4 tips to make car buying easier

Do your homework

The last thing you want to do is show up unprepared. Sure, you may find a car you like by walking around the lot, but that can backfire. I once bought a car that I thought I loved until a few weeks later when I saw a different model that turned out to be the one I REALLY wanted. Study up, look at as many different makes and models as you can,  and be sure you’re getting the car that satisfies your heart and your wallet.

Use your credit union

Once you know which car you want to purchase, head on down to your credit union and find out what kind interest rate you can get on a loan. With this knowledge, you’re now ready to go to the dealership and make a deal. If the dealership can match or beat the interest rate from your credit union, let them finance it for you and make your day a lot easier.

Shop on a Tuesday

Car dealerships are usually busier on the weekends. By shopping in the middle of the week, you’re going to get more attention and better service. This may not necessarily translate to a lower price, but it will definitely speed up the process and make it easier to get done.

Remember you’re not buying a cheeseburger

When you have a craving for a FIVE GUYS cheeseburger, you go to your nearest FIVE GUYS and you eat a cheeseburger. It wouldn’t make sense to drive one town over for the same cheeseburger at roughly the same price. With a car, things are different. There are a lot of factors (including the salesman you deal with) that can determine the price you’re going to pay for that new Ford Fusion, so driving 20 minutes to a neighboring dealership may be worth your time and money.

John Pettit

John Pettit

John Pettit is the Managing Editor for CUInsight.com. Through news, community, press, jobs and events, he keeps credit unions digitally informed throughout the day. Web: www.cuinsight.com Details