Do Americans Like Buying Cars?

Kelley Blue Book THE TRUSTED RESOURCE JUMPING HOW AMERICANS FEEL ABOUT thoough HOOPS : PURCHASING A NEW VEHICLE Do consumers enjoy haggling the price when purchasing a new vehicle? Here's what they say: No, I hate it Yes, I love it I'm indifferent; I don't mind it Not sure 59% 27% 12% TEST DRIVES 56% 56% of consumers say they would definitely schedule a test drive if a car company was willing to bring a vehicle to their home or place of work. Would you be more likely to test drive a vehicle if you weren't required to ride with a salesperson? Yes, I would prefer to test drive a vehicle alone No, I don't have any problem test driving with a salesperson Yes, I would rather ride with any dealership staff other than a salesperson 67% 30% 3% PURCHASING A CAR ONLINE 60% 60% of consumers say that manufacturers' end-of-year clearance promotions do not affect their vehicle purchase decisions. END-OF-YEAR CLEARANCE How do you feel about buying a vehicle online? I would never buy a vehicle online I would consider it if I found the right vehicle for the right price I have purchased, or plan to purchase, a vehicle online I'm not sure 42% 29% 17% 12% DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS... O.O. .. . . What's your definition of vehicle quality? 28% 25% 17% 13% 12% 5% A vehicle with a long life span that is able to withstand "wear and tear" A reliable vehicle that I can depend on to perform properly A fuel-efficient vehicle that requires minimal maintenance and repair A solid vehicle made with high grade materials to emphasize styling, performance, and safety A vehicle that holds its value over time while providing the most feature/options, and warranty coverage for its price range A vehicle of good standing and high safety ratings that receives good reviews from experts and consumers Choosing features: the most popular hi-tech features in new cars ................. ........... ..... .... Which of the following hi-tech features is a must-have in a new vehicle? I don't need any of these E Navigation System 29% 20% Self-Parking Ability 2% 5% Back-Up Sensors 13% Bluetooth Enabled 6% 8% 9% O Push Button Start 8% Blind-Spot Sensors V Entertainment System O Back-Up Camera PUT YOUR MIND ATEASE: 10 STEPS TO BUYINGA NEW CAR, ACCORDING TO KBB Step 1: Know your shopping style Remember, as the buyer, you should be the one in control throughout the entire process, and you should be making many choices along the way before you even step into a dealership. Step 2: Narrow down your shopping list Imagine the activities you'll experience in your new vehicle. When considering the purchase of a car, everything counts: Number of seats, number of doors, size, performance, color, style, comfort and sometimes even towing capacity. The key is to narrow your search. M Step 3: Calculate what you can afford A wise buyer shops for a new vehicle based upon what he or she can truly afford. M Step 4: Do your research online There are pricing and equipment options to consider, but what else should be of concern? Other important facts to discover include information about safety, quality and five-year cost of ownership. Step 5: Know when the price is right Today's savvy car buyer has the Internet to thank for helping to take some of the mystery out of vehicle pricing. The online community has provided plenty of fast, free and factual information. These values are provided in new car pricing, and include invoice, MSRP and Fair Purchase Price. Step 6: Leasing vs. Buying Leasing: You are a good candidate for leasing if you prefer to have a new car every few years, put limited miles on your car and/or can write off your car lease as a business expense. Buying: Before considering the purchase of a new car, it is wise to establish the amount you are willing to spend, or to calculate the monthly loan payment. Don't forget that, after negotiating the final price of the car, you will need to allow some extra cash to cover tax, title and in some states, registration. Step 7: Find financing, warranties and insurance These additional expenses may be unavoidable, but they can also be negotiable and should be reviewed carefully before making your next purchase. As a result, you could save yourself a lot of money and aggravation in the years ahead. Step 8: Sell or trade your current vehicle Like most do-it-yourself projects, selling your own vehicle to a private party can be cost- effective. In contrast, trading in your current vehicle at the dealership is certainly much easier. M Step 9: Consider your buying options If you have a good relationship with a trusted local dealer that offers the brand you're looking for, you have a great place to start. If not, online dealer locators can help. M Step 10: Get the most out of your test drive If you're a serious shopper, the dealer will work closely with you and should give full access to the vehicle for inspection and test driving. A good salesperson will be very knowledgeable about the vehicle's finer points and make you aware of additional features you didn't notice while