Tomorrow I'm going to deal with a car dealer

[NewMatress]

On my own for the first time in my 50 years.

I'd never realised it before but my dad helped me buy my first car and whilst I have always been very much in charge of finances, DH has always come with me when buying cars. DH is now bedbound so can't help and won't ever ride in the car.

What do I need to know before I go? I know what I need from a car, but not which model I want, I want to tak to them about that. I have a budget that adequately covers the kind of car I want, I'll pay enough to get what I want, but still want a good deal. I don't intend to put a figure on my budget.

I'm a 'Mrs' wearing a wedding ring, are they going to find it hard to believe I'm the decision maker or have those days gone?

If it makes a difference I want a new car and will pay cash. I know not everyone will approve of that decision, but that part of the decision is made.

Any tips?

Be prepared to walk away. Maybe even plan that purchase day isn't tomorrow but next week. Not that I've done new car deals either. But do remember as a student finding a lovely brooch for my mothers 60th birthday. I genuinely had to go to get money out to buy it, and at that point another 30% came off the price!

Good luck getting the deal you want, not what the dealer wants 😁

If you are buying from a main dealer, they won’t move much in the price. Cash isn’t king. They prefer finance deals as that is more profitable for them.

Don’t be pushed on how you pay, they will quite likely show you the figures of paying through finance, but don’t be swayed if you don’t want to go that route. (I have been through this twice in the last 3 years when DH and I bought new cars with cash, we didn’t budge!)

Take your time when looking at a car. Don’t be rushed.

Try and get a service package thrown in if you are buying from a main dealer.

Check the body work and interior closely before you purchase and again when you collect the car. Note any damage and get it sorted before you complete transaction.

Make sure they show you how all the gadgets work.

Be prepared to walk away if you feel the price is wrong. My DH looks up honest John for a fair description of cars.

Good luck!

I echo be prepared to walk away. I always go on my own to buy my cars, DH lurks somewhere in the background. I use my senses, feel how the steering responses, how do the gears feel, are they sticking? Also, listen for rattles and tapping sounds, especially when the engine is idling.
My adult DSs take me on their car buying trips, I play the part of ‘mum who knows nothing’ but listen intently an then advise!
If your not sure, walk away and say you’ve another one to see and will be in contact.

Honestly op it’s fine, those sexist stereotypes don’t exist any more. Plent of women by their own cars.

I’ve always bought mine even though I’m married and I usually go and see them and test drive on my own and negotiate on my own, I suspect I get a better deal than my much softer husband would.

Just go it will be fine. They will advise.

When we bought our last car we found twi of the same model and make just with slight differences. Both Arnold Clark garages, and we told them both about each other which made them basically compete to make us choose their car so kept knocking down the price and throwing in little extras without us having to do anything but make humming and hawing noises, and looking at each other quite a bit 😂. I actually knew which car I wanted put of the 2 but wanted to see what they would offer.
Also, do your research on cars before you go so you know what you want. Anytime I go to buy a car I know exact which car I want and I've usually picked it online first.

That’s right about them trying to push you into finance, stick to your guns. I’ve bought my last two cars for cash & encountered this. You want a new car, my last three were, have you thought of a pre reg one? From a main dealer. They only have delivery mileage on so are a new car but because new registrations are coming in they sell the ones they have in stock at a reduced price. I got good deals that way. Also really push to get extras, especially if they won’t budge on price. A three year service deal with a free first MOT thrown in is a good one to get.
Good luck, you’ll be fine, after all they WANT to sell.

As PP said they're not really after cash buyers these days. Having said that, we've bought 2 cars for cash in the last few years - the last one was brand new. Never go in with the intention of buying on that day. If it's nearly the end of the calendar month they will push you to sign up before the month end which may be an incentive for them to give you a better deal so they can meet their targets (unless they've already met them that month!) Even if you are set on a particular make always go and look at another one at another local dealer with a similar model so you can play one deal off against the other. Google search for ex demo models on line to see what price you can get an almost new car for and um and ah over the choice between buying brand new and buying very nearly new. It's all a game - play it with them!

If they don’t budge on the price you want a service deal, full tank of fuel, when you collect the car, quality car mats, & boot liner.

Honestly there’s no money in new car sales op, there is not a lot for them to slash, the money is in the servicing.

They'll try and get you to take out all kinds of warranties. Don't feel pressurised as these are often just not worth it. You're also tied into getting all services etc. done by the main dealership who will overcharge. They'll want you to agree to extras as well like paint treatment and upholstery treatment to prevent stains.

Have a good look on Auto trader before you go anywhere near a dealership. Gives you a better idea of the cars available in your area and if you're paying a reasonable price.

You can generally get a bit off the extras like gap insurance or auto glym treatment. Some dealers don’t have their sales people on commission, just salaries.

Have a look at What Car, Auto Express etc, they have lots of buyers guides. I remember AE did a feature a couple of years ago about whether women get worse treatment at car dealers, think it turned out it was really fine.