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Time to Upgrade Your Family Car? Five Ways You Can Save Money

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If your next car needs to cater more for your kids than your MPH, then clearly you’ll be shopping in a certain market. It’s a switch many motorists have to make. Perhaps they’re expecting a new arrival– or maybe one of their children is growing up and already starting to think about studying for the theory and practical test and they want a car they can learn in.

Whatever stage of your family’s development you’re at, it’s important to know how to get the best deal on a new motor.

Many of us find it very difficult to negotiate or even consider it to be rude to ask for a discounted rate. These simple tips will give you a chance to go home with a lot more than you budgeted for or thought possible.

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Research

Knowing all the facts about what you are looking for before you walk into a car showroom is your starting point for saving money. Sometimes it can be very hard to choose from the huge variety of cars that are on offer, especially when they have been freshly polished and have that new car smell. Look up cars that you are interested in on websites such as Auto Express and What Car to find the latest prices and deals. This will give you a good idea of the price that you should pay so you don’t overpay for your dream car. Consider too that just because something isn’t classified as a ‘family car’ doesn’t mean that it won’t suit your needs. During your research widen the net as far as possible and don’t be put off by the lack of a ‘family car’ tag.

Test Drive

When you’ve decided on your top three vehicle choices then, and only then, make that trip to a dealership. Be very clear about what you are looking for and try not to get carried away with being in an unfamiliar car. If possible, try out a model in different specifications comparing the lower with higher ranges so you know how they measure up. It may be more cost effective in the long run to buy a more expensive make if you get a lot more for your money. Always test drive the vehicle up hills, in traffic jams and out on the open road so that you can give it a proper ‘test’.

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Haggle

Don’t jump straight in with trying to haggle as it won’t work. Take it slowly and build a rapport with the sales assistant. Keep all conversations friendly and polite but remember to keep your cards close to your chest. Don’t let them know the top end of your budget until you are ready to close the deal. Always start your negotiations with a low price but not too low as to offend the sales assistant. It should be low enough that you have plenty of room to gradually move up if necessary and should be based on your prior research. Don’t be afraid to walk away if they aren’t prepared to negotiate. Sometimes it’s good to leave and continue the process over the phone or on another visit.

Added extras 

During the closing stages of your negotiations always try your luck with extras such as paint protection or car mats as these will add greater value to your car. These might not clinch the deal for you but they are always worth asking for to get more from your money.

Insurance

Don’t forget to look up insurance costs for the vehicles that you are considering. A good place to start is to look at a comparison website to find the best deal on insurance for your new family car. If you are prepared to pay a little bit extra on your excess then you will get a smaller monthly cost.

4 thoughts on “Time to Upgrade Your Family Car? Five Ways You Can Save Money”

  1. I love haggling! I embarrass my husband because I am shameless in my haggling….Last time I bought a nearly new car and got them to throw in a full tank of petrol, car mats, etc.

    1. Ha! You sound just like my other half, he always embarrasses me with his haggling, I have to walk away. It is dead handy though as we get some great stuff for silly prices 🙂

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