Car Buying Tips
How will you pay for your vehicle?
CASH, LOAN OR LEASE? What is your best option?
Tips on Places to Look
- Stop by car lots when they are closed and look at the vehicles.
- Look in parking lots at the vehicles people drive. Ask the owner what they think of the car. Most folks will tell you pretty honestly.
- Watch the vehicles on the road that catch your eye. Make a list of the cars you want to go look at more closely and possible test drive.
- Ask your friends! Where did they get their car? Do they like it?
Sources of Information
- Car Publications
Pick up a few different ones (i.e. Car & Driver, Consumer Reports, Motor Trend). A word of caution. Some of the new car "Price Guides" can be a bit off in their information. There are regional costs and expenses that dealers pay that these books usually neglect to mention. If you use these numbers as an approximation, you should be fine.
- Internet
Kelly Blue Book
www.kbb.com
They are now offering along with their value guide, new car information.
- Your Financial Institution
Your Financial Partner's loan officer has worked with lots of people buying cars and can give you some very valuable and important tips. Many banks and credit unions offer their members services such as the IFMA Auto Network.
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- Choose a dealership by reputation, not by fancy advertising.
- Go to the dealership when it is convenient for you.
- Drive the car in the daylight.
If it is the one you are buying, you will want to make sure there are no dings or marks to be discovered later.
- Go later in the day.
The sales people will often be less likely to try and spend an excessive amount of time with one customer.
- Always put limits on your budget before going to the dealership.
Do not get "talked into" going past your pre-set limits. You set that limit for a reason. Think about it away from the dealership. If the dealership is afraid to let you go, or makes it uncomfortable for you to do so, this is more of a reason to get away and think.
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Find out the complete information about purchasing a vehicle.
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Contact a Customer Service Representative today at 1-800-409-IFMA
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