Confusing Car Advice

It seems like every two days there is a new opinion out there on how to purchase a new car.  Don’t do this.  Never say this.  This is the way.

Well, here’s another opinion from the pen of Hannah Elliott found on CTV News.  In her article titled: “What not to say when buying a new car”.    Hannah gives some odd and contradicting advice.

Example 1: “…keeping your mouth shut (at least in the beginning) about several things, like how you plan to pay for the vehicle, or the fact that you’re not sure exactly what you need in a car, will serve you well when you finally do make a purchase.”

I’m not exactly sure how this is helpful advice?  “Ya, I’m looking for a car… or an SUV.  I dunno.  I may lease, I may finance.  I may not.  I dunno…”.  You can expect GREAT service after that!?  The only thing that piece of advice will do is aggravate the sales person because now he/she does not have a clue what you are asking for.  How can they possibly show you anything of interest if you yourself appear to have no idea what you are looking for? 

A better example would be suggesting you are interested in a certain type of vehicle (IE: mid-size sedan) and are open to the options in regards to how you may purchase it.  Now the salesperson will show you his mid-sized line-up and offer you several payment choices.

Example 2: “Dealers kind of prey on the fact that you’re going to be excited,” says James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.  “Getting a new car is fun, and it’s exciting, and you can’t wait to drive home and show your neighbours. They know that.”

That’s solid advice, my man!  Let’s take all the fun out of making the second biggest purchase in your life.  Instead, let’s do this:  Make it a complete chore and go out of your way to have ZERO fun.  Go into the dealer and be really pissed-off looking.  Grunt and groan about how you hate buying cars and can’t stand salespeople.  Maybe bring your kids in just before dinnertime so they can be just as angry as you are. 

People feed of each other’s energy.  If you want to have a positive experience in a showroom, perhaps try being positive.  I think these writers don’t give consumers enough credit.  Just because we’re enjoying something doesn’t mean that we will leave our common sense at the door and throw our budget to the wind. 

But, Hannah does try to redeem herself at the end of her article by stating “Above all, be honest, decisive and direct.”  HUH?!?  Don’t tell them a thing but be honest and direct.  Lady, your confusing us all…

If you really want to enjoy your car buying experience, I have 3 simple steps to buying a car with no non-sense:

1. Visit www.carcostcanada.com
2. Build & Price the vehicle(s) of your choice
3. Print Wholesale Price Report and visit dealer with it in hand and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to buy a new car at a great price.

You won’t go wrong, when you know what the dealer paid…

If you’d like to read the full article on What Not To Say When Buying A Car on CTV News by Hannah Elliott follow this link.

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