The Car Shopping Guide

You've studied this web site with a fervor never seen in mortal humans before now and you're ready to get out amongst the predators now are ya?

So, let's get started.

One of the strongest positions you can have when going to the automobile negotiating table is to have a real good understanding of what the dealer's cost is in the vehicle that you have your eye on. It's like playing poker with a mirror behind your opponent. 

Not to mention the leverage it gives you during the bargaining process, but the confidence factor goes way up as well.

Not so many years ago, obtaining the dealer cost on a vehicle wasn't nearly as easy as it is in today's internet wrapped world. So, there is really no excuse for not getting your arms around this one... right? You are on the web looking at this site.

On average the dealer cost will be about 90% of the MSRP. During your research I hope you organized your notes or created a spreadsheet to help you keep all the information on dealer cost organized by make, model, trim and option packages. If not, consider taking a step back and do so before you head out to buy that car. This is knowledge well worth obtaining.

There's no doubt in my mind (or probably yours either) that shortly after arriving at the dealership you'll be greeted by a sales person.

Right up front the best advice is to politely hold them at bay for a while, while you have a chance to look around. There'll be plenty of time to schmooze with the sales person later.

The key here is don't rush and don't let yourself allowed to be rushed.

Not only is this a good time look and touch the vehicles on your list but, what do you think about the salesperson? What was your first impression? Did they honor your request for space? I'll talk more about salesperson personality a bit later. But, believe it or not, a good salesperson that appreciates working on putting a good car deal together and not just selling you a car is a valuable asset.

O.K back to the car...

Look closely at it. Check the paint, look for paint pimples, scratches. Look closely at the gaps around the doors, hood, and trunk, are they straight and spaced evenly? Now you might be thinking a couple of things. First, hey dude, the car will be under warranty... why worry? Well, more than likely yes... but do you really want that hassle right off the bat with a new car?

Secondly, wouldn't this type of scrutiny apply more to looking at a used car? Perhaps so. So, I will get into used car buying later. But this is still very relevant advice.

At this point, unless the car is unlocked you are probably ready to hail the salesperson to get you a key so you can check out the inside.  If you still want some more alone time once the salesperson comes back with the key, let them know. If you are there car shopping with someone else or your spouse, you may want that alone time so you can freely converse about the car without the ears of a salesperson involved.

You're in the car. Get behind the wheel. No, we're not test driving yet. How does the seat fit and feel.

Right now, let me tell you something... it may be the exact car you think you want, but when you're behind the wheel and the seat isn't comfortable don't rationalize to yourself that you'll get used to it. You never will (at least completely). And it will eventually become a sore spot with you (no pun intended).

Does the seat offer support? Does it adjust easily?   Were you able to even readily find the adjustment knobs? From the seat, make sure you can reach all of the controls comfortably. How is the instrumentation laid out? Can you see all of the controls at a glance? Can you easily see out all of the windows? Blind spots? Very important here... are there any?

Sit in all of the seats. Are they comfortable? Do the back seats fit your lifestyle? Check out all of the storage compartments, cup holders, all the amenities. Do they fit your driving lifestyle?

Be brutally honest with yourself about the car. And, oh yeah, take notes! If you don't, you'll never remember what you liked and didn't like about the car by the day's end of new car shopping.

Options and Packages next...