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CAR SALES TIPS

| NEW CAR SALES TIPS | USED CAR SALES TIPS | FINDING THE BEST DEALS |

NEW CAR SALES TIPS

STEPS TO BUYING A NEW CAR

Whether this is your first new car shopping experience or you just need a refresher, here are some valuable pointers.

THINK ABOUT WHAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE

• What kind of driving do you do?
  
• How important is gas mileage?
  
• How many passengers will be riding in your car?
  
• Do you want a manual or automatic transmission?
  
• What car safety features are important?
  
• Will you be doing any towing?
  

Next, start your car search online. You can quickly narrow your choices by reading new car reviews, safety tips and pricing. Print out pertinent information to keep in your car buying folder.

WHAT CAN YOU AFFORD TO SPEND?

• What does your budget look like?
  
• How much can you afford to spend on a down payment?
  
• What kind of monthly payment can you handle?
  

Unless you plan on paying with cash, it's smart to get pre-approved for financing. It is important to know what you can afford ahead of time. A general rule of thumb is your total monthly car payments shouldn't surpass 20 percent of your monthly take-home pay.

By now, you should have your new car "short list". Save time and gas by finding your new car information online. Research each model meticulously.

YOUR CHOICES ONLINE

• Read new car reviews
  
• Check car safety features
  
• Examine new car pricing
  
• Find out what options come standard
  
• Request new car quotes online
  
• Find local car dealerships

POSITIVE ABOUT YOUR CHOICES?

Now that you've researched all the cars on your short list, you can venture to the dealerships with confidence. It's a good idea to make initial contact by phone. This phone call also allows you to get a feel for the atmosphere of the dealership.

Keep in mind that the goal is to test drive the cars back to back. This can expose minor or major differences, which will lead to a more informed buying decision. Make sure to let the salesperson know you are still test driving other cars.

Before setting off for the test drive, walk around the car, taking note of how everything looks. Get into the car and examine the interior features. Climb into the back seat to make sure it's comfortable and roomy. In the test drive, be sure to observe how well the car handles in a variety of driving conditions.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

• Is the car comfortable?
  
• Do you have enough leg and head room?
  
• What is the turning radius like?
  
• Are there any blind spots?
  
• Drive over bumps. How is the suspension?
  
• Is the ride smooth or harsh?
  
• Get on the highway. Does it have the acceleration you are looking for?
  
• Is the interior to your liking?
  
• Is the trunk area spacious enough?
  
• Does anything feel awkward?
  
• When braking, does the vehicle slow smoothly?
  
• Is the car easy to park?
  
• Are the interior controls easy to use?

SEARCH FOR THE RIGHT DEALER

It is essential to find a sales person who makes you feel comfortable. By now, you may have requested quotes online, spoken with a salesperson on the phone and gone on several test drives. Now it's time to make an assessment.

CONSIDER THE DEALERS YOU'VE ALREADY MET

• Did they respond to your emails or phone calls quickly?
  
• Did they answer your questions clearly and without steering you in another direction?
  
• Did they ask you specific questions to best understand what you are looking for in a car?
  
• Were they straightforward without being too pushy?
  
• Were they relaxed, friendly and patient?
  

Don't settle on a dealership just because you're ready to buy. Triniautosearch.com can help you find a car dealer perfectly matched to your needs.

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USED CAR SALES TIPS

In the past few years, the used car market has boomed. A record number of new cars are being sold thanks to today's great incentives. That means people buying new are trading in their not-so-old cars. Additionally, the growing lease market means many low-mileage cars are coming off lease.

Used car buyers are taking advantage of the low prices and wide range of choices. Additionally, used cars are more reliable now than ever before.

You may even be able to transfer the original factory warranty. Plus, you can get a car with a lot more features for considerably less than a bare-bones new one.

OUR USED CAR BUYING TIPS HELP YOU BUY A CAR WITH CONFIDENCE

The following steps are designed to help guide you through the car buying process, so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle.

Consider your lifestyle needs when determining what type of used car you should look for. Think about different factors, such as:

• How many passengers will be riding in the car with you?
  
• How much driving will you be doing?
  
• What kind of driving will you be doing?
  
• How important is gas mileage to you?
  

Next, start your search online. Look for used cars in your price range by reading car reviews, safety ratings and buying tips. Use the car buying tools that are available today, including model information.

Select three or four models you like before you start shopping. It can be helpful to thoroughly consider and research similar vehicles in the same class for back-up.

Once you know what to look for, you're ready to browse used car classifieds. You happen to be in the right place - visit our Buy Your Car listings to start. With more than 3 million used vehicles listed for sale by private owners and dealers, you're more than likely to find what you want.

If you find a car that looks promising, call the seller. Many times all it takes is one call to know if the lead is a good one or not. Find out as much as you can about the car on the phone before you even ask to see it. You don't want to waste your time test-driving a car that's not up to your standards.

In general, you want to find out about the used car's condition and history. Many buyers look for one-owner cars that have service records and repair receipts.

