My sister and brother in law are shopping for a new vehicle. Having seen the process from the other side as a former car sales person I wrote up a list of tips and terms. I am posting it here for any and all who might benefit.
10 Things Every Car Shopper Should Know.
1) Canadian models are not created equal. Safety features and other options that are standard on US models may not be standard or even available in some cases on Canadian models. If you are buying a model based on a high crash test score in American ratings make sure the Canadian vehicle you are buying has the same equipment.
2) What works when?
ABS: Helps prevent brake lockup when you hit the brakes
Traction Control: Helps when you are starting from a stop in slippery conditions by using the brakes to reduce the force applied to a wheel that is slipping.
Stability Control: The latest and best new safety system. This one you definitely want. Detects when you are starting to lose control of the car and adjusts the throttle and brakes to help you maintain control.
3) 4WD or AWD?
AWD: Kicks in when needed by transferring power from one set of wheels to the other. Since it only powers the other axle when needed it consumes less fuel than 4wd.
4WD: Transfers power evenly among all 4 wheels to provide better traction. In some vehicles 4wd can be turned on and off. Since it can be left in an always on setting it can provide better offroad traction but it also sucks back more fuel.
4) Three parts are involved in a complete Side Impact Air Bag system and not all systems come complete with all of these parts. Only the most luxurious cars have all three parts for all seats.
Head: Small cushion that generally pops out of the seat to protect you head in a side impact.
Chest: Second larger cushion that deploys from the seat to a lower position than the head bag to protect your chest.
Side Curtains: Much larger bag that generally deploys from the headliner and covers the side window area to protect you in a rollover.
5) Every part of a new car purchase is negotiable. Watch for added high mark up items dealers stick on their vehicles like $100 pin stripes. It is also always best to wait and order the vehicle as you want it. A vehicle on a dealers lot may have been test driven many times before being sold to you as "new".
6) If you are not getting the deal you want or feel unsure leave. The same vehicles will be available to be purchased tomorrow. A cooling off period before making such a big purchasing decision is a wise idea. The sales person may even sweeten the deal the next day to get the sale if they think you are not convinced.
7) You do not have to continue with a particular sales person or dealership if they do not impress you. A good sales person is an insider who is going to help you arrange for warranty service, loaner vehicles and even rentals during the next 5 years. The best sales people will look after you knowing you will come back to them next time and send them your friends. This can be a lifelong association so pick someone you like in a dealership that you like.
8) Rust proofing, extended warranties and just about everything else the finance person who the sales person sends you to after you agree to buy are over priced. They all come with massive markups that fatten the dealers profits. Most can be purchased later if you really decide you want it so skip it.
9) Dealers are often paid a finders fee by lenders if you finance through them. They are also providing a large amount of business so they can often get you a better rate. It is generally better to at least find out what rate they can get you before arranging financing yourself with your bank.
10) Find out the requirements for warranty service from the service department. You will likely need to at least keep a record of when things such as oil changes have been done. You can often do them yourself as long as you keep the reciepts. Don't wait for your transmission to blow to find out you need to show reciepts proving you had the fluid changed once a year for the warranty to cover it.
Websites for researching your next vehicle.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm
http://www.safercar.gov/
http://www.hwysafety.org/
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/?tid=edmunds.g.home.header..3.*
Happy Shopping
