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Buying Tips
10 Steps to Buying a New Car
Step 4: Finding the exact car you want to buy.
By Philip Reed, Senior Consumer Advice Editor
Email
You should now have a very specific idea of the car you want to buy. This means
you know the make, model, trim level, options and color. The more flexible you
can be about these specifics, the wider the range of the cars you'll find available
for sale. Ultimately, the ability to consider several versions of the same model
can give you additional bargaining power. For example, a shopper might be very
firm about the make, model and trim level, but could accept a variety of options
and colors. If you're a shopper who definitely wants hard-to-find options and
a specific color, it will be more difficult to make a great deal. Why? You have
no leverage as a negotiator. You have to pay the dealer's price or try to locate
another identical vehicle. Obviously, if you do find the exact car you're looking
for, there's no need to volunteer this information to the dealership.
In any case, locate the exact car you want by sending e-mails to the Internet
managers of dealers in your area. On Edmunds.com, you can simultaneously solicit
quotes from multiple dealers.
In many cases, you will have to follow up with a phone call. Say something like:
"I'm looking for a 2003 Matsura Accell. I'm not too fussy about the color but
I don't want black or white. I want ABS and side airbags. What do you have on
your lot?" Often the salesperson will have to check his inventory and call you
back. After a few phone calls you will have a good idea of how widely available
the car is. If there are several dealerships offering the same car, you will be
in a better position to make a good deal.
As you make phone calls and exchange e-mails, take careful notes. You should record
information about each car you locate, including the color, options, and the dealership
name. This will save time as you continue through the shopping process.
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