Tips for Buying a Car with Cash

One of the more interesting trends in terms of our society is how much we rely on financing. In fact, we rely so much on financing that it has become the preferred method of payment for many things. And one of them is cars. Indeed, even car dealers would prefer that you pay with financing rather than in cash. So it is important to realize that when buying a car with cash, you want to avoid telling the salesperson for as long as possible.

Prudent car buying

Whenever you buy a car, it is a good idea to do your homework. Study up on the kinds of cars you want. Look for cars that hold their value and that require minimal maintenance. Read up on car reliability and repairs. Then find out what reasonable book values are for different years that the car has been made. You need a general idea of how much a car is worth -- and not just in terms of how much you can expect to pay at a dealer. Find out how much you would likely pay if you went private party as well. The idea is to try and negotiate a better car price from a dealer.

Pay cash for your car

Obviously, if you buy private party, then using cash is not a problem. Most private sellers are going to require all of the money at once anyway. But you still need to be wise about which car you buy. Make sure that you drive the car. If you know a mechanic, take it in. You want to make sure that there are no major problems. There are no warranties, usually, when you buy from a private seller.

At the dealership, come in armed with your information on the car you are looking for. Let the dealer know your price range, and what you are looking for. Talk pricing while you are looking at the cars. Don't let the salesperson talk you into any extras. Stay firmly away from the extras. If you can, negotiate a price before you let the salesperson know that you will be paying with cash. And, if you don't mind having them peek at your credit, go ahead and go through those motions. Ideally, the best time to bring up that you are buying a car with cash is when you are about to sign the loan papers.

Why dealers don't like buying a car with cash

Dealers do not like cash sales because it means that they don't make money on the back end of the sale as well as on the front end. Financing companies give them kickbacks or commissions for referring you. If the dealer finances, then they get the loan fees and interest payments as well. With cash all they get is the profit from the sale. This is why you have to watch out. Some dealers will try and tack on a "cash fee" for having to do the paperwork for a cash sale.

Also, if you mention a cash sale upfront, the dealer may try to give you a "deal" that isn't a deal. He or she will try to steer you toward something more expensive in the hopes that you will increase the profit margin. Or the salesperson may simply tell you that there isn't room to negotiate when you pay cash.

It may seem counterintuitive at first, but you have to realize that what's best for you means that the dealer gets less of your money.