It’s a common idea that a woman shopping for a car by herself can get taken advantage of, but just because you’re a female doesn’t mean you can’t get a great deal on a used car. Don’t fall victim to female stereotypes at the dealership; instead, use these seven tips to get a great deal:
Top 7 Car Buying Tips for Women
Do your research. Before heading to the dealership, make a list of your must-have features and look online or ask friends and family for car recommendations that will fit your lifestyle and budget.
Make decisions beforehand. After researching online, decide your budget and what type of car you want. It is much harder to get swayed into an expensive, impractical car when you come in knowing you need a four-door sedan at a specific budget.
Don’t look at over-budget cars. It may be tempting, but salespeople notice when you check out an expensive car and can use that to persuade you into a more expensive model.
Know the lingo. Don’t get suckered into something you don’t need just because you didn’t know what the salesperson was talking about. Look up car lingo and features online before shopping so you can speak intelligently about the features you do and don’t need.
Take your time. Don’t feel rushed and get pressured into buying the first car you look at. Shop around at multiple dealerships and wait at least 24 hours after seeing a car to place an offer. It increases your negotiating power and the chance you’ll get a great deal.
Look at maintenance records. Before buying a car, be sure to request a detailed report of the car’s history and maintenance. Look to see if the car has been in an accident and what maintenance has been done. A less-maintained car can give you some negotiation power, but you also don’t want to get stuck with a lemon.
Get pre-approved. Instead of relying on the dealership’s credit department, get preapproved at your bank beforehand. You don’t necessarily have to use your bank to finance the car, but pre-approval solidifies your budget, shows you are serious about car buying, and gives you a comparison for financing options.
