What Is a Car Quote?
by Mark Ivanko
A car quote is an offer that the dealership is extending to a customer for a certain vehicle based on what the customer is willing to pay. There are many different ways to go about getting a car quote. With the right tools you can become a seasoned negotiator before heading down to pick up that new (or used) vehicle of your dreams. Here are a few ways you can start on getting yourself a great quote on a great car.
Insurance Agents
Most insurance agents have relationships with local car dealerships and can work with you on getting a quote for your new car. If you have a good and long relationship with your insurance agent then this might be a good way to go.
Internet
This is probably the fastest and easiest way to get a competitive car quote for the vehicle you are looking for. There are plenty of sites that offer this service such as: Cars.com, Edmunds.com, and CarsDirect.com. It's a good way to get yourself a quote and at the same time do some research on the vehicle you are looking for.
Dealership
This one is an oldie but a goody. If you have a local dealer, go there to inspect the car that you are interested in and at the same time ask the dealer to give you a quote for what you are looking for.
Research
Whatever type of quote you are looking for--lease, finance or cash--make sure to do your research and get competitive quotes from multiple dealers before committing to buying from your local dealer. Also check to see what available rates and incentives are available in your area. One thing that dealerships will try is to lower your selling price and try and make up for it on what they call "the backend." This is essentially getting you approved for a loan at a certain rate and selling it to you at a different rate. They keep the difference between the two and try and make some extra cash this way.
In Conclusion
Car shopping can be a daunting experience at best. It is time-consuming, aggravating and tiring. Yet with a little bit of homework you can have yourself a pleasant and great car-shopping experience. Remember that dealers are out to make money and you are out to let them make the least amount possible. By meeting somewhere in the middle, both parties can walk away happy and satisfied.
Writer Bio
Mark Ivanko is an experienced automotive and technical writer. He has been working in the automotive industry since 2005. He specializes in European automakers, but keeps his ear to the ground on anything and everything automotive. Ivanko attended New York University, where he got a bachelor's degree in mathematics.
