10 Things Not to Say When Buying a Car
Entering a car dealership can be exhilarating, but it can also be daunting. Your words, demeanor, and the information you reveal can have a significant impact on the deal you get. To help you get the best bang for your buck, here are ten things you should avoid saying when buying a car
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1. “I Love This Car!”
Expressing too much enthusiasm about a specific car can give the salesperson leverage. They’ll sense your emotional attachment and may be less willing to negotiate on price, knowing you’ve set your heart on it.
2. “I Need a Car Right Now.”
Displaying urgency will signal to the dealer that you might be willing to pay a premium to expedite the purchase. Take a relaxed approach, even if you’re in a hurry.
3. “I Don’t Know Much About Cars.”
This statement can make you a target for upselling. If you’re unfamiliar with cars, do some research beforehand or consider bringing a knowledgeable friend or family member with you.
4. “What’s the Monthly Payment?”
Focusing solely on the monthly payment can cloud the bigger picture. Dealers might push longer loan terms or alter the financing structure to meet your monthly budget, but you might end up paying more in the long run.
5. “My Credit Isn’t Great.”
Revealing this upfront might result in less favourable financing terms from lenders like iA Auto Finance. It’s better to have a sense of your credit score before you walk in, and let the dealer make an offer first.
6. “I’m Planning to Trade in My Old Car.”
Discuss the trade-in separately from the new car’s price. If you merge these negotiations, the dealer might give you a great trade-in offer but be less flexible on the price of the new car, or vice versa.
7. “I Haven’t Decided How I’ll Finance Yet.”
It’s always better to use a car loan calculator and to get pre-approved for a loan before stepping into a dealership. It not only gives you a clearer picture of what you can afford, but also gives you a stronger position to negotiate.
8. “I Can Afford to Spend X Amount.”
Revealing your maximum budget gives away your negotiating upper limit. The dealer then knows they don’t have to go below this amount.
9. “I’m Just Looking.”
While it’s okay to browse, this statement might lead the salesperson to believe you’re not serious about buying, which might result in less attention or effort to get you a good deal.
10. “What’s the Best Price You Can Give Me?”
This broad question gives the salesperson control over the negotiation. Instead, after your research, make an informed offer or ask about specific promotions or discounts.
Conclusion:
Buying a car is as much about strategy as it is about choosing the right vehicle. What you say can significantly influence the final deal. By being informed, keeping your cards close to your chest, and approaching the negotiation with confidence, you’ll be in a better position to drive away with both the car you want and a deal you’re happy with.
1. “I Love This Car!”
Expressing too much enthusiasm about a specific car can give the salesperson leverage. They’ll sense your emotional attachment and may be less willing to negotiate on price, knowing you’ve set your heart on it.
2. “I Need a Car Right Now.”
Displaying urgency will signal to the dealer that you might be willing to pay a premium to expedite the purchase. Take a relaxed approach, even if you’re in a hurry.
3. “I Don’t Know Much About Cars.”
This statement can make you a target for upselling. If you’re unfamiliar with cars, do some research beforehand or consider bringing a knowledgeable friend or family member with you.
4. “What’s the Monthly Payment?”
Focusing solely on the monthly payment can cloud the bigger picture. Dealers might push longer loan terms or alter the financing structure to meet your monthly budget, but you might end up paying more in the long run.
5. “My Credit Isn’t Great.”
Revealing this upfront might result in less favourable financing terms from lenders like iA Auto Finance. It’s better to have a sense of your credit score before you walk in, and let the dealer make an offer first.
6. “I’m Planning to Trade in My Old Car.”
Discuss the trade-in separately from the new car’s price. If you merge these negotiations, the dealer might give you a great trade-in offer but be less flexible on the price of the new car, or vice versa.
7. “I Haven’t Decided How I’ll Finance Yet.”
It’s always better to use a car loan calculator and to get pre-approved for a loan before stepping into a dealership. It not only gives you a clearer picture of what you can afford, but also gives you a stronger position to negotiate.
8. “I Can Afford to Spend X Amount.”
Revealing your maximum budget gives away your negotiating upper limit. The dealer then knows they don’t have to go below this amount.
9. “I’m Just Looking.”
While it’s okay to browse, this statement might lead the salesperson to believe you’re not serious about buying, which might result in less attention or effort to get you a good deal.
10. “What’s the Best Price You Can Give Me?”
This broad question gives the salesperson control over the negotiation. Instead, after your research, make an informed offer or ask about specific promotions or discounts.
Conclusion:
Buying a car is as much about strategy as it is about choosing the right vehicle. What you say can significantly influence the final deal. By being informed, keeping your cards close to your chest, and approaching the negotiation with confidence, you’ll be in a better position to drive away with both the car you want and a deal you’re happy with.
1. “I Love This Car!”
Expressing too much enthusiasm about a specific car can give the salesperson leverage. They’ll sense your emotional attachment and may be less willing to negotiate on price, knowing you’ve set your heart on it.
2. “I Need a Car Right Now.”
Displaying urgency will signal to the dealer that you might be willing to pay a premium to expedite the purchase. Take a relaxed approach, even if you’re in a hurry.
3. “I Don’t Know Much About Cars.”
This statement can make you a target for upselling. If you’re unfamiliar with cars, do some research beforehand or consider bringing a knowledgeable friend or family member with you.
4. “What’s the Monthly Payment?”
Focusing solely on the monthly payment can cloud the bigger picture. Dealers might push longer loan terms or alter the financing structure to meet your monthly budget, but you might end up paying more in the long run.
5. “My Credit Isn’t Great.”
Revealing this upfront might result in less favourable financing terms from lenders like iA Auto Finance. It’s better to have a sense of your credit score before you walk in, and let the dealer make an offer first.
6. “I’m Planning to Trade in My Old Car.”
Discuss the trade-in separately from the new car’s price. If you merge these negotiations, the dealer might give you a great trade-in offer but be less flexible on the price of the new car, or vice versa.
7. “I Haven’t Decided How I’ll Finance Yet.”
It’s always better to use a car loan calculator and to get pre-approved for a loan before stepping into a dealership. It not only gives you a clearer picture of what you can afford, but also gives you a stronger position to negotiate.
8. “I Can Afford to Spend X Amount.”
Revealing your maximum budget gives away your negotiating upper limit. The dealer then knows they don’t have to go below this amount.
9. “I’m Just Looking.”
While it’s okay to browse, this statement might lead the salesperson to believe you’re not serious about buying, which might result in less attention or effort to get you a good deal.
10. “What’s the Best Price You Can Give Me?”
This broad question gives the salesperson control over the negotiation. Instead, after your research, make an informed offer or ask about specific promotions or discounts.
Conclusion:
Buying a car is as much about strategy as it is about choosing the right vehicle. What you say can significantly influence the final deal. By being informed, keeping your cards close to your chest, and approaching the negotiation with confidence, you’ll be in a better position to drive away with both the car you want and a deal you’re happy with.
