The Biggest Mistakes Car Buyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Part 2 of 2

For a lot of people, buying a car is one of the biggest purchases they will make, but too many buyers leave money on the table; or worse, end up with a deal they regret.

• Mistake #5: Not Shopping for Financing Beforehand: If you let the dealership arrange financing, you're handing them an opportunity to mark up your interest rate. Always check with your own bank first to compare rates.
• Mistake #6: Walking Into the Dealership Without a Plan: Without a clear budget, financing, and model and trim preferences in mind, you're at the mercy of a sales team trained to upsell. Know what you want before stepping onto the lot. Or, better yet, don't go to the dealership at all until you contact Your Car Haggler.
• Mistake #7: Trading in Your Car Without Knowing Its Value: Many buyers accept whatever trade-in price the dealer offers, not realizing they could get more by selling privately or negotiating with the dealership. Get a few quotes before trading in.
• Mistake #8: Not Test Driving Enough: Some buyers rush through test drives or skip them altogether. A car can look great online but feel completely different once you're behind the wheel. The deal is only final once you sign the paperwork; so, take a step back and ensure the car is exactly what you want it to be (and check to make sure it is undamaged and that everything works).
• Mistake #9: Not Consulting a Professional Car Buyer (YourCarHaggler.com) The easiest way to avoid all these pitfalls? Work with a professional car buyer and negotiator. We handle the research and negotiation, so you don't have to.