No, You’re Not Crazy To Buy That Used Car Now…

Buying a new or a used car? Now? Are you crazy?

After everything that has happened over the past couple of months, a lot of people were considering running for the hills. The credit crunch, banks going out of business, brokerage firms collapsing - some were convinced these were the early signs of the Four Horsemen.

Traditional dealerships are doing everything they can to earn your business. A little late in my book. It shouldn’t have taken a panic induced state of fear for the automotive retail sector to sit up and take notice that they need to do things different to attract, sell to and retain their valuable customers.

When a car is purchased, whether its a new or a used car, its a major purchase for the customer; car dealers always need to make their customer feel they received the best deal. Unfortunately, when most customers leave a traditional dealership, they don’t feel this way.

Used car shoppers - take notice. The wholesale auction market continues to drop. Prices are falling - which should mean only one thing to you as a consumer: Lower retail rates. That is, if you do your research.   Even shoppers in areas notorious for high prices, high taxes and high gas prices, such as the Northeast are seeing lower prices. Consider the prices for a used Ford Explorer. The prices are so far below current Kelley Blue Book prices - several thousand dollars in many cases.

Some car dealerships see that as an opportunity for higher margins. Many more are paying closer attention to their local competition to ensure better prices.

Used car dealers need to understand the pain being felt by customers now. These big decisions are now considered even bigger - and carry even more importance than if they were buyers nine months ago.

Besides providing the lowest prices, the customer should expect an above average buying experience with superior post-sales customer service and attention.

You - as the car shopper - have every right to desire, and expect this type of behavior from a car dealership. Are you still trying to negotiate for the best deal? Are you settling on a second choice car and not getting exactly what you want? Are you getting a three day, 500-mile satisfaction guarantee. Most importantly, are you getting the lowest price in your market?  Some used car dealerships have already caught on.

Be smart during these difficult times. Find the best prices and drive away knowing you made the smartest buying decision.

Rate This Article!