Understanding How To Work With Auto Dealers

« Back to Home

Four Things To Bring When Shopping For A New Car

Posted on

Shopping for a new car can be exciting, but it can also be a bit intimidating. Fortunately, there are a few key tools you can bring with you to the car dealership to help you as you shop. Here is a brief overview of some essential things to bring when you go new car shopping.

Your Smartphone

Your smartphone is your research assistant, and it can come in handy when the salesman is explaining different features of each car. If you aren't sure what a feature does, or if you just aren't sure whether or not you need that specific feature, you can use your smartphone to do a bit of on-the-spot research. This can also show the car salesman that you are a savvy consumer, which may change his or her approach when trying to sell a car to you.

Vehicle Spec Sheets

If you have a specific type of car in mind, visit the car maker's website first. Some car manufacturers offer complete breakdowns of each available model plus additional options packages. These breakdowns sometimes come with the MSRP price, which you can use as a negotiating tool when pricing the vehicle. Print out the spec sheet for every trim level and option package you might be interested in, and bring them with you. This can help you to determine if you are getting a fair asking price for the car you are interested in.

A Friend

It's easy to get excited over a car when discussing it with a salesman, and bringing a friend along can help you to weigh the features and benefits of each vehicle. Ask your friend to provide an honest opinion of each car, and consider asking him or her to provide opposing arguments for each vehicle. This can help you to remain objective as you shop. It can also prevent you from making an impulse purchase you might regret later on.

Pre-Qualification Paperwork

If you are financing the purchase of your new vehicle, it's a good idea to get pre-qualified before you shop. This can help you to determine how much car you can afford. In some cases, you may prefer to get your auto loan through a specific lender. You can go to that lender to get pre-qualified for your purchase. Bring any pre-qualification letters with you, and let the car dealership know which lender you prefer to work with. This can help to ensure you get a favorable interest rate and a loan from a company you trust.

Bring these essential items with when you shop for a car, and remember to ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable with your purchase. Once you are sure you have the right car, you can begin the sale paperwork. Contact a dealer, like Audi Brooklyn, to get started.


Share