Step 1 of 2:
Tell us what you're looking for and here you live so that we can find a trusted dealer near you who offers competitive Internet prices
Do some research online
Product knowledge is important. It is always better to do some research online. Find out what cars are available, and to see what options come with the vehicle you are interested in.
Research the options and packages
It is important to know as much as possible about the car or truck you are interested in before you step into the dealership. Although you may be a bit undecided, it is always better to know your choices and research the combinations before hand, so you are aware of what is out there.
Trade in value
When you do research online at Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds.com, know that when you come to the car dealership, it is wholesale value not private sale value. A lot of times, customers put a high value on their car and they think the car is worth that – which it is but when sold private, not wholesale. At the dealership you will get wholesale value, which is a fair value not excellent value.
Don't be intimidated by sales people
A lot of times people come in with the idea we are going to jump them, or sell them something we want to sell. It's important to know we are here to be friendly and to help you find the right car and not to sell you a car. That's why the title is sales consultant. We want to get the right vehicle for you.
Know your credit score
Before you come to the dealership find out your credit score. This gives you a better understanding of where you stand in terms of negotiating a rate. If your credit is good or if it needs improvement – this is something you can bring up and work with to favor you with interest rates.
There are a lot of banks out there that do lending for new car purchases and have competitive interest rates, but it is equally important to ask the sales associate as well. Know where you stand, and know your options with finance.
Be flexible
The information is out there. You have a lot of sources where you can find the invoice price for a vehicle and also what other people are paying for it. Our goal is to give you a fair price and also give you exceptional service for it. You also want to know if the vehicle is in high demand, it is going to be difficult to give it away at a specific price versus cars that are in the market and are advertised every weekend.
People buy because they like the sales person
When a person comes to a car dealership, they are usually looking to buy a car. This usually results in them purchasing a car within 7 business days. A lot of times a people do not buy because the sales associate did not treat you right, or the vehicle was not in stock. If the vehicle is not in stock, be flexible to give the sales person some time to locate the vehicle and work a deal for you.
Know you priorities in a vehicle
A lot of times customer come in with an idea for a vehicle, but the sales person puts them in a vehicle they are not interested in, or what they are looking for. If you know what you want stick with it, and stick with what your budget is. Don't be persuaded to look for another vehicle.
Rebates
Every month there are cash incentives and rebates the factory gives out to customers. Those are advertised in the newspapers or online. We as sales people give that information to the customer. We don't try to hide it from you. A lot times, customers think we are hiding things but we are not. I am here to help.
Every day is a good time to buy a Toyota
You should be excited when buying a new car and the sales person should be excited by it too. As customer should know the product, and the sales person should tell you what the benefits of each car or truck are. There are always incentives and discounts. You really have to be prepared, and know what you want, be flexible, not be afraid and enjoy the process. Buying a new car should be fun. The new car has a new car smell, it is shiny, clean and you are going to get a full tank of gas.