Car Buying Tips for Women
Car Buying Tips for Women
With these tips for women buying used cars, women can master the used car lot, despite feeling disadvantaged
Meeting toe-to-toe with used car dealers on their turf could intimidate almost anyone, but it's a feeling that seems to be strongest among women buying cars.
A recent survey by Capital One found that nearly seven of 10 women buying cars said they feel a greater disadvantage than men when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, and 77 percent of 1,000 women surveyed planned to take a man with them the next time they purchase an automobile.
These are startling statistics given back in 2006 women represented $300 billion annually on car purchases, maintenance and repairs. Indeed, women have a great influence on the automobile market and are learning to master the art of knowing what they want… and are actually getting it.
It's important to note that women buying cars often have different vehicle needs than those of their male counterparts. Women look for car safety, dependability, functionality, environmental, and economic issues. They also tend to consider maneuverability and step-in height, sharpness of door edges, and the texture of the seat fabric. But identifying purchasing considerations like these is only one step. There are strategies to ease the anxiety and concerns of women who are weary of used car shopping, the goal being to go home with the vehicle they want for a fair used car price.
Tips for Women Buying Used Cars
Women buying cars need to do their research. Use the Internet to search for crash test ratings, used car reviews, and dealer invoice pricing on vehicles for which they have interest. Annual maintenance costs for the vehicle should also be considered. It's also wise to research the value of their current car if they're looking to trade it for a newer model. Kelley Blue Book® is one good place to start researching used car prices.
Know what to look for. This is an important car buying tip for women buying used cars. Deciding on body style, price range, and discerning between the features women really need vs. those they "want" are important decisions that should be noted prior to visiting a used car sales lot. This homework will make it much easier to deflect the temptation of bells and whistles, or a vehicle that doesn’t really meet the customer's needs.
Consider insurance. Insurance agents often remind customers that a quick call to the agent's office is a good idea once you have a few options in mind. Just because the monthly vehicle payment might fit the budget doesn't mean the insurance bill will. For instance, switching from liability coverage on a 1995 Honda to full coverage on a late-model Acura would create quite a hike in insurance costs that needs to include in the purchasing decision.
Evaluate buying style. Women buying cars who are leery of the stereotyped used car dealer might feel more comfortable going to a dealership with set pricing. For example, Enterprise Car Sales offers no-haggle prices below Kelley Blue Book® value1 on all of its more than 120 makes/models of used automobiles. Additionally, Enterprise backs its vehicles with a seven‑day/1,000-mile repurchase agreement3 and a 12-month/12,000-mile limited powertrain warranty2. Used car packages often hold added value to a used car purchase.
Get pre-approved. Having pre-approval from a bank or credit union when car shopping enables women buying cars to know exactly how much they can spend. They also are likely to receive a better interest rate by securing the loan on their own ahead of time.
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