Learning About The Benefits Of Working With Auto Dealers

Don't Let Auto Anxiety Keep You In An Old Clunker: 7 Ways To Overcome Car-Buyer Jitters

3 January 2017

Nino Clement

Buying a new car is a huge deal, unless you have an excess of disposable income. It's an even bigger deal, though, if you're really anxious about the experience. Here are seven ways you can overcome car-buying jitters so you can finally ditch your old clunker.

1. Know Your Vehicles And What You Want In One

A salesperson who rattles on about the drag-coefficient, horse power, torque, and anti-corrosive properties of 304 stainless steel may sound like a show-off if you don't know what specs you want in a car, but if you do know, they simply sound like they know their job well. All that technical data can make you nervous, making you feel like the vehicle should be more expensive than what you originally thought. That's why it pays to really research the vehicle you want, along with the features that are most appealing to you.

If you're not technically inclined, at least know the basics and add-ons and how much you should be paying for them. That knowledge will give you more confidence when you start talking price, because you know nobody is capable of pulling the wool over your eyes.

2. Practice Your Lines

Rehearsing the questions you intend to ask at a dealership is a good way to become more comfortable with technical terminology, as well as to help you feel more at ease with the relationship between you and someone you're about to negotiate with. Because you may be nervous to begin with, rehearsal boosts confidence by empowering you.

It's also a good idea to jot down the most pertinent information you're going to be working with, such as your bottom-line budget figures, average resale values, and the requirements you're looking for in a car.

3. Don't Put Up With Pushy Salespeople

While most salespeople are well-trained, considerate individuals who truly want to help you into a vehicle and not push you into a decision, you may encounter a stray, over-the-top person who makes you uncomfortable, and that's okay. All you have to do is politely excuse yourself from the scenario and move on. Don't judge future salespeople by that isolated incident, either, because you're bound to meet way more credible types than otherwise, no matter how many dealerships you visit.

Be honest with them, though, as saying something leading, like you really want to buy a car on that day, may prompt them to sell with more urgency. When you meet a salesperson you particularly like dealing with, keep going back to them, even if they don't have your ideal vehicle in stock. Ask them to watch for it and contact you right away when it comes in and you'll have the car you want and get to deal with the most affable sales professional, too.

4. Bring A Friend Along

Most especially if you fear nerves will overcome you, bringing a good friend along can help alleviate that tension and give you more confidence. Perhaps bring a friend with a good sense of humor, who can help you through the process if it's taking a long time to find just the right car or if you're somewhat undecided. Buying a car is a big deal in your life and it's better to feel at ease and in control; thus, having someone tag along is only going to work in your favor.

5. Pre-Plan Your Financing

One major aspect of buying a vehicle, new or pre-owned, is the financing. If you plan ahead, knowing where and how you'll secure the funds, that will simplify the process at any dealership. On the other hand, if you're not sure about financing or are having a hard time getting approved for an auto loan, investigate the options a dealer can offer you long before you get there. This will help avoid confusion or feeling pressure when you find a viable vehicle. Interest rates, down-payments, rebates and cash back deals can become very confusing in the heat of the moment, so you want to have all that information situated in your mind before you sit down to talk with a salesperson or finance manager.

Sometimes, a dealership will offer you the most appealing deal of all, meaning if you know your financing, a good offer will be easy to recognize. Alternatively, if you enter into the potential arrangement not knowing the terms or how they impact your bottom line, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

6. Develop Your Self-Confidence

Many people aren't satisfied with their level of self-confidence anyway, so use the excuse of negotiating a deal on a car to boost your esteem and internal mechanisms. Start by visualizing yourself at the end goal, so you can become more comfortable with the idea of your success. Actually see yourself at the finish line, and then write down the steps it will take for realization of the goal.

Taking baby steps outside of your personal comfort zone will also help build confidence by default, giving you pride for the deed as well as practice for more. It's very important, too, that you force yourself to get right back on any metaphoric horse you fall off, as the longer you wait, the harder it can be to climb into the saddle again.

7. Be Honest With The Dealership

Once you feel at ease looking at the vehicles with a salesperson, don't be afraid to tell them you're a little nervous or have never really "haggled" with a professional before. Since you know your stuff anyway, nobody is in the position to take advantage of you, and this info will help the best salespeople handle the situation with grace. They'll take more time explaining things to you and make sure you understand all the jargon so you don't feel like the process is going over your head. Additionally, because you're a little nervous and don't have a lot of experience in buying a vehicle, they're going to want to make a great impression on you -- so you return to them the next time you need a vehicle! It's also important to them that you have only positive things to say about them in your social circles; thus, a good salesperson is going to go out of their way to look out for you.

When getting behind the wheel of a great car is your ultimate goal, you're going to do whatever it takes to make it happen. Look for cool salespeople who understand your situation and great cars that are worth fighting with your anxiety over. Before long, that old clunker you were driving will be nothing more than a spec in your (new) rear view mirror.

For more information and help, visit a local dealership near you, like Wright Select.

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