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ShesAnAngel417

I think it would be more fun if you could choose who showed you the car because I would prefer someone like myself :D I think it would be less stressful if you felt very comfortable with the person who was demonstrating the vehicle..

I don't like pressure salesmen so a more relaxed vibe from the sales staff would be greatly appreciated. And a little pampering wouldn't hurt, either.
LuckyTJG@cs.com

I want a guarantee that a used car will be repaired at no cost to me if it proves to have problems within a reasonable length of time. It appears that some dealers are going back to this type of service but for a while the minute you took possession of the car a dealer would take no responsibility for any necessary repairs.

shopping around online and making phone calls is your first step. Once you've got a price quote within your price range, visit the dealer and start haggling! Get the price you want!

What would make it more fun for me is to get in and out as fast as possible. The overwhelming part is the haggling. I hate it.

In 2005, hubby and I were "debating" two models. I wanted a Prius; he wanted a Scion xB. We went to the local Toyota/Scion dealer and asked about the Prius. Not only did they not have any available for a test drive, but he said there was no chance they'd ever get in a model at the base price (which would still be stretching our budget). We drove over to Quality Imports a couple of hours east of home and test drove both cars. Scion (at least at the time) was a one-price-no-haggling situation. We ordered the car we wanted and even had a free lunch (the dealership was having a cookout) when we picked it up.

Last year, we gave the local Toyota dealership another chance when my mom was looking at cars. She finally decided on a Rav4. The salesman was really nice but after probably an hour of him going back and forth with the sales manager, we realized they had no intention of actually lowering the price to anything reasonable. We went to mom's house and contacted Quality Imports' web sales division. Shortly, we received a much lower offer. Because the salesman had been nice, we called him, told him the price and gave him a chance to match it (and save us the drive). He not only couldn't match it, he was convinced that it was just a tease and it wouldn't have the same options, price wouldn't include fees or whatever. The next day, mom and I drove over and bought her car, as promised, and even with the added warranty and road hazard coverage (which she's already used), it came to less than what the local dealer offered. Mom said the salesman called back a few days later and seemed surprised that she actually got what the other dealership promised.

I wish all dealerships were as honest and helpful as Quality Imports. Why play games and lie to customers and talk trash about the other dealerships? That's what makes buying a car so overwhelming and frustrating.

Less pressure by salespeople is always helpful and the time to really think things over!

Now that i actually know how to read the paperwork and what all the extras are it will be much easier. Also you should always go in the day time because it seems like you are rushed during the evening time. But most of all take your time and research,research,research,and relax.

mightynaynay(at)cs.com

if those car salesmen seemed more honest, that would help!

Wendy Wallace writes at Let the dog in! ( http://letthedogin.com ) and the Kitsap Sun's Mom Squad ( http://pugetsoundblogs.com/mom-squad ).  

I've never bought a car.

I would like better clarification on the warranties and less time with the bargaining. It is so annoying to hear, "Hold on, I'll have to talk to my supervisor," every time you make an offer. I could never hear that again while car shopping and I would be thrilled.

It would be great if there were no pushy sales people and I could take the car out for the evening without a sales person to see how I really like driving it.

Less pressure would make car buying a lot more fun. If I could just walk into a dealership, hand in my license, pick the keys for the car I want off a peg board, and take myself on a test drive.....I would be happy!

The worst part of car shopping, for me, is the high pressure sales. Most of the information given by salespeople is all about the "flash". Substance and information about the car that really matters is generally lacking. Please don't try to dazzle or bamboozle me during the sales process - show me something of importance. Touch on the important facets of the car and make THOSE exciting. Show me the features of the vehicle that will make it a joy to drive every day - a car is a big investment and I want to experience the long term excitement of a valued purchase!

My next car buying experience would be more fun if I found an enjoyable salesperson that was not too pushy and actually listened to what you had to say.

Having more time to look around the lot and get a feel for what kind of car you really want to buy would make the car buying experience a lot less overwhelming. Also, less pressure from the salesman would make the experience more fun.

no pressure sales, online descriptions, price point description

since I bought a car, but as an introvert, I would prefer to be able to do car negotiations over email or something instead of having to do it face to face with pushy salespeople.
It makes it more likely I will buy from one of those no-dicker sticker places in the future, even if that means I don't end up with the kind of car I want.

less pressure from the salesman.

Salesman always lie and that's really annoying. They trick you into spending more by finessing financing terms, length of loans, etc. They ask you how much you want to spend (e.g. $300/month) and then finagle all the financing so you are paying $315 a month because who is going to argue with $15 a month and all of a sudden you are paying thousands of dollars more for the car you want. Having a totally no haggle, nothing hidden way to buy would be ideal. Break it down what everything costs and make it uniform across the board.

enjoyable if the car salesmen were much more "hands-off" in their pitch. Tell me the facts, but then let me make the decision. I can't stand pushy salesmen.

