No Credit Check Car Loan
I was in a traffic accident on Friday, and it looks like my car may be
totaled. That's a bummer, because it's paid for, and is (or maybe now, was)
a reliable, sturdy car- an Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. (1990)
I don't want a new one, but I know that I will be visiting dealerships to
check out the merchandise. I don't want to be hassled or hornswaggled, or
otherwise mistreated because I am female. I've read that female car buyers
usually end up paying more, and getting useless stuff the salesman pressures
them into buying.
(In case you're wondering, my dad found my car at one of his friend's lots.
As I was a penniless pedestrian at the time, I wasn't about to turn it down.
Yes, I repaid him for it.)
Are there any links I can visit to give me some caveats for car-shopping?
How do I keep them from running an unnecessary credit check on me?
All advice and links to vehicle crash ratings, checklists, and all are very
welcome.
Oh, and I feel like I've been run over by a whole fleet of Mazdas. The meds
I am taking get rid of most of the pain, but I cannot sit at my monitor for
any long length of time- it kills my neck.
I highly recommend that you read it, twice, before even
stepping foot on a lot. If you have a buddy that you're planning on taking
along with you when you shop, have THEM read it twice too, so you can play good
cop-bad cop and have a little fun with it.
My biggest car-buying rule? Don't be afraid to WALK OUT. No matter what they
try to tell you, there are other cars at other lots, so if they are dicks, WALK
OUT. If they pressure you, walk out. If they don't listen to you, walk out.
I've walked out, even after putting a couple of hours into the deal, because
they were being typical slime-ball salesdroids, using the "but my children
gotta eat!" shit on me.
The credit check thing--if they ask to make a copy of your driver's license, or
ask you to fill out anything that includes your social security number, refuse.
They are trying to obtain your ss# to do a credit check on you (probably while
you are out test driving) so that they have the advantage during the
negotiations. If you refuse and they push, WALK OUT--it most likely means that
they are cheats and will screw you any way they can, starting with the secret
credit check and ending who knows where.
For the test drive, request that they let you go alone. I've done this in the
past and been successful. If they refuse, you can either do my fave (WALK OUT)
or if you still want to drive, demand that the salesdroid be completely silent
during the drive. Tell him if he makes a PEEP, you're turning the car around
and he's losing the deal. Remember, there are other lots and other cars.
Lastly, after the deal is done and you're in the "business office" signing your
paperwork, if you're getting financing, READ THE ENTIRE CONTRACT. Ask the
financing person to leave you alone to read it if it makes you uncomfortable to
have them hovering there. I failed to do this on my last vehicle, and got
stuck with a loan with a penalty for early repayment. I was tired from the
whole experience and just wanted to get myself and my truck out of there, and
just skimmed the loan papers. A few months later, I actually read the thing
and was pissed to find the penalty clause.
OK I'll shut up now. READ that website!! Make a print out and hi-lite the
important parts and bring it along with you when you buy, if you think if will
help! Have fun, and refuse to be treated "like a girl" by idiots!