Planning on buying 1st car. I've never entered a dealership before. I know nothing. So many questions.

[Fil Trans]

First time buying a car. Most likely a Honda
Just wanted to ask...

Regarding units in the showroom
1) Are the cars in the showroom (Honda for example) the actual sale units?

2) Are the cars in the showroom the only units for sale or do they have stocks in their garage area? (Let's say I'm obsessive compulsive, I dont want the car that's in the showroom that has been touched by hundreds of people already)

3) Is it normal to ask for a new stock at the back (not showroom unit) or is it a stupid thing to ask?Is it more common for them to push/sell the unit that's on display in the showroom? Can I just ask to wait for a new stock to come in? (If I don't mind the wait)

4) Do most brand new cars all come without tints?

Regarding test drives:
1) Is it common to ask them to test drive a car or will this annoy them? Is it rude to test drive the car and not buy it immediately after?

2) When test driving, who decides the path to take?

3) How long are you usually allowed to test drive the car?

4) Are test drives free of charge?

5) Can I have me and someone else be in the car together with the sales agent/dealer person? Or is it just one person and the dealer representative?

Regarding prices
1) Are the SRP, including the introductory prices, the final prices?

2) Can I ask for a cash discount if I am paying cash even if it is already the lowered introductory price?

Regarding warranties
1) Is the warranty like with TV's and Cellphones, if it breaks (not due to negligence) they will pay for parts and labor of whatever part breaks (let's say the CVT breaks)?

2) Are extended warranties worth it (like Honda's added 2 years)?


I probably still have more questions that will pop up.

Thank you very much any help and guidance you guys/gals may provide.

[TheUninvited]

Most, if not all of the questions can be answered by the dealership itself.

Just go to any dealership!

Personally I availed the 2 year extended warranty of Honda.

[dr. d]

First time buying a car. Most likely a Honda
Just wanted to ask...

Regarding units in the showroom
1) Are the cars in the showroom (Honda for example) the actual sale units?

2) Are the cars in the showroom the only units for sale or do they have stocks in their garage area? (Let's say I'm obsessive compulsive, I dont want the car that's in the showroom that has been touched by hundreds of people already)

3) Is it normal to ask for a new stock at the back (not showroom unit) or is it a stupid thing to ask?Is it more common for them to push/sell the unit that's on display in the showroom? Can I just ask to wait for a new stock to come in? (If I don't mind the wait)

4) Do most brand new cars all come without tints?

Regarding test drives:
1) Is it common to ask them to test drive a car or will this annoy them? Is it rude to test drive the car and not buy it immediately after?

2) When test driving, who decides the path to take?

3) How long are you usually allowed to test drive the car?

4) Are test drives free of charge?

5) Can I have me and someone else be in the car together with the sales agent/dealer person? Or is it just one person and the dealer representative?

Regarding prices
1) Are the SRP, including the introductory prices, the final prices?

2) Can I ask for a cash discount if I am paying cash even if it is already the lowered introductory price?

Regarding warranties
1) Is the warranty like with TV's and Cellphones, if it breaks (not due to negligence) they will pay for parts and labor of whatever part breaks (let's say the CVT breaks)?

2) Are extended warranties worth it (like Honda's added 2 years)?


I probably still have more questions that will pop up.

Thank you very much any help and guidance you guys/gals may provide.

the cars in the showroom are demo units. they're for potential shoppers to peruse and try out for size.
should you decide to, the car you will buy is either in the casa's storage garage, or in the factory, or still en route to the country via barko.
if the variant you like is not on display, you can ask the salesperson to see if such variant is in their bodega or garahe, for your perusal...
but you would have to be pretty desperate for that car, if you so decide to get the demo unit. hey! it's happened before! when the car is in so much demand...
is there a waiting time for your car? that depends. do they have some on hand, or are they waiting for stocks to arrive from... somewhere? one waiting time i can remember, lasted 9 months. the car was hotcake-hot at that time.
tint and other accessories? that depends. promos come and go. if you like, you can ask your car to be delivered without them. you might even have your choice of free accessories, tailor-made for you.

test drives.
that depends, "on how desperate they are to sell the car". heh heh. and also on "orders from above".
some allow. some don't allow.
test drives are usually free. direction and duration of drive, depends on casa. and be reasonable on who accompanies you during the test drive.

