If you’re looking to visit a Suzuki car dealership in the near future, go prepared. Overzealous salespeople can make finding the perfect car for your needs tough. A car salesman can give you some advice, but they cannot and should not decide for you. This guide can apply to any car dealerships that finance near you, with less focus on model comparisons. Get yourself in the perfect mindset, do your homework and you’ll walk out a winner.
10 Things to Know Before Visiting a Suzuki Car Dealership
This list is in order of importance and outlines steps you should follow before committing to purchase a new Suzuki or any other vehicle.
1. How You Will Finance
Do you plan on buying your car in cash, financing the purchase, or leasing? How much money can you put down on a lease or as a down payment? What is the maximum monthly payment you can afford? You should know the answers to all these questions before stepping foot in a Suzuki car dealership. Even if you have good credit, set a hard monthly budget for your car. Dealerships will respect these parameters and you’ll experience fewer surprises during the signing.
2. What is Your Credit Score?
When was the last time you checked your score? Remember, the free credit checks online aren’t the only credit ratings out there. Dealerships often use their own credit agencies to calculate scores. Your credit score will affect the interest rate lenders will quote for a new car purchase.
3. Read Reviews Everywhere
Know the Suzuki models that you’re interested in. Research professional reviews, amateur opinions, and ownership feedback. Some models can change drastically based on different parts and engine specifications. There are many Suzuki models that rank as the best in their class. These cars excel in many categories, but they may not win awards for looks, luxury, or power. The key is to avoid buying a lemon, aka a car that looks good but has a serious unfixable defect. Many members of the Suzuki community will report a lemon and where they got them.
4. Get Multiple Quotes
If you’re looking for the best deals, you’ll need to widen your search. Get multiple quotes for the Suzuki cars that you’re interested in. Price compare and use the differences to negotiate better deals. You can start with the Kelley Blue Book value and look for a lower quote. Take that initial quote and shop it around to other dealerships. This keeps dealerships honest and more willing to earn your business. Even if you don’t get much lower quotes, you may be offered more accessories and incentives.
5. Down Payments and Trade-ins
Putting down a sizeable down payment or trading in your old car will make a huge difference in your monthly payments. You may be able to afford a newer car or qualify for a brand new car. Go into the dealership already knowing the Kelley Blue Book value on your car(s). Don’t accept scraps for a car because you’re trading it in for a new one.
6. Take It for a Spin
Are you fully convinced that the car you’ve dreamed about is the perfect fit? Test it, drive it, and be reasonably certain it is the car for you. In fact, test drive at least two different models before you purchase. You need to be sure your new purchase doesn’t have any hidden mechanical issues. Small squeaks, rattles, or abnormal smells could belie bigger issues.
7. Get A Car History Report
Auto histories are very important to get a clear picture of the car’s condition. If it’s brand new, you should have nothing to worry about. If it is a used car with no documentation, you might be in trouble. Cars that have passed through multiple owners should be carefully scrutinized. Cars that have been in accidents are also high-risk purchases. Even small accidents could throw things off, reduce the longevity of a car or signify the car wasn’t adequately repaired and was traded in because of that fact.
8. Crash Test Ratings
Know the detailed scoring of the Suzuki model you’re interested in. Sometimes cars can get passing scores, but fail in certain areas. Don’t compromise safety for other aspects of the car. Consistently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducts crash tests on new vehicles and rates their execution in its 5-Star Safety Rating test. Five stars show the most elevated security rating and one star the least. You can discover the NHTSA security details on the web and on new-vehicle window stickers.
9. Bring a Professional
If you’re not car-savvy, bring someone who is. You can hire an inspector to perform a thorough examination. The upfront cost is worth the peace of mind. If you absolutely can’t afford the price of a pre-sale inspection, bring an experienced friend. Having a second pair of eyes and opinion will protect you from potential predatory sales practices.
10. Legal Protections
In-house financing car dealers cannot knowingly sell you a broken car. If you drive a car off their lot and it breaks down shortly after, you might have legal protection available to you.
Lemon-Proof Your Purchase
If you follow these ten steps to protect yourself, you’ll avoid a lot of grief. Come prepared to a Suzuki car dealership and you’ll garner respect. Don’t car shop without a plan. Instead, walk in with a list of needs and reasonable expectations. Being secure with your opinions and decisions is key. If you are considering a new vehicle purchase, you can purchase Lemon Proof coverage here. This is not an extended warranty. Instead, it protects new car owners who end up with a lemon. It saves such owners thousands and thousands of dollars and Lemon Proof protects every new car owner, no matter their credit history.
