The Top 5 Car Buying Mistakes People Make

Buying a car is a difficult process. You’ve got to decide which one is best for you and then navigate the minefield of car dealerships and salespeople that are always going to try to get you to spend more money than you need to. A car is essential to most people’s everyday lives and you’re going to be spending a lot of money on it so you can’t really afford to make mistakes. The biggest fear that people have is getting ripped off, but that’s only part of the problem. You might end up picking a car that doesn’t really fulfil your needs or one that isn’t reliable. If you want to avoid wasting your money, make sure you avoid these common mistakes.




Image From Flickr


Picking The Wrong Dealer


People often make the mistake of thinking that it doesn’t matter too much where you get the car from, as long as you get a good price because they’re all the same. That’s not the case and when you’re picking car dealers, you need to make sure that you’re going to somebody that can be trusted, especially if you’re getting a second hand car. If they aren’t an honest dealership, you might be buying a car that’s going to fail on you in a matter of months. Always make sure that you’re checking reviews to see whether their other customers have had a good experience or not. Often, the best way is to ask friends and family where they got their cars from so you can be sure that they’re a trustworthy dealership before you go.


Not Taking A Test Drive


The salesperson is going to tell you all sorts of things about how amazing this car is, how great it is to drive and how many incredible features you’re getting, all for a fair price. But the only way to really know whether you’ll get on with a car is to take it for a test drive. Even if all of the reviews tell you it’s great, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll like it. It’s also a good way to check that there aren’t any major issues with the car, especially if you’re getting a second hand one. As well as the general handling of the car, there are a couple of things to watch out for. If the dealer doesn’t let you start the car yourself, that’s a bit of a warning sign and you should ask why. Also check the temperature of the bonnet after you get out, if it’s particularly hot then that’s a cause for concern as well. Don’t forget to try out all of the added extras like the assisted parking etc. if the car has them.


Buying On The First Visit


Car sales people are desperate to make a sale so if you make them sweat a bit, you can usually get a better price. Always remember that the first price they give you is too high, they’ll always be able to go lower. Have a look at the car, show some interest, and then tell them that you want to think it over and you’ll come back another time. The best time to come back is near the end of the week, or the end of the month if possible. Sales people always have targets to work to and if they’re falling short close to the end of their monthly deadline, they’ll do whatever they can to make a sale, including giving you a big discount.


Read Financing Small Print


If you’re buying the car on finance, always make sure that you check the small print. People often get caught out because they’re offered a deal with a very small down payment. They jump at the chance to drive the car off the lot without having to put much money down on the day. Then they get home and read the agreement they’ve just signed and realise that they’ll be paying out loads of money in interest. Don’t let them blindside you with a cheap down payment, always make sure you know exactly what you’re agreeing to before you sign the paperwork.


Think About The Cost Of Ownership


The cost of the car itself is the most important thing to think about initially, but it’s not the only money you’ll be spending on the car. The cost of running the car is just as important and it can vary a lot between different cars. You might be able to get a great deal on a car but are you really saving money if the fuel efficiency is terrible, or it’s prone to breakdowns and expensive to repair? You need to think about the long term costs and weigh those up with the cost of the car itself. Sometimes, it’s better to pay a bit more for a car that will be cheaper to run.


Avoid these mistakes and you can buy your next car without getting caught out.

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram