Internet Savvy Car Buying 

As most people can remember there were the days before the Internet.  In those days car buying was a little different than it is today.  Some would say "those were the good ole' days".  Whether you think today's car shopping is easier or not, the Internet has changed this for everyone.  

Today's consumer is definitely more informed.  With car information so easily accessible we can all look for all the details we need.  Let's start with the information itself about the car.  Before you would have to go to all the individual car dealerships and pick up brochures and then make comparisons for yourself. Today,  there are websites that will let you put different cars side by side and make comparisons.  

Consumers are also able to look up all the specials deals and rebates that might be offered.  It is much easier to read the fine details yourself online instead of letting a car salesman inform you of all they have.

Financing is another area that has changed in automotive sales.  Before car buying was an all day event especially once the finance department got involved.  And in those days you couldn't buy a car on the weekend, the banks weren't open.  But now, you can buy a car anytime.  You can even get your financing done all online before you go and get the car.  In fact most dealerships have an online financing application.

The biggest change is that everyone can know a price of a car before they shop.  The buyer can even check prices of cars at out of state dealerships.  Most would think this is great for the customer, but I would have to say maybe not.  The customer used to have a little more wiggle room in what they could negotiate with the salesman.  Now since the dealerships have to be so price competitive the wiggle room is literally only a few hundred dollars.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that with the consumer being so informed they are pulling one over on the car salesman.  In actuality, the car salesman feels that they are the winner with an informed buyer.  Perhaps they can meet somewhere in the middle on this one!!