Sigh.
Scratch that.
BIG, HUGE SIGH.
I hate car shopping. I hate dealing with car salesmen. I'm sure they are perfectly nice people when they're not at their job, but speaking from experience, I know they all have tricks up their sleeves. My experience is that my ex-husband worked for two car dealerships and he used to come home from "class" and tell me what they were teaching him. I was slightly appalled.
But since the "great deal" I got on the '97 Grand Prix isn't working out so well (read: lemon!), then it's off to find another vehicle. I've already picked one out at a local dealership (thank you, Internets!) and hope I can go and test drive it tonight and well, drive it home tonight. That all depends on financing, etc. (Did you know that divorce can really screw up your credit?). But one thing is for sure - I am checking out the specifics of this car. Turns out that the '97 Grand Prix has a TON of problems. Funny. I once bought a Grand Am, right out of college. And I had tons of problems with it, too! Guess Pontiac Grands and I just don't get along...
Wish me luck!
Scratch that.
BIG, HUGE SIGH.
I hate car shopping. I hate dealing with car salesmen. I'm sure they are perfectly nice people when they're not at their job, but speaking from experience, I know they all have tricks up their sleeves. My experience is that my ex-husband worked for two car dealerships and he used to come home from "class" and tell me what they were teaching him. I was slightly appalled.
But since the "great deal" I got on the '97 Grand Prix isn't working out so well (read: lemon!), then it's off to find another vehicle. I've already picked one out at a local dealership (thank you, Internets!) and hope I can go and test drive it tonight and well, drive it home tonight. That all depends on financing, etc. (Did you know that divorce can really screw up your credit?). But one thing is for sure - I am checking out the specifics of this car. Turns out that the '97 Grand Prix has a TON of problems. Funny. I once bought a Grand Am, right out of college. And I had tons of problems with it, too! Guess Pontiac Grands and I just don't get along...
Wish me luck!
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I hate going car shopping. My husband loves it. I remember when I bought my expedition. We got to the dealership at 10:30 a.m. didn't leave until 8 p.m., the negotiations were that brutal.
ReplyDeleteHope it works out and isn't too painful.
OOHH. Don't tell me that story! They're working on the financing, etc., right now and I already have a car picked out, so hopefully, all the paperwork will be done by the time I get there tonight.
ReplyDeleteI hate car shopping too, so very best of luck to you tonight.
ReplyDeleteIcky, car shopping.
ReplyDeleteI just put a grand into my clunker, which is still cheaper than a full year of car payments.
Good luck. I will admit to liking that new car smell.
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI never buy a car at the first dealer I walk into. Hubby and I have code words. If I ask him what he thinks, that's our code to walk. Do not be afraid to leave if you don't like the deal. I have had saleman call me the next day with a better deal than I proposed... you must be brutal..!!
ReplyDeleteAnd.... GOOD LUCK...!!!!
Ooh.. yeah, my first run in with a car was a brand new pontiac grand am. We turned it in before the first year. grr... lots' of problems. Good luck! We just bought a new minivan Saturday and we're really happy! Hope it goes well with you! Jenni
ReplyDeleteI think it's autos.msn.com where you can check out cars by model year. It turns out that's really important! We bought a used Durango last year, and some years have big problems, other years are really reliable, so I set out to find a 2001 and I've had not one issue. Good luck with the shopping! Also, I hate to say it, but if you can grab a male to bring with you - coworker, brother, etc, the salesmen will leave you alone more.
ReplyDeleteRobin, isn't that so true? I hate it when they think that just because you're a woman, you're more of a sucker. Thankfully, my ex taught me to stick to my guns in situations like this.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered buying a car from a private seller? We did that a couple years ago, and actually saved thousands of dollars compared to what a dealer would have charged. Sometimes you can pick up a great car this way.
ReplyDeleteI hate dealers--sorry:) But I also don't give them my trade in keys anymore or let them make me stay very long. I know my price and that is it--I walk out.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Joanne - I simply don't have the money to buy from a private seller. That's where I got the Pontiac Grand Prix - private seller! So I'm a little wary of BOTH sides at the moment!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!! I hate, HATE pretty much any kind of shopping. So the thought of having to buy a car gives me shudders of horror!
ReplyDeleteCar shopping = the worst. I hope it all worked out OK! Know what you want and stick to your guns...learned that from my guy. But I haven't had to put it into practice myself. I know I wouldn't be as good at it as he is. (Too worried about everyone ending up happy.
ReplyDeleteTake a male friend, relative or mechanic. Amazing how much better customer service you'll get! Also ask to see the carfax stats. In this economy, you should be able to "drive" a good bargain. :)
ReplyDeleteAngie, they actually had the Carfax stats online, so I did check those out. And I was pretty firm last night - they even negotiated with me. Maybe telling the salesman, "My ex was a car salesman and told me to stick to my guns!" made an impression. ;-)
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