Confidence is often your best car-buying tool

Buying a car comes with a lot of decisions, information and, sometimes, pressure to make a choice quickly. Some women may also face additional challenges during the process, including assumptions about their knowledge or experience with vehicles. 

Being confident doesn’t mean knowing everything about cars. It means feeling comfortable asking questions, slowing down the conversation, and saying no when something doesn’t feel right. 

Women can sometimes encounter assumptions about their automotive knowledge, finances or role in making a purchasing decision. While that isn’t every woman’s experience, knowing how to navigate those situations can be an important part of preparing to buy a vehicle. 

And being a confident car buyer doesn’t mean knowing everything about cars. 

It’s okay to slow down the sale

There are several important items to consider when buying a vehicle, including pricing, financing, optional products, required disclosures and contracts.   

Take the time you need to understand it. Ask to see the numbers again. Take notes. Read the documents. Ask why something costs what it does. If an answer isn’t clear, ask for another explanation. 

And pay attention when urgency enters the conversation. You may be told a vehicle could sell, an offer is time-sensitive, or a decision needs to be made quickly. But buying a vehicle is one of the biggest purchases many people will make, second only to a home. No matter the pressure, it’s important to take your time and feel confident in your decision. 

Someone else’s timeline doesn’t have to become yours. 

Get comfortable saying no

No, I don’t want that additional product. 

No, that’s more than I planned to spend. 

No, I don’t want to focus only on the monthly payment. I’d like to know the total cost. 

No, I’m not ready to sign. 

You can also simply say, “I’d like to think about it.” 

You don’t need to make a purchase simply because you’ve spent time at the dealership, taken a test drive, or started discussing numbers. 

Prepare for the conversation, not just the car

Researching makes and models is important but preparing for the buying conversation too. 

Before visiting a dealership, know your overall budget and what matters most to you. Write down the questions you want answered and consider which additional products, if any, you’re interested in. 

Think about your boundaries, too. What would make you reconsider the purchase or walk away? Having those answers before you start negotiating can make it easier to evaluate what’s being offered based on what works for you. And if you’d like to bring a friend, partner or family member, you can. They can be another set of ears or help you keep track of information, while you remain in control of your purchase. 

Pay attention to how you’re being treated

A good car-buying experience should leave room for questions. 

If your questions are repeatedly brushed aside, someone directs the conversation to the person accompanying you instead of you, or you feel uncomfortable with how the sale is progressing; you don’t have to continue. 

There will be other vehicles and other dealerships. Walking away from a purchase that doesn’t feel right isn’t missing out. It’s making a decision about where and how you want to spend your money. 

Put your car-buying knowledge to the test

Want to feel more prepared before your next vehicle purchase? Come visit OMVIC at the Toronto National Women’s Show. 

Along with visiting the OMVIC booth to ask questions and pick up practical car-buying resources, you can join us for a live session featuring a panel of women with expertise in different parts of the car-buying experience. 

Through interactive challenges, real-world scenarios and audience participation, you’ll have a chance to put your knowledge to the test. Can you spot the red flag? Would you know when to ask another question? What would you do if something changed at the negotiating table? 

There will be prizes, plenty of opportunities to participate and a chance to have your car-buying questions answered in an open and welcoming environment. 

Whether you’re preparing for your first vehicle purchase, haven’t bought one in years or simply want to brush up on what to know before your next purchase, you’ll leave with practical information you can use. 

Confidence isn’t about being the expert in the room. You don’t need to know everything about vehicles to make an informed decision. 

You need to be willing to ask: 

• Why? 
• What does that mean? 
• How much will that cost me? 
• Can I have that in writing? 
• What are my other options? 

And, when necessary, saying no. Do your research. Ask questions. Take your time. And remember that you’re in control of the decision.