Buying a new car can be one of life’s most exciting and rewarding experiences—or it can be the worst.
Car shopping is not like going out to buy a pair of shoes. For most of us, buying a car is something that happens every few years and there is nothing like getting the keys for your new ride.
But before you get to experience that new car smell, shiny paint job and perfectly clean interior, you must deal with a car salesperson. It would not be buying a new car if you did not hear the following lines coming from them:
- “What do I have to do to get you to drive this car off the lot today?”
Okay, who among us has not heard that line before – and usually within 30 seconds of stepping foot on the car lot and before you have even had a chance to determine if the car you are looking at is right for you.Can you say manipulation, because that is exactly what this line smacks of. Seriously, why can’t salespeople come up with a better pickup line? Simply put, do not let anyone pressure you into making an on-the-spot decision about such an important purchase.
- “This deal will not last long.”
Wanna bet? How many times have we seen commercials or print advertisements that scream “the biggest discounts of the year” or “largest price cuts ever.” Typically, those words lead to “deals won’t last long.” Yes, they will. Those deals – or even better ones – will be there next week and next month.Those lines simply play on a car buyer’s FOMO, or fear of missing the best deal. Do not make a quick decision on purchasing a new vehicle without thinking everything through and determining if the vehicle is right for you.
- “Better buy it now. There’s only a few left.”
Let’s be real. Car dealerships get in new inventory on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. If the vehicle you want is not in stock, that is more than likely a temporary situation. Do not sweat it. Find out when it will be in stock and then be ready to pull the trigger and buy.Remember, that also gives you a chance to cool off and really figure out if the car you want will match your lifestyle.
And, if the dealership is out of stock and truly will not be getting any more of the car you have your heart set on in, try an internet search. That will show you dealerships in your area that do have what you want.
- “Yes, we know about that problem. That is why the price is so low.”
If your car salesperson tells you this, be ready to run – or stand your ground and negotiate a lower price if you notice an engine problem or other issue during your test ride. Your next step should be a visit to an independent mechanic for a complete check of the vehicle before you buy.
- “Now is the time to buy.”
So, out of all the days to walk into a car dealership to buy a new car, today is the perfect, absolute best day to buy a car? Yesterday was not? Tomorrow will not be? How sad for the people who bought cars on those days…This is simply another high-pressure line designed to get you to make a snap decision based on your heart and not your head. And that is no way to buy a car.
In short, most of today’s new car shoppers are smart consumers. They have done their research, know how much they are willing to spend and are not interested in cost enhancing things such as rust-proofing their vehicle’s exterior or interior fabric protection. They also do not want to hear a lot of glad-handing from their salesperson or to be pressured into making a purchase and will simply ignore those tactics.
