12 things to know before buying a car.

    Last week I promised that I will tell you 12 things to know before buying a car. This post is a fulfillment of that promise.
    Buying a car can be a daunting task, most people are not automotive experts, they just need a vehicle or a vehicle for transportation business. And, yes, people like the way certain models look or the way they zip along the road in commercials, but do not know the first thing about getting them into their driveways. Not all car salespeople are shady and not all car dealerships are trying to take you for everything you've got. The only way to hold up your own is to be prepared. Here are points to consider before going to the dealership.

1. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT AND WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD: As with buying anything, the first point is to consider your values and your limitations. What matters to you most? Do you need something big or small? something dark or light in color? Engine Horse power? safety?technology?stereo system etc. People care about different things, see what is available. Then, decide what you can afford either as a one time purchase or, as an installmental rent to own purchase. Look exclusively for those makes and models you know are right for you.
2. DO YOUR RESEARCH ON THE WEB: There is no excuse for modern day car buyers to be uninformed. Car experts provide neutral informative resources on the web that will help you make the best decisions. Even if you are purchasing a used car, I will still recommend that you actually shop for a car on the web to narrow your options down. There are good and legitimate sites on the web if you search.
3. ALWAYS SEE THE CAR IN PERSON: The phrase "condition of a car" is a highly subjective term that makes the salesperson face a difficult dilemma when asked about it.If you are buying a used car, it is not going to be perfect but the salesperson is at crossroads of either stating all its problems or not. Some salespeople take pictures and videos of the car but lighting makes them unreliable. So going to see the car for yourself is the only way to know what you are getting for sure.
4. YOUR CAR IS NEVER WORTH AS MUCH AS YOU THINK: It is all fine if websites tell you how much your car is worth when you put this information in there. But whatever number you get is worthless because those sites are not buying your car. Everybody has an agenda. While there are valuable resources on the web for information about makes and models, the trade-in values they give are not law. These sites rely heavily on ad revenue generated from those who go there to appraise their cars. Your best bet for realistic trade-in values is to take your car to dealerships and offer to sell it to them. The average you get from three or so dealerships should be a realistic amount.
5. EVERYTHING IS NOT ALWAYS NEGOTIABLE: If you find a rare car at rock bottom price that you are driving 90 miles to see, do not expect to haggle, the era of haggling prices is dead. The internet has killed the negotiation process. Most times, communicating with an internet department lets you negotiate price before walking in the door. If you have done your research and know what is out there, then you know the dealer will not drop the price because "No one pays a sticker for a used car". There are no more stickers. Internet pricing is very competitive so don't expect a huge discount or maybe don't even expect any discount at all if you find a car online.
6. SALESPEOPLE ARE NOT MECHANICS: Don't be surprised if your salesperson does  not know anything about the mechanics of a car. (He did not study the technical mechanics of a car, He studied sales, He is now only practicing his sales with cars). Salespeople mostly know all the options and features, what makes the vehicle safe and comfortable--you know, the things that really matter to you. But, for example, if you want to know why your car is making a noise, a bad salesperson will make up a reason that sounds good, and a good salesperson will say "I don't know". So always ask a mechanic. H e is the one that has the technical knowledge of the mechanics of a car. He will tell you why your engine is making a noise or why you are having any other problem with your car for that matter.

      We have gone halfway, we have taken six of the twelve things you should know before buying a car.
This is the much we can take this week. But if you have gained and been enlightened, then keep a date with me next week as I bring you the second and concluding part.
       We shall look at the remaining six. That is the other half of the 12 things to know before buying a car. Keep a date with me till I come your way next week.