Car Buying Strategies in a Recovering Market

The auto industry is in the midst of a full scaleconsidered to be the best day to buy a new car
recovery, as markets have shifted significantly to bringaccording to a report by The Auto Writer. While
customers flocking back to car dealerships in searchshoppers have Christmas on their minds, car dealers
of a new ride. Some of the best deals to be had wereknow that the best chance of siphoning after mall
available when the market fell to historic lows in Winterbound sales is by discounting their inventory smartly.
2009, as car manufacturers did what they could toAlso, consider buying your car at the very end of the
move iron by heavily discounting same.month. That's because car dealers are often given
Many of the deepest discounts are long gone, butincentives by manufacturers when they sell "x" number
even as the market recovers, good buys can still beof vehicles in any given month.
had. Let's take a look at how you can save money onOwn Financing - If you're offered the choice of taking
your next new car, smart car buying strategies for alow-rate financing or a cash rebate, take the latter if
recovering automotive market.you can match or beat the rate being pushed by the
Shop Around - Always a good idea! Comparing pricescar manufacturer's financing arm. Even a small
for the same make/model at more than onepercentage difference in the financing rate may not
dealership is wise. Regional manufacturer incentivesmake much of a difference if the "cash on the hood"
should be the same, but additional incentives can beis significant.
realized at the dealership level. Check with 3-4 dealersBuy Used - If the thought of spending $25,000 or more
in your area to find the best price; don't be afraid toon a new car bothers you, you're not alone. There are
play them off of each other.many very good low mileage used cars on the
Leftover Models - You may want this year's model,market; choose those which are considered "certified
but last year's leftover may carry some extra specialused" and backed by the manufacturer. Also, consider
incentives. Of note, are those cars which have had aa company such as CarMax for your late model used
generational change, meaning that they are all new forcar if you want a decent alternative to the typical used
the current model year. That makes last year's modelcar dealer lot.
less desirable in the eyes of some, but a good deal inLastly, you may want to become "brand disloyal" by
the eyes of bargain seekers.seeing what the competition has to offer. In some
Special Dates - There are times in the year and monthsegments, such as midsize sedans, the competitive
when buying a new car yields the best savings. Themarket means that deals can be had if you're willing to
day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, iscross party lines.