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There are two keys to driving away the best deal on your new car. The first is figuring out which car is right for you. The second key is knowing how to negotiate like a pro. We've talked to the experts--including the auto dealers themselves--to find out how you can significantly increase your odds of winning the car buying game. Spending time in a showroom is an inevitable part of shopping for a new car. Our showroom shopping tactics help you get the most out of the showroom experience. When your ready to negotiate prices with the dealer, be sure to arm yourself with our savvy negotiating moves; or if you're among the growing population of online auto shoppers, we can show you where a great deal may be just a click a way.
Showroom Shopping Tactics
Know your options
Carefully consider which options are important to you. If having an upgraded stereo system is high on your list, then go for it, but be aware that this option adds little to the resale value of a car. By contrast, the options that will lower your car's resale value if you don't have them are air conditioning and automatic transmission.
Keep your keys to yourself
Don't hand the salesperson the keys to your current car so that he or she can evaluate it for trade-in value before you've settled on a price for the new car. Negotiate the price of a new car before you ever discuss trade-ins or financing terms. Taking the keys to your car also is often used as a sales tactic to keep you in the showroom longer.
Take a solo test drive
Take a long test drive on your own without the salesperson in the passenger seat. To tell whether a car is really right for you, you need a test drive that includes highway driving, backing into your driveway, checking out the backseat and climate control, etc. Salespeople like to use the around-the-block test drive as a tool to continue pitching you, but any reputable dealer will allow you to take the car out on your own to get the objective information you need.
Part II: Savvy Negotiating Moves
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