So You Want to Buy a Car.

You just hit a deer, got promoted at work, won the lottery or are going through a mid-life crisis. Guess what? Time to buy a new car. Right?

I live in Mid-Missouri and work for a large, new age, high tech and successful automotive group....our website is okay too. Corwin Jefferson City, MO Auto Dealer Group

A little about me:
This is a quick guide, based off my experiences as someone who has been in customer service for 15 years, a nerdy consumer and lived in a family that's owned 4 car dealerships for 40 years. I went to college for Health (and Environmental Science), didn't get a job. Got an MBA, didn't get a job and was presenting for a young professional group for my job growing up and got asked if I were interested in selling cars. I know tons of people from playing sports growing up, bartending and having my fair share of large parties growing up. So I thought to myself, I know lots of people age 16-30, they are moving, growing, having babies and their families will be expanding. Sounds like a million dollars all around me.....right? So I took the job, and haven't looked back.

Tips, thoughts and game plan:
1. Have a plan.

2. Do some research, don't over analyze. I have customers come in all the time with price guides, reviews, pictures, binders, and all sorts of jazz. They get so confused because they've looked at 15 cars that ultimately they burn themselves out, get pissed off or just give up. (I think it's funny)

3. Get internet pricing, Zag, Trucar, USAA, Hartford Total Loss, Car Soup, American Express, etc. Many dealerships (from what I have seen) do not honor all pricing. USAA I believe is the best. From my end of the desk and the "pencil" it's is great to get an internet lead, because that's the price. There's really no haggling. You either take the car or you don't. Most internet prices take all the fun stuff (mark up) out. Which means....

4. Your trade is worth it's weight in metal.....just kidding. Be realistic with your trade (if you have one). There are no tricks for getting more for your trade, it doesn't really matter in the inside is immaculate. Trade allowance, it will happen: Someone will mark a vehicle up....and make you think your trade is worth more by showing you more. Don't go in thinking that you're going to get excellent condition from Kelly Blue Book. You won't. Sadly your 2004 Ford Focus isn't worth the 17k you paid for it 6 years ago. Kelly Blue Book does not have a Print Check Button. We go by ACV (Actual cash value), auction pricing and go from there. Coming in with a rock bottom internet lead from step 3, will probably mean you'll get less than what you think your awesome 140,000 mile Camry is worth.

5. Shop banks, rates and incentives always change. But it doesn't always hurt to look around. Credit unions are usually pretty aggressive, however many new car manufacturers have pretty good rates. If you have bank loyalty and in some cases want to pay more money, you can do that too.

6. Have a budget, be realistic. Rule of thumb is for every $1000 financed/borrowed is around $20 a month for 60 months. So a $20,000 car (with no trade or no money down) = $400 a month, a $10,000 car is $200 a month. Most people will pay more for something they love. Always start cheaper. If you want to spend $15,000, start at $13,000. Unlike what Dave Ramsey says, paying cash won't get you a "better deal" but you will probably pay a little less money. If someone offers me $20,000 cash for a $24,000 car, we will say no 99% of the time, but if they finance it we will take it. Obviously you will pay more than $20,000 but you'll get a new car.

7. Check a couple dealerships. Don't be a tool about it and shop vs. 10 dealerships. Don't be scared to buy local unless you've had a bad experience. They all own the cars for the same money (new). But many dealerships have a few close big competitors that can be an advantage.

8. Drive the car, if you don't drive it or don't like it price isn't important. Calling in and asking for their "bottom dollar" is pretty wild west of you, but drive the vehicle first, then worry about the price. You don't buy shoes without trying them on. You're stupid if you buy a car without driving it. However, I have sold a few cars to people who don't care how it drives, just the way it looks or the price....really weird.

9. Be patient, follow your budget, don't fall for large vehicle market adjustments, most dealerships have documentations fees, some states govern them. You can make a scene and act like you won't pay it but you will, somehow. If it's more than $100, ask if they'll wave it.

10. 0% usually isn't a good thing. Many times people come and ask to barter or for a discount and get 0%, usually 0% has to be bought down and that costs money. That's why it's usually 0% or a discount.

I hope this helps. Feel free to post any questions or comments!