Buying an automobile is a big move, especially if it’s going to be the first vehicle you own.
Just like any business, car dealerships have a lot of plans set in place to convince a customer to make their purchase, and some of these plans are scams and frauds.
However, that shouldn’t stop you from getting your dream car. All you have to do is be careful and follow these tips we gathered so you can car-shop without a hassle.
If you’re thinking of selling your car, be sure to get a car valuation in Dubai first to make sure you’re getting the best price.
1 – Keep Your Budget to Yourself
Knowing how much you are willing to pay for a new vehicle is crucial. You should have a clear understanding of your finances and the amount you plan on paying for a new ride.
That being said, the budget is not something you have to share with a dealer, even if they ask you: “How much are you looking to spend?” in a not-so-threatening manner.
As much as it may seem like a harmless way to speed up your search for a good match, it can actually wind up being used against you. Wondering how?
Well, the salesperson can easily increase the price of a car that falls way under your budget to make it fit right in. That way, you’ll be sticking to your budget but paying more than the auto is worth.
So if you plan on visiting car dealerships soon, make sure you avoid answering any questions about your designated finances to stay on the safe side.
You can sell any car in UAE fast and easy, as long as it’s well-maintained.
2 – Warranty Check and Inspection
Once you decide on the model and other specs you want, and you’ve found your chosen car, don’t forget to ask about warranties.
Whether it’s a brand-new or second-hand vehicle, warranties will cover a lot of expenses caused by problems that may show up after your purchase.
Generally speaking, all new cars have warranties, but used ones tend to differ. For example, a car with over 100k miles will most likely have exceeded its guarantee period, which is a good enough reason to reconsider making the purchase.
If a warranty covers your car of choice, it’s important to know what type it is and what it protects.
There are generally 2 types of warranties, one that protects almost everything in the car for a certain period, and the other covers costly engine and transmission parts.
Make sure you check the warranty certification and ensure that it’s legit. There are also CPOs (Certified Pre-Owned) available at some dealerships, which are second-hand cars that have been checked professionally and will have some type of partial warranty covering them.
Since we mentioned professional checkups, don’t hesitate to have a second-hand car inspected by a trusted mechanic before you purchase it.
Inspections are a standard procedure when buying a used vehicle because looks may be deceiving, and you won’t know for sure what’s going on under the hood until you get it checked.
If the dealer refuses to have you get the used car checked, it is a red flag for you to walk away from the deal.
3 – Negotiate!
Negotiating the final price with a seller is viewed as a stressful process for many, but believe it or not, it is also tough for many salespeople.
It’s not a felony to stay a little longer at the dealer’s office to discuss things. Refusing a certain price point may be the last straw for a dealer, forcing them to accept your terms to close the deal.
If you feel like tapping out mid-way through payment discussions, hold on for a bit longer. You may be a few seconds away from saving yourself some hard-earned cash.
However, if you feel like you could be better at negotiations, consider bringing a friend or relative you trust who will support you in your give-and-take. And don’t forget that you can always refuse and walk away.
