Interview: Car buying expert from edmunds.com

dpakman91 · 10-22-2006, 11:22 AM

I'm having an expert on car buying on my show this wednesdays who is an editor at edmunds.com and recently wrote a book on buying a car.

I have a ton of ideas for things to ask, but anyone who has something, please post here...

motivez · 10-22-2006, 12:14 PM

I'd ask what's the best way to get monthly payments as low as possible without paying the ticket price?

I've always heard you need to walk out at least once after sitting down with whoever it is trying to sell you the car, is that a good tactic?

dpakman91 · 10-22-2006, 12:30 PM

Yeah that's good, I also plan to ask if it's always a good idea to say you aren't trading a car first to hammer out the price of the car you are buying itself, and THEN introduce the idea of trading so that you ar clear on how much is being given to you as a discount, and how much as a trade-in value

motivez · 10-22-2006, 12:34 PM

That's an awesome idea, I never thought about that.

JaJae · 10-23-2006, 06:48 PM

Ask about tips for buying used cars and not getting ripped off. Like checking to see if the oil dipstick is burnt which implies bad oil change upkeep, etc. Simple things even your mother can do before taking it to an expert.

motivez · 10-23-2006, 08:01 PM

Ask him how to get real information on state auctions too, whether or not those sites promising access to state car auctions that have been repo'd or whatever are legit.

JaJae · 10-23-2006, 08:03 PM

Ask him what the growing trends of car buyer are. Obviously more fuel efficient. But is safety, convenience, performance or styling more important? What does he expect future trends to be.

Also, what about hybrids. Are they worth it? Why? Should the average consumer give them more of a look? How soon until they can rival the features and performance of other subcompacts.