The stereotype of a used car salesman — found in jokes and cartoons — is that they are slick, dishonest, and untrustworthy. Start by requesting vehicle history reports from private sellers and dealerships.
Look for a Reputable Company
When choosing used car dealerships in Ottawa, look for a good business philosophy. This should be posted on their website – usually on an “About Us” page. It should include the company’s commitment to honesty and integrity and forming good relationships with customers and the community.
Some used car dealers specialize in arranging financing for people with bad credit. These are called BHPH (buy pay here) dealerships and can be great options for those with poor credit.
If a dealer refuses your offer point-blank, don’t get upset. Instead, politely thank them for their time and say you’ll buy the vehicle elsewhere. This allows them to change their mind and make a deal. If not, it will help you save your time.
Ask for Recommendations
When you find a car that fits your needs and budget, ask a friend or family member if they can recommend a specific dealership. They may have had good or bad experiences with a particular dealer, which can influence their opinion.
Regarding financing, some used car dealerships offer better deals than others. Be sure to check out the dealership’sdealership’s interest rate and whether or not they are affiliated with a particular lender.
Once you’ve found a vehicle that meets your criteria, look it up in the pricing guides. This will give you an idea of the car is worth and help you negotiate a lower price. Also, find out how long the car has been on the lot. This can help you negotiate a lower price since the dealer is likely trying to sell it quickly.
Check Out Their Inventory
Buying a used car doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out traumatic experience. You need to do your homework before stepping into a dealership.
If the dealership has a lot of models of the vehicle you want in stock, then they’re likely trying to sell them rather than just holding on to them for a while. This means you may have more negotiating room with them.
If the dealer refuses to negotiate with you over a certain price, be prepared to walk away. Instead of arguing with them, thank them for their time and say you’ll keep looking for the car you want elsewhere. This way, you’ll avoid wearing out your welcome and potentially making them mad at you.
Ask for a Test Drive
The test drive is the most important part of the car-buying process. It allows you to experience a vehicle’svehicle’s performance firsthand, and it’s the perfect opportunity to look for potential problems that can’t be discerned from online specs or a description.
It’sIt’s a good idea to bring a friend or spouse along for the ride, as this can help you keep your cool and focus on driving. Additionally, a partner can spot things you may miss and moderate the salesperson’ssalesperson’s enthusiasm or hard-sell tactics.
It’sIt’s also a good idea to customize your test drive route, if possible. For example, if you have a highway commute, try accelerating into traffic and climbing hills to see how the car performs under real-world conditions. Taking the time to do this will ensure you’re happy with your purchase.
Get Pre-Approved for Financing
Getting pre-approved for financing before you go to the dealership is a great way to avoid getting ripped off. Dealerships love to offer on-the-spot financing, and if you still need to get a loan approved, you can end up with an interest rate higher than you could get elsewhere.
Having a pre-approved car loan can also give you a stronger negotiating position. This is because dealers will often inflate your cost by focusing on a desired monthly payment and extending the loan term (which means you’ll pay more in total).
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.