I drive a truck... a 4X4 gas guzzling, smoke puffing, huge truck. It's a beautiful truck, red, almost fully loaded, peach to drive, fast, responsive - I really like my truck.
But lately I've had this thing happening in my head every time I get behind the wheel. I think 'silly girl' (that's how I speak to myself when I am having a conversation with me) 'just what the heck do you need this big piece of metal? It's really too big for what you do, it costs a fortune to run (gas costs per month are currently edging towards $600), you can't park it downtown, its almost a liability - not to mention it is a huge polluter.
So, I've decided to do something about it. I'm downsizing. Like so many things in my life that I have found 'not necessary' the big red truck is one of them. Now those who have been within earshot of me lately know of the woes and frustration I have undergone while trying to put myself into a new vehicle. Notice I say 'put myself into'.
My first bit of frustration came when I found out that dealerships really don't want your business. I think I am a pretty 'qualified' buyer. I won't go near a dealer unless I want to do something, I go in knowing basically what I want, I know the terms I want it in, I know the cost of doing business etc. I am straight up and straight ahead. This time around I even further qualified myself by telling several sales men (and three managers) I am in the market for a new vehicle NOW!
No one took me seriously. As it turned out, I ended up selling myself the vehicle of my choice, at pretty much my deal. I'm neither happy nor disappointed. I'm a bit put off that no one wanted to earn my business. I'm even more put off when I hear the auto industry whine about loses.
Bottom line, I think you can be standing there with a suitcase of $100 bills ready to step into a new vehicle and 90% of the sales reps out there wouldn't be interested in talking to you. Why? I don't know. Maybe I don't deal with hungry
enough reps? Maybe dealing with managers has it's downfalls.So, the long and short of this story.... if it all holds together, I will be driving my much smaller, much more fuel efficient, easier to park Edge by the end of the day on Friday. Now I do say, if all holds together. You just never know with a deal that sounds as if it 'was too good to be true'.
For any of you out there thinking about buying or leasing yourself a new vehicle, I've rounded up some best practices to help you get the best deal you can with the least amount of frustration.
#1) Do some research. Have a pretty good idea of what you are looking for in an auto. Passion is still the number one downfall in negotiating a good deal, don't fall prey to the 'I love it, got to have it' - this is not a pair of shoes!
#2) Know your price range. Whether you are leasing or buying most auto makers now how calculators on their product pages. They will even allow you to 'build and price' your vehicle. This little feature allows you to set some expectations such as what is in your price range and where your top end of the deal is.
#3) Don't buy/lease on your first trip out. Go on a fact finding mission. Be prepared to visit at least two dealerships to keep the other one honest.
#4) There is always room to negotiate! Work a bit, save a lot.
#5) If you really have hit your best deal, go for the extras that don't cost in the deal; ie. free oil changes, free tires etc.
#6) There is no need to rush - so don't. Make sure you are happy with the deal.
#7) Skinny deals are not always the best deals. Try not to beat your dealership up too much, leave them something in the deal. They really do need to make a bit of money on these deals, it allows them to help you out in a pinch and go the extra mile for you. That doesn't mean that you don't get yourself the best deal you can.... just be realistic.
There are volumes written on how to get your best car deal. If you want help, it is out there. Remember if it sounds to good to be true, it likely is... well unless it is chocolate and red wine :)
On that note, have Hot Cherry Day!