HERE ARE SOME TYPES OF QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK THE SELLER:

• What's the condition of the car?
  
• How many miles are on it?
  
• How is it equipped?
  
• Are you its original owner?
  
• Has it ever been in an accident?
  
• Do you have service records?
  
• Why are you selling the car?
  

If you like what you hear about the car over the phone, set up an appointment to see the car during the daytime. Go on a long test-drive and get a good idea of how well it handles in a variety of driving conditions. Think about your comfort level as well. Because you're test-driving a used car, you'll need to pay attention to all aspects of driving. It's best to drive with the radio off so you can notice if there is any engine noise.

ONCE UNDER WAY, THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU CAN ASK YOURSELF:

• Does the transmission shift smoothly?
  
• If you're driving a manual, does the clutch fully engage before you take your foot off the pedal?
  
• How well do the brakes work? Does the car pull?
  
• How is the alignment? Does the car drift to the left or right?
  
• Do you notice any shuddering, vibrating, rattles or squeaks?
  
• How does it handle while driving uphill?
  
• Perform some turning maneuvers on a side street. What is the turning radius like?
  
• Are there any blind spots?
  
• Drive over bumps and dips. How is the suspension?
  
• Now get on the highway. Does it have the acceleration you need?
  
• Does the cruise control work?
  

WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING, THINK ABOUT COMFORT:

• Does the seat offer plenty of support?
  
• Do you have ample leg and head room?
  

Before you go to the expense of having the car professionally inspected, look at it yourself and make sure it's worth the investment.

CHECK OUT THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR:

• Do a thorough walk around and look for scratches, dings and rust.
  
• Make sure the doors, hood and trunk seal well and evenly align with the surface of the car.
  
• Look for differences in color on the panels and paint on the rubber seals around body openings. These are signs the car may have undergone body repair work or been repainted.
  

TAKE A LOOK AT THE TIRES:

• See if tread wear is even on all four tires. If not, they may not have been rotated regularly.
  
• Make sure the tires have enough tread on them to be safe. (This could be a negotiating point if the car will need new tires soon.)
  
• Make sure there isn't a mix of brands or sizes on the same axle.
  

OPEN THE TRUNK:

• Sniff for a mildew smell and look for signs of water leakage.
  
• Check the condition of the spare tire. Make sure the jack and other tools are there.
  

LOOK UNDER THE HOOD:

• Check for signs of leaking fluids, battery corrosion, damaged wires or cracked hoses.
  
• Check all the fluids - are they at the correct levels? The engine oil should be a smooth dark brown or black. Transmission fluid should be pinkish and smell like oil.
  
• If the engine is completely cool, remove the radiator cap and look at the color of the coolant. If you see a layer of oily film or what appears to be rust, there could be a problem. (Don't confuse rust with orange coolant. Many newer vehicles use orange coolant instead of green coolant.)
  

LOOK UNDER THE CAR WITH A FLASHLIGHT:

• Look for signs of oil leaks, coolant or rust.
  
• Check out the condition of the different parts. If you see any pristine sections, then the car may have been repaired.
  
• Inspect the condition of the tailpipe. It shouldn't be overly black and greasy or heavily rusted.
  

INSPECT THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR:

• Try every function, from electric windows and locks to the sunroof to lights. Play the radio and tape or CD player if there is one.
  
• Study the upholstery for wear and tear or sagging.
  

CHECK THE CAR'S HISTORY:

• Purchase a vehicle history report. You can learn about title information and whether it has ever been salvaged, damaged or reported stolen. You'll need to provide the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to conduct the search, so ask the owner for it.
  
• Ask to see the title and compare the VIN on the title to the number on the car to make sure they're the same. (The VIN is located on the dashboard under the windshield on the driver's side.)
  

CALL IN THE PROFESSIONAL:

If you're sure you want to purchase this car, now's the time to call in the professional to inspect it. Of course, you should stipulate to the seller that the sale is contingent upon the inspection.

SOME OF THE THINGS AN INSPECTOR SHOULD CHECK OUT:

• General mechanics
  
• Body work, including paint and frame
  
• Odometer fraud
  
• Proper trim options and features

If you're planning on buying a used car from a dealership and already have a car, decide whether to sell your car yourself or trade it in. If you sell it yourself, you may make more money on the transaction. Read our tips on how to sell your car before you make your decision.

If you're ready to sell your car, you can place an online ad on Triniautosearch.com. You get to post photos, give a detailed description of your car and even edit your ad later.

If you're less concerned about making money and are ready to get rid of it, trade it in. Either way, it's a good idea to tell the salesperson that you're not sure what you're going to do with your current car yet. Focus on negotiating a fair price on the car you're buying before you address questions about trade-in, financing or down payments.

Before you sell your car or trade it in, find out what it's worth. Our car values page can help you with your asking price. Remember, what you get from trade-in will likely be a little lower.

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FINDING THE BEST DEALS