When my car died of causes incident to old age, I became a serious car shopper overnight.
Fortunately, on a business trip that happened a few weeks before this untimely death, I rented a car I liked. A small commuter-type vehicle with a modicum of bells and whistles, it would be the perfect car for these years of lingering a little longer in traffic. Most of all, I wanted an auto that was capable of idling inexpensively and keeping me comfortable for long periods of time.Given my simple agenda, I let my fingers do the shopping for option packages on the Internet. The advent of the Internet means that we can experience sticker shock in the comfort of our own homes.
The manufacturer's Web site gave me access to some of the same software used in the dealership. I "designed" my ideal car, filling in the blanks with the color, model, etc. of my choice. Then I ran several printouts showing the bottom-line cost of different option packages. I found that armed with this detail, I got much better feedback from the nice family members I counseled with prior to purchase.
I would never think of buying a car without several discussions with my car counselors, most of whom are my brothers. They are blessed with the Clark male "Autos R Us" gene, and, believe me, they know their transmissions.
My consultants led me to several car and consumer magazine Web sites. The public library will carry these periodical reviews as well. These articles rate cars on such salient factors as safety, fuel efficiency and resale, so they are worth perusing.
With reviews and costs in one hand and my wallet in the other, I ventured out to exchange a check for some car keys. This is what happened - really.
Dealership 1
I enter Dealership 1.
Dealership 1 Salesman: "Hey there, hi there, ho there," as he swings a car antenna like a golf club.
I exit Dealership 1.
Dealership 2
Me: "Hi. I want to buy a 1997 XYZ with option package 3. What do you have in stock?"
Dealership 2 Salesman: "I don't know. I think we have a couple over there." Over there is at least a half mile away. I cannot see the model I want from where I stand.
Me: "Could you please check? I am very interested in buying a car."
Dealership 2 Salesman: "Wanda, our secretary, has gone home. So I don't know."
Me: "I guess Wanda had the right idea."
Dealership 3
Dealership 3 Saleswoman: "We have an XYZ in champagne chiffon with a black interior. Yeah, I think it has the options you want."
Me: "Can you get one in green or blue? Perhaps from another dealer."
Dealership 3 Saleswoman: "I don't know."
Me: "Could you please check? I am very interested in buying a car."
Dealership 3 Saleswoman: "I think we could take the option package you want from that truck over there and add it onto that Uncle Sam green car you looked at. Yeah, we could do that."
Me: "From a truck, you say?"
At Dealership 4, I found an excellent salesman who answered my questions, got on his computer and found me the car I wanted. Dealers can tell you what's available on their upcoming orders; they can get cars from other dealerships in your area; they can place an order for a car made to your specifications. In short, they have many good options to get you exactly what you want. Don't settle for less.
Because of my previous research, the dealer and I soon arrived at an acceptable price. I asked the salesman to write on my deposit slip the date the dealer guaranteed delivery of my car of choice. When they were late getting the car to me, I asked what nice prize they'd bestow on me as a result of my patient waiting. They offered a box of macadamia nuts and a free tank of gas.
I negotiated for a protective coating, which saves my new car from sun/snow damage. As it turned out, the nice dealership threw in the macadamia nuts anyway, something I especially appreciated considering how hard I labored to buy that baby.