pricing. srp.
manufacturers want to control pricing. they do not want the contest to go down to the level of cutthroat pricing. the differences in pricing between dealers, is usually not that huge.
discounts are for cars that do not sell well. do not expect discount from cars that are selling like lotto tickets.
introductory prices? again, that depends... on just how well the car will sell "after the introduction". minsan tumataas, minsan hindi nagbago o bumaba pa nga..
visit at least three dealerships, and compare prices and promos/deals. have them in writing, so's we do not have to rely on our humanly faulty memory.
cash discounts? of course. but be sure the entire money spread is written down, for you to scrutinize with a magnifying glass. some dealers are very good at hiding monies. bawas dito.. dagdag doon.. dagdag dito.. bawas doon..

warranty.
the warranty contract sometimes requires the knowledge and insight of a lawyer. heh heh.
read it and ask questions until you are clarified.

extended warranty?
that depends. again.
what are included in the extended warranty, that the regular warranty does not cover?
again, you must ask.

should you finally decide to set foot at the dealer's, bring your checklist of questions. do not rely on your memory.
i assure you, your memory will fail, especially because you are too excited at the prospect of getting a new car.

good luck.

punta hah!
walang entrance fee sa dealership.
bring a companion, if that will make you feel better.

[kagalingan]

Why the username fil trans?

[ice15]

3) Is it normal to ask for a new stock at the back (not showroom unit) or is it a stupid thing to ask?Is it more common for them to push/sell the unit that's on display in the showroom? Can I just ask to wait for a new stock to come in? (If I don't mind the wait)

One thing I've learned when I started working... No such thing as a virgin car.

If I remember correctly, Toyota/Nissan cars are driven from Factory/Batangas Port until the dealership.

Honda/Mitsubishi are transported, pero factory to Car Carrier to port to land transport is still driven...

Not sure which cars are driven/transported these days. More than 10 years na akong wala dyan.

Iningatan ba sila nung driver? No... Small scartches/dents are repaired either by the dealership or the local distributor (depending kung saan tinamaan)

[dr. d]

One thing I've learned when I started working... No such thing as a virgin car.

If I remember correctly, Toyota/Nissan cars are driven from Factory/Batangas Port until the dealership.

Honda/Mitsubishi are transported, pero factory to Car Carrier to port to land transport is still driven...

Not sure which cars are driven/transported these days. More than 10 years na akong wala dyan.

Iningatan ba sila nung driver? No... Small scartches/dents are repaired either by the dealership or the local distributor (depending kung saan tinamaan)

many years ago, my car was sideswiped by a brand new advie, being driven to the dealer's, at about midnight.

[2lits17]

dati sa south madaming ganyan.... isang brand ng car pwedeng iba ibang model or same models different colors, naka hazard sunod sunod swerve left and right through traffic, though they dont drive it on a high speed na tipong lagpas 120 pero grabe driving style nila. well... those are the cars that will be delivered to dealership, and sold as "brand new", ewan ko lang ngayon kung may ganun pa din practice.

thats why yun ibang bumibili ng car sa manila tapos gusto yun dealership mag deliver sa kanila, i think its better na sila na kumuha sa casa kesa ipa drive mo sa kanila papunta sa inyo, not unless naka flat bed ang delivery sa location ng buyer.

[papi smith]

Madami pa rin ako nakikitang ganyan, Lalo na sa slex, for me ok lang deliver basta pag may bangga sagot nila, pero kung may waiver, edi ako na nga lang kukuha

[sparc179]

To the TS, one piece of advice our father taught me that may apply to you, never ever consider the showroom unit even if they offer you a huge discount. You're correct, there could have already been hundreds of people who have sat in, touched, maybe even farted in that unit.

Don't forget to compare prices, freebies, package deals with other dealerships and show the offers they give you to the other dealers so they will compete with one another for the sale.

Also, since you're paying in cash, don't expect a lot of extras because dealers will often discriminate between cash buyers and installment buyers, because they make more money from the latter ones. At least, that's been my experience with the last dealership I went to. Remember that even though you're the customer/ client and they're supposed to serve you, they're also in it for the money and nothing more. Just business, nothing personal is their motto.

Lastly, bring a trusted friend or relative who knows about cars so that they can give you unbiased opinions/ observations about the car you want. Having someone with you who is knowledgeable about these things can save you a ton of headaches down the line.

Good luck, let us know how it works out.

[shadow]

To the TS, one piece of advice our father taught me that may apply to you, never ever consider the showroom unit even if they offer you a huge discount. You're correct, there could have already been hundreds of people who have sat in, touched, maybe even farted in that unit.

