A car dealership can be an intimidating place for many of us, especially for women who have felt out-of-place. But that's changing.
With abundant information on prices and options available through the internet, women are more empowered. According to sales consultants, more women are doing research online and returning to dealerships knowing exactly what they want.
With women making 45 percent of vehicle purchases and influencing 80 percent of purchasing decisions, automakers are taking steps to lure more female car buyers. Manufacturers are training their dealers who are adding women to their sales staffs to give female buyers a better experience when looking for a car.
CHECKLIST (print this list and take it with you)
What You'll Need and When You'll Need It.
Before you even begin your search, print out this helpful checklist and you won't forget a thing.
Test -Drives: Cars and The Dealer
Ask for a test-drive that's customized for you:
* Test drive the model that you're thinking about buying
* Begin with a visual inspection of the exterior
* Inspect the interior for proper fit of components such as
arm rests to your body
* Be sure the safety belt feels comfortable.
* Make sure all interior controls are within easy reach.
* Gauges are clearly visible and easy to read
* Be certain that your feet comfortably reach the pedals
* The driver's seat should provide a good view of the road with proper back and thigh support -visibility is most important.
* Check for good pickup, smoothness of ride and the ability to handle bumps and curves
* Check the rearview mirror for tailgaters, then brake hard to get a feel for how the vehicle comes to a stop.
* Take the car out on the freeway, check acceleration from the entrance ramp to the high-speed lane
* Check the noise level at highway speeds.
* Drive some of the usual roads that you drive.
* Try parking the vehicle in a tight parking spot to get a feel for turning radius.
* Test drive the vehicle for as long as you need to - don't feel pressured to drive a certain designated route the sales consultant has designed.
Make sure the dealership deserves your business:
* Do the dealer and his or her team of people listen to you?
* Are they prompt, courteous and thorough in responding to your needs?
* Does the physical appearance of the showroom, team and products convey a feeling of professionalism and quality?
* Do you get the sense that the salesperson has been properly trained and really knows what he or she is talking about? If not, ask for another salesperson.
* Are you made to feel that the dealership and its team really care about your concerns?
Ready To Negotiate, Outfit and Protect Your Vehicle?
If you've decided to purchase, do your homework, know what you deserve and what to expect:
* Know the value of your trade-in: check the internet for values at intellichoice.com and check the classified ads to know what similar vehicles are selling for in your area.
* Know what you want and what it's worth, build your vehicle and compare the price of different brands on internet web sites.
* Know what your dealer can do for you: they may have to check with their manager to answer your questions. Before negotiations come to an end, make sure to ask if "that's the best they can do." Be prepared to walk out if necessary.
* Know what accessories you want and which ones you need. Decide if you want them installed at time of purchase and how it affects the warranty.
If you consider a service contract, know the background of the company insuring and administering the service contract: This is for used cars - new cars include some protection and some roadside assistance plans.
* Find out what factory warranty covers and don't purchase any additional coverage unless this is a used car and there is no factory warranty left.
* You do not have to have the vehicle serviced at that dealer, you can choose another dealers or and independent service location of your choice.
* Do you understand all the terms and conditions, including whether or not you will be required to have any maintenance performed or to pay a deductible each time the vehicle is repaired?
* Who is the company doing the maintenance in the contract - it may not be the dealer - read the small print.
* Certified pre-owned vehicles may have transferable warranties for a small fee.
* Even is you lease a vehicle, it is still your responsibility to "Be Car Care Aware and maintain that vehicle. If you don't, when you trade in the lease you will receive and expensive bill for maintenance that was neglected. Follow the service schedule.
When you select your auto insurer:
* Financial strength - this can be the dealer or your favorite lending institution.
* Original equipment replacement parts - Select a company that insists on original equipment parts, not aftermarket low quality knockoffs, to repair your car.
* Convenient sales and service - Many of the best insurance companies are easy to contact through 24-hour claims service. And some offer the ability to manage your policy and make payments online.
* Look for companies that enable you to cancel your current policy at any time and get a prorated refund.
* Check with whoever handles your homeowners insurance they usually offer a discount for signing on your car.
Delivery Day
You should receive a thorough explanation of how to operate such equipment as:
* The heater, heated seats, air conditioning and ventilation
* Sound system and clock
* A child safety seat and how to install it
* Anti lock brakes, traction control and new technologies
* Navigational systems tire pressure sensors, etc.
* The hood and trunk release, the tire jack and how to properly use it.
At the very least, you should receive the following at the time of delivery:
* Two sets of keys
* Copy of the title
* Vehicle registration (may be temporary)
* Copy of the purchase or lease agreement with mile overage fees
* Vehicle warranty
* Tire warranty
* Service contract, if applicable
* The owner's manual and glove box information
Before you leave the dealership, meet the service manager or his representative, and request a tour of the service department:
* Is it clean and organized?
* Inquire about the procedures for bringing in your vehicle if there is an issue.
* Is the diagnostic equipment state-of-the-art?
* Be sure to ask for a review of your vehicle's scheduled maintenance requirements - when to change oil and filters, spark plugs, transmission fluid, etc. as described in your owner's manual
* This is a good time to schedule your first maintenance appointment
* Inquire about the availability of loaners, rental vehicles and shuttle service for those times when you may be without a vehicle due to maintenance or repairs
* A thorough tour of the dealership is important.
In the end you still have to remember the basic maintenance is your responsibility even if you lease a vehicle. Sometimes we forget to take care of our new vehicle and then we trade them in at the end of a lease to receive a very large bill. Be sure to review the maintenance schedule and remind yourself in your scheduler or PDA.
Learn more about Lauren Fix at
www.laurenfix.com