doing your online research. Kelley Blue Book THE TRUSTED RESOURCE JUMPING HOW AMERICANS FEEL ABOUT thoough HOOPS : PURCHASING A NEW VEHICLE Do consumers enjoy haggling the price when purchasing a new vehicle? Here's what they say: No, I hate it Yes, I love it I'm indifferent; I don't mind it Not sure 59% 27% 12% TEST DRIVES 56% 56% of consumers say they would definitely schedule a test drive if a car company was willing to bring a vehicle to their home or place of work. Would you be more likely to test drive a vehicle if you weren't required to ride with a salesperson? Yes, I would prefer to test drive a vehicle alone No, I don't have any problem test driving with a salesperson Yes, I would rather ride with any dealership staff other than a salesperson 67% 30% 3% PURCHASING A CAR ONLINE 60% 60% of consumers say that manufacturers' end-of-year clearance promotions do not affect their vehicle purchase decisions. END-OF-YEAR CLEARANCE How do you feel about buying a vehicle online? I would never buy a vehicle online I would consider it if I found the right vehicle for the right price I have purchased, or plan to purchase, a vehicle online I'm not sure 42% 29% 17% 12% DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS... O.O. .. . . What's your definition of vehicle quality? 28% 25% 17% 13% 12% 5% A vehicle with a long life span that is able to withstand "wear and tear" A reliable vehicle that I can depend on to perform properly A fuel-efficient vehicle that requires minimal maintenance and repair A solid vehicle made with high grade materials to emphasize styling, performance, and safety A vehicle that holds its value over time while providing the most feature/options, and warranty coverage for its price range A vehicle of good standing and high safety ratings that receives good reviews from experts and consumers Choosing features: the most popular hi-tech features in new cars ................. ........... ..... .... Which of the following hi-tech features is a must-have in a new vehicle? I don't need any of these E Navigation System 29% 20% Self-Parking Ability 2% 5% Back-Up Sensors 13% Bluetooth Enabled 6% 8% 9% O Push Button Start 8% Blind-Spot Sensors V Entertainment System O Back-Up Camera PUT YOUR MIND ATEASE: 10 STEPS TO BUYINGA NEW CAR, ACCORDING TO KBB Step 1: Know your shopping style Remember, as the buyer, you should be the one in control throughout the entire process, and you should be making many choices along the way before you even step into a dealership. Step 2: Narrow down your shopping list Imagine the activities you'll experience in your new vehicle. When considering the purchase of a car, everything counts: Number of seats, number of doors, size, performance, color, style, comfort and sometimes even towing capacity. The key is to narrow your search. M Step 3: Calculate what you can afford A wise buyer shops for a new vehicle based upon what he or she can truly afford. M Step 4: Do your research online There are pricing and equipment options to consider, but what else should be of concern? Other important facts to discover include information about safety, quality and five-year cost of ownership. Step 5: Know when the price is right Today's savvy car buyer has the Internet to thank for helping to take some of the mystery out of vehicle pricing. The online community has provided plenty of fast, free and factual information. These values are provided in new car pricing, and include invoice, MSRP and Fair Purchase Price. Step 6: Leasing vs. Buying Leasing: You are a good candidate for leasing if you prefer to have a new car every few years, put limited miles on your car and/or can write off your car lease as a business expense. Buying: Before considering the purchase of a new car, it is wise to establish the amount you are willing to spend, or to calculate the monthly loan payment. Don't forget that, after negotiating the final price of the car, you will need to allow some extra cash to cover tax, title and in some states, registration. Step 7: Find financing, warranties and insurance These additional expenses may be unavoidable, but they can also be negotiable and should be reviewed carefully before making your next purchase. As a result, you could save yourself a lot of money and aggravation in the years ahead. Step 8: Sell or trade your current vehicle Like most do-it-yourself projects, selling your own vehicle to a private party can be cost- effective. In contrast, trading in your current vehicle at the dealership is certainly much easier. M Step 9: Consider your buying options If you have a good relationship with a trusted local dealer that offers the brand you're looking for, you have a great place to start. If not, online dealer locators can help. M Step 10: Get the most out of your test drive If you're a serious shopper, the dealer will work closely with you and should give full access to the vehicle for inspection and test driving. A good salesperson will be very knowledgeable about the vehicle's finer points and make you aware of additional features you didn't notice while doing