Confidence is King of the Road

By Mark Sawyer

Confidence is more than just sexy. It can save you a ton of money on your next car or truck.

Lots of people hate buying cars. When you get right down to it, the root causes of this fear and loathing aren't hard to pin down.

1) Fear of the unknown.
2) Buying a car is a confrontational situation.
3) It's a huge commitment of time and money.

Well, okay, that's great, but how does that help you? Patience, grasshopper.

While there's no magical silver bullet to cure all of the above ills, a little confidence can go a long way. If you act uncertain and unsure, chances are you will get taken for a ride. This applies to every step of the process, not just when you're checking out cars on the showroom floor.

So what do you do? I mean, great, be confident. But what does that mean?

Be decisive. Know exactly what kind of car you want and exactly what you want to pay. Do your homework first and research everything you can find. The Internet is the most powerful research tool ever devised by man. Use it.

Show, don't tell. Print copies of everything you find. Don't just tell a dealer that you got a better price quote online. Show them. Don't just say that you thought your credit was good enough to qualify for a better rate. Show them.

Know thyself. Not everyone handles every situation well. If you know you're going to have a hard time negotiating and haggling over the price (which you will) then find someone who can. Even if you don't have a friend or loved one skilled in the art of car buying, you can usually find car buying services listed in the Yellow Pages major cities than can help you out for a small fee.

A little confidence goes a long, long way.

Mark Sawyer is a senior editor at Buy Cars Online [http://www.buy-car-truck.com], a leading automotive advice and online quote site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Sawyer
http://EzineArticles.com/?Confidence-is-King-of-the-Road&id=45

More Resources


10/20/2024
Column: A deep dive into how AI is changing the auto industry

We've all learned a lot about generative artificial intelligence, its predecessors and machine learning in the last year and a half. It continues to pervade the automotive industry.



more info


10/18/2024
BMW recalls almost 700,000 cars in China on fire safety risk

BMW AG is recalling nearly 700,000 vehicles in China due to coolant pump defects.



more info


10/18/2024
IBM's Maximo helps prevent production snags by predicting when machinery needs maintenance

IBM has been expanding Maximo's capabilities to monitor the health of production machinery and tooling by using data to predict when critical maintenance is needed. The goal: Prevent unplanned downtime.



more info


10/08/2024
Guest commentary: For safe jobs, EV battery workers need a union contract

The UAW is aware of the grave dangers of an ill-equipped and unrepresented workforce.



more info


10/04/2024
BYD will show high-tech Sealion, a Tesla rival, in Paris

The Sealion 7 will be the brand's most technologically advanced model in Europe.



more info


10/04/2024
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares blames marketing for Maserati's stumbles

Despite heavy financial losses and slumping vehicle sales, Maserati is sustainable but more needs to be done to position it as a pure luxury brand, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said.



more info


10/02/2024
Tesla to return to Paris motor show after six years

The addition of Tesla is another indication that the Paris show is enjoying something of a comeback after a lackluster 2022 edition.



more info


09/20/2024
Stellantis taking heat from dealers, UAW amid EV push

As Stellantis tries to build sales momentum in the U.S. and presses forward with its EV offensive, it's facing unrest among several constituencies that are monumentally important to its success.



more info


09/20/2024
Top 5 stories of the week: VW drops in-house loans; UAW pressures Stellantis

A quick look at the top automotive stories of the week as determined by reader interest.



more info


09/18/2024
Guest commentary: Every step counts to drive down greenhouse gas emissions with green materials

Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to incorporate novel, recyclable materials that produce fewer greenhouse gases. Many are turning to next-generation materials.



more info




More Automobile Information:

Related Articles

Hybrid Cars: The Performance Cars of the Future


When most people think of hybrid cars, they imagine practical, mild-mannered vehicles. But could we someday see hybrid racecars burning up the tracks?


Vehicle Features That Make Mom's Life Easier


Parents have plenty to worry about when packing their kids in the car and heading out on the road.


Every Car Needs a Little TLC ? How to Maximize Vehicle Life


During the winter months, cold weather gives way to the warm, fuzzy feelings brought on by the presence of that certain special someone.


You Don't Need the Luck of The Irish to Make Your Car "Green"


The Emerald Isle is known for being lush, green and teeming with stout, little leprechauns.


2011 New Year's Resolution: Start Taking Better Care of Your Vehicle


While we might slip up on our New Year's resolutions at times, this year you can resolve to take better care of your car all year.


Tips for Maintaining Your Car in Snowy Conditions


When the weather outside is frightful, the road is the last place you want to be, especially if your car hasn't been prepared to deal with snowy conditions. Snow and ice covering the roadways can pose a serious threat to you and your vehicle.


The Great Car Debate: To Buy or to Lease?


As the economy continues to rebound, more Americans find themselves strolling the lot of their local car dealership and facing a difficult decision -- whether to buy or lease a new vehicle.


This Season, Don't Let Pump Prices Put a Damper on Your Holiday Fun


It's easy to get caught up in the holiday hubbub when you're running around looking for the perfect gift.


Take Action Before You Hit the Road


Checking mirrors and seat belts every time you get in your car might seem overly cautious, but driving experts say that what you do before you turn on the ignition may mean the difference between life and death.


Football Season Marks the Time for Car Care


As the leaves fall and the cold weather approaches, everyone begins to feel a little football fever. Just like the greatest coaches check their starting line-ups each year, make sure that your vehicle's most important parts and systems aren't corroded, empty, deflated or worn out. With kick-off around the corner, Firestone Complete Auto Care offers the following tips to ensure your vehicle is ready for fall after a long, hot summer.


Save Money, Help the Environment With Properly Inflated Tires


Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now a standard safety feature on all new cars in the United States. TPMS automatically monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver when the pressure in one or more tires becomes significantly low -- and potentially dangerous.


Back to School: Prepare Your Teen for the Road


As the summer comes to an end, teens prepare to get back to the classroom -- and the road. If your young driver is ready to buy their first used vehicle, you'll need to do your research.


Next Best Thing to Vacation: A Stress-Free Commute


It may be vacation time for kids, but most adults work through the summer months. Firestone Complete Auto Care recommends some commuting tips for everyone who is spending the summer driving to work instead of heading out on vacation:


Hybrid Cars Are Hot, But What Are They?


Even if you drive a hybrid car, you probably don't know some basic facts about your car and what makes it work.


Are You "Under Pressure"? Don't Ignore This Dashboard Alert


Beginning with the 2008 model year, tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now standard on all new cars in the United States, but many drivers don't know about them.