As a child, the purchase of a new car was a rare and exciting experience. Nowhere else could we crawl into a strange car with abandon and test the resiliency of the seating and push all the neat buttons within reach. We didn't buy cars often, but in the times it happened I did notice one thing: no matter where we went in our search, every salesperson was male. Not only that, my father handled most of the negotiations, despite my mother being an educated person who did know something about cars.
Of course times have changed over the last few decades. The percentage of women purchasing cars on their own is rising, and while women might not dominate in car sales you'll see more than a few on lots around the country, ready to assist buyers. The first car I purchased was a Ford Mustang, bought from a female salesperson...with my mother present. I do wonder, however, if saleswomen are more apt to approach solo female customers on the lots, and as a woman you may feel more comfortable dealing with the same gender. Ultimately, when you do buy a car you should work with somebody who knows the vehicle you want and can help you determine if it's the right ride for you.
As a woman, you shouldn't be intimidated or patronized by anybody who tries to sell you a car. Age-old stereotypes of women ignorant of auto mechanics and negotiation no longer hold court on the car lot, yet if you do find the prospect of buying a new car nerve wracking you definitely want to prepare yourself. Before you set foot on sales territory, make sure you've done your homework:
1) Decide what is the best car for your lifestyle. Do you travel often, or only need a car for commuting to and from work? If you live for weekend adventures, you might wish to invest in an SUV to carry bicycles and tent equipment, otherwise you may feel more at home with a small, fuel efficient sedan. The car you get will eventually be worked on as it ages, so factor in later expenses.
2) Research pricing and trade values. More than likely you'll trade in your old vehicle. Consult blue book values and compare costs of the newer models you would like to test. Prices will vary according to features.
3) Be firm. If you believe you can live without a sunroof and satellite radio, don't let anybody talk you into getting extras. Also, visit more than one lot before making any commitments, and don't feel pressured by any salesperson to sign anything until you are one hundred percent certain of the car you want.
Car shopping is not something to be done on impulse. Know exactly what you want and browse carefully for the best options. Gender has nothing to do with affording a good car for your needs.
Of course times have changed over the last few decades. The percentage of women purchasing cars on their own is rising, and while women might not dominate in car sales you'll see more than a few on lots around the country, ready to assist buyers. The first car I purchased was a Ford Mustang, bought from a female salesperson...with my mother present. I do wonder, however, if saleswomen are more apt to approach solo female customers on the lots, and as a woman you may feel more comfortable dealing with the same gender. Ultimately, when you do buy a car you should work with somebody who knows the vehicle you want and can help you determine if it's the right ride for you.
As a woman, you shouldn't be intimidated or patronized by anybody who tries to sell you a car. Age-old stereotypes of women ignorant of auto mechanics and negotiation no longer hold court on the car lot, yet if you do find the prospect of buying a new car nerve wracking you definitely want to prepare yourself. Before you set foot on sales territory, make sure you've done your homework:
1) Decide what is the best car for your lifestyle. Do you travel often, or only need a car for commuting to and from work? If you live for weekend adventures, you might wish to invest in an SUV to carry bicycles and tent equipment, otherwise you may feel more at home with a small, fuel efficient sedan. The car you get will eventually be worked on as it ages, so factor in later expenses.
2) Research pricing and trade values. More than likely you'll trade in your old vehicle. Consult blue book values and compare costs of the newer models you would like to test. Prices will vary according to features.
3) Be firm. If you believe you can live without a sunroof and satellite radio, don't let anybody talk you into getting extras. Also, visit more than one lot before making any commitments, and don't feel pressured by any salesperson to sign anything until you are one hundred percent certain of the car you want.
Car shopping is not something to be done on impulse. Know exactly what you want and browse carefully for the best options. Gender has nothing to do with affording a good car for your needs.
| Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach cars and Norfolk used cars. |
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