8 Great Tips for Women! (And you guys too!)

8 Great Tips for Women! (And you guys too!)
collected from Ask Patty - with edits from Chris

Prestige Auto Sales knows, women buy more than half of all cars, and influence more than 85 percent of all vehicle purchases. As a woman, you already know that many of the household purchase decisions are in your hands, either by deciding or helping a loved one to decide. Chris Spears the owner of Prestige Auto Sales has always honored women and like many of you it is his wife, mom & grandmother who are his biggest fans. Despite this, Chris knows unfortunately not everyone works that way and typically, women are viewed at a disadvantage during negotiations - but if you're in the market for a vehicle, Chris wants you to arm yourself with the following tips!

Do your homework.The internet is full of information that you can use to your advantage when purchasing a new vehicle. Chris likes Consumer Reports for reliability reports, Carfax or Auto Check for histories, NADA pricing guides for valuations.

Not sure what you want?You can use the Internet to research cars that will best fit your needs, budget and lifestyle. Chris recommends treating yourself well, but not to the point of stressing your budget when picking vehicles.

Already know what you want?Get information on the pricing! Finding out the invoice price (what the dealer paid for the vehicle) and the sticker price (what the dealer wants you to pay) will give you an idea of how much wiggle room you'll have when talking to a salesperson. Chris often helps buyers select from New to pre-owned. Chris says, if you can get the new car for just a couple thousand more I say get the new one, but that first year depreciation can grow to $5000 -$10,000 one has to stop and think!

Research a dealer's website before you visit. Find out whether they have the vehicle you want on the lot. You can also get a great feel for the dealership itself by reviewing its virtual lot. Chris is Leary of dealers who work out warehouses or back lots. I see many of these guys touting savings, but I also see many of them buying junk at auctions. Dealers with real investments in dealerships usually won't jeopardize their business by passing off possible lawsuits.

Looking to trade? Run your vehicle through the Kelly Blue Book calculator (or another online trade appraisal guide) to get an idea of its value. When doing this, be honest about the condition of your vehicle - this is your key to getting a fair value for your trade-in. Chris advises, If time allows selling ones vehicle for retail can put extra money in your pocket. If you stop by my store I'll be happy to tell you the difference between trade-in and retail so you can make the right decision. Trade-ins have a tax benefit and all factors must be considered.

Know your situation.Call your bank or credit union and find out what they can do for you for financing. Get a copy of your credit bureau and find out what your score is. Having these financial aspects already on your mind is helpful when you get ready to finance your vehicle. Chris offers, I'll be happy to do a pre-purchase credit evaluation or you can go to my finance page on this web site for an online application. A payment on a $15,000 vehicle is different for a 720 so verses a 620 beacon.

Ask for recommendations.Ask friends, family and co-workers whether they were satisfied when they bought their last vehicle. This can give you a key to which dealerships are worth your time and which are not. Chris says be Leary of dealers who don't offer warranties or discourage pre-purchase inspections.

Find a dealership that you are comfortable with.Take a walk through the service and parts departments of the dealership you're considering purchasing from, as well as the customer areas and showroom. The actual purchase of the vehicle is a small segment of the vehicle's life - chances are that you'll spend much more time in the customer areas for service and parts! At Prestige all vehicles are inspected and provide a written outline of what is done.

Don't be afraid to shop around.One of the most frustrating aspects of being a female car shopper is when a salesperson spends more time addressing the male friend or family member you brought with you. Similarly, if you are harassed or demeaned by a salesperson, whether directly or not, don't put up with the behavior. You have the right to ask to speak to a manager and request another salesperson. If this fails, or if this isn't an option, find another dealership! Chris says if it's a good deal today it will be a good deal tomorrow. Our customers are always free to come in for an information gathering trip and return later if the vehicle, price and payments make sense to them.

Options and PackagesThese options are a great way to get exactly what you want on a vehicle, but will sometimes add to the purchase price of the vehicle. Know what features you really want, and don't be afraid to decline on the ones you don't. Chris reminds you, This is more true on new vehicles where dealers can adjust prices $2-5,000 with options and scotch-guard type products.
Be involved.If you're trading in a vehicle, ask your salesperson (or the person performing the appraisal) to do a walk-around with you. During this, they will point out any issues they see with your trade (including rust, scratches, spots in the paint, etc.) If you're given a quote for your trade that is vastly different from the value you found through Kelly Blue Book (or another online appraisal guide), it will give you an opening to ask how the figure was arrived at.

Don't feel pressured to purchase on the spot.Frequently, if you finance your purchase through the dealer, they will offer extended warranties, as well as add-on protection plans. Ask how long you have to make a decision for these plans. Many of these plans can be purchased through the dealer up to thirty days after you purchase your vehicle. Take home the paperwork and consider whether this plan will be worth it to you. . Chris says if it's a good deal today it will be a good deal tomorrow. Our customers are always free to come in for an information gathering trip and return later if the vehicle, price and payments make sense to them.

Chris says, if you keep these tips in mind, your next car buying experience should be a breeze. Good luck!