Does anyone need advice on buying a car?

SrA Zachary Bolling — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 18:08:54 -0500

The reason I ask is I remember being a young Airman and wanting a ew car much like many other new Airmen. It was the first time I had that kind of money and did not exactly know how I should go about buying a vehicle. I heard such horror stories about my fellow Airmen getting completely ripped off during the process basically because the excitement of a new car blinded them to the terrible deal they were getting. Since separating I actually spent some time as a car salesman and would love to give advice to someone looking for it. I can tell you what to be aware of and what resources are useful.

Also, has anyone here been the victim of a dealership taking advantage of the fact you were military?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2014 8:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 20:56:43 -0500

I think one of the best things people can do is not to jump at the first offer and to stay away from your fly by night dealers right outside the gate. I have recently discovered the website truecar and saved myself almost $9k off the cost of my wife's new car.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Feb 22 at 2014 10:13 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 22:13:35 -0500

SrA Bolling, thank you for offering your experience and knowledge as a former car salseman to help others.

Response by SrA Zachary Bolling made Feb 24 at 2014 8:11 AM

SrA Zachary Bolling — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 08:11:26 -0500

SFC Rosenlund, Truecar is a very helpful tool to find the price of a new car that I would advise anyone to use while looking at buying a new vehicle. There are a few other areas that people need to be aware of when buying a car such as what type of interest rate they are getting and what bank they are using. Also what are they being offered for a trade in allowance on their car if they choose to trade. I would say that there are 3 main areas of concern when buying a car so just because one seems like an unbelievable deal, they might be screwing you in one of the other areas.

Car Salesmen can be good people but it's the Sales Managers and Finance Managers that you really have to be aware of. NOBODY IS YOUR FRIEND in a dealership.

If you ever get to the point where you have agreed to numbers and go talk to the finance manager just know that nothing is free. If they say they will give you an extended warranty or paint protection for free then you need to back away because that doesn't happen unless they have intentionally given the Finance guy "room" to work with.

I am more than willing to help or talk anyone through this process. Also there are some great mobile apps available to help you with the numbers.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 1 at 2014 7:53 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Thu, 01 May 2014 19:53:01 -0400

I saw that you mentioned below about arming yourself. As someone who spent 12 years in the car business, I can tell you this is the best advice you can give anyone.

A few other good sites to accomplish your preparation.
cars.com
NADAguides.com
kbb.com

Before walking into a dealership you should know what finance rate you should be expected to pay based on your specific situation, what your trade is actually worth, what the real cost of the car is (this is not the price on the window), and any and all applicable rebates and incentives available on the car you are looking at. If you don't know these things, you have no business shopping. You might just run into a salesman like me and drive away in a new car.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2015 2:35 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 14:35:02 -0400

Young service members sometimes can't see past the shinning paint. First line leaders are there to guide and mentor this includes financially. Since most newly enlisted have never lived away from home they are vulnerable to making some snap decisions that will long-term effect them. Counsel early and often about the dangers of interest rates and brand new cars.