Q & A Table of Contents
Can A Woman Buy A Car?
From: Wanda, North Carolina
Question: I need some negotiation advice on buying a car. Being a woman, salesmen don't respect women when it comes to buying a car. Please help me. Thank you.
Response: Dear Wanda,
The majority of people who buy cars today are women. While the world of sales managers and sales people is still preponderantly male, being a female buyer should not be viewed as a disadvantage.
As a buyer, the most important thing you can do to earn the respect of a salesperson is to be prepared. You need to know what kind of car you want in terms of its size, features, price, condition, etc. 'Consumer Reports' (not to be confused with other organizations) offers excellent information for car buyers. They can tell you about price issues, features, repair history (of makes and models, not specific vehicles), and many other factors.
Ask friends (male and female) about dealerships that treat customers fairly and respectfully; avoid dealerships with bad reputations. When researching dealerships, also consider the issue of the long-term maintenance of your car. Ask to take a look at the repair department, look for diagnostic equipment, training certifications of mechanics, etc. Find out from friends whether repairs are done on time, whether repairs actually work or the car has to go back more than once with the same problem.
In other words, when you are buying a car, do your homework. Remember that while it may be their business to sell you the car, it is your money and you can take your money to competitors if they don't treat you with respect. Being a woman is not a handicap; you outnumber men both as a portion of the population and as buyers of cars.
If you do your homework you'll feel more competent to make an intelligent decision. That competence will lead to confidence. Your confidence will lead salespeople to respect you and you will drive away with a better deal.
Good luck,
Steve
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