Yes, it’s cool to have a car full of bells and whistles. The thing is, you don’t need them. You need a good, sturdy, attractive car that gets a lot of miles per gallon and will get you there and back again in one piece. But the temptation to purchase add-ons is strong, and it’s the job of the car salesperson to make it nearly irresistible. But you can resist. Here are some ways how.
Yes, it’s cool to have a car full of bells and whistles. The thing is, you don’t need them. You need a good, sturdy, attractive car that gets a lot of miles per gallon and will get you there and back again in one piece. But the temptation to purchase add-ons is strong, and it’s the job of the car salesperson to make it nearly irresistible. But you can resist. Here are some ways how.
1. Do Your Research
Cars are expensive, and they’re getting more expensive every day. You should expect that they’ll be of reliable service for some years. Because of this, you need to research and research some more. That means checking out auto websites, getting recommendations from friends and relatives and visiting dealerships before making that final decision.
2. Bring a Friend or Trusted Family Member
Alas, this is especially true if you’re a woman. It’s even true if the salesperson is herself a lady. Some car salespeople assume that women don’t know the first thing about buying a car. They will try to press upon them all kinds of add-ons, and too many women were raised to be accommodating. When it comes to buying a car, listen to the words of Joan on Mad Men. “Get a man” to come with.
3. Negotiate Your Add-ons Separately
Some car dealerships offer package deals with all kinds of add-ons you don’t need or even want. If you simply must have rust proofing but can do without pinstriping, make this clear. Even if you change your mind and do decide to add pinstriping, negotiate this add-on separately.
4. Avoid Extended Warranties
Extended warranties are expensive and aren’t worth the cost. Their coverage is limited, and they make a mint in commissions for the salesperson. They’re especially useless if your car is brand new. Assume that the car’s not going to need extensive repairs for a while, and put aside some money for this every pay period.
5. Don’t Fall for Unnecessary Stuff
If the car salesperson presses you to accept this or that add-on, such as fabric protection, you are within your rights to say “No.” Or, okay, “No thank you.” If you find you need these extras, you can probably get them at a lower cost somewhere else.
6. Only Finance the Essentials
Whatever you think of as an “essential” is up to you. Do not finance anything you believe to be non-essential, no matter how hard the car dealership presses you.
7. Be Wary of Dealer Packages
Dealer packages can contain everything from extended warranties, which have already been discussed and should be discarded, fabric protection, etching, alarms and protection of your car’s keys and paint job. There’s at least one of those things that you don’t want. Don’t pay for it.
8. Most Leasing Add-ons Aren’t Necessary
Some leasing add-ons are fine, because they can keep you off the hook for fees or the costs of car damage. Most of them are unnecessary. Skip them.
9. Don’t Let the Salesman Snow You
A good car salesperson can sell ice to a penguin. They will try to interest you not only in the car but in everything that can possibly go with it. You can’t blame them, because they get a commission. But you must resist unless you don’t mind paying for stuff you’re never going to need.
10. Get Everything in Writing
A handshake to close a deal is good and all, but nothing beats getting everything to do with your car in writing. This includes the bill of sale, the title, the financing plan, the trade-in title if you’re trading in your old car and other paperwork. Make sure you put it all in a safe place, like a safe.