WALK OUT: Chris Mahar’s steely-eyed rules for buying a car, a truck, a horse, whatever:

OVERRIDING RULE: Always be ready to walk out. Always.  At all times.  No exceptions. Make your tolerance for walking out very, very low.  There are many dealers. You deserve what you tolerate.  Do not tolerate their crap

Note: this assumes you will get your own financing. If you're going with dealer financing you are at their mercy, and I pity you.

1.  Walk out. Do not buy on the same day you first looked at the car.  Get the best price, then leave. Think about it.  Can you see yourself in this car?
2. Tell the dealer, right up front, that there is only one number you're interested in; the drive-away-with-it price.  If they start trying to bury you with numbers, walk out.  This includes extras like rugs, window etching, paint coatings, and other sundry nonsense.  Walk out.
    
3. Don't lie.  There's enough of that going on already.  And besides, there's nothing to be gained for you. If they lie, walk out.
    
4. Before you buy, look with your own eyes at the actual title to verify this is not salvage, rebuilt, scrap. If they won't show it, walk out.
    
5. Do not sign anything that has blanks or places not filled out.  Refuse to sign.  If they demand, walk out.
    
6. Get everything in writing.  No verbal guarantees, warranties or promises.  They won't trust you, nor should they.  Don't trust them to act like anything but car dealers.
    
7. Do not let the dealer run your credit more than once. Actually they shouldn't need to run it at all if you have your own financing. If they insist, walk out.
    
8. Don't tell them how much you're willing to spend.  They'll ask.  Tell them you have your own financing.  After that, ignore them.  If they press, walk out.
    
9. Don't bring a checkbook when buying a vehicle.  Don't bring a check. Set a price, then go get the money.
    
10. Don't buy an extended warranty.  Don't pay to transfer one unless it's a spectacular bargain with nearly no restrictions.  They're universally a scam. If they insist, walk out.
     
11. Take a nice long test drive, without the dealer if possible. If they won't allow it, be ready to walk out.
     
12. Questions:
    1. What's the warranty?  What is not covered?
    2. Is the title clear? Show me
    3. Is it certified?  What does that mean for me?
        
       If you're buying new, you don't have to worry about a lot of this.  Still, always be ready to walk out.  Always.
        

 

Resources for buying a vehicle:

Auto Trader Magazine https://www.autotrader.com/

Kelly Blue Book https://www.kbb.com/

CraigsList https://phoenix.craigslist.org/

Costco Auto Program https://www.costcoauto.com/

Consumer Reports car buying tips https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/buying-advice/index.htm

True Car www.truecar.com

Car Max www.carmax.com

Car Fax www.carfax.com
If you're lucky enough to be a USAA member, https://www.usaa.com/inet/wc/car_buying_services_products?akredirect=true