your online research. Kelley Blue Book THE TRUSTED RESOURCE JUMPING HOW AMERICANS FEEL ABOUT thoough HOOPS : PURCHASING A NEW VEHICLE Do consumers enjoy haggling the price when purchasing a new vehicle? Here's what they say: No, I hate it Yes, I love it I'm indifferent; I don't mind it Not sure 59% 27% 12% TEST DRIVES 56% 56% of consumers say they would definitely schedule a test drive if a car company was willing to bring a vehicle to their home or place of work. Would you be more likely to test drive a vehicle if you weren't required to ride with a salesperson? Yes, I would prefer to test drive a vehicle alone No, I don't have any problem test driving with a salesperson Yes, I would rather ride with any dealership staff other than a salesperson 67% 30% 3% PURCHASING A CAR ONLINE 60% 60% of consumers say that manufacturers' end-of-year clearance promotions do not affect their vehicle purchase decisions. END-OF-YEAR CLEARANCE How do you feel about buying a vehicle online? I would never buy a vehicle online I would consider it if I found the right vehicle for the right price I have purchased, or plan to purchase, a vehicle online I'm not sure 42% 29% 17% 12% DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS... O.O. .. . . What's your definition of vehicle quality? 28% 25% 17% 13% 12% 5% A vehicle with a long life span that is able to withstand "wear and tear" A reliable vehicle that I can depend on to perform properly A fuel-efficient vehicle that requires minimal maintenance and repair A solid vehicle made with high grade materials to emphasize styling, performance, and safety A vehicle that holds its value over time while providing the most feature/options, and warranty coverage for its price range A vehicle of good standing and high safety ratings that receives good reviews from experts and consumers Choosing features: the most popular hi-tech features in new cars ................. ........... ..... .... Which of the following hi-tech features is a must-have in a new vehicle? I don't need any of these E Navigation System 29% 20% Self-Parking Ability 2% 5% Back-Up Sensors 13% Bluetooth Enabled 6% 8% 9% O Push Button Start 8% Blind-Spot Sensors V Entertainment System O Back-Up Camera PUT YOUR MIND ATEASE: 10 STEPS TO BUYINGA NEW CAR, ACCORDING TO KBB Step 1: Know your shopping style Remember, as the buyer, you should be the one in control throughout the entire process, and you should be making many choices along the way before you even step into a dealership. Step 2: Narrow down your shopping list Imagine the activities you'll experience in your new vehicle. When considering the purchase of a car, everything counts: Number of seats, number of doors, size, performance, color, style, comfort and sometimes even towing capacity. The key is to narrow your search. M Step 3: Calculate what you can afford A wise buyer shops for a new vehicle based upon what he or she can truly afford. M Step 4: Do your research online There are pricing and equipment options to consider, but what else should be of concern? Other important facts to discover include information about safety, quality and five-year cost of ownership. Step 5: Know when the price is right Today's savvy car buyer has the Internet to thank for helping to take some of the mystery out of vehicle pricing. The online community has provided plenty of fast, free and factual information. These values are provided in new car pricing, and include invoice, MSRP and Fair Purchase Price. Step 6: Leasing vs. Buying Leasing: You are a good candidate for leasing if you prefer to have a new car every few years, put limited miles on your car and/or can write off your car lease as a business expense. Buying: Before considering the purchase of a new car, it is wise to establish the amount you are willing to spend, or to calculate the monthly loan payment. Don't forget that, after negotiating the final price of the car, you will need to allow some extra cash to cover tax, title and in some states, registration. Step 7: Find financing, warranties and insurance These additional expenses may be unavoidable, but they can also be negotiable and should be reviewed carefully before making your next purchase. As a result, you could save yourself a lot of money and aggravation in the years ahead. Step 8: Sell or trade your current vehicle Like most do-it-yourself projects, selling your own vehicle to a private party can be cost- effective. In contrast, trading in your current vehicle at the dealership is certainly much easier. M Step 9: Consider your buying options If you have a good relationship with a trusted local dealer that offers the brand you're looking for, you have a great place to start. If not, online dealer locators can help. M Step 10: Get the most out of your test drive If you're a serious shopper, the dealer will work closely with you and should give full access to the vehicle for inspection and test driving. A good salesperson will be very knowledgeable about the vehicle's finer points and make you aware of additional features you didn't notice while doing your