Buying a car can be both an exciting and stressful experience. This is the second part of a two-part series that aims to make the experience less stressful and more organized, focused and enjoyable. In the first part of the series, I covered some preparation steps you can take to set you up for success before even stepping on a dealerships car lot. So if you have not read it yet, I would recommend hopping over to that article to read those simple steps. This article will cover some simple things to look out for while at the dealership.
Action plan for the car lot
So, you have made it to the lot, found a vehicle or two you like, and maybe even started talking to a salesman. Here is a list of items to consider, check and/or do before you even start talking money.
1. Drive the car
This seems simple enough, but never buy a car without driving it. You can learn so much about a car by simply driving it around – especially on a used car lot. Driving a car can tell you if there are problems with the alignment, acceleration, shocks/struts, brakes, and tires. Most of these issues are obvious after driving just a little bit – but by doing so, you can save yourself hundreds on repairs. Remember, after buying the vehicle, you will have to pay to keep the vehicle in tip-top shape. If possible, see if you can drive the car on the highway. Some issues only reveal themselves at higher speeds.
Also, driving the car will reveal how it handles. This can be a deal breaker, as everyone has their own preferences how they want their car to drive, and you certainly do not want to put down thousands of dollars on a vehicle you dislike. If there is one suggestion I can make in this article that you follow, it is that you take the car on a test drive before buying it.
2. Have someone sit in the back seat of the vehicle
This checklist item goes together with the first item. If possible have someone sit in the back of the car. They can tell you all sorts of information that would not be obvious to you while you drive. They may be able to tell you if the car ride is bumpy in the back – an indication that there might be an issue with the tires or shocks, or if they hear squeaks or creaks which may alert you to other issues.
3. Look under the hood of the vehicle
One of the simplest ways to learn how well a vehicle was taken care of, is to simply look under the hood – especially when buying used. There are a couple of items to look for when under the hood. First look to see if there is any dirt or dust. Depending on how much is there, the car has either sat for a while on the lot, was ungaraged, or potentially came from a place with a lot of dust or dirt in the air. You may need to make sure that the connections are still strong or clean the air filter. Secondly, look for rust. If you find rust with the components under the hood (or in the trunk) – a place that should be mostly dry – the vehicle may have been in a flood. Rust is bad and will continue to eat away at this vehicle. In this case, while you may be able to get rid of the rust, the damage may already be irreversible. In this case, I would walk away. Finally, check that the connections and caps are all tight. Loose connections can cause weird issues with vehicles and may indicate other repairs will be needed.
4. Get the CARFAX (or other car history information)
If buying a used car, getting the CARFAX can give you some good information. It can tell you how many owners a car has had, if the vehicle was in any wrecks, or what repairs were done to the vehicle. Most reputable dealers will provide you with the CARFAX free of charge. The CARFAX is not perfect – as some of the work may not have been reported – but it will give you more information, which is not a bad thing. Certain line items I would recommend looking out for is if the car was in a wreck and if it got regular maintenance such as oil changes. A car that has been in a wreck may have structural frame damage, and that could put you at risk. In most cases, I would walk away from a vehicle that has been in a wreck. Secondly, a vehicle that has not had regular maintenance – such as oil changes – is just asking for problems to crop up.
5. Be willing to walk away
If the vehicle checks out fine versus your checklist and you are happy with it, it may be a good time to talk numbers. However, the most important piece of advice I can give when negotiating a price on a vehicle is to be willing to walk away. Never feel pressured to buy a vehicle that puts you in a financial bind or is a vehicle you are unhappy with. I ran into both situations on my first vehicle, – a 2010 Ford Focus. It was more expensive than I wanted, and it was not a car I was truly happy with, but because I was younger, felt like I needed right then, and it was my first car, I bought it anyway. Needless to say, I never liked the car, and I was constantly spending money on the car in between the repairs and the car payments (again avoid loans when you can). Take my experience as a lesson, and do not do as I did. You will be happier for it.
Yes, buying a car can be both exciting and stressful. But, by arming yourself with a plan, you can make the car buying experience more enjoyable, reduce buyers remorse, and find the vehicle that is right for you.
Quote of the day: Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. – Jim Rohn
