in the next 6-8 weeks im looking to change my car, so no hurry. ill sell it private or part exchange, whatever really. i went to a showroom sunday and its so scary! i know they have targets etc... but why dont they listen?? has anyone got any help/ideas on how to get what i want, which is info without the pressure.
The thing is ive got it down to about 5 different cars, all different makes, so thats 5 different showrooms.
help

Take control! Remember you are there to buy a car not for them to sell you one so if they get pushy or start talking stuff you don't want to know about walk away!

Find a friend who knows about cars and buy privately.

all my friends are bias towards their type of car... gonna look on internet. buying private i find scary cos i know there are things i prob wouldnt tell them about my car - that its cursed! for a start. is what car worth buying??

NatalieSheff, good luck! It's a difficult thing to do but when you're in the showrooms think with your head and not your heart... don't let them confuse you into getting something they think you want!
Also, always go for the luxury edition of whichever type of car you want, even if it means paying a bit more or getting something slightly older. You won't regret it later... the car will be worth more when you come to buy again, and in the meantime you can enjoy electrics, alloys etc, etc!

I always say to myself that even if i find the perfect car, I will walk away, go to a nearby cafe/pub etc and think about it before buying. There is always more than 1 perfect car for you!

Good luck! :thumbsup:

Originally posted by Briano
NatalieSheff, good luck! It's a difficult thing to do but when you're in the showrooms think with your head and not your heart... don't let them confuse you into getting something they think you want!
.....I always say to myself that even if i find the perfect car, I will walk away, go to a nearby cafe/pub etc and think about it before buying. There is always more than 1 perfect car for you!

Good luck! :thumbsup:
good advice all you guys cheers

hiya
tips ive found useful are:
always look at cars under your price bracket first but seem tempted by the more expensive ones - that way they think they are getting one over on you when thats never the intention.
get quotes from other places
be determined - tell them if you want them to lower the price, give you "free extras" - and that if they can do x y and z then there is a deal but be prepared to negotiate on this as i always tell them stuff that they can't probably stretch to
ive just got about the equivalent of 15% off a car!

Car sales people can be very pushy, I've experienced this first hand and all I wanted was the printed literature on three different cars. The trick is to walk into the showroom and make it VERY clear you are after info only and make sure you don't give them an address or phone number as I had one showroom pester me for about three months as to whether I'd made my mind up.
Having some-one along for support is also a good idea as if you are getting flustered they can help get you out into the fresh air and away from Mr. Salesman of the year

Originally posted by WallBuilder
Car sales people can be very pushy, I've experienced this first hand and all I wanted was the printed literature on three different cars. The trick is to walk into the showroom and make it VERY clear you are after info only and make sure you don't give them an address or phone number as I had one showroom pester me for about three months as to whether I'd made my mind up.
Having some-one along for support is also a good idea as if you are getting flustered they can help get you out into the fresh air and away from Mr. Salesman of the year
i asked for a brochure on a car but they dont stock that lit anymore...well can you order it? no, but we have the new style car lit......but i dont like the new style/shape....etcetc...
i gave him my email address, explained again that i had ages to decide....but if i get this one in, in the next 2 days - will u come in? OMG!!!!!
then mr salesmanager came and jumped on me, saying "oh, ive got to tell you about the new style thats coming in, they usually sell b4 they even get to the forecourt...." but i dont like the new style and i dont want leather bloody interior arggggghhhhhhhhhh

There was an excellent supplement with the Saturday Guardian a few weeks ago, on how to buy a car, the tricks of the salesmen's trade etc. Can't remember the exact date but the library should be able to find it for you.

Natalie, go around as many dealers as you wish, until you make a decision on which make & model you want to buy. Then contact three dealers and tell them you want in writing their best price for that model, inform them that you are contacting several other dealers and who ever gives you the best deal will get the order.

i just feel cheeky though, cos really i want to test drive all on my wish list and give em good inspection. are they really gonna wanna spend all that time with me when i may not buy? i know being saleman is tough and i dont wanna waste their time. anyone got an audi, saab, astra, megane, new peugoet i an look round?;)

My Parents have recently bought me a car, so I'm quite up on all this sales mumbo jumbo and how to deal with the sales men etc.

As previously suggested, DO NOT give them your number... They will hunt you down and harrass you until you go crazy!

Secondly, all the dealers I've been to have patronised me to hell because I'm a) young and b) female! oh and blonde hehe, So its a good idea to take a knowledgable male with you - ie Dad.

Thirdly, if they won't shut up trying to sell you something and they are round you like bees around a honey pot, just be frank and say "Look, do you mind if I have a look around on my own? I will come and find you if I have any questions." That way, being a bit more assertive tells them to back off, as you might go elsewhere for a sale.

Most importantly, remember its your money. If you can only afford a 1.0 engine and that is all you can afford to run, don't let them tell you that you'll be better off with a 1.6 etc. Just lay down the law, its your money, its your choice and you want to be left in peace to make that choice!

Oh and good luck!

he made me laugh actually, i was looking at a soft top and hes all "everyones been looking at this, only had it in two days, lots of interest...the suns will be out next month...people are getting ready for summer..." heheh yeah right! next month is feb and its freezing in feb, i should know - its my bday and its always cold and the suns not out til blooming MAY! i see what u mean about young and female bit though, didnt help i was eating sweets heheh:D
will ur parents buy me a car;)
my dads clueless about cars, he just goes to guy salmon and the nice man feeds and waters him, while daddy signs his life away! other half not much smarter! men!
ive gotta get my "walkaway" head on havent i?
thanks for advice xx

Don't forget that the registration plates change in a few weeks so take advantage and get a cut price '54' plate car and haggle for loads of extras, such as mats, alloys and aircon.

Unless of course you're going for an '05' then you're gonna get fleeced!

hi whatever you do dont part with any dosh for a deposit untill you are fully sure what car you want because it will be about 3 weeks before you get it back and then you will be stumped untill you get the dosh back in cheque form they will not give you cash back because its got to go thro the accounts dept belive me i speake from experiance best of luck with it any way steve....:hihi:

Originally posted by alchresearch
Don't forget that the registration plates change in a few weeks so take advantage and get a cut price '54' plate car and haggle for loads of extras, such as mats, alloys and aircon.

Unless of course you're going for an '05' then you're gonna get fleeced!
wish i could afford 05!!! ive got 51 at min so just want one a few years younger
ta for advice everyone, im off to do it this weekend!

Most salesmen in Dealer Showrooms are only interested in selling you finance not cars,( Big Commisions) they usually know very little technical information about the different vehicles

So if you tell them you are thinking of finance they will be more than helpfull with their time,get as much info as you can,give them none of your details,tell them you are looking for the best deal on offer and will need to speak to your partner before you can make a decision,sign nothing and tell them you will let them know.

Have you thought of sourcing your new car on the internet, ie Autotrader.co.uk.

Also remember if you did buy private you would have no warranties and very little rights if any thing went wrong.