Car Buying Advice - from the Expert

Insider Expert gives you valuable Car Buying Advice.

A straight, non-nonsense video that explain how to best go about purchasing your next new or used vehicle at a dealer.  While some of his points are common sense, others might surprise you.

Robert has over 6 years in the automotive sales industry, including a successful sales and management career at multiple dealerships.  His motto of "truly helping the customer" was the key to his records sales and referrals.

www.TheCarLots.com

www.Facebook.com/thecarlots

https://twitter.com/TheCarLotTucson

https://plus.google.com/+Thecarlots

The Car Lot

6167 E. Speedway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 882-9200

Guaranteed Credit Approval, The Car Lot - Tucson

Introducing The Car Lot's new Guaranteed Credit Approval Program

GOT A JOB? You're APPROVED!  It's as simple as that!


Visit us at 6167 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson or Call Today (520) 882-9200.

Check out our great inventory selection of used Cars, Trucks, & SUVs or Apply Online at 

www.TheCarLots.com 

www.facebook.com/thecarlots

www.thecarlots.blogspot.com 

Terms and Conditions vary on individual circumstances.  See dealer for details.

The Car Lot

6167 E. Speedway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 882-9200

What is the World's Fastest Car in 2014?

2014 World’s Fastest Production Car (170+ mph)

American-Made Hennessey Venom GT

There is only one Winner, and the American-Made Hennessey Venom GT is it

(or is it?)

Clocking in at just over 170 MPH, the Hennessey edged out the previous Crown Holder, the lightning-fast Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, which hit top speed of 168 mph.

Of course, just like any close match in Sports or Politics, you have many that cry, "Foul".  Although certified by the governing agency to have reached the winning speed, it turns out that the run did not meet all of the specified criteria.  Seems that the main issue was that the Hennessey only made one run, and not the two run requirement in order to be listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.  Bummer...

Do we see another Ali / Frazier match-up?  Let's hope so.  There can be only one true fastest product car.  In my mind, the Hennessey is it.  It's a Huge title and honor, so let's get a rematch, and settle it for all.

btw...  Interested in purchasing a new 2014 Hennessey Venom GT?  It will only set you back a cool $950,000 (plus of course Fees).  Happy Driving!

www.TheCarLots.com

"Like" us on Facebook

The Car Lot Blog

The Car Lot

6167 E. Speedway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 882-9200

5 Insider Tips to Buying a Used Car

Need Some Insider Tips to Buying a Used Car? 

Who Doesn't?  From being greeted on the "Lot" to selecting the right vehicle to meeting with the Finance Manager - the whole process can become challenging.  Here are 5 critical Insider Tips to buying that perfect used car that will help make the purchase a more positive and financially sound experience.

Tip 1:  Know your Budget.

This can be a monthly number or an "out the door" cash price.  Remember to account for gas, maintenance, and insurance costs, which can easily add to the monthly payment of the car.  It's important to set a comfortable, yet strict number for your budget so you don't get "up-sold" by the Dealer.  

Also, be wary of extended loan terms.  Your goal should be to find the right vehicle at the right price / budget, and within the shortest term possible.  Under 60 months financing is optimal, but over 60 months means that you are on too much car.  Plus, the vehicle will continue to depreciate dramatically before you get half way through paying it off.

Tip 2:  Select your Target Vehicle

This seems straight forward, but most people do not do this - or at least don't stick with it.   So many people enter a dealership needing a certain vehicle, but leaving with something they wanted, instead.  This is not necessarily bad, as often times we subordinate our needs for our wants.  Just don't be the bonehead that needs a low-milage family car, but leaves with a very high milage BMW coupe just because the Bmer looked cool.  Be realistic with your Target Vehicle and stick to it.

However,  being flexible on the color or equipment actually helps the dealer provide you the best deal possible.  You may prefer a popular white one, but they may have had a red one in their inventory for a long time that they will do anything to move out.

Tip 3:  Do your Research!

The biggest benefit of knowing what type of vehicle you are in the market for is that you can research its reliability, cost of use, and fair market price based on options, milage and condition.  Doing so allows the buyer to drive the negotiations, rather than the dealer.  

