Car buying has certainly changed during the “Covid Years”! Whether you are looking for the illusive pre-owned car or you want one brand spanking new to drive off the lot, our options have narrowed due to the global semiconductor chip shortage all manufacturers are facing. Even though things around us may seem nuts, there are still some factors you can control if you need a car now. With a little knowledge and some determination and you can still come out on top with the perfect car for you.
Here I share some tricks and tips to improve your car shopping experience.
- If you are in the market for a used car, you should always get a CarFax report. The CarFax report will let you know if the car has been in an accident or any other pertinent information you should know.
- Search the web in order to learn of any great deals out there. An internet search is able to save you a lot of time as well as money. When you locate the model you want, you can go to the dealer directly or have a local dealer bring the car to you. If the actual dealer offering the car is relatively close by, think about going there yourself in order to realize the most substantial savings.
- A mechanic of your choosing should always inspect a used vehicle prior to purchase. A mechanic will help you identify any issues or give your potential new car the “thumbs-up”.
- Do not wait until you go car shopping to think about how you are going to finance your car. You need to arrive at the dealership with your car loan pre-qualified at a decent interest rate or understand your dealer financing options.
- If you are trading your car in, take it to a detail shop and have the upholstery and carpets cleaned along with a wash and wax. Doing this one thing can usually net you several hundred dollars or more in trade-in value compared to a car that isn't clean.
- Choose a salesperson who listens and works to get you the best deal on your perfect vehicle.
As you can see, car shopping in today's environment does not have to be stressful. There are quite a few things you can do to make the process go a lot smoother. Hopefully, 2022 will see the global microchip shortage continue to improve and automakers can get back to production which will lead to more options for us as consumers. Use the helpful tips shared in this article and you can be driving off in your shiny new car regardless of what Covid throws at us!
Reach out to me to make your car buying process even easier!
Mark Sugar at Dodge City on 8th in Saskatoon
