Cape Karen
If you were to make a list of some of the most dreaded experiences you could embark upon, you would probably list "buying a car" up near the top. Just the thought of going to a car dealership, and having to go through the rigamarole of wheeling and dealing, is enough to keep many of us away. Women, in particular, are 'targets' at dealerships; when a lone female walks onto a car lot, the car prices go up automatically.
Therefore, after months of online searching, looking at various models, price comparing, reading reviews and checking all the recall notices on the cars I liked, it was still with some fear and trepidation that I went up to Knoxville yesterday to test drive some cars at Carmax.
What a pleasant surprise! Bill, my sales representative, was courteous, informative, kind, and patient. He never once pressured me to even look at cars outside of my stated price range. When I decided on the least expensive car I had test driven, and refused the finance manager's sneaky "implantation" of a $1,695.00 extended warranty into my contract, he never changed his demeanor. The F &I guy left quickly in a huff, but Bill remained as courteous as ever, even though I know it cut into his paycheck that I didn't buy the warranty.
I don't know what might have happened if I had gone to a traditional dealership where the sales reps work on full commission, but I'm guessing that it wouldn't have been as low pressure or as pleasant an experience for a woman alone. I have high regard for the Carmax experience now, and I would recommend them to anyone who wants to avoid haggling over prices, warranties, ect.
There are exceptions at traditional dealerships, I had a very nice female sales rep in Williamsburg, VA when I bought my last car. But, looking at that old contract today, I can see where I did get 'taken,' because I went in unprepared and in a rush. They did put an extended warranty into that contract, that I never even noticed, along with credit life insurance that I didn't want or need, and my interest rate on the loan was way too high. But, I bought it in a hurry, and I didn't even look at the contract, so shame on me! After 15 years of driving my old Olds, without any major problems, I certainly got my money's worth out of it, regardless.
Buying a car is a major investment, and it should always be regarded as such. Unfortunately, with all the fancy ads and phoney incentives to purchase cars today, too many of us will fall into the 'hurry up and get it now' mistakes.
Doing research online, and spending the time deciding what I wanted, and especially what I didn't want, made a tremendous difference in my car buying experience. Going through Carmax, instead of a traditional dealership, was definately a bonus and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Now, I have to go out and play with my pretty little Dodge Stratus SXT and get to know her better!