Buy Hybrid Car

Buying a New Hybrid Car

If you are like most people, the prospect of buying a new hybrid car fills you with a mix of emotions. 

.........There is excitement at the thought of having a brand new hybrid vehicle that runs perfectly and looks great (and of course, there's that unbeatable new car smell), and there is likely some nervousness;

a. Will I find what I need? 
b. Will I get ripped off? 
c. Can I find a dealership that I can trust?

Before you visit a dealership, start with a little bit of research.  Your local bookstore has a number of resources on the subject of buying a new car.  

There is also a wealth of information available at your fingertips via the Internet.  Finding out the wholesale price of a vehicle that you are interested in will give you tremendous bargaining leverage at your dealership.

Everyone wants the best price possible when it comes to negotiating a price for a new car.  It is also fair to expect that a dealership should make a profit on the sale.

Keep this in mind - it is a good rule of thumb that a dealer should be able to make $500 above its wholesale price.  This means that as a consumer, you should be able to haggle for a price that is about 20% lower than the sticker price.

Remember that options such as power seats, extended passenger or storage compartments, etc. are going to add to the bottom line. 

 FREE!  Car Buying Tips -

Quick!  Get this FREE guide now!  CLICK HERE

Decide what you really need, and use that as a starting point.  If you find a make that you like, but it has too many expensive extras, you may want to consider ordering a less expensive model, even if you have to wait a few days.

Whatever model of vehicle you are interested it, it is important to take a test drive.  Not all vehicles handle the same way, and you might be surprised that what looked like a great car on the lot turns out to be unimpressive on the road. 

Some dealerships actually allow you to take the car you are interested in out for extended loan, even overnight.  If this is the case, take advantage of it. 

This may give you time to run your regular daily commute or errands in it, giving you an even better feel for how a particular car is going to perform and whether it is suited to your specific needs.

You may also want to ask if your dealership has a return policy.  Often it takes a few days or even several weeks to get to know your car, and this may give you a feeling of extra security, knowing that you have a period of time in which you can return your car if you don't like it.

Have you heard the rumor that buying a car at the end of the month may net you a better deal?  This can be the case, if the salesman has a quota to meet and a looming deadline and is anxious to make a sale. 

Just beware that conversely, if the salesman has already exceeded his monthly quota, he may not be so eager to kick in part of his commission.

Hybrid Car Trade-In

If you happen to have a trade-in to make, a little bit more research on your part will help.  Getting your hands on a used-car buyer's guide or checking the Internet will give you an idea of what your trade-in is worth. 

Though many dealers ask you up front if you have a trade-in, it is best if you can negotiate a price before introducing the idea of a trade-in.  Once you know what your trade-in is worth, don't be deterred by a low offer. 

Dealers may give you all kinds of reasons why your old car isn't worth what you think it is.  If you know better to begin with, you will likely be able to present an educated argument and get a better offer. 

If you still can't get what you want for your old car, and you aren't in a big hurry, you will probably have better luck selling it privately.

Don't forget to investigate the warranty that your dealer offers.  New hybrid vehicles typically come with a standard manufacturer's warranty. 

In nearly every case you will be offered the chance to purchase an extended warranty.  This is how your dealer makes an extra profit, and you need to make sure you read the fine print before you sign on the dotted line. 

Extended warranties usually sound like a smart purchase, but keep in mind that your new car is unlikely to require the type of repairs that the extended warranty covers in the first few years of ownership. 

Dealers know this, and that is why they offer the extended warranty in the first place. 

Finally, just because it is brand new, your car is still not necessarily guaranteed to be without problems. 

Hybrid Car Purchase Contract

Read your contract carefully, and ask for clarity when you don't understand a clause.  The manufacturing of cars is an ever-evolving process, and modern technology has made vast improvements in the ways today's cars perform. 

Just be certain that you will be covered in the unlikely case of manufacture defect, and be clear on what to expect from your dealer.  Dealers are eager to sell you a car, but may not be as excited when you come back with a problem. 

If you have a written guarantee that you understand, you are far less likely to experience problems in the future.

A new hybrid car is a significant purchase.  Have some patience, and take the time you need to explore all of your options. 

If you do, you are certain to find the perfect vehicle that will provide you with satisfaction for several years.

You've heard the hybrid car "pros".  Now consider the hybrid car cons....

    Buy Hybrid Car