Since we’ve already been down this road, we’re sharing the best and worst car-shopping advice we’ve heard. Also, we are setting the truth to some of the myths out there.

This will help you know what you should consider and what advice to follow when buying a car. In the end, making an informed decision is most important.

The Most Reliable Advice

1. Think about financing

While a traditional and obvious piece of advice, it’s the most common for a reason. Some people just dive headfirst into the purchase without restraint (especially those that just got an upgrade on their credit cards or a raise at work).

Before visiting any dealership, have a sense of what kind of deposit you can put down and what monthly payment you can afford.

It also helps to research available car loans to get a sense of what you qualify for.

Trying out a service like the Payment Calculator available on the House of Cars website allows you to select rates and terms that fit your budget and then obtain offers from reliable lenders.

2. Check your credit score

Knowing your credit score can be helpful as well. Take it from Justin Lavelle, CCO of BeenVerified:

“Having a good idea of your credit report and credit score and the interest rates available can help you negotiate a good deal and save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.”

Don’t worry if you don’t know the basics of credit scores or car loans because House of Cars has you covered. You can find the financial plan that suits you best on our website.

If you prefer a more personal interaction, you can talk with one of our sales consultants and guide you through the several options that HOC has to offer.

3. Shop around

Research the cars you might be interested in before heading to a dealership, rather than going in unprepared.

It is as simple as looking online to determine what kind of car you want. You can search anything from “best cars for families” to “best used cars under 10k.”

4. Compare prices

Lavelle also stresses getting detailed pricing info in advance:

“Price the car at different dealerships and use online services to get invoice and deal pricing.”

Use the site’s car value tool to find out the MSRP and the dealer invoice of a car, as well as a range of prices you can expect to see at dealerships. You can search for and request pricing on any make, model, or year of car.

You may get a slew of phone calls, emails, and texts from dealers immediately after, but having information from different dealerships can help you negotiate prices. You should also visit dealer sites to look for rebate offers.

5. Research your trade-in’s value  

If you have a trade-in, don’t wait for the salesperson to tell you what it’s worth.

You can get a sense of the value ahead of time so you know if you’re receiving a good offer. Many sales consultants will give you a guaranteed price for a trade, eliminating complicated haggling at the dealership.

6. Always test drive potential purchases

You may want to pass on the test drive if you’re familiar with a particular make and model, but Lavelle recommends taking the time to do it anyway:

“It is a good idea to inspect the car and give it a good test drive just to make sure all is working and there are no noticeable squeaks, rattles, or shimmies that could cause you headaches after your purchase,” he says.

7. Look at car histories

Before selecting dealerships to visit, search for consumer reviews so you can avoid having a bad experience.

However, Lavelle warns that just because a car sits on a reputable, well-reviewed lot does not necessarily mean that the vehicle is issue-free. So he recommends digging deeper, especially for used vehicles.

“Services like CARFAX represent that they can tell you about the car’s life from first purchase forward, so that might be a good place to start,” he says. He also recommends checking the title, which you can do online via the DMV.

Advice That’s Just… No.

1. The wealthier you look, the more you’ll pay

Many think that dressing poorly when you enter the dealership leads the salesperson to believe you don’t have a ton of money. They’ll supposedly need to give you a bigger discount to sell the car.

Regardless of what you’re wearing, the dealership will ultimately run a credit report, the true picture of your financial standing and creditworthiness.

2. Wait until the last minute to mention your trade-in

Trade-ins make money.

Depending on popularity, supply, and demand, your trade-in may be worth more than you think to the dealer. It’s also more likely that you’ll be able to afford that new car, so the dealer has an incentive to offer you the best price.

If you spring your trade-in at the last minute, the salesperson will have to go back and rework all the calculations and paperwork completed so far, a complete waste of time.

You’ll also know what the dealer is offering for your trade-in, which will help you decide whether to accept the offer or sell it privately.

3. Buy it before someone else does

You’ve found your dream car, it has every upgrade you wanted, the perfect colour, and it’s the only one on the lot. Buy it and run!

No, wait. Take a breath and come to your senses.

A hasty decision can have tragic financial consequences.

If a salesperson uses the “buy it before it’s gone” tactic, it’s only because they’re trying to nail down a sale. Don’t fall for that trap, and take the time to do your research and price comparisons.

4. Buying a used car is taking on someone else’s headache

Who says a new car is the only way to go?

Pre-owned cars are big business in today’s market. Pre-owned cars have some advantages, especially when you purchase through a reputable dealer.

With limited miles and a few years under its belt, all the kinks have been worked out. After all, the dealership has likely put it through a thorough inspection. With enough luck, some may still be under the manufacturer’s original warranty.

Car Buying Myths Everyone Believes To Be True

1. You can’t get a good car deal/car loan with a bad credit score

Though it may seem impossible to get a loan with bad credit, the good news is that it's not.

There's no minimum credit score required to get an auto loan, which means people with poor credit may just need to find the right lender or loan to get behind the wheel.

At House of Cars, we are proud to accept both good and bad credit. We’ll do you one better: When you partner with us, you can drive your new vehicle and rebuild your credit at the same time!

Keep reading to find out more!

2. Buy a car on a rainy day.

The idea is that due to bad weather, no one will be on the car lot, and the dealer will be desperate to make a sale.

This usually means the dealership is both wet and crowded. People think it will be empty, and that’s why everyone is there.

Another variation of this myth is to go to a dealership just before it closes. Then, the sales staff will supposedly agree to a lower price because they want to go home.

The truth is they'll work well past closing time to finalize a fair deal for both parties.

3. You Have To Pay Cash To Buy A Used Car

It’s uncertain how this rumour came about, but financing a used car is no different than financing a new one.

Paying in cash will keep you out of debt, and making a sizeable down payment will help you save on the monthly payment and interest rate.

If you come across a dealership that only accepts cash to buy a car, this is a red flag.

Quality car dealerships will give you various options for financing your car, new or used. In fact, many dealerships will incentivize you to use in-house financing because it benefits both you and the dealership to do so.

4. Dealerships Only Want Your Money

Now, this isn’t true at all. While some people are more than willing to take advantage of you, reputable dealerships like House of Cars work together with you so you can get a great car and financing plan all in one place.

Mutual benefit and trust are what guide our services.

Discover the benefits of working with House of Cars!

At House of Cars Calgary, we can create a finance package within your budget and tailored to your needs. When you partner with us, you have access to our exclusive credit rebuilding program regardless of your credit history.

Cars are a necessity in this day and age, and your credit shouldn’t get in the way of that. Speak with one of our sales consultants about refinancing options, and we’ll work with you to ensure you receive the best car loan no matter what your credit score is.

Shopping for a car can be frightening, but you won't have any problem buying a car with the proper research, preparation, and knowing the best advice.

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