Have you made the decision to buy a new truck? Well, that’s great, but are you aware of some of the many mistakes truck buyers often make? Keep reading to learn more about truck shopping, and you will find the ideal vehicle at the right price.
Do not allow yourself to get talked into a truck you can’t afford. Some salesmen can talk you into an expensive truck you cannot afford. When you purchase a vehicle that is not within your budget, you can be sure that the dealership and salesperson — not YOU — will benefit.
Get a truck loan online prior to going to a dealership. Getting a truck from a dealership takes a long time because your dealer needs to find you a loan. It will be much quicker if you have a loan ready.
Pay attention to the overall price of the vehicle and not just the monthly payments. Most dealers will work to give you whatever monthly payment you want, but by doing this, you will have a truck payment for 8 years or more which cost you much more in the end. Instead, concentrate on getting the best purchase price and the type of financing available. Then you can work on how much it will cost monthly.
Test Drive
Prior to purchasing a truck, test drive it. It’s imperative that you make sure that your truck drives like it’s supposed to do. No two cars are exactly the same. Give every truck that you consider a test drive to prevent buying a lemon.
Truck salesmen have quotas to meet. By shopping at the end of the month, you can capitalize on this fact. Salespeople that want to make the sale want to sell you that truck! This will give you more flexibility when it comes to negotiating a price.
See an auto show. This show can assist you in determining which makes and models are right for you. Auto shows are great places to compare different cars to each other. It will also allow you to speak to lots of people who know a great deal about cars. After the auto show, you should go home with a better idea as to what you would like to purchase.
Don’t say a peep about your trade-in. First, you need to negotiate the best price possible and lock them into it, and then you can mention the trade in. When a salesperson knows about your trade-in, he or she may factor it into the sales price, which can work against you.
If you find a truck you want, be sure you are confident in your decision. Look for scratches or dents on the outside. Search the interior for carpet stains or upholstery tears. The second you pay for the vehicle, you have also paid for its problems. This will also include stains, dents, rips, and any scratches.
Salespeople are out to generate as much income as possible. It may be a little obvious, but some people don’t really get what’s going on when dealing with salespeople. Don’t let them tack on expensive things you don’t need. The most simple truck can quickly rack up thousands more in extras.
If you feel that you are being intimidated or bullied, make your exit. You should go, even if they attempt to keep you there. Tell an untruth if necessary. Take your business elsewhere. There are many other options available to you out there. It’s simply not worth being hassled.
Try your best to get rid of unnecessary charges such as the advertising fee. There is no good reason for the customer to be responsible for that fee. If they say you have to pay it, tell them you decline the offer. They probably won’t let you go as they don’t want you leaving the lot.
If your salesman says that they are going to tell their manager your offer, then be aware that their initial counteroffer won’t be the lowest. Give them another counteroffer and when they give that one to the manager, you’ll know the next offer is the lowest. They don’t want a long, drawn-out negotiation any more than you do, so a couple of offers should get you a good rate.
As we said before, you need to know some essential things before truck shopping. Thankfully, this article showed you how to avoid these pitfalls. Keep it in mind and your next shopping experience will be a positive one.
