Just walking into any of the leading car dealerships in New Orleans or its nearby areas without doing the crucial prep work and research could easily end up costing you a lot of money. Avoid spending too much on a car purchase and consider these handy tips before even walking into any car dealer.
Considering Buying Used
Fox Business recently posted an article from Credit.com about deciding beforehand whether you want to buy a new or used car, based on need:
"The smell of a new car is nice, but that alone shouldn't be enough to make your decision (they have air fresheners with that scent after all). Some people argue it's never a good idea to buy a new car while others like having the newest model. Ultimately it's up to you (and your budget!) to decide which is a better choice for you. But used cars will typically cost less."
The possibility for savings can be attractive, but used cars come with risks, such as hidden damages in systems or mechanical problems that you may have missed out during the initial inspection. Always do a thorough inspection of the car before buying it to avoid numerous repairs that may cost you more in the long run.
Do Your Homework
Planning well will increase your chances of a positive outcome at the dealership. Knowing the type of car that you want and how much you're willing to pay for it will give direction to your negotiation when it's time to hammer out your deal with the car dealer.
Consider your purpose for wanting your own ride. Is it for family use? Will you alone be using it regularly? How many passengers will be riding with you? These questions and others will help determine whether you will end up buying that SUV or that two-seater mini. Search on the Internet for the models that match your needs, as well as your budget.
Calculate a spending budget. It is ideal to get a pre-approved loan before you even walk into any car dealership. Knowing that you have a sure budget to work around with will make it easier for you to negotiate the final price for the car you want. If you have an old car, you might consider trading it in to help ameliorate the costs.
Expect to Negotiate
Shopping in dependable New Orleans car dealerships or those in its surrounding areas, such as Covington's Baldwin Subaru, which serves nearby cities and communities, can get you to negotiate for better deals. Try to make a counter offer against the sticker price, because as with most reliable car dealers, you're most likely assured to get good value for your money.
(Source: 3 Ways to Be a Better Car Buyer, Fox Business, June 6, 2014)
