Buying a New Car Using the Internet, a Telephone and a Fax Machine

Buying a new car is, for many of us, a dreaded experience, ranking a little lower than getting a root canal. When you pull into the dealers lot, the salesmen are all standing at the driveway like vultures waiting for something to die. They follow you around as you walk the lot looking at the vehicles. You can hardly think. “I can get you in this car for only $235 a month.” Yeah, for how many years. Then they want to talk about lease options and you are not yet even sure exactly what you want. There is a feeling of tension and pressure through the whole process. There’s got to be a better way. Well there is, but it took me a long time to figure it out. There are two keys: preparation using the web and negotiating over the telephone. 

Shopping for automobiles on the web is nothing new. There are any number of sites with lots of information. I’d like to talk about how to use the information. I break the process into steps: 

1. Determining Your Needs And Wants.
2. Researching The Market.
3. Narrowing The List.
4. Test Driving.
5. Determining The Price.
6. Finding The Financing.
7. Finding The Vehicle.
8. Finalizing The Deal. 

1. Determining Your Needs And Wants
A car is primarily transportation. I know that for many people, the looks and style of the car determine how much fun it is to drive. For folks who feel that is important, by all means take that into consideration. On the other hand, you will be driving the car for several years. The longer you drive the same car, the more economical it is. I tend to drive a car as long as it stays reliable. So for me reliability is very important. You may have other priorities. Ask yourself: How many people do you plan to have riding with you? How about safety and gas mileage? Make a list of your needs.