What Not to Do at the Dealership

Many car buyers get overeager at the prospect of a new car and make silly mistakes at the dealership as a result. Here are a few things that you should avoid to make sure you get the best deal on your new vehicle and your auto loan funding.

1. Dress up. Don't ever dress up when you go car shopping. When you're trying to convince a dealer that you can't afford to pay his/her prices, you'll want to look the part. Wearing expensive clothes, jewelry, shoes, etc. can give the dealer the impression that you have plenty of money to spend.
2. Show up in a nice car. For the same reasons provided in #1, you want to avoid looking like you have money to spare. If you appear wealthy, the dealership is not as likely to accept your lowball offer. Leave the Mercedes at home, unless that is your trade-in.
3. Trade in a car on which you owe money. Usually, when dealers offer to pay the remaining balance on your existing car loan, they will just tack that debt onto the price of your new auto loan funding. That means you will have two debts rolled into one. Pay off one vehicle at a time or refinance your old car loan.
4. Don't read the contract before signing. Don't be afraid to read the contract over carefully before signing it. Check over it for any add-ons you did not approve and challenge any charges that seem excessive or redundant. Remember that signing the contract means you legally agree with everything it contains.
5. Be afraid to say no. Dealerships will usually do everything in their power to high-pressure you into a new vehicle and auto loan funding ASAP. You will most likely hear the line "What will it take to close this deal today?" Don't fall for it. Saying no will only make the dealership hungrier for your business. If something doesn't sit right with you about the contract or the deal, just say no. Don't ever rush.

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