At Mike White Ford, we understand that purchasing a car is a significant decision that can be both thrilling and overwhelming, particularly if you have never bought a car at a dealership before.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade your existing vehicle, we can help you navigate the car-buying journey at our dealership so that it is seamless and even fun. From the initial decision to buy up to the moment you drive your dream car off the dealership lot, let’s explore what you can expect from a good dealership and the essential factors to consider during each step.
1. The Decision to Buy
The car-buying journey starts with the decision to invest in a new vehicle. That may sound like the easy part, but even though it’s exciting, it’s also a bit daunting. Owning a car is a practical necessity for most people. Still, a car is usually one of the most significant financial investments people make.
Accordingly, assessing your needs, lifestyle, and budget is essential; don’t just let your head get turned by a car that looks good. Ask yourself some key questions: How many people will you need to accommodate? What features are priorities: fuel economy, hauling capacity, horsepower, convenience features? Also, consider how long you intend to own the car and how you will use it. Will you need to accommodate a growing family? Do you like to go on long road trips? Do you need to drive on steep hills or in bad weather? Will you need to tow a boat or camping trailer?
When you think these things through, it should narrow down your choices. It is essential to settle on a model you will be happy with over the entire period you intend to own it.
2. Research and Exploration
Once you have a clear idea of your preferences, research various car models matching your criteria. Take advantage of online resources, read reviews, and compare specifications to narrow your options. At our dealership, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of Ford vehicles that cater to diverse preferences. Still, our competitors also offer a wide range of vehicles. So if you need more detailed information, visit a showroom. At Mike White Ford, we welcome you to come by and see our models up close, ask questions, and learn why we think Ford vehicles are superior and offer the best value.
3. Financing Options
Price is nearly always a consideration when buying a car. However, you should know that there are many creative financing options available. Once you have narrowed your vehicle choices, consider how you plan to pay for your new (or new-to-you) car. If you are not paying cash upfront, explore your financing options. Your own banking institution likely offers vehicle loans, but sometimes your options are limited, so don’t just settle.
At Mike White Ford, we have experienced finance professionals who regularly monitor multiple financing options from many lenders, including Ford Credit. They can help you understand different financing plans, interest rates, and monthly payments to ensure you make an informed decision that fits your budget.
4. Test Drive Experience
Before committing to any vehicle purchase, always schedule a test drive. It’s the best way to get a feel for the car’s performance, comfort, and handling. Even if a vehicle has all the features you want on paper (or on a website!), there is no substitute for experiencing how the car drives and how it feels to be behind the wheel and try its various features.
At Mike White Ford, we encourage customers to take ample time during test drives and to ask questions. Well-informed buyers make better decisions and are happier in the long run than those who purchase rashly, and our goal is to make sure our customers are fully satisfied with their purchases.
5. Negotiations With or Without a Trade-in
Once you have settled on the car you want, you begin negotiating with our sales team. While some people do not enjoy this process, the good news is that, in purchasing a car, you often have negotiating room to get the best deal for you at a payment you can comfortably afford. In addition to seeking a lower price than the sticker price, other things can be discussed, such as the package of features you want.
The negotiation stage is also when you can offer a trade-in vehicle as part of the agreement. Being able to trade in your older vehicle when you purchase your new one is a distinct advantage of purchasing from a dealership, whether the car you buy is new or used. The trade-in value will be included as part of your payment on the new vehicle, which can reduce your monthly payment.
If you are familiar with the trade-in concept, you have likely heard that trade-in values at a dealership will be lower than what you would get if you sold a vehicle on your own. That statement is generally true, although dealers will sometimes give you a very good price for your trade-in. However, the real advantage of trading your car in is that you are saved from the trouble of becoming a car salesman. When you sell on your own, you have to prepare your vehicle to show well, advertise it, arrange meetings with prospective buyers you have never met at mutually convenient times, and hope you can sell your car at the price you want and within your preferred time frame.
At the dealership, we take care of all that in one transaction, and we take care of all the legal paperwork. What is more: you can be sure we will uphold our end of the bargain. Our dealership will provide a fair appraisal based on your old vehicle’s condition and market value. You can often find that value yourself from online sources.
Good communication and transparency are the keys to success in every part of the negotiation. Our experienced staff will work with you to craft an agreement that meets both your needs and our business requirements.
6. Finalizing the Deal
Once you and the dealership agree on the basic terms, it’s time to finalize the paperwork. A good dealership will ensure that all documents are handled efficiently and that you fully understand the terms of the sale and the commitments you are agreeing to. Again, transparency and clear communication are paramount. Be aware that the paperwork can take an hour or more to complete because many legal documents are involved to ensure the financing is in place and that the transfer of vehicle ownership is handled correctly. But in the end, you will be handed the keys and can drive off in your new car!
Come to Mike White Ford To Buy Your New Car or Truck
Some people are intimidated by the thought of buying a vehicle from a dealership, especially if they know someone who has had a negative experience. But buying a car is not like other types of purchases. It is important to ensure that the process is well thought-out and that all the details are properly worked out. Your vehicle represents a significant investment, and it is important that you are happy with your purchase not just on the day you make it but long after the excitement and newness wears off. In most cases, you will be using your car daily for many years to come, so getting the purchase right is crucial.
At Mike White Ford, we strive to serve our customers every step of the way, from the initial decision to purchase a car to the time the paperwork is signed and even beyond the sale. After a purchase is closed, our commitment to customer satisfaction continues. From explaining vehicle features to offering post-purchase service and support, we will be there every step to ensure you have a positive ownership experience.
To learn more about Ford cars and trucks or to learn more about our dealership, contact Mike White Ford today or drop by one of our Ford showrooms in Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint to take a test drive!