Buying a new car is the 2nd largest purchase most of us will ever make. There is a lot of pressure that goes along with this decision so it pays to be well prepared. You will have this vehicle for a long time so it is only natural to take your time and get it right. This article will outlay some important considerations and basic tools to help you choose the right vehicle from the dealer that suits you best.

Three basic things you will need:

Financing approval: It is best to speak with your bank prior to stepping on the car lot. This will ensure you have a reasonable budget and don’t fall in love with a car you can’t afford.

Car Insurance: You’ll need coverage to drive off the lot in most states. Also, this information can help you plan a more realistic budget and gives you a better idea of the total cost of ownership. Given the significant depreciation of any vehicle once it drives off the lot, gap coverage (coverage for the difference between market value and the loan amount) is highly recommended.

Cars: Once you know what you can afford, it’s time to do a little legwork. Researching vehicles online or through publications like Car & Driver or Road & Track will help you to make an informed decision based on what features best suit your needs. Consider uses such as commuting, recreation, towing capacity, passenger seating, and driving conditions in addition to important factors like fuel efficiency, reliability, and safety features.

Once you have established the basics above, you can move on to the more specific task of finding and buying a new Chevrolet automobile.

The first step in buying a new Chevy car is to establish a budget. This budget must include all of the following items:
Down Payment
Trade in value
Financing Approval
Monthly payment
Insurance Cost
Cost of ownership

Each of these items will impact the total expenses you incur with a vehicle, and comparing them as a whole will give the most accurate representation of each vehicle on your list.

Once you’ve established a budget and chosen the models that suit your needs you are ready for a visit to your local Chevy dealer. It’s a good idea to call a few dealerships, and make an appointment if possible. This way you can avoid being stuck with whatever salesperson is standing out front when you drive on the lot.

Question the salesperson over the phone to be sure they are both knowledgeable and professional.

When you arrive at the dealership you should look closely at both stickers on the new Chevy you have selected. The first sticker is the Manufacturers sticker, and it lists the MSRP, as well as any factory installed options, as well as some information such as the EPA mpg. Estimates. The second sticker is the dealer’s sticker, and it should enumerate any services that the dealer has performed such as upgraded wheels, exterior sealant, and other dealer prep. The dealers sticker usually reflects a higher price, and may include additional dealer profits. Question the salesperson extensively about these charges. They should be able to honestly, quickly, and accurately explain any charges on either sticker.

Despite all the research and information up to this point, the most important thing to consider is how you feel in the car. First you should sit in each location in the car to be sure that the seating meets your requirements. Next ask for a test drive (don’t forget your Drivers License and Insurance) to see how the vehicle performs on the road. Don’t be afraid to give your prospective new Chevy a thorough testing. You want to be sure that it meets your needs in all circumstances. Pull into an empty parking lot and test the brakes, turning radius, and various features. While you are there, open up the hood and look inside. It doesn’t matter that you are not a gear head, you can still get a sense of the way the vehicle is running, and checking the fluids is a great way to test the due diligence of a dealership. If the oil is nasty, the fluids low, or the engine is dingy, the vehicle may not have gone through a rigorous inspection when it arrived on the lot After you are fully satisfied, return to the dealership and ask for the salespersons business card while letting them know that you will return later. Repeat this process until you settle on a car and a dealer you are comfortable with, weighing both the vehicle and dealerships pros and cons.

When you are ready to begin negotiating, be prepared to spend some time at the dealership, or walk away entirely. Each of these tactics can save you cash or get additional services thrown in to “close the deal”. Your first offer should be less than your set price, but not so low as to be an insult. A ridiculous offer here will tell the salesperson you are not serious about buying the car. Be patient, and wait for the dealer to make a counter-offer. If this figure is not within your established price range you can either make another offer, or simply walk out. If you make another offer make it slightly higher than the first offer, but still below what you are willing to pay. If you choose to walk away, do so slowly so that the salesperson has a chance to “catch you” as you walk out. Most importantly, if you do walk out be prepared to walk to your car and never come back. The salesperson will contact you in a couple days anyway, so don’t worry about losing anything.

Another element of these negotiations is timing. This is a little known, but very effective tool. Car dealerships are paid based on volume, and certain quotas are established on a monthly and annual basis by the manufacturer. In many cases a dealer will gladly sell a car for much less at the end of the month or year to make a quota and get additional compensation from the manufacturer. Individual Sales representatives will also make concessions to meet their numbers. When you walk out, they will try to get you back in, but when you return you might have gained an edge in the negotiations.

These are all suggestions to help you get the best price on the new Chevy car of your choice. When it comes to car shopping, patience is the most valuable tool. That said, it never hurts to bring along a couple snacks!

Author Bio: Jesse Ellison is a car buff and new Georgia Chevy salesman who is ready to help you with all your automotive needs. As a new Chevy dealer in Georgia for over 30 years he has built the knowledge and experience to put you in the right vehicle.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: New Chevy Car, New Chevrolet, New car buying, New Chevy purchase, Buy new Chevy, New Chevy Dealer