| The current economic climate is definitely taking its toll | | | | much harder if they think they are going to get a |
| on the car sales market in Australia, as well as around | | | | signature, so let them know you are there to buy a car |
| the world. So why not take advantage of this | | | | if the deal is right. However, don't come across as |
| unfortunate situation by purchasing a new car? Car | | | | desperate to buy as this could reduce your chances |
| companies and their dealerships are well aware that | | | | of picking up a bargain. Try as hard as possible to play |
| they cannot demand the same high marked-up prices | | | | it cool, and as aforementioned, be prepared to walk |
| for their vehicles, and therefore, the best time to | | | | away if no agreement was met- this does not mean |
| bargain hunt in Australia for a new car is now. So | | | | the deal is over. |
| where do you start? | | | | 4. Get More for Your Trade |
| Here are our top 5 tips to help you get the best deal | | | | This may be the most difficult of the five steps to |
| possible during these tough economic times: | | | | achieve, because even though the current recession in |
| 1. Set Your Budget | | | | Australia places the buyer in the driver's seat (no pun |
| Before you jump into your car search, first you must | | | | intended), the sellers are working at a loss majority of |
| decide the maximum amount that you are willing to | | | | the time. Trading your current vehicle at the dealership |
| spend on a new vehicle. There is always room for | | | | is the simplest option, but it is usually the best way to |
| negotiation when it comes to car dealer's prices, | | | | get the least amount of money in return. You will |
| especially in Australia's current economic climate, so | | | | definitely get more money out of your vehicle if you |
| you may not spend as much as you are prepared to | | | | sell privately; however, if at all possible, the best option |
| pay, but do stick to your budget. Prepare yourself for | | | | of all may be to hold on to your car until the market |
| the chance that you may have to walk away if the | | | | gains strength again so that you can sell with a smaller |
| salesman will not take your offer, but with a bit of luck, | | | | loss. |
| the salesman or their manager will be calling you up in | | | | 5. Shop around for finance and extras |
| no time to meet your terms. | | | | If you are planning on financing your new vehicle, be |
| 2. Study Up | | | | sure to not be lured in by any attractive finance offers |
| Once you have set a budget for your car purchase, it | | | | and stick to negotiations over the sale price instead. |
| is time to decide what cars would be within your | | | | Do not just focus on your monthly payments, but |
| budget (or a little over, within reason). Once you have | | | | instead focus on the cost of the vehicle over the term |
| decided upon some models and makes that you are | | | | of the loan as well as the terms of the loan. Along |
| interested in, use the internet to your advantage and | | | | these lines, do not be lured by extra incentives such as |
| do some research online. This way, when you go into | | | | insurance coverage included or breakdown coverage, |
| an Australian dealership or speak to the vendor you | | | | as these "extras" sometimes come with an extra |
| are in a strong position to haggle. Look to see if there | | | | amount of money over the term of your repayment |
| are any similar vehicles for sale elsewhere and see | | | | as well. |
| how the prices compare. Even if you are buying a | | | | So stay smart, play it cool, and be wary of extras and |
| brand new car, the dealer will have room for | | | | special deals, and you should be on your way to |
| negotiating the price. | | | | finding the best deal possible on your new vehicle |
| 3. Get Serious about Buying | | | | today! |
| Australian dealerships and their salesman will work | | | | |