Buying a car can be confusing and overwhelming. The process of everything from start to finish can take a long, long time and end up being a chore, especially if it is your first time doing so. But through this guide tailored specially to women, we hope that buying your next car will be a breeze for you.
Take a look at our guide to buying a car:
1) Consider Used Cars
Purchasing a new car is going to be very, very expensive. What can a new car do
that an old car can’t? Most previous owners in Singapore keep their
cars in relatively good condition and may have even come upgraded them as well to
serve them and future owners better. Overall, it seems like a more worthy
purchase to get a used car in good condition with low mileage and warranty
as compared to blowing hundreds and thousands more for a brand new one.
2) Do your research
Go online and explore what sort of car suits you. There are
plenty of reviews and sites online that can help with your research. You can
try asking your peers and family what they think would be suitable for you and
could possibly recommend dealerships to have a look at. When you have prior
information about the car you want, negotiations will be enhanced and the car
salespeople will also have a broader idea of what you have in mind.
3) Stick to the plan
1. Choose a car you like 2. Negotiate the price 3. Pay for
the car. It seems like a brilliant straightforward plan but
sidetracking away from it can be very easy. If you need to enquire about
any details, do so in a constructive and organized manner so as not to get you
or the dealer confused in information overload. Also, don’t get distracted by
other fancy ~features~ that the dealers may offer you just to add to your
bill. Stick. to. the. plan. missy!
4) When you’re a woman, you’re an easy target
Car salespeople may think that ladies are not strong
negotiators and can be easily swayed by flowery language and charm. Not that
easy! Let them know you’re not just a lady but a boss lady that knows what she
wants and will get it her own way.
5) Patience
Buying a car is not just any other ordinary shopping. It
takes time to get the paperwork cleared, loans and insurance approved, and
other processes to transact. Sometimes, negotiations may not go as smoothly as
you want it to be and time needs to be invested in getting the deal you want.
Channel your inner Beyonce and play things cool when pressure is building on
you to make decisions or anything else that may go slightly awry during the
purchase process.
6) Do not volunteer information
If not asked, don’t tell. Salespeople may ask you if this is
your first purchase or how much is your budget limit, so they can try to sway
you in a different direction compared to what you initially wanted. If they
attempt to further the conversation regarding similar topics, just say “we can
discuss that later” and focus the topic on the car you’re looking for and the
price point.
7) The word ‘No’
If your negotiation does not go as you’ve planned,
there is nothing wrong in politely declining to carry on forth anymore.
8) Open up your options
You don’t have to buy from the first place you go to. Always
try to keep an open mind and look at where has the best deals that suit your
needs and wants.
Car buying experience does not have to be difficult for women. Take our advice from this article and you will be good to go!