Best Approach to purchase a Car

[theStudent]

Hi,

I want to purchase a car this year (not sure when)...

What is recommended when purchasing a car:
Do you negotiate the price or terms of payment?
Whats the best way to finance a car?
etc.

Thanks!

[Frankie]

Hi,

I want to purchase a car this year (not sure when)...

What is recommended when purchasing a car:
Do you negotiate the price or terms of payment?
Whats the best way to finance a car?
etc.

Thanks!

If possible, get something that you can afford without finance.

Always negotiate the purchase price, bearing in mind that there's a lot of price fixing with dealers so if buying new or used from a dealer and they claim fixed prices then get add-ons. Make it clear to all sellers that you are scouring the market for the best deal, and at that time some of them are going threaten that their deal may not be available if you don't take it NOW, in that case DON'T TAKE IT NOW.
If you need finance then aproach the banks yourself before going shopping and negotiate the best rate with them.
Most dealers get a commissioning from the finance companies and from the extended warranty con artists - don't fall for this.

If you're young then get your Dad or an Uncle to accompany you - sales people are notorious for taking adavantage of unsuspecting young folk.
Particularly in the case of buying used, have someone with technical know-how accompany you. Buying used it would be best to pay for an AA inspection.

If a used car shows signs of being newly painted I steer well clear - the new paint is a "bo bond en onder strond" sign to me - usually hiding rust patch jobs etc.

For a used front wheel drive (most economy cars are), with the car stationary turn the steering wheel full lock and then pull off fairly briskly while listening for the typical clicking noise from the Constant Velocity (CV) joints. Do this in each direction.

[Fern9do]

Im also planning on buying a car this year.
From what i read the banks are the best way to go in terms of financing,and you can negotiate the interest rate of the financing loan.Apparantly if you have a good credit score(I think thats what they call it!) you can get a lower interest rate from the banks.

I would suggest not to buy a new car,as it value dropps conciderably in its 1St year.
My dillemma is wether to go for the cheap tazz or the nice vw polo....the monthly payments on the polo is alot though.

i suggest you browse the net for the car that you want so that you can get a feel for what it should cost you.gumtree,carfind and autotrader are good sites to look at.

[theStudent]

Im planning on getting a demo car.. when ones available...

They often a year old with no mileage!
So think thats a good idea...

Im wanting a Honda vTec.... saw a demo model for R180k the other day