My number one piece of advice for women when heading into a car dealership.
The Art of Emotionally Detached Car Buying: Empowering Women in Negotiations
In the realm of car buying, emotional detachment is key. Letting go of any detachment you have to the outcome and entering dealer meetings without emotional ties is crucial for your empowerment. This will help you resist manipulation and take control of negotiations. Do yourself a favor and prioritize your emotional well-being by avoiding car shopping during anxious or difficult times. Remember, cars should never be purchased under the influence of emotion. Don’t get too attached to one EXACT car. You might need to be flexible (a different color or waiting for a few more weeks or a different interior package, etc) in order to truly get a deal that works in YOUR best interest.
In addition to our Number One Piece of Advice, here’s information that will help empower you before you set foot in a dealership.
The Evolution of Negotiation: Navigating the New Terrain
Today's car negotiations differ significantly from the past. We suggest securing your own financing through credit unions (we will help you with that!), positioning your purchase as a cash deal if possible, and being realistic about limited inventories that are common since the pandemic. Adapt to the evolving market by starting your car shopping earlier and exploring multiple trade-in options. Gain confidence by understanding negotiation points and terms like residual and money factor. Head over here to our Car Lady Guide to Carbuying Terms.
With your trade, you can possibly get more from your old car.
We recommend getting more than one quote for your trade in.Go to multiple places, Carmax, or even to other dealers. What would they buy it for outright? Having this information before you walk into a dealership puts you in an empowered position.
Reclaiming Your Definition of a Good Deal
In the post-pandemic era, a good deal is one that works for you. Reject the notion of a universal standard and embrace personalized decision-making. Explore the disrupted market with optimism, knowing that change brings opportunities for empowerment. Take charge of your car buying journey and define what constitutes a good deal based on your unique needs and preferences.
Don't Miss Out on the Revolution
Gone are the days of overflowing car lots. Embrace the transformation and leverage the disruptions in the industry to your advantage. Arm yourself with knowledge, negotiate from a position of strength, and reclaim your power in the car buying process. Join the revolution and navigate the new world of car buying with confidence and grace.
I’m Katie O’Toole Smith
I’m a veteran in the auto industry (over 28 years!!) , a nerd when it comes to making deals work, and my passion is making the car buying (or leasing) process empowering for my clients.