DO'S & DON'TS OF CAR BUYING FOR WOMEN

DO'S . . .

Do prepare for the task at hand. For many women, shopping for a car can be a time consuming and frustrating experience. If you do a little prep work, it's likely to bring the joy and excitement back.

Do take the job of finding a car seriously. Women going it alone for the first time may not recognize just how serious a task finding the right car can be. Remember, buying a car is a major investment, so don't take things too lightly.

Do conduct a little detective work . Women are great investigators and should keep those scrutinizing instincts intact when looking for a car. If you're buying a new car, find out what you can about the dealership beforehand. If you're buying used, from a private party or auction, find out what you can about the car. The time you take to investigate beforehand will save you in headaches and frustrations down the road.

Do establish a budget and work within it! It might be shiny and pretty but if it doesn't fit into the budget, keep looking. Consider what you have to spend and let that guide and direct your purchase.

Do research prior to buying. Online research is perfect for women. It's convenient and less intimidating. There are tons of resources online that are very helpful in addition to dealerships websites in which you can browse without any added pressure.

Do check out your surroundings when shopping. Do you feel comfortable? Women have discerning instincts, which should be utilized and put into play when purchasing a car. If for some reason you feel pressured, uncomfortable, not at ease, or just plain out of place, move on to the next location.

DON'TS . . .
Don't rush your purchase. Desperate buyers are usually unhappy ones.

Don't get caught up . . . in the hype, the ads, the showroom, or the sales person. Go into your purchase realistically, understanding your credit history, your circumstances, and the extent in which some will go to sell a car. Be cautious and don't believe everything you hear and see.

Don't get pushed around. This means exactly what it says. Don't think just because you're a woman that you have to take anything. If you're not being respected, are being ignored, or are not getting the answers you want to the questions you ask, take your business somewhere else.

Don't Settle. Women sometimes feel they only have one opportunity to get what they want. Don't fall into this trap when car buying by thinking that you have only one option --- a certain car at a certain dealership. The truth is you do have options and you always have. Don't be misled into thinking that a better deal isn't available.

Don't Be Intimidated. The worse thing that can happen is for you to purchase under pressure and then regret the results later on. You don't have to be intimidated by buying, negotiating, or the numbers. Be confident.

Don't Buy the First Thing You See. Look at two or three cars at two or three dealerships unless you've established a relationship with a salesperson somewhere or with an establishment you trust. Even then, you should still give yourself the luxury of looking around. It's a woman's prerogative.