{"id":1464,"date":"2019-09-12T11:20:34","date_gmt":"2019-09-12T15:20:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/?p=1464"},"modified":"2025-03-06T16:25:28","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T21:25:28","slug":"buying-a-new-car-as-a-college-student-heres-how-to-stay-within-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/buying-a-new-car-as-a-college-student-heres-how-to-stay-within-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying a New Car as a College Student? Here\u2019s How to Stay Within Budget!"},"content":{"rendered":"

College is an exciting and challenging time. Between 7 am classes, tons of homework and, whew, student loans, you have a lot of your plate. But now you\u2019ve decided to invest in a new car so you can travel faster and more conveniently. That\u2019s great news! Naturally, you want something that stays well within budget.<\/span><\/p>\n

Buying a new car is a phenomenal experience. Well, actually, <\/span>owning<\/span><\/i> a new car is a phenomenal experience. Buying one? Not as much.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We understand that you\u2019re super new to this and need a little help. If you\u2019re curious about, say, the price of a <\/span>Honda, Car Cost Canada<\/span><\/a> has got your back! This article helps you simplify the negotiation and reveals how you can find out the <\/span>invoice price on your new car in Canada<\/span><\/a> in a matter of minutes!<\/span><\/p>\n

Like most new car buyers, you might be wondering; just <\/span>what is the invoice price of a car?<\/b> The invoice price or dealer cost is the sum of money paid by the dealership to gain ownership of the car. It includes the cost of the base model and all add-ons. The figure is typically much lower than the advertised figures, the latter of which is referred to as the MSRP (Manufacturer\u2019s Suggested Retail Price).<\/span><\/p>\n

When you shop smart and <\/span>get a car dealer invoice report<\/span><\/a>, you can skip the MSRP and pay a much lower fee.<\/span><\/p>\n

Check the Age of the Car<\/b><\/p>\n

When shopping around for a new ride, go for a model that\u2019s less than 8 years old.\u00a0 You\u2019ll need a car that has easily available parts that do not call for frequent replacements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you approach the dealers, make sure you have someone with you who is experienced in purchasing cars. Certain salespersons might deceive new buyers about the state of the motor vehicles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By taking an experienced person with you, you\u2019re enhancing your bargaining power and the likelihood of getting the best value for your money.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Set the Ground Rules<\/b><\/p>\n

Do your research on the car you have in mind before you set foot into the dealership. Instead of dropping by the dealers and letting the salesperson sway your opinion, tell them you already have a vehicle selected. Convey the trim level and add-ons that you wish to invest in, keeping in mind the price for that configuration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When the salesperson senses you\u2019re a novice who doesn\u2019t have a specific model and trim level in mind, they\u2019ll pull out all the stops to get you to invest in expensive and unnecessary add-ons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reassure them that both parties are emerging from a mutually beneficial deal, and ask if they\u2019re willing to match your target price. If not, don\u2019t be afraid to tell them that you\u2019d prefer to go to another dealership. When they see you\u2019re willing to let the deal fall through, they are all the more likely to be open to reason.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Purchase At the End of the Month<\/b><\/p>\n

Business slows down at the end of the month and most salespersons are looking to make one final sale. It stands to reason that they\u2019re more amenable and willing to be open to your negotiation tactics. If you want to go one better, try buying your car at the end of a quarter – March, June, September or December. This will help you save even further.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We suggest shopping for the car early in the month and actually buying it much later, meaning get the test drive done early and narrow the list when the month is closing up shop.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Access Great Rebates With a Free Car Dealer Invoice Report<\/b><\/p>\n

A dealer invoice report is honestly every college student\u2019s best friend when car shopping. This report is meant to provide a breakdown of all fees, including the hidden car fees that most people aren\u2019t aware of. That way, you will know exactly how much you\u2019re paying for that trim level and how to negotiate smartly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your report will reveal;<\/span><\/p>\n