There are SEVERAL things that eveyone needs to know about used cars. Some poeple just stroll on in and pick something on the lot test drive it for a few mins. and pack the sticker price and sign their lives away and don’t look back. If this is you STAY TUNED! Your going to get a rude awakening to what you should be doing EVEN before you step on the lot and it involves what your on right now.

Step1: Like a good boy scout “Be Prepared” Before even entering the dealership you should go to kbb.com and look up to see how much your trade is going to be worth before you roll on in there. ALSO! Get a credit report! Go to freecreditreport.com and they’ll give you a report how to what your score is. You might be asking me “Why on earth do I need these ACF?” Because boys and girls it’s simple the kbb will tell you what your used car is worth. When you put your info in be honest, if your missing a door and is covered in rust it’s not going to be in “perfect” condition nor “good”. But if it has a couple of marks that you know about but no one else would know about unless you showed them? Lets just keep that to yourself. The Credit Report is what will make sure they don’t jack up your interest rate and say well you fall into this bracket when really it should be a tier 1 or 2 instead of a 9 or 10. And it may not seem like a lot but it’ll add up and you’ll be paying almost double for the used car depending how what they give you for a rate.

Step 2: Don’t rush in! I know your a hard working American just like me but you gotta take the time and look and THINK about what your about to do. If you can’t walk away right then and there you need to really take a step back cause your not thinking clearly. I don’t care if you have to rent, borrow or steal (ok, don’t steal). Don’t rush in as the old saying goes “Only fools rush in” Unless they’re giving away beer at your local bar don’t rush into anything! Be a smart car buyer!

Step 3: The Salesman isn’t your friend. As soon as you see this guy on the used car lot you’ll instantly find him to be nice and funny and really interested in what you have to say. Until you sit down inside and start talking numbers. When you show signs of disinterest they’ll automatically think that the deal is going south and they need to pressure you into a deal you don’t want. If you don’t feel right in that situation then don’t buy just get up and walk away and walk and walk and walk all the way till you get to your car and then go home or to the next dealership. You don’t need to be near anyone who doesn’t care or try to care about your interests.

Step 4: The Figure 4. If while interacting with our lovely salesperson friend watch for what I call the figure 4 or the 4 square worksheet. When they take a piece of paper and draw 4 boxes on it Look Out cause each box represents a profit bracket cut that they are taking. They don’t do it so they can make it easy for you to read they do it for their benefit. The figure 4 doesn’t have to be dawn either just watch out for 4 spots on the same piece of paper that they use to negotiate with you.

Step 5: Don’t trust anyone…The salesman will be your best friend and the finance guy will be your worst enemy. You have to treat them both equal. Don’t play into their used car games You have to put your foot down from the start and let them know that you understand that they need to make “some” money but they don’t need to have the deed to your soul either. If you feel like you have to buy the car from someone just cause you’ve worked with them all day and they get you pop and some chips doesn’t mean that you owe them your soul and your cash. You only owe them what you feel like you should give them. It’s your jack spend it wisely.

ACF