I always feel like I just can't walk into a dealership and look at a car without the salesman start talking to me about finances. I just want to look, maybe take a test drive and leave.

I had a husband who could be sold anything. Going to a car lot meant we would walk away with what they wanted to get rid, of at the price they desired.

I was fortunate, when I needed a new car I told my son I was looking for economical/no frills and he bought the car for me. It pays to be good to your children.

I dated a guy a few years back who owns a used car dealership. He shared these valuable tips with me:

1). Do your own research before heading out to the dealership.

2). Have a set price in mind and be firm in negotiating with the car salesman.

3). If it's a used car, ask for a carfax report.

Definitely a test drive. But more than that a non-pushy sales person. I know they work for commission but I am the one ultimately paying for the car.

It's nice to be greeted at the door but then please leave me, or us, alone for awhile. With the internet, most people have really done their homework and want some time to look and think. I prefer to approach the salesperson rather than the other way around. Recently, my elderly parents were bulldozed into buying a car that is too small for their disabilities and I can't believe the salesman ignored that.
My best experience was when my husband and I (teacher and homemaker) walked in with our children many years ago and had nothing but an old car for trade-in. The dealership was friendly, they let us take the whole family in the station wagon we eventually bought, and worked with our finances so we could all be happy.

No haggle no hassle shopping is what I look for.

With all due respect to car salesmen, I hate buiying a car, I get panic attacks. I do not know if I am being conned and I hate being conned more than I hate not knowing if I am being conned.

if i would not have to spend the whole day and dealership and could really get a good deal

CHILDCARE! There is nothing worse than juggling a kid or seven while trying to negotiate a large purchase. Trying to keep them from running into a loaded parking lot while making sure you get exactly what you want is a true challenge.

really nothing but the sales person leaving me alone to decide!

http://twitter.com/dresdenrain/status/25791079574

just not give you the run around and not try to drag it out and take advantage of you? It is sickening.
Some courtesy would go a long way and if they keep you there for hours some lunch also.

The best thing you can do to make my car buying experience perfect is don't try to bs me and treat me like the "little lady" who doesn't know what she wants. And cut the crap with the well I'm taking food out of my pocket to make this affordable for you- we both know I have an amount I can spend and you have a commission to make- don't treat me like an idiot.

My brother is the manager of one of the largest car dealerships in the Southeast so I would just go to him. I know I wouldn't get a better deal than others but he wouldn't push me into something I didn't want and I wouldn't be as nervous.

When I bought my first car, I was at the dealership for at least 3 hours...I didn't realize I'd be there that long...you should be able to make more options on paper at home and bring it to the dealership.

A relaxed fun salesman and the car dealership holding a random drawing for prizes.

I never find car buying a problem, I always have my husband with me, he is a mechanic and body shop owner for over 30 years, he can spot a lemon a mile away. I am always confident we will get a great car at a great deal

I don't know of much of anything that would truly make the car-buying experience "fun" - well, maybe unlimited funds! ;)

Many thanks!

We keep our cars for so long (185,000 on the 1995 Accord Station Wagon) that when we do go car shopping it actually seems like an adventure. We do a lot of research on the web and even get the lowest price amongst dealers before we go out so it comes down to picking the colors and extras. I like test driving cars, especially the expensive ones.

i just bought a Kia Forte and my car buying experience was awesome..i got a great deal and they fed me dinner..yes dinner. you have to be there so long and it was gettin late and the offered to pick me up something. swell guys, i will be back!

I just wish i didn't feel so pressured. I wish salesmen were more laidback and less pushy.

Tweet:

http://twitter.com/LT38/status/25730820220

My 'favorite' part of buying a new car is taking my wife (who doesn't drive) for a test drive; especially when it's a 'sporty' new vehicle like the Porshe Panamera! We both feel like we're teen-agers again on 'our' first date!

Also, having a friendly and knowledgable car salesman always makes my buying experience more enjoyable!

I would love to be treated like I am not prey waiting to be pounced upon.

The thing I hate most about car buying is the multitude of levels of people you need to pass through to buy the car---each one attempting to raise the out-the-door price on the car.

First the salesman, then his manager, then the finance guy (if needed).

All in all a ridiculous experience and if I may say so even worse for single women.

http://twitter.com/fostertam/status/25725184484

Lisa Foster

I don't think you can be too prepared. The next time I buy a car I am going to know everything about the make/model I am interested in including the color I like best. Consumer Reports puts out a car buying guide every year I think and I know they do lots of testing. I want to go in with a specific price in mind based on the options I want--darn maybe I need one right now!!!!!!!

Lisa Foster