Don't forget to compare prices, freebies, package deals with other dealerships and show the offers they give you to the other dealers so they will compete with one another for the sale.

Also, since you're paying in cash, don't expect a lot of extras because dealers will often discriminate between cash buyers and installment buyers, because they make more money from the latter ones. At least, that's been my experience with the last dealership I went to. Remember that even though you're the customer/ client and they're supposed to serve you, they're also in it for the money and nothing more. Just business, nothing personal is their motto.

Lastly, bring a trusted friend or relative who knows about cars so that they can give you unbiased opinions/ observations about the car you want. Having someone with you who is knowledgeable about these things can save you a ton of headaches down the line.

Good luck, let us know how it works out.

If they will be giving it away display unit with a huge discount. I'll gladly grab it.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sparc179]

If they will be giving it away display unit with a huge discount. I'll gladly grab it.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I guess it will depend on how big the discount is? Haha! Anything to get it cheap. Personally, I still wouldn't go for it. I've seen display units with more than 500 kms. of mileage on them, most likely test drive units as well. Who knows how much they've been used and abused? Why take the risk?

[bonruiz]

[QUOTE=sparc179;3071312]To the TS, one piece of advice our father taught me that may apply to you, never ever consider the showroom unit even if they offer you a huge discount. You're correct, there could have already been hundreds of people who have sat in, touched, maybe even farted in that unit.

Don't forget to compare prices, freebies, package deals with other dealerships and show the offers they give you to the other dealers so they will compete with one another for the sale.

Also, since you're paying in cash, don't expect a lot of extras because dealers will often discriminate between cash buyers and installment buyers, because they make more money from the latter ones. At least, that's been my experience with the last dealership I went to. Remember that even though you're the customer/ client and they're supposed to serve you, they're also in it for the money and nothing more. Just business, nothing personal is their motto.

Lastly, bring a trusted friend or relative who knows about cars so that they can give you unbiased opinions/ observations about the car you want. Having someone with you who is knowledgeable about these things can save you a ton of headaches down the line.



Hello sir,

May I add, don't buy a car based on popular internet reviews. Seek out real owners and have your questions about after sales service and availability of parts ready. Most dealers will always say that their parts are always available just to boost sales. Many casas don't employ real mechanics, ask which casa is really trustworthy. Lastly, take your time, don't get too excited about buying it at once. The car you will get is what the casa will give you, you cannot choose among many of the same models because they are only focused on fast sales. Godspeed!

[Fil Trans]

Thanks everyone for all the replies so far. Learning a lot.

Additional question:

Regarding LTO Registration.

1) Is LTO free registration a usually free thing?

2) Will they be the ones handling the free registration?

3) How long should this take?

4) Should I wait for the LTO registration before driving the car home? (Let's assume I the dealership I want to buy the car from is all the way in QC, and I live in Laspinas or Muntinlupa) I definitely don't want to be apprehended on my first car purchase.

Thank you

[yebo]

I guess it will depend on how big the discount is? Haha! Anything to get it cheap. Personally, I still wouldn't go for it. I've seen display units with more than 500 kms. of mileage on them, most likely test drive units as well. Who knows how much they've been used and abused? Why take the risk?

A friend of mine was able to buy a test drive car with less than 500km on the odo for 50% the listed price. He kept the car for more than 5 years with no problem at all.

Test drive units are normally sold after the new models come out, usually november or later. The later you buy the more the discounts.

[ice15]

many years ago, my car was sideswiped by a brand new advie, being driven to the dealer's, at about midnight.

when we were younger (college days)

pinipilit namin makisabay sa Toyota convoy just for fun.

They were really fast and never kaming nakasabay ng maayos.

[jakewise]

To add to this, there are even times that the dealer will say that the car is not available when they know that you are a cash buyer as they would prefer customers buying it in installment as they earn more as mentioned earlier.

[QUOTE=bonruiz;3071346]

To the TS, one piece of advice our father taught me that may apply to you, never ever consider the showroom unit even if they offer you a huge discount. You're correct, there could have already been hundreds of people who have sat in, touched, maybe even farted in that unit.

Don't forget to compare prices, freebies, package deals with other dealerships and show the offers they give you to the other dealers so they will compete with one another for the sale.

Also, since you're paying in cash, don't expect a lot of extras because dealers will often discriminate between cash buyers and installment buyers, because they make more money from the latter ones. At least, that's been my experience with the last dealership I went to. Remember that even though you're the customer/ client and they're supposed