| p>Women are so used to doing things, taking care of | | | | other person needs to make money, too. |
| the family and taking care of the home, so it should be | | | | 5. Don't sign the contract "just to get it over with." |
| no surprise that 7 times out of 10 she is the one to go | | | | Salespeople are good at wearing buyers down. But if |
| to the dealership and is the first line of offense when | | | | you give in to them, you will lose money. Unsure if you |
| buying a car. These tips will provide a more | | | | are purchasing the right car, or if the payment is |
| empowered and smooth experience and transaction | | | | something you can truly afford? Leave the dealership, |
| when buying a new car. | | | | return home and sleep on it. There is no need to feel |
| 1. Research. Know what type of car you want to buy | | | | guilty about leaving the dealership. It's your hard-earned |
| - make, model, features. Narrow it down to 2 or 3 | | | | money! |
| models. This will save you time running between | | | | 6. Exclusively Deal Electronically™ Another way to |
| dealerships. Know what dealerships you want to do | | | | buy a car is to exclusively deal electronically |
| business with. Visit consumer rating sites like | | | | (EDE™). For those that know precisely what they |
| Women-Drivers to read reviews on women's actual | | | | want to buy, options included, are only interested in |
| experiences while Browsing, Buying or Servicing a | | | | getting the lowest price, locate 4-5 dealerships in the |
| vehicle. Take the Negotiating Test to find out what | | | | area and contact the Internet Sales Manager via their |
| type of negotiator you are and to receive customized | | | | website. You will get back 4- 5 different prices, and |
| negotiation tips - know your strengths and | | | | simply work with the lowest priced dealer. EDE™ |
| weaknesses. If buying a GM brand, Google the list of | | | | saves time and your energy while fast tracking the |
| closing dealerships and start with those dealerships | | | | entire process for. |
| first. | | | | 7. Take it for a test drive. Once the car selection is |
| 2. Take your time. Be sure you are buying a car that | | | | narrowed down have your partner, husband or friend |
| works for you - functionally, technologically, and | | | | drive with you in the car - they may notice things that |
| financially. Do not fall in love with a car that you cannot | | | | you may have missed. He or she can try the |
| afford. Remember that you will typically make | | | | passenger seats, see if the door opens wide enough, |
| payments for 3-5 years; be reassured that it is a | | | | determine if there is adequate foot and backseat |
| payment you can manage for that period of time. In | | | | space. If you drive the car during the day, come back |
| fact, after you've been to the dealership and know | | | | later and take it for another test drive at night. Make |
| what their final offer is, visit sites like or and see if | | | | sure that the headlights, interior lights and fog plans all |
| there are any other dealerships in your given mileage | | | | work for you. Your road-test minded friend will be able |
| radius that are offering the car at a lower rate than | | | | to give you his or her opinion as well. |
| your offer - log on with your blackberry or PDA right | | | | 8. Get a Vehicle History Report. When buying a |
| there at the dealership. | | | | Certified Pre Owned or Used Car, make sure to |
| 3. Know when to shop. Go to the dealership during the | | | | receive a vehicle history report from a reputable |
| day, in nice weather. Shop towards the end of the | | | | source. You will need the Vehicle Identification Number |
| year or the end of the month. Summer months are still | | | | (usually found on the windshield). This comprehensive |
| typically when new years models are unveiled, and | | | | report can uncover any hidden problems that the |
| dealerships are ready and willing to work out premium | | | | dealership did not make you aware of. It also includes |
| deals. Some dealerships impose quotas on their sales | | | | mileage history, who has owned the car, how many |
| people to hit monthly numbers, so going to the | | | | people have owned the car and where it's been. Use |
| dealerships the last week of the month can make a | | | | a top company like [ Finding out the car's history is |
| difference. And, shop towards the end of the day. A | | | | worth the $40 investment! |
| long day with no sales may prompt a salesperson to | | | | 9. Don't do business with a salesperson that is pushy, |
| offer you a better offer. | | | | disrespectful or intimidating. You do have a choice and |
| 4. Be clear that about your expectations. Let the | | | | you do have the power. If the negotiation process is |
| dealership know exactly what you are willing to pay | | | | not working for you - or, if you don't like the way the |
| and how much time you have to finalize the deal. Even | | | | salesperson is talking to you, let them know what is |
| bring in other offers and let them know "the lowest | | | | not working. Be upfront and ask them to shift their |
| price wins." Know what you are willing to trade your | | | | tactics or tone with you. If there is no change in |
| current car for, also. Backup what you say with | | | | behavior, then, ask the General Sales Manager to |
| actions. Do remember, in the dance of negotiating, the | | | | assign you a new one. |