Looking into Peugeot car sales is an exciting experience. You can get caught up in the eagerness to finally get your own car, especially if it is your first one. However, such excitement could also lead to a bad deal. You would want to take it home right away, but weeks later, you realised it is not the car that you truly need. Or, you found out that it is way over your budget and could not afford the monthly payments.
So, how do you keep yourself from falling into these kinds of situations? Simple—shop smart and ensure you are taking the right steps.
Mistakes That You Should Avoid When Buying a Car
A car is not like any usual item. You cannot just return it if you do not like it. Unless it turns out to have a factory defect that prevents it from running properly, the dealership will have no obligation to take back that Peugeot SUV, sedan, or LCV.
To ensure that you are getting the best unit for your needs, here are consequential car-buying mistakes that you should know about.
Not doing your research
Ideally, you should at least know about the makes and models from the brand you have in mind before you step into any dealership.
If you are planning to get a new Peugeot, for example, know which type of vehicle will suit you best. Will it be for personal use? Then you might want to consider a Peugeot 308. If you have a big family, on the other hand, then you might be better off with the Peugeot 5008. For business, then you can choose the vans.
Aside from knowing the models and trims, you should also research their prices.
Being fixated on just a single make or model
There are two reasons why this is a serious mistake. First, the salesperson would not be flexible with the price, knowing that you have set your eyes on a specific car. Second, it closes your mind from considering other options that might be more fitted to your needs, let alone less expensive.
So, make a list of a few vehicles with features that matter to you most.
Not getting pre-approved for a loan
More often than not, a dealership would offer their own Peugeot finance deals. While this is convenient, it still makes sense to get pre-approved for a car loan before you go out shopping, as your local bank or credit union could offer lower interest rates.
Of course, you can make a comparison between their financing solutions and choose the one that best fits your situation.
Going for a longer payment term
While long-term car loans seem attractive (after all, you are given more time to pay off your debt), they are actually not a good idea. They carry higher interest rates, considering that you will be paying more monthly payments than when you take out short-term loans. And, these monthly interests can definitely add up to the total price of the vehicle you are buying.
Not knowing the dealer invoice price
Some buyers think that they are in a good position in negotiating with the dealership by knowing the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP), also called the sticker price. However, there is actually a second lower price that you can leverage when haggling at Peugeot car sales, and that is the dealer invoice price.
Basically, the dealer invoice price is the amount paid by the dealership to the manufacturer for a certain car. You might want to start your negotiations from there.
Buying unnecessary add-ons
A dealer would throw in some extras to the package in the middle of your negotiations to maximise their sales. This can add up to the total cost of the vehicle and cause you to go over your budget.
Now, if you see that you do not really need that add-on, feel free to turn it down. After all, you can always decide to get it later on when you have the money for it.
Ignoring to have a thorough test drive
Most dealerships set a planned route for their test drives, which can be just short. When testing the vehicle you are buying, do it as you would when you finally own it. Take it to different roads and the motorway to see how it really handles. While you are at it, you should also get a feel of how comfortable it is to drive.
You will be driving the car for years to come, and a thorough test drive ensures you are getting one that you will really like.
Final Thoughts
Being a smart buyer makes your shopping experience at Peugeot car sales a lot better. It will save you money on your purchase and, most importantly, ensure you are getting a vehicle that you will be happy with down the road. For that to happen, you just have to avoid the grave mistakes most people make when buying a car.
For more tips and information on car buying and ownership, read our other articles!
