How to Use a Broker for Buying a New Car

Nervousness about purchasing a new vehicle isn't uncommon. Buyers sometimes believe they have negotiated a good deal on a new car only to discover that hidden fees and service charges inflate their bottom line -- and their monthly payment. Car salespeople are professionals and have a variety of tactics at their disposal to confuse the customer while simultaneously inflating prices. An independent car broker handles negotiations with the car dealership for you. Experienced car brokers know all of the tricks new car dealerships use when dealing with customers. Because of this, a car broker can help you get the best deal possible while also saving you the trouble of stressful negotiations with the dealership.

Instructions

1

Read reviews, check prices and talk to your family in order to narrow down your choices. A broker can assist you better if he knows exactly what you're looking for. Even if you don't have a specific car in mind, narrowing down your list of possible vehicles to two or three helps your broker locate the right vehicle.

2

Ask car brokers in your area about the fees they charge, the different services they offer and if they receive a bonus from certain dealerships for bringing in customers. The right broker should charge reasonable fees, offer a variety of services and not accept kickbacks from dealerships, as doing so could compromise your broker's incentive to negotiate a lower price elsewhere.

3

Inform your new car broker of the type of car you want and how much you are willing to pay. This gives your broker a number to work toward with the dealership.

4

Give your broker a list of any leads that you have. If, for example, you found a car you like at a local dealership that's only slightly out of your price range, let your broker know. Not only does locating your own car save you fees with some brokers, it speeds up the process by saving your broker the trouble of hunting down the right car herself.

5

Ask your new car broker for regular updates on the process. Sometimes negotiations can drag out for a week or longer. Asking for updates lets you know where you stand with the dealership and gives you reassurance while you wait for the dealership to make a decision.