4 Focus Points for Auto Purchases After Divorce

The automobile industry is notorious for being an exclusive boy’s club. And gender has been known to play a role in taking advantage of customers during car sales and repair services. For women recently divorced, handling a new car purchase can be a stressful event. Freelance writer Manny Mendoza is a guest blogger who wrote a blog special for the Dr. Karen Ruskin Blog. His goal in this article is to educate how to get the best deal and trust your purchase decision. His assertion is you can indeed do just that by keeping the following precautions and preparations in mind.

4 Focus Points For Auto Purchases After Divorce

By Guest Blogger Manny Mendoza

Research All Resources

Invest in researching about cars using Internet resources — knowledge beats persuasion. Detailed technical specifications might go over your head if you’re unfamiliar with the terminology, but buyers’ guides typically highlight the most important aspects of a make and model. Kelley Blue Book provides information on average used car pricing, so you know if you’re getting deals on pre-owned vehicles, or you’re getting ripped off.

Expert Negotiation

Never feel pressured to settle for the first offer the salesperson offers at the dealership. If they assume you’re ignorant about what you want and need from a car, they’ll try to manipulate you into list pricing. Don’t agree to the list price, even if negotiation makes you uncomfortable. MSN Autos spotlights recommendations on topics to avoid when negotiating, including:

  • Focusing on low monthly payments
  • Talking about a trade-in before settling on a set price on the for-sale vehicle
  • Discussing financing options before settling on a set price on the for-sale vehicle
  • Exposing your target price
  • Asking about extended warranties
  • Questioning your credit

Once you’ve agreed on list pricing, mention trade-ins, financing and other payment-related topics. Assemble a list of questions that lets the salesperson know you’ve done your homework, and they aren’t dealing with someone who’s completely clueless about cars.

Get References, Bring a Friend

Ease your wariness by talking to other friends who have recently purchased vehicles. Inquire about recommendations for a salesperson who treated them respectfully and honestly. If you have a friend or family member who knows cars up and down, bring them along for the extra boost of confidence and trust. It’s hard to feel confident after you’ve been through a traumatizing divorce; the knowledge and support will help. As a unified force though, make sure a model vehicle, interested options and a spending goal are shared before walking into the dealership. Never show indecisiveness or emotion.

Handling Used Cars

When your former partner absconds with the car, and seemingly everything else, re-building your life drains time and money. As a budget-conscious customer who’s going with a private party for the sale, have a dependable mechanic on your side for the purchase. Ask the mechanic to provide a thorough inspection. Test drive the used vehicle with you to avoid purchasing a car that is disguised to feel and look good. The mechanic also can also help you get the best deal by explaining signs of excess wear and tear and identifying future expensive repairs.

Guest Blogger Manny operates a small auto repair shop in his hometown of Pittsburgh and blogs about his passion on the weekend.

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