| Purchasing a new vehicle is a stressful chore for | | | | version of that model is significantly changed, you |
| many people. Ask the average person what they | | | | have additional leverage. |
| dread most and they will tell you that "price | | | | Arrange your own financing. When purchasing a |
| haggling" is the worst aspect of negotiating a | | | | car, negotiate the lowest possible price before |
| price. Few people come away from the deal | | | | financing is discussed. If you come into the |
| believing that they got a fair shake; a significant | | | | negotiation with your financing already covered, |
| minority will admit that they got ripped off if you | | | | then you have additional leverage. If you are |
| press the issue with them. Besides shopping at a | | | | paying cash for the vehicle, demand an even |
| "no haggle" dealer - Saturn, for example - how | | | | greater discount. |
| can you avoid an unpleasant experience? Better | | | | Go in equipped. Consumer Reports will sell to you |
| put, can you? Let's take a look at some ways | | | | a print out of exactly how much a car should sell |
| you can gain better control over the car buying | | | | for. Purchase a report on the model you want to |
| experience so that you can save yourself some | | | | find out what the dealer likely paid for your car. |
| time, money, and a whole lot of aggravation. | | | | The price you pay should be much closer to that |
| Stay away from the hot sellers. Many Japanese | | | | amount than to the sticker price. |
| brands are sold at full price and bargains are hard | | | | Buy through a car club. Car clubs, including those |
| to come by. Still, if you do a little bit of research | | | | through warehouse clubs such as BJ's, can be an |
| you should be able to shave several hundred | | | | alternative way to buying a car at a discounted |
| dollars off of the sticker price or secure a very | | | | rate without paying full price. Each club has their |
| low loan rate should you choose to finance your | | | | own way operating, but in all cases you should be |
| vehicle. If your dealer doesn't want to deal with | | | | able to pay less and leave the haggling out of the |
| you, go to another Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc. | | | | equation. |
| dealer to find a better deal. | | | | If you are the type of person who enjoys |
| Buy a left over. On the other hand, not all cars | | | | haggling, then your experience is not likely to be |
| are hot sellers and many models do not sell out | | | | as bad. You know how to play the game and |
| when the model year ends. If there is a particular | | | | winning for you is simply securing the lowest |
| car that you want, you should be able to realize | | | | possible price. For everyone else, a little outside |
| significant savings off of the sticker price. Don't | | | | help can save you money. Do not let your |
| be "wowed" by an already reduced price touted | | | | emotions tell you, "I must have this car," or you |
| by the dealership. Likely, they are getting a secret | | | | are likely to pay much more than you should. |
| rebate from the manufacturer; learn what that | | | | Remember: dealer sob stories are just that; if |
| rebate is and get as much of it as you can. | | | | they can't figure out a way to make money off |
| Remember: you are already buying a car that is a | | | | of a sale, then they shouldn't be in business. |
| year old. If it is a discontinued model or the latest | | | | |