Tips on Pre-Car Shopping Research

With so many options available, it is easy to get overwhelmed with major purchase decisions, like a new or used car. A vehicle purchase is often one of the first large purchases an individual will make. You’re spending a lot of money on an item that you want to be safe and get you where you need to go. Cactus Jack’s shares some important pre-car shopping tips to know before walking into a Phoenix car dealer.

Whether to Buy New or Used

Most cars depreciate 20 to 30 percent as soon as they are driven off the lot. Consider buying a one-year-old car and you’ll practically have the same vehicle at a significant reduction in price.

Make a List of Your Needs and Wants

Assess your needs and what you can realistically afford before shopping. Is it just for going to work or school, or for hauling the kids to soccer and football practices? Are you more concerned with a reliable mode of transportation or something that will make a statement? Is it for towing trailers or quick trips around town? How often will you really use that sunroof?

Know the Invoice Price and Kelley Blue Book Stats

Invoice price is what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car. The MSRP is the “sticker price” and a large profit for the dealership. Knowing the invoice price of your car will tell the dealer that you mean business and expect a good deal. Kelley Blue Book also offers you information on how much a particular vehicle is worth. Don’t walk into the dealership without this information.

Get Referrals from People You Trust

Part of your pre-car shopping research can be as simple as talking to trusted family and friends that have bought the same type of vehicle. Read reviews and consumer reports.

Check Your Credit History

Most people who shop for cars will need financing. Your credit history depicts how much that loan will cost you. Obtain a free copy of your credit report once a year from The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 (FACTA).

Be Realistic

Remain committed to your initial research and budget so you can avoid making an impulse decision or being pressured by sales staff to buy something that is more expensive than you need.

The most important tip when buying any car is to do your homework. Know what you want, know what a fair price is, and be prepared to negotiate from the invoice price up, and not from the sticker price down. Cactus Jack’s has plenty of used car dealerships in Phoenix AZ to choose from, with friendly staff waiting to help you find the perfect car to fit your budget and needs.

If you’re looking for Phoenix car dealers, Cactus Jack’s has multiple used car dealerships in Phoenix AZ. We are a family-owned business that provides customers with poor credit a chance to drive away in a great used car thanks to our Bad Credit Auto Loans! With unmatched buy here pay here financing throughout the Phoenix area, Cactus Jack’s is sure to get you driving away in your used car today from any of our used car dealerships in Phoenix AZ or Browse our Online Auto Inventory and explore the available used cars. To connect with an experienced Phoenix car dealer, visit us online and select the location nearest you. Cactus Jack’s has hundreds of used cars waiting to be driven home today. Stop by today and ask about our Bad Credit Auto Loans!

Image courtesy of adamr- FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Cactus Jack's Auto 33.5101018, -112.1115231.