Dealer and Superstore Buying

Just like our other scenarios, it’s crucial to do your homework before you go to determine the actual value of the makes and models you’ll be looking at. Otherwise, it's difficult to know when a salesman is trying to take advantage of you.

When you know the actual value beforehand, you can make an offer that is around 10% or 20% lower than the actual value, and the salesman will know that you’re in the ballpark and continue negotiating.

Also, take some time to fill out a few free quote requests from sites like Cars.com, Edmunds.com, etc. It only takes a few minutes to fill them out, and the strength in numbers you’ll generate by querying multiple dealers greatly increases your chances of making a smart deal for a desirable car.

After you buy the car, you do have the right to return it in a few days — the so-called “Cooling period” — for a refund. This is possible only if the dealer grants this privilege to buyers. So, before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer’s return policy, get it in writing and read it very carefully.

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