Dear Car Buyer,

If you're like most people, you love getting a new car, but you don't like the process of buying one.  The hassle of haggling, the annoyance of going from lot to lot, and the fear that you didn't get the best deal are enough to turn anyone off from the whole experience - not to mention the ordeal of dealing with the stereotypical "used car salesman."

There's A BETTER WAY TO BUY your next vehicle, but you have to learn The 7 Big Car Buying Secrets that the other car dealers don't want you to know.

1) Dealer-Only Auctions: Dealer-only auctions are the primary way auto dealers rotate large volumes of inventory. Get access to these auctions here, through BID LIKE A DEALER

2) Reliable Resources:  Kelly Blue Book and the National Auto Dealers Association are two independent and fantastic ways to check to see how much you should really expect to pay for a new or pre-owned car.  Never buy a vehicle without first checking one or both of these valuable pricing resources.

3) Financing: Car dealers love when you finance your car with their own financing company because over time the dealer makes more money selling you a financed car than if you just paid for the car in cash.  If you are unable to buy a car without financing, be sure you know what your credit scores are and talk to your bank, another trusted lending institution, or check out online lending companies such as Lending Tree about your financing options before you step onto a car lot.  That way you will know if the car dealer really is giving you the best rate for your car loan - which will give you choices on how you can purchase your car.

4) Warranties: Never purchase a car that doesn't have some type of warranty.  Technically, in the state of PA, all cars are sold "as is" though that doesn't mean the car doesn't have a warranty or the dealer cannot add one.  Ask the dealer if the car is still under the original manufacturer's warranty or if the car comes with a special or extended dealer warranty.  If the dealer refuses to give you a warranty or claims that they can't put a warranty on the car you shouldn't buy it.  Reputable dealers always have at least a six month warranty on every car they sell. 

5) Inspection:  The car you are buying should have recent (within four months of the expiration) inspection stickers.  In the state of PA, you have to have up-to-date inspection or you will be fined.  A dealer can inspect a car at any point (no matter how close the car is to the inspection expiration date).  If the car you are buying doesn't have fresh inspection stickers, you should take the car to a mechanic to find out if there are any unforeseen costs (breaks, tires, emissions, etc.) hiding behind the old inspection.  You could also demand that the dealer either provide a current print out of an emissions test with a technicians signature and name of inspection facility or that the dealer bring the inspection up-to-date - on the dealers dime - before you purchase it to avoid any unforeseen costs.   

6) Commissioned Sales People: Be careful of sales people who work on commission as their intentions to sell you a car may not be in your best interest.  Dealers and sales professionals whose income is not directly linked to what you purchase and if you purchase are most likely to help you get what you want and not try to convince you to buy so they make their commission and get their selling bonuses.  Ask the sales person if he works on commission or salary when you are looking at your next car.

7) Trade-in: Dealers will not give any more than wholesale value for your trade minus the to cost to recondition the car. Even if your car is in the best of shape, reconditioning can still run $500.00 or more. Costs involved are inspection, safety check and detail at the very minimum.  Of course, selling the car yourself could turn into a huge hassle, so you have to outweigh the challenges of selling it on your own versus getting a lower price from the dealer.  Cars more than eight years old often don't have any trade value and you may want to consider selling the car yourself.

So, now you know what to look for when you go to buy your next car.  An educated buyer gets the most for his or her money and makes the most informed purchases.

If you have questions or want more information on the cars available on our lot, please give us a call at (610) 272-1998, email us at cars@thatsmynewcar.com or visit us at 3 DeKalb Pike, Norristown, PA - just 10 minutes from King of Prussia. 

We look forward to meeting you!

That's what customer service is all about. That's My New Car obviously really cares about it's business and customers. - Uma Savina-