Video Tips: How to Prepare Before Entering a Dealership

Dec 28 2007 by Kristin Varela

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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