Category: Auto

The worst time to buy a car is a very important piece of information that you need to know in order to avoid buying your car around it. I based the information in this article on my personal experience, the experience of my friends, and the advice of a close friend who is also an auto dealer. The worst time to buy a car depends on your perspective of the process. In this article I put the value of the car within one year of the purchase as the reference point.

The worst season to buy a car is in the fall, especially in November. At this time the new models of the next year are released, or about to be released. If you buy your brand new car today and the next years model is released a week from now your car value will drop significantly. If you are to change it next year you’ll lose a lot. On the other hand, If you happen to buy the new model of the next year that has just been released you are working for the automaker as a lab rat. It’s always better to wait until the model has been tested on the roads and proven to be a good one. There are people who just love to be the first to drive the newest models, let them test it for you. Also in the fall you are going to drive your car for the whole season of winter immediately after you buy it. If you are to change it for any reason (expecting a baby, getting married unexpectedly, moving out of the country) your car value will drop in six months more than if you buy it in spring and drive it through summer. I am considering our harsh winter in Canada and in the Northern States.

The first day of the month is also a bad day to buy a car. An auto dealer typically starts a new cycle of sales and is relaxed, opposite to the last day of that sales cycle. The least day of the month they are ready to work out any deal just to meet the sales goal of the month. This is when you can practice some strategies to get the best deal on your car. The first day of the cycle there is no pressure, and the car dealer is ready for your strategies and will be OK with you leaving without buying.

Mondays are not good days to buy a car from a dealer that works only during week days, while not as bad if your dealer is open through the weekend. The tip of the thumb here is to avoid crowds. Go when the dealership is totally empty. This way you get all the attention and your pressure practices will give you the best results. If on the other hand they have other customers to serve you’ll be just one potential buyer, This is true specially when they have more customers than salesmen.

Too many times when people want a new car they dash out shopping at new car dealerships, see one they like, take it on a test drive with the salesman, drive around the block, get excited about the look and feel of the car, and before you know it are signing the contract. Next, thing you know that car is sitting in your driveway or garage.

Of course, they are excited about having a new car, however; in a couple of days, they may begin to question their decision. They may even begin to complain that the payments are too high and they cannot afford them, the car does not give them leg room, and the ride is not all that comfortable. One last complaint that is often heard is the gas mileage is terrible for their new car.

Does this sound like something you have said or done in the past? If so, you are in good company as 9 out of 10 car buyers agree. The worst part of the entire decision is that you are going to have to live with your impulse purchase for the next 4 to 7 years. Before you, head out the door to find the new car of your dreams you should invest just a couple of minutes to answer the following questions to learn what is important for you in your next vehicle.

I was virtually raised in an automobile dealership. For this reason I’ve never had to purchase a new car. That is until my husband needed to replace his truck last year. I have on the other hand, sold tens of thousands of vehicles as well as assist hundreds make a purchase. It is not enjoyable but it ought to be. Instead people are bombarded with options, product reviews, thoughts and opinions and then they have to negotiate. Insane city! There is something to be said for keep it simple stupid.

If I were to buy a car today I would personally do the following:

1. Compose a list of needs. These are items that you can’t live without, in order of importance. If not exceeding a particular monthly payment is the number one priority then put it there and keep it there. If having AWD is your number one on account of your driveway in the winter than remain true to that need.

2. Compose a list of wants. Be mindful that you do not get the two columns confused, it’s tempting. For example, you may want an upgraded stereo with a subwoofer, but do you need it? A friend recently bought an SUV and he determined that he had to have a navigation system because he is always on the road for work. He sacrificed his first choice in color (want) since there wasn’t one available with the navigation. Wants and needs, extremely important.

3. Compose a list of automobiles that interest you and perform your due diligence online. Use a resource such as AutoTrader to compare and contrast vehicles.

4. Remain objective when researching. Simply because you are in love with the Porsche, if your budgets $30,000 then get real. If you carry out the research and it doesn’t comply with your needs remove it from the list!

5. Flex. If you have to have a sunroof but can’t afford it maybe you should consider a Certified Pre-Owned.

6. Once you have your list of vehicles whittle it down to 2 or 3. If you have a Honda Fit and a Nissan Murano then there’s a problem with the list. Either that or you are the one percent who is able to buy on a whim. In which case you probably don’t need my advice.

7. Test drive and move on. The salesperson won’t like it but that’s okay. Let them know in advance you’re choosing between a few vehicles. Tell them your time frame. Drive the automobile and get a good sense of it. Make sure the salesman goes over the features and benefits even if you believe you know them. Do not rely on the accuracy of manufacturer websites. It may lead you to believe that there is equipment on a certain model but doesn’t disclose that it is only available on certain trim levels. And get the price and financing options even if you intend on paying cash. It’s common for manufacturers to incentivize the customer to finance with them. If they’re going to save you $2000 to finance then do it! It is a simple interest loan meaning that there’s no penalty to prepayment.

8. Don’t feel guilty about not purchasing right that second. But I implore you, on behalf of all salesman out there working to make a living, and there are good ones, do not go into a dealership when you are not making the decision inside of 30 days or at worst two months. When a salesperson hears, “I’m not buying till next year” he hears, “don’t even bother”. Car sales is a today business. Besides, the vehicle that you are looking at may no longer be available in a years time, incentives will have most likely changed not to mention the salesman will not be too eager to show you everything that comes with the car.

9. Last but not least, when you have made your final decision, commit. You should have some sense of excitement knowing that you made an intelligent, well researched purchase. All you can do at this point is shut up and drive.