Why your salesperson is so important to the buying process

The car buying blues

Top frustrations consumers point to when purchasing a vehicle are finding the right vehicle, spending time on the process, understanding the financing, and (drum role!) dealing with salespeople.

Good old-fashioned customer service is here to help

Indeed, car salespeople often get a bad rap. Depicted as vultures going to any length to make a sale, many customers are wary of those in the profession. However, at Thelen Auto Group, we’re here to help, not hinder, your buying process. We believe working with a salesperson should be a positive experience and want you to be happy with your purchase. Our sales team is available to help you make informed decisions that will leave you with a car you love!

There are a couple of tips for working with a salesperson that make this process run smoothly and lead to the best outcome. It’s important to test-drive your prospective vehicle with your salesperson and it’s best to be upfront about trade-ins at the get-go.

1. Why your salesperson needs to test drive with you
2. Why you need to be honest with your car salesperson up front on trade-ins and your end goal

Why is this important?

Why your salesperson needs to test drive with you

52% of car buyers arrive on the lot not knowing which make or model they intend to buy. With big-ticket purchases such as cars, however, it’s important to know what you’re buying and salespeople can help you do just that.

Nearly 20% of consumers forgo the test drive. We do not recommend this. The worst time to determine whether a car is right for you isn’t when you are driving off the lot! It’s a big investment, so allot some time to do your research on the internet – and behind the wheel.

Car technology has changed significantly in recent years. If you’re a typical customer, features such as drive assist, lane keeping, and turn assist weren’t around when you bought your last vehicle. It’s important to test what is unfamiliar to ensure you’re getting a package you’re comfortable with or that is best suited to you.

One of the biggest aspects of car buying should be the actual test drive. You can only read so much online. While helpful and highly recommended, there’s nothing that can replace the actual experience of you behind the wheel of a vehicle, seeing how it fits you. No reviewer knows your body, the roads you drive, or your personal preferences as much as you do.

The average car is 10 years old. Most drivers keep their cars for at least three years, with some still driving their ride 20 years later! So, it’s important to know how the car feels to drive. Comfort is another important aspect of the test drive – especially if you have a long commute. You’re going to spend a lot of time together!

2. Why you need to be honest with your car salesperson up front on trade-ins and your end goal

Trying to “hold a trade until the last minute” will prevent the salesperson from getting the whole picture, which could lead to you not getting the best incentives if there are trade-in rebates. You certainly want your salesperson to be honest and upfront, but when working with a salesperson, you need to be honest and upfront as well.

The most informed salesperson is going to get you the best results

Start out the deal with the car trade-in, especially if you have a sought-after car. There are special programs and incentives that you might not even know exist. With the full picture, your salesperson can help you take advantage of special offers and maximize the value you get for your trade-in and purchase.

Visit our showroom

Come prepared to the dealership and take advantage of your salesperson’s car expertise. Our knowledgeable staff at Thelen Auto Group can augment your research so that you end up with a car you love for life – or, at least for the next several years!

Ready to purchase or lease a new or used vehicle? Call us or stop by our showroom to find the car, truck, or SUV that’s perfect for you. We look forward to your visit!

Links:

https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/top-shopping-tips-from-a-former-car-salesman.html

https://www.dealerrefresh.com/buying-a-car-study-infographic/

https://www.carsdirect.com/car-buying/why-test-driving-a-new-car-is-important

http://socialnewswatch.com/2015/10/07/the-importance-of-the-test-drive/

https://www.npr.org/2017/05/09/527574528/buying-a-car-what-to-look-for-when-you-take-a-test-drive

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/how-to-test-drive-a-new-car-like-an-old-pro/

https://www.bankrate.com/auto/8-tips-for-negotiating-a-car-trade-in/

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