Video Tips: How to Prepare Before Entering a Dealership
Do as much research as possible
- Read reviews online and use online comparison tools to compare features of the cars you’re considering.
- Talk to friends who have recently purchased new cars and find out how their car-buying experience went.
- Speak to neighbors, friends or co-workers who have the car you’re interested in. There’s no better testament than from someone who’s spent their hard-earned cash on a big purchase.
Crunch the numbers on your own
- Know how much you’re willing to pay and how much you’re willing to fudge your budget to get exactly what you want.
- Know what you can pay on a monthly basis, but don’t tell the dealer up front.
Make your own checklist
- Prioritize the features most important to you in your car — or print out our “Features to Look For” checklist.
Be on the same page as your spouse or significant other
- Don’t even think about entering a dealership until you can present a united front if you’re car shopping with a partner.
Have the paperwork you’ll need
- Make copies of your driver’s license and insurance information to bring with you. You’ll likely need to provide copies of these to dealers before taking a test drive. Bringing copies with you means you won’t have to pass off important documents to someone you don’t know.
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