| For a woman buying a car alone, the experience falls | | | | In addition, check to see if there are any incentives |
| somewhere south of having a root canal on the | | | | available on the car. These can be incentives such as |
| pleasure scale. Female car buyers often have to | | | | low-interest financing or cash back. There may also |
| endure a subtle - and sometimes not so subtle - | | | | be incentives to the dealer from the manufacturer. |
| discrimination. They find themselves being shown | | | | That means that if the dealer sells a specific model, |
| "cute" cars. Salespeople discuss the choice of paint | | | | they receive a rebate. This means that a dealer can |
| colors rather than the gas mileage. At worst, women | | | | sell at or below invoice and still make a profit on the |
| are asked if they want to wait for their husbands to | | | | car. |
| arrive before making the big decision. So, how does a | | | | Many websites will even give you information on |
| woman purchasing a car on her own defend against | | | | actual selling prices of similar models in your area. By |
| this sort of behavior? Education. Learn what you | | | | analyzing this information, you will be able to |
| need to know before you head to the showroom. | | | | determine a reasonable sales price for the car you |
| First, decide on the car you want. Consider what you | | | | want. |
| are looking for in a vehicle - size, style, and features. | | | | Now that you have found your car and know how |
| Use the websites of the major car manufacturers to | | | | much you should reasonably pay, head out to the |
| "build" your dream car. | | | | dealer. You can now negotiate effectively. |
| These programs will even given you the sticker price | | | | When you arrive, make it clear to the salesperson |
| of your ideal vehicle. You can ignore this price during | | | | that you know exactly what you want and exactly |
| real negotiations, but you'll have a idea of the general | | | | how much you are willing to pay. In short, there |
| price range of the vehicle. | | | | should be very little negotiation. Make your offer and |
| Still unsure about what you should buy? Look at car | | | | stand firm. You will likely get the usual, "I have to |
| comparison websites such as Edmunds and NADA | | | | check with my sales manager" runaround. |
| Guides that can help you compare cars side-by-side | | | | If the dealer will not meet your price - which you |
| as well as offer reviews and guides for car buying. | | | | know is reasonable - go to another dealer. In some |
| Once you have found the perfect vehicle, it's time to | | | | cases, you can even get dealers to bid against each |
| research the price. Using the internet, you can find | | | | other. With a little homework beforehand and a little |
| out what the dealer's invoice price is for your car. | | | | persistence at the dealership, you'll have a better |
| This is the price you want to work with, as it is the | | | | experience buying a car. |
| actual dealer cost. | | | | |