online research. Kelley Blue Book THE TRUSTED RESOURCE JUMPING HOW AMERICANS FEEL ABOUT thoough HOOPS : PURCHASING A NEW VEHICLE Do consumers enjoy haggling the price when purchasing a new vehicle? Here's what they say: No, I hate it Yes, I love it I'm indifferent; I don't mind it Not sure 59% 27% 12% TEST DRIVES 56% 56% of consumers say they would definitely schedule a test drive if a car company was willing to bring a vehicle to their home or place of work. Would you be more likely to test drive a vehicle if you weren't required to ride with a salesperson? Yes, I would prefer to test drive a vehicle alone No, I don't have any problem test driving with a salesperson Yes, I would rather ride with any dealership staff other than a salesperson 67% 30% 3% PURCHASING A CAR ONLINE 60% 60% of consumers say that manufacturers' end-of-year clearance promotions do not affect their vehicle purchase decisions. END-OF-YEAR CLEARANCE How do you feel about buying a vehicle online? I would never buy a vehicle online I would consider it if I found the right vehicle for the right price I have purchased, or plan to purchase, a vehicle online I'm not sure 42% 29% 17% 12% DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS... O.O. .. . . What's your definition of vehicle quality? 28% 25% 17% 13% 12% 5% A vehicle with a long life span that is able to withstand "wear and tear" A reliable vehicle that I can depend on to perform properly A fuel-efficient vehicle that requires minimal maintenance and repair A solid vehicle made with high grade materials to emphasize styling, performance, and safety A vehicle that holds its value over time while providing the most feature/options, and warranty coverage for its price range A vehicle of good standing and high safety ratings that receives good reviews from experts and consumers Choosing features: the most popular hi-tech features in new cars ................. ........... ..... .... Which of the following hi-tech features is a must-have in a new vehicle? I don't need any of these E Navigation System 29% 20% Self-Parking Ability 2% 5% Back-Up Sensors 13% Bluetooth Enabled 6% 8% 9% O Push Button Start 8% Blind-Spot Sensors V Entertainment System O Back-Up Camera PUT YOUR MIND ATEASE: 10 STEPS TO BUYINGA NEW CAR, ACCORDING TO KBB Step 1: Know your shopping style Remember, as the buyer, you should be the one in control throughout the entire process, and you should be making many choices along the way before you even step into a dealership. Step 2: Narrow down your shopping list Imagine the activities you'll experience in your new vehicle. When considering the purchase of a car, everything counts: Number of seats, number of doors, size, performance, color, style, comfort and sometimes even towing capacity. The key is to narrow your search. M Step 3: Calculate what you can afford A wise buyer shops for a new vehicle based upon what he or she can truly afford. M Step 4: Do your research online There are pricing and equipment options to consider, but what else should be of concern? Other important facts to discover include information about safety, quality and five-year cost of ownership. Step 5: Know when the price is right Today's savvy car buyer has the Internet to thank for helping to take some of the mystery out of vehicle pricing. The online community has provided plenty of fast, free and factual information. These values are provided in new car pricing, and include invoice, MSRP and Fair Purchase Price. Step 6: Leasing vs. Buying Leasing: You are a good candidate for leasing if you prefer to have a new car every few years, put limited miles on your car and/or can write off your car lease as a business expense. Buying: Before considering the purchase of a new car, it is wise to establish the amount you are willing to spend, or to calculate the monthly loan payment. Don't forget that, after negotiating the final price of the car, you will need to allow some extra cash to cover tax, title and in some states, registration. Step 7: Find financing, warranties and insurance These additional expenses may be unavoidable, but they can also be negotiable and should be reviewed carefully before making your next purchase. As a result, you could save yourself a lot of money and aggravation in the years ahead. Step 8: Sell or trade your current vehicle Like most do-it-yourself projects, selling your own vehicle to a private party can be cost- effective. In contrast, trading in your current vehicle at the dealership is certainly much easier. M Step 9: Consider your buying options If you have a good relationship with a trusted local dealer that offers the brand you're looking for, you have a great place to start. If not, online dealer locators can help. M Step 10: Get the most out of your test drive If you're a serious shopper, the dealer will work closely with you and should give full access to the vehicle for inspection and test driving. A good salesperson will be very knowledgeable about the vehicle's finer points and make you aware of additional features you didn't notice while doing your online