Car Buying Tips You Won’t Learn In School
Buying a new or used vehicle from a Ford dealership doesn’t have to be stressful. No one wants to walk into a showroom only to be tricked, hassled, or taken advantage of when looking at cars. While not every Ford dealership is out to get you, even the best dealers can be kind of intimidating.
If you follow these car-buying secrets, you’ll be able to shop with confidence while finding your dream car.
1. Pick the Right Dealership
Just because many dealers offer Fords on their lots doesn’t mean that all of these auto groups are created equally. Sure, Ford doesn’t just make anyone an official dealer, but individual shops have some leeway on how they run their business. Non-Ford dealers may also advertise used Ford options.
Take some time to read reviews for your local Ford dealerships. Find one that has a reputation for hassle-free shopping. You want to go somewhere you can get answers to your questions and assistance as needed, but you don’t want to deal with sales sharks breathing down your neck the entire time. You can even ask for referrals to ensure you work with a sales advisor who will make you feel comfortable.
2. Do Your Research
With so much information out there about every car ever made, there’s no reason not to do your homework. Find out what kinds of cars meet your needs, have the features you want, and don’t overwhelm your budget. Even used cars have a plethora of information available about them, including realistic ideas on what they are worth.
When you walk onto a dealer’s lot armed with information, you’re already ahead of the game. The sales team will respect you, and you’ll be less likely to get distracted on the lot.
3. Know Your Credit Score
Some of the less-worth dealerships operate on the hope that you don’t know where your credit stands. Not having this information could lead to higher interest rates, longer loans, and more expensive payments.
You can obtain a free credit report each year from each of the big credit reporting agencies. Go through your score to make sure everything is accurate. You might even find errors or areas you can correct that will raise your score.
4. You Are Always In Charge
Even sales teams who do everything on the up and up can seem intimidating. That’s often just because they know the product and want to help you make a great decision. On the other side, sales gimmicks and high-pressure tactics only work when you aren’t informed and don’t stand up for yourself.
If you feel that a salesperson isn’t listening to your questions or concerns, ask to work with someone else. Be firm and direct with what you want. That doesn’t mean you have to be rude, but it does mean being clear about what you want upfront. Good sales teams know that they need to sell their business to you, not just sell you a car.
You also don’t have to buy on the spot, even if you’re in desperate need of a vehicle. Take your time until you’re comfortable with the sale. More importantly, if the dealership is happy to work with you, even if you’re moving slowly, you’ve probably found a place that’s earned your trust and your business.
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