Car Buying Advice

Choosing a car:
In this section

• Perform an initial inspection
• Plan your test-drive
• The test drive
• After the test drive
• Common car buying mistakes
• Buying online

Next section:
  Pricing

Perform an initial inspection

When you arrive at a dealership and greet the salesperson, make it clear up front that you are there only to inspect and test drive the car(s) in which you’re interested, and that you will not be making any buying decisions that day. This will help keep things simple and allow you to better concentrate on comparing cars.

Throughout the visit, resist any attempts by the salesperson to lure you into making a buying decision or talking about a deal. Despite a sense of urgency the salesperson may try to create (“We have a great deal that’s only good for today” or “I’ve got another customer coming to look at this exact vehicle later today”), simply repeat that you’ll make your decision only after test-driving all the cars that you’re considering. Being polite but firm with this message can help lessen the sales pressure. And don’t get sidetracked by an ambitious salesperson who is trying to move some other model. Stay focused on what you want to do.

First, spend some time carefully looking over the vehicle, inside and out. Does it look as good as you expected? As you do a 360-degree stroll around it, check the seams between body panels and doors; are they evenly spaced, without gaps or irregularities? Does the color look good in person? Is the paint smooth, with mirrorlike reflections?

A car’s exterior styling is designed to grab your attention, evoke emotions, and project an image. But it’s inside the vehicle where you’ll spend your time. Your long-term satisfaction can be greatly influenced by how the vehicle’s interior is designed. This includes how comfortable and quiet the cabin is and how convenient controls are to operate. When comparing vehicles, think about how a vehicle fits your lifestyle. If a seat is uncomfortable or if the controls are awkward to use, you could become frustrated with the car long before the loan or lease is over.

Does the car fit you?

Before the test drive, sit in the driver's seat and look at the following:

• Adjust the seats
• Check the seatbelt
• Check the position of the headrest
• Adjust the steering wheel
• Check the driving position
• Look at visibility

While you are sitting in the driver's seat, look around and get familiar with the interior.

• Check controls and displays
• Look for storage spaces including cup holders and the glove compartment
• Listen to the audio system
• Try advanced electronics systems such as a navigation system, bluetooth, or voice controls
• Try out the sunroof or soft top

After you've checked out the driver's seat, sit in each of the other seats to assess comfort and safety. Make sure child seats can be easily secured, are there enough places to store drinks, books or toys?  Once you've inspected the inside of the car, head to the back to look at the cargo area, Check the space, the then lift the hood.