research. Kelley Blue Book THE TRUSTED RESOURCE JUMPING HOW AMERICANS FEEL ABOUT thoough HOOPS : PURCHASING A NEW VEHICLE Do consumers enjoy haggling the price when purchasing a new vehicle? Here's what they say: No, I hate it Yes, I love it I'm indifferent; I don't mind it Not sure 59% 27% 12% TEST DRIVES 56% 56% of consumers say they would definitely schedule a test drive if a car company was willing to bring a vehicle to their home or place of work. Would you be more likely to test drive a vehicle if you weren't required to ride with a salesperson? Yes, I would prefer to test drive a vehicle alone No, I don't have any problem test driving with a salesperson Yes, I would rather ride with any dealership staff other than a salesperson 67% 30% 3% PURCHASING A CAR ONLINE 60% 60% of consumers say that manufacturers' end-of-year clearance promotions do not affect their vehicle purchase decisions. END-OF-YEAR CLEARANCE How do you feel about buying a vehicle online? I would never buy a vehicle online I would consider it if I found the right vehicle for the right price I have purchased, or plan to purchase, a vehicle online I'm not sure 42% 29% 17% 12% DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS... O.O. .. . . What's your definition of vehicle quality? 28% 25% 17% 13% 12% 5% A vehicle with a long life span that is able to withstand "wear and tear" A reliable vehicle that I can depend on to perform properly A fuel-efficient vehicle that requires minimal maintenance and repair A solid vehicle made with high grade materials to emphasize styling, performance, and safety A vehicle that holds its value over time while providing the most feature/options, and warranty coverage for its price range A vehicle of good standing and high safety ratings that receives good reviews from experts and consumers Choosing features: the most popular hi-tech features in new cars ................. ........... ..... .... Which of the following hi-tech features is a must-have in a new vehicle? I don't need any of these E Navigation System 29% 20% Self-Parking Ability 2% 5% Back-Up Sensors 13% Bluetooth Enabled 6% 8% 9% O Push Button Start 8% Blind-Spot Sensors V Entertainment System O Back-Up Camera PUT YOUR MIND ATEASE: 10 STEPS TO BUYINGA NEW CAR, ACCORDING TO KBB Step 1: Know your shopping style Remember, as the buyer, you should be the one in control throughout the entire process, and you should be making many choices along the way before you even step into a dealership. Step 2: Narrow down your shopping list Imagine the activities you'll experience in your new vehicle. When considering the purchase of a car, everything counts: Number of seats, number of doors, size, performance, color, style, comfort and sometimes even towing capacity. The key is to narrow your search. M Step 3: Calculate what you can afford A wise buyer shops for a new vehicle based upon what he or she can truly afford. M Step 4: Do your research online There are pricing and equipment options to consider, but what else should be of concern? Other important facts to discover include information about safety, quality and five-year cost of ownership. Step 5: Know when the price is right Today's savvy car buyer has the Internet to thank for helping to take some of the mystery out of vehicle pricing. The online community has provided plenty of fast, free and factual information. These values are provided in new car pricing, and include invoice, MSRP and Fair Purchase Price. Step 6: Leasing vs. Buying Leasing: You are a good candidate for leasing if you prefer to have a new car every few years, put limited miles on your car and/or can write off your car lease as a business expense. Buying: Before considering the purchase of a new car, it is wise to establish the amount you are willing to spend, or to calculate the monthly loan payment. Don't forget that, after negotiating the final price of the car, you will need to allow some extra cash to cover tax, title and in some states, registration. Step 7: Find financing, warranties and insurance These additional expenses may be unavoidable, but they can also be negotiable and should be reviewed carefully before making your next purchase. As a result, you could save yourself a lot of money and aggravation in the years ahead. Step 8: Sell or trade your current vehicle Like most do-it-yourself projects, selling your own vehicle to a private party can be cost- effective. In contrast, trading in your current vehicle at the dealership is certainly much easier. M Step 9: Consider your buying options If you have a good relationship with a trusted local dealer that offers the brand you're looking for, you have a great place to start. If not, online dealer locators can help. M Step 10: Get the most out of your test drive If you're a serious shopper, the dealer will work closely with you and should give full access to the vehicle for inspection and test driving. A good salesperson will be very knowledgeable about the vehicle's finer points and make you aware of additional features you didn't notice while doing your online