Buying Your New Car

General

Things To Check, Do And Consider

Find out how much your part exchange is worth, before you go to the dealer. Get him to quote a part exchange price and see how they compare. What warranty comes with the new vehicle ? Would he/she throw in a longer warranty, 12 months road tax, or indeed some car mats and that Alpine stereo ?

Try and sell your old car privately, you will be in a better negotiating position if you approach the salesperson as a cash buyer. Check the finance he/she is offering you. Is it cheaper to get the finance arranged through a bank or building society ? If you get the finance elsewhere, you put yourself in an even stronger position as cash talks !

Buying towards the end of a month can be advantageous, the salesperson may not have achieved their sales target for the month and want a quick sale to add to their number sold.

Shop around, after all you are spending a lot of money. A dealer local to you may think they have a captive market - only dealer in your county etc.. So, phone the dealer in your neighbouring county. He/She may be more experienced and recognise a possible sale and commision for themself. Always obtain quotes like for like. If the other dealer is cheaper contact your local dealer again and tell him to better the deal or you will go elsewhere. Be polite when you do this and you should reap the rewards. Remember, its your money and if you can save yourself £50 its better than nothing.

If you can wait a little longer, contact a specialist company that can obtain the same UK spec car on the continent, it is usually a lot cheaper. Although be wary as manufacturers will have to come into line shortly with the rest of Europe.