We just bought a used 2007 Hyundai Elantra. It’s a great car, but I completely hate the car buying experience. Something learned this round.
- They (used car salesmen) will try to keep you there as long as possible. This is to wear you down. If you’re like me, after a while you’re ready to say yes to anything just to get the hell out of there. Don’t let them.
- You’re actually the one in control. They’ll make you feel like you’re not, but you are. Remember, they’re desperate to sell cars right now.
- You don’t need to buy ANY maintenance plans, and extra warranty, or other crap. Just say no to it all.
- Don’t pay for any other extra fees. The guy we bought ours from tried to tell me that there was a “online” fee since I first saw the car online. I actually laughed when he tried to tell me that one.
- Don’t buy the car on the first visit. Go in, look at it, take it for a test drive and tell them you’ll think about it. That’s it. Come back in a couple days and then negotiate a price. They’ll try to get you to buy it right then and there. Do not do that – you’ll buy something out of emotion and probably regret it.
- Pull your credit score ahead of time if you’re financing.
- Speaking of financing, when it comes time to sit down with the financing guy, he’ll give you every reason in the world why they had a hard time getting financing and give you two or three choices. Usually one is the low interest rate that requires you to buy a big extended warranty and the other are higher interest rates. You can get the lower one with no extended warranty. Tell him the deal is off unless you get it without the strings attached and begin to get up. He’ll probably stop you and give you some more reasons he can’t do it, but stick to your guns and you’ll get it.
- Don’t ever be afraid to walk out. We did at one place.
- Remember, they need to sell cars and you can get a good deal if you’re prepared. Check out http://edmunds.com and know what you should be paying and don’t go above it.