Tips for Women When Buying Cars
According to a study conducted by Carshop, women happily spend large amounts of money from property to vacations, but only a few of them feel comfortable and confident purchasing a new or used car alone. Most of them fear being persuaded to buy something they do not want while others find it off-putting to be seen as people who do not know about cars.
If you are a woman looking to purchase a new or used car, this guide should help make the process less daunting.
1. Do Your Homework
One of the primary reasons ladies become reluctant to buy a car is a lack of confidence. As such, you’ll want to take time necessary to look at your needs and options. Know what features are standard and the extras available to match your budget.
2. Go Alone
If you require a second opinion, then take a lady friend, but not a male partner or friend. Ladies tend to be ignored at the dealership if they are accompanied by a male and the salesperson is more likely to converse with them.
3. Pick the Right Time
Dealerships tend to be quieter during the weekdays, so, pick a weekday morning or afternoon when the staff is less busy. In addition, February and August prove to be great times to snag a deal on an almost new car. That’s because the registration plates are just around the corner.
4. Know Your Finance Options
It is imperative to know the array of finance options available to you. These include hire purchase (HP), personal loans, as well as personal contract purchase. Loans are provided by banks, credit card companies, and building societies. As such, compare the terms and conditions as well as interest rates. A scrap car can help to finance your new purchase if you have an old vehicle and find out what it is worth. When it comes to hire purchase, you repay by instalments, the total cost of the vehicle and interest. The car becomes yours once you’re done with the contract. On the other hand, a personal contract purchase has lower monthly repayments as you’re not paying off the whole value of the vehicle, but leasing it for 3 years. Once you’ve made the final payment, you can return the keys, purchase the car or negotiate another PCP.
5. Pay Attention to the Price rather than Payments
When it comes to purchasing a car, you should focus on negotiating the total price instead of the monthly repayment. Usually, weekly or monthly repayments can hide an expensive deal. Some of the aspects to consider before settling on a certain car include running costs, warranties, insurance cover and breakdown cover.
6. Consider the Color
Some salespeople believe that car color is all that women care about, but it is an important aspect nevertheless. When it comes to selling the car down the line, bright yellow is less likely to sell compared to silver or black. As such, ensure you pick the color wisely.