research. Kelley Blue Book THE TRUSTED RESOURCE JUMPING HOW AMERICANS FEEL ABOUT thoough HOOPS : PURCHASING A NEW VEHICLE Do consumers enjoy haggling the price when purchasing a new vehicle? Here's what they say: No, I hate it Yes, I love it I'm indifferent; I don't mind it Not sure 59% 27% 12% TEST DRIVES 56% 56% of consumers say they would definitely schedule a test drive if a car company was willing to bring a vehicle to their home or place of work. Would you be more likely to test drive a vehicle if you weren't required to ride with a salesperson? Yes, I would prefer to test drive a vehicle alone No, I don't have any problem test driving with a salesperson Yes, I would rather ride with any dealership staff other than a salesperson 67% 30% 3% PURCHASING A CAR ONLINE 60% 60% of consumers say that manufacturers' end-of-year clearance promotions do not affect their vehicle purchase decisions. END-OF-YEAR CLEARANCE How do you feel about buying a vehicle online? I would never buy a vehicle online I would consider it if I found the right vehicle for the right price I have purchased, or plan to purchase, a vehicle online I'm not sure 42% 29% 17% 12% DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS... O.O. .. . . What's your definition of vehicle quality? 28% 25% 17% 13% 12% 5% A vehicle with a long life span that is able to withstand "wear and tear" A reliable vehicle that I can depend on to perform properly A fuel-efficient vehicle that requires minimal maintenance and repair A solid vehicle made with high grade materials to emphasize styling, performance, and safety A vehicle that holds its value over time while providing the most feature/options, and warranty coverage for its price range A vehicle of good standing and high safety ratings that receives good reviews from experts and consumers Choosing features: the most popular hi-tech features in new cars ................. ........... ..... .... Which of the following hi-tech features is a must-have in a new vehicle? I don't need any of these E Navigation System 29% 20% Self-Parking Ability 2% 5% Back-Up Sensors 13% Bluetooth Enabled 6% 8% 9% O Push Button Start 8% Blind-Spot Sensors V Entertainment System O Back-Up Camera PUT YOUR MIND ATEASE: 10 STEPS TO BUYINGA NEW CAR, ACCORDING TO KBB Step 1: Know your shopping style Remember, as the buyer, you should be the one in control throughout the entire process, and you should be making many choices along the way before you even step into a dealership. Step 2: Narrow down your shopping list Imagine the activities you'll experience in your new vehicle. When considering the purchase of a car, everything counts: Number of seats, number of doors, size, performance, color, style, comfort and sometimes even towing capacity. The key is to narrow your search. M Step 3: Calculate what you can afford A wise buyer shops for a new vehicle based upon what he or she can truly afford. M Step 4: Do your research online There are pricing and equipment options to consider, but what else should be of concern? Other important facts to discover include information about safety, quality and five-year cost of ownership. Step 5: Know when the price is right Today's savvy car buyer has the Internet to thank for helping to take some of the mystery out of vehicle pricing. The online community has provided plenty of fast, free and factual information. These values are provided in new car pricing, and include invoice, MSRP and Fair Purchase Price. Step 6: Leasing vs. Buying Leasing: You are a good candidate for leasing if you prefer to have a new car every few years, put limited miles on your car and/or can write off your car lease as a business expense. Buying: Before considering the purchase of a new car, it is wise to establish the amount you are willing to spend, or to calculate the monthly loan payment. Don't forget that, after negotiating the final price of the car, you will need to allow some extra cash to cover tax, title and in some states, registration. Step 7: Find financing, warranties and insurance These additional expenses may be unavoidable, but they can also be negotiable and should be reviewed carefully before making your next purchase. As a result, you could save yourself a lot of money and aggravation in the years ahead. Step 8: Sell or trade your current vehicle Like most do-it-yourself projects, selling your own vehicle to a private party can be cost- effective. In contrast, trading in your current vehicle at the dealership is certainly much easier. M Step 9: Consider your buying options If you have a good relationship with a trusted local dealer that offers the brand you're looking for, you have a great place to start. If not, online dealer locators can help. M Step 10: Get the most out of your test drive If you're a serious shopper, the dealer will work closely with you and should give full access to the vehicle for inspection and test driving. A good salesperson will be very knowledgeable about the vehicle's finer points and make you aware of additional features you didn't notice while doing your online research.