-
Step 1
Decide what you intend to use the car for - daily commuting, recreation, weekends and evenings out, carrying things, carrying two or more people, city driving or suburban and rural driving.
-
Step 2
Decide your price range. Be realistic.
-
Step 3
Decide whether or not you will finance the car. Consider your financing budget.
-
Step 4
Consider your preferred level of fuel efficiency. Many modern cars and trucks get surprisingly poor mileage.
-
Step 5
If considering a trade-in, check the Kelley Blue Book value of your current vehicle and add this figure to your budget. The blue book, a catalog of car values, is available at most bookstores and online.
-
Step 6
Add up your total budget. Adjust the total as necessary or desired.
-
Step 7
Locate dealerships in your area via newspaper advertisements (many Sunday papers have automotive sections) or word of mouth. Set out early, preferably on a weekday, and remember to bring your driver's license.
-
Step 1
Go to the sales lot, not the showroom. Tell any sales representative lingering there that you are just looking around. Move away from the representative and toward the cars. Act pleasant but vaguely brusque, if necessary.
-
Step 2
Browse independently until you identify a car that looks interesting to you.
-
Step 3
Check the sticker on the window. The sticker will list the car's features, fuel-efficiency rating (miles per gallon expected for city and highway driving) and asking price.
-
Step 4
If the door is unlocked, open it and sit down to check the car's interior. The sales representative will likely come to investigate - if that hasn't happened already. If the car is locked, tell the representative you'd like to have a look inside.
-
Step 5
Target representatives who appear eager - ideally too eager - to help.
-
Step 1
Sit in the driver's seat with both feet in the car as if you're driving. Close the door and place your hands on the wheel.
-
Step 2
Adjust the seat as necessary. Check the fit and the interior layout. Note the location of window controls, signals, gauges and the gearshift.
-
Step 3
Adjust the mirrors and check the blind spots.
-
Step 4
If the car has a manual transmission, check the clutch pedal's stiffness and run through the gears.
-
Step 5
Sit in the passenger seat. Move the seat all the way forward and check the leg room.
-
Step 6
Move the driver's seat to your preferred position and move the passenger seat, if separate, all the way back.
-
Step 7
Sit in the back seat and check leg room on each side.
-
Step 8
Ask the sales representative to arrange a test drive.
-
Step 9
Ask to drive the car yourself instead of having the representative drive. (The dealership may have to photocopy your license before you can drive the car.)
-
Step 10
Put any passengers in the seats they are likely to normally occupy.
-
Step 11
Drive on city streets first. Check steering ease, turning radius and braking response. Adjust the mirrors and the radio while driving to check for convenience.
-
Step 12
Head to a highway. Check engine performance and pickup and listen for any noise.
-
Step 13
Open the windows to check for buffeting.
-
Step 14
Return to the dealership and thank the dealer. If you like the car, say you will return later. The dealer will want to discuss a purchase.
-
Step 15
Demur pleasantly and ask for a business card.
-
Step 16
Head to the next dealership.
-
Step 17
Ask the dealer which car most closely resembles the one you previously test-drove. Specify makes and models. Tell the salesperson, for example, that you drove a large Lincoln or a Mazda four-door sedan. Explain all the things you liked about the last car and ask the salesperson to show you similar features on another car.
-
Step 18
Repeat these steps until you decide on a car.
Comments
LUCKYLINDY1 said
on 7/29/2007 any information on a 2008 toyota Avalon Limited
LUCKYLINDY1 said
on 7/29/2007 I have a problem in deciding to buy a new car now or wait for the new models which will soon be available. I have tried to get information in regards to a 2008 Toyota Avalon Limited and cannot find any. Any Help?