The days of snake oil car salespeople are thankfully over, and buying a car today is an entirely different experience than even a few years ago. Thanks to smartphones and mobile devices, the playing fields have been leveled. The salesperson is no longer the holder of all information, which has helped get rid of the need for hard negotiations. Sure, you’ll still find a salesperson who needs to “talk to the manager,” but if that’s the case you can always counteract with a comparable price pulled up on your phone. Never before has data and information been so available to both customers and the salesperson, which makes the experience faster, easier, and sometimes even enjoyable.
Nowadays, all information is transparent. You may not be able to negotiate for the price much, especially on a new car, but you can still negotiate on upgrades and perks. Since both you and the salesperson have the same information, you’re on a sturdier foundation to start with. Negotiations are largely centered around extended warranties and upgrades that the dealership can provide (such as oil changes and maintenance checks).
New vs. Old
Shopping for new cars has gone digital just like everything else. Maybe you head to online express stores to instantly see a dealership’s inventory or even customize your brand-new vehicle. You can check out videos, look at all of the upgrade options, and compare reviews, prices, and stats all from your phone. Some people choose not to visit a dealership at all and enjoy the convenience of shopping from home. This has been especially beneficial to those in rural areas who previously had to travel long distances just to “kick the tires.”
Shopping for used and hard to find collector cars is also easier now. eBay has become one of the most popular platforms for used-car shopping, allowing you to bid on (or buy now) from around the world. It’s where collectors are finding not just their vintage dream cars but all the necessary parts. However, if you’re going vintage, bear in mind that eBay has restrictions on protection coverage based on year. Older models (over ten years old) aren’t covered under the same kind of protection plans. It’s similar to buying in-person from a private seller. You’ll want to get a third-party to the vehicle for a full inspection before purchasing an unprotected vehicle.
Gaining Leverage
The world of car shopping is also changing from the dealer’s perspective. Now, they have instant access to all of the information thanks to automotive software updated in real-time. They can choose to print comparisons on-site to share with buyers, so you have the full information. Don’t trust the information they provide? Mobile devices have made it easy to quickly check the data yourself. Of course, salespeople are aware of this, which discourages them from skewing numbers.
If you’ve noticed an increase in salespeople saying they just can’t go any lower—and mean it—it’s for good reason. Base level prices are set by both the manufacturers and the dealers. In most cases, a salesperson needs to meet a minimum markup in order to make a sale. It’s still true that the best prices can be found in December when dealerships are trying to make the most of their profits before the year ends. You’ll be able to find the lowest prices during this month, but can peruse inventories from the comfort of home (or wherever you may take your smartphone).
Smartphones have also increased access to third-party reviews. It’s still important to check the official reviews of cars you’re looking at, but don’t forget about the reviews from others like you who have been behind the wheel. Smartphones have given us the ability to take word of mouth to an entirely new level. Whether you’re the type of shopper who’s comfortable ordering a vehicle from your phone or you simply want a little more information before a test-drive, reviews can help you decide which makes and models are best for you.
Going to a dealership prepared has never been easier. When everyone has information at their fingertips, processes can be faster and easier. Dealerships are aware that you might spot a better vehicle for you or a lower price at any moment, especially if you have alerts set up. Take advantage of this shared knowledge and get in the driver’s seat when it comes to purchasing your next ride.