Posted by ross |

We've been looking at purchasing a new car lately, since the old minivan is on its last leg.  We have our 4th kid on the way, so we are going to need something pretty hefty, like a minivan or large sized SUV.  But how in the world do we go look for cars when we have 3 kids with us?  We tried this recently, and here was the range of responses:

1. Every car we looked at the kids wanted, and when we didn't buy it, they were upset. 
   
2. At the exact same time they wanted to leave because they were bored. 
   
3. My youngest daughter would not stop messing her britches.   

Obviously this is not a long term solution for vehicle shopping.  I don't want to make a hasty purchase just because my kids are driving me bonkers.  With that said, I sat down and made a list of ideas that will help our car buying experience a little less painful.  Hopefully you will find it helpful too:

1. Narrow down your choices according to price - don't waste your time lusting over something you can't afford
2. Narrow down your choices according to size - if you have 4 kids like me, don't mess around looking for a compact SUV
3. Shop from the comfort of your own home - if you are reading this then you have access to the internet.   Many dealers use websites like craigslist to advertise online.
4. Make a list of dealerships you want to visit - if you live in a large metropolitan area, you will be overwhelmed by the options.  Instead of visiting all of them, narrow it down to 4 or 5, and you are bound to find what you are looking for at the right price.  
5. Don't be in a hurry - put down the impulse to buy the first good deal you see, unless it is absolutely the greatest deal you've ever seen, in which case there is probably more to the deal than meets the eye.  If your  car goes away, another one will show up soon.  
6. Put your salesman to work - build a relationship with the car salesmen by getting his card and checking in with him periodically via email or phone.  Make sure he knows  what you are looking for and that you are serious about buying, and he will get to work if he is worth his salt.  

Posted on: 1/31/2009 at 3:22 PM
Categories: Car Buying | The Smart Consumer
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