month progresses, dealers get eager to meet their "vehicles sold" quota by selling off some vehicles for less profit. Of course, don't wait until the end of the month to buy a car. Start your car buying research now.
Sometimes, it may be prudent to make the dealer an offer, and go home while the dealer considers your offer for a few days before agreeing to sell it to you.
2) Are you willing to shop around?
Yes
I don't mind phone shopping
No, I need the nearest dealer
Customers who seek multiple quotes from different dealers are more likely to get a better deal than customers who work with only one dealer.
3) How flexible are you in considering other cars similar to the one you are looking to buy?
I am flexible
I am somewhat flexible
I am not flexible
Individuals who are less fixed on the make, model, colors, or features on a car may get a car with equal or better class, or get a different make with equivalent features at a better price.
4) How much research do you plan to do before making a car purchase?
In-depth research
Some research
No research
Knowledge is power. Buyers who have researched their cars online and know the factors that go into negotiating the best car deal often end up getting the lowest car price. Reading the insight on "New Car Insider", and using our
New Vehicle Quote Service to get FREE price quotes will help you greatly during your online research.
Researching every aspect of car buying is important:
Car Loans: Check out online loan sites or your bank website, and get a pre-qualified loan before going to the dealership. Sometimes dealerships may match your bank and if that happens, dealer loans may be worthwhile.
Your Existing Car's Trade-in Value: Always research your car's trade-in value before going into the dealership. Dealers are usually willing to give you a better price if you indicate to them that you may consider trading in your old car. Go to kbb.com to calculate your old car's price. Caution: Some dealers may under value the price of your trade-in car. Be smart on what trade-in value you get from the dealer.
Auto Insurance: Once again, get a quote before going into the dealership. Dealers might steer you towards expensive insurance as it is another source of revenue. Being prepared with an insurance quote allows you to have dealers either match or beat your researched quote.
Accessories: If you plan to add on extra car features (like car alarms, sounds systems, etc.), call your local electronics stores and find out their prices before going into the dealer.
5) How good are your negotiation skills?
Very Strong
Good
Weak
Most people know if they are good negotiators. If you feel you may not be able to work a deal with a seasoned negotiator like a car sales person, it is prudent that you be honest with yourself about this fact and try to improve in this area. Car sales people are trained on the powerful skill of persuasion, and a novice car negotiator may be at a disadvantage getting a bargain deal. The only remedy to this problem is to take a friend with you who knows how to negotiate for a car, or use hard facts that sales people cannot refute as part of your negotiations. NewCarInsider.com is full of these facts.