Posted on Feb 22, 2014
SrA Zachary Bolling
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The reason I ask is I remember being a young Airman and wanting a ew car much like many other new Airmen. It was the first time I had that kind of money and did not exactly know how I should go about buying a vehicle. I heard such horror stories about my fellow Airmen getting completely ripped off during the process basically because the excitement of a new car blinded them to the terrible deal they were getting. Since separating I actually spent some time as a car salesman and would love to give advice to someone looking for it. I can tell you what to be aware of and what resources are useful.

 

Also, has anyone here been the victim of a dealership taking advantage of the fact you were military?

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Responses: 5
Lt Col Luis A. Rojas
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SrA Bolling, thank you for offering your experience and knowledge as a former car salseman to help others.
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SrA Zachary Bolling
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Edited 10 y ago

SFC Rosenlund, Truecar is a very helpful tool to find the price of a new car that I would advise anyone to use while looking at buying a new vehicle. There are a few other areas that people need to be aware of when buying a car such as what type of interest rate they are getting and what bank they are using. Also what are they being offered for a trade in allowance on their car if they choose to trade. I would say that there are 3 main areas of concern when buying a car so just because one seems like an unbelievable deal, they might be screwing you in one of the other areas.


Car Salesmen can be good people but it's the Sales Managers and Finance Managers that you really have to be aware of. NOBODY IS YOUR FRIEND in a dealership.


If you ever get to the point where you have agreed to numbers and go talk to the finance manager just know that nothing is free. If they say they will give you an extended warranty or paint protection for free then you need to back away because that doesn't happen unless they have intentionally given the Finance guy "room" to work with.


I am more than willing to help or talk anyone through this process. Also there are some great mobile apps available to help you with the numbers.

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SrA Zachary Bolling
SrA Zachary Bolling
10 y
USAA car buying service is very helpful as well. you can go through them and get all the info you need in one spot. Insurance, Loan and fair price. they can even help you with an extended warranty if you are interested.
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LTC Hbpc Physician Assistant
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True, but it needs to be a dealership affiliated with USAA. I didn't want to travel to a neighboring state just to use the certificate.
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SFC Recruiter
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I think one of the best things people can do is not to jump at the first offer and to stay away from your fly by night dealers right outside the gate. I have recently discovered the website truecar and saved myself almost $9k off the cost of my wife's new car. 
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SGT Rnosc Ncoic
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I think receiving knowledge about car buying is helpful, but I do not think because you out rank your soldiers you should assume you know more about buying a car then them. Give advise about banks with low interests rates, therefore can save money.
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