Women account for more than 50% of new car purchasesA recent international survey on autoremarketing.com found that women car buyers are the fastest growing segment of car buyers - they account for over an estimated 50% of new car purchases and influence 80% of them. © Karin & Uwe Annas - Fotolia.com Several car dealerships in South Africa, including CMH Toyota in Melrose, Johannesburg and Auto Atlantic in Cape Town, confirmed that this also is true locally. "Women are more confident, more educated and financially better prepared to make a car buying decision than before but women are treated differently at car dealerships," says 1st for Women Insurance's executive head, Robyn Farrell. "It is important that you are prepared to ask the right questions when buying a car so that you are treated as a savvy buyer." Car shoppers should know everything they can about the car they are interested in buying including its true market value (book value). "Research online and talk to drivers of the car. This will enable you to ask intelligent questions. Negotiate the best deal for everything from the price of the car, the value of your trade-in, the package prices, the dealer documentation fees and the interest rate on your financing." Car buying tips
"Remember that you need to be clear when you walk into a dealership about what you want and never ever buy a car on impulse," concludes Farrell. |