So few people research their desired vehicles, and surprisingly most simply buy on emotion.  These are the same customers that end up having buyer's remorse.  Often times, what they just purchased does not pan out like they wanted, or they feel they paid too much after the fact.

Additionally, by pre-selecting a vehicle, the buyer becomes more realistic if that choice is within their budget, and keeps them on a more pragmatic path to a positive car-buying experience.

Tip 4:  Love your Saleperson

Funny thing happens when a salespersons feels a strong connection with a potential customer.  They tend to become a much stronger advocate for the customer.  Prices seem to drop more quickly, and the salesperson truly becomes more helpful.  The buyer ends up selling the salesperson than visa versa. 

However, going into a dealership with a chip on your shoulder, or treating the salesperson with disrespect or omnipotence creates a confrontational situation where they will take you for every dollar they can.

Being nice, though, does not mean being weak.  On the contrary.  You would be surprised to see how much easier it is to get great deal with nothing more than a smile and friendly disposition.

Tip 5:  Don't Love the Car

Or at least, don't show it.  Buying a car is like playing poker.  Those who tip their hand loses part of their pot.  Also, don't be afraid to walk away from the deal.   Just make sure that the salesperson and manager know that you are a serious buyer beforehand, and that you are willing to make the purchase right then and there if they make the deal right for you.  Car dealers will cut a deal to the bare minimum before they let a true buyer walk.

Remember, that you can visit several other dealers before the end of the day, but you may be one of only a few customers that the dealer sees on a given day.  Remember that you are in charge.  It's your money, and the dealer needs to vie to earn your business.  No matter what they throw at you, stick to your plan and keep it pleasant.

Best of Luck and Drive Safe!

www.TheCarLots.com

FACEBOOK 

The Car Lot

6167 E. Speedway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 882-9200

5 Biggest Car Buying Gripes

What are some of your Biggest Car Buying Gripes?  

According to Facebook responses, you got plenty!

While many buyers report having positive experiences, far too many rate buying a vehicle from a Car Dealership as being worse than getting a tooth pulled!  Are these gripes legit?  Of course they are (well at least most are).  Either way, it seems to be a necessary task to undertake when one has a transportation need, and the bus is not an option.

Based on recent Facebook surveys, here are the 5 main complaints (Gripes) that customer have with buying from a Car Dealership.  Probably no surprises here because they are basically the same customer gripes that have long plagued the industry.

However, the public is now sharing their experiences much more frequently and openly (namely through social media).  This is a huge positive for the "good" dealerships, while the "bad" ones are being called out.  Additionally, over 80% of car buyers are now seeking information online about a given vehicle or a dealership before entering show rooms. This is creating a positive trend for dealers to offer a more engaging and professional way for customers to purchase a new or used vehicle.

With that said, apparent bad habits are certainly hard to break - at least for the majority of dealerships.  Here is the Biggest Gripe list derived from our own Facebook fans, as well as those from Consumer Reports.

Gripe #1:  The Time - Ugh!:  Now this is not all the dealership's fault (but mostly).  Often times, customers need to look and drive several vehicles before they land on one that best fits their needs.  Assisting customers in finding the right vehicle is an important part of the dealership service.  This can easily take over an hour by itself.  HOWEVER... the remaining 3 hours in the process are definitely on the Dealership.

What's really great about working with a dealership's Internet Sales Dept. (if they have one) and completling online applications, is that one can have all numbers established before even walking into the dealership (purchase price, interest rate, all other fees, and monthly payment).  If done right, the vehicle has been fully prepped and all paperwork printed, waiting for the customer's final review and signature.  I've personally gotten customers in and out of the dealership within 30 minutes with their new car.  A true win-win for both parties.

Yet, if the customer (or dealership) decides to start re-negotiating after an agreed upon Internet deal structure, then the whole process starts back at step 1.  The normal four hour process can be the result.

Gripe #2:  Negotiations (The "Haggle"):  Regardless if a customer arrives well-armed with KBB or Edmunds.com fair market price for the vehicle, the intent of the dealer remains to keep as much profit as possible (not unlike most businesses).   On the other hand, the customer almost always wants a cheeper price than the KBB "fair market price".  Therein lies the conflict of interest, and creates the foundation for negotiation.

To help alleviate this customer gripe, there have been a few large dealers that offered "No Haggle" pricing.  Their posted prices actually mirrored the KBB "fair price".  Sounds like a great idea, right?  Easier for the dealership and documented fair pricing for the customer.  No haggling required..  Yet, customers overwhelmingly rejected that platform, as they tried to get even better pricing than what was offered, and often times walked away from the dealership if they didn't get it.

Business fell off dramatically as the result, which caused those dealerships to revert back to their old way for pricing cars at MSRP, and reinstating the whole negotiation process.  With a few exceptions, I would offer that haggling will remain a mainstay of the car-buying experience.

Of course, buyers would run into the haggling issue whether they purchased from a dealership or directly from a private party.  The customer wants to buy low, while the seller wants to sell high.  One main exception to this rule is the advent of "Internet Pricing", which works great for those customers knowing exactly what vehicle they want, expect a fair no-haggle price, and are okay with the dealership making a fair profit on the deal.

Either way, if you feel that you are not being treated fairly or with respect, don't be afraid to walk away.  Sometimes, bonehead attitudes from salespeople miraculously change when they see a potential commission walking out the door.

Gripe #3:  The Mountainous Paperwork:  Some people would say that the paperwork involved with purchasing a vehicle from a dealership rivals that of buying a house.  Unfortunately, just like buying a home, most of the paperwork is required for compliance with the State, City, Lenders, MVD, etc.  Add on additional forms for extended warranties or maintenance agreements, and the stack just gets bigger.

Not much to do with this one.  We just need grin and bear it, and understand exactly what it is we are signing.

Gripe #4:  Bait & Switch:  This happens most often when a dealership advertises a phenomenal deal on just a few cars.  State guidelines dictate that these cars are indeed available to sell at the advertised price,  They are considered "loss-leaders" by the dealership, and are highly effective in bringing in lots of customers.

Of course, these loss-leaders are the first ones to get snatched up by first-come savvy customers.  Naturally, the salesperson will try to switch the following customers to other, more expensive vehicles and work the numbers to the customer's "complete satisfaction".  Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't.  This is the case where the early bird gets the worm.

Another situation simply has to do with Math.  If a customer wants a $20,000 vehicle, but needs their payment to be $300, it just can't be done at normal terms.  At a good rate, financing $20.000 is more in line with a $400 payment.  In this case, the salesperson very well may suggest a lesser priced vehicle that puts the payments more in line with the customer's budget.  Nothing bad.  Just Math.

With that said, most dealerships would rather cut their profit than to have the customer switch vehicles.  The reason is that helping a customer find a vehicle they really like is more than half the battle for the dealership.

Gripe #5:  Mechanical Problems:  How aggravating would it be to purchase a new or used vehicle, and have problems with it within the first week?  All that money for something that doesn't work.  Seems to happen far too frequently, which adds to the poor perception that the public has towards car dealerships in general.  Of course, this can and does happen with buying directly from a private party, as well.  The good news is that with a dealership customers may have more recourse.

There are a couple things that customers can do to help avoid such a situation:

1. Buy from a reputable dealership
2. Take a lengthy test drive, and request to drive it on the highway.  If it sounds and rides like crap, it probably is.
3. Pull a Carfax report.  Reputable dealers offer this for free. It can show reported accidents.
4. Pay $50 and have the vehicle checked out by a certified mechanic of Your choosing.
5. Seriously consider purchasing an extended warranty.  It may not pay for itself in the end, but the peace of mind it offers is priceless.

The fact of the matter is that most people have a positive experience when purchasing a new or used vehicle from a dealership, but still many do not.  Those dealerships that truly value their customers and treat them accordinlgy will have staying power in the industry, while those that do not will hopefully fade away.

Please share your comments or your personal car-buying experiences - both good and bad.  We strive to be a better dealership, and honest customer viewpoints are an important tool in helping us achieve that goal.

Remember to always drive safe!

www.TheCarLots.com

Facebook

The Car Lot

6167 E. Speedway Blvd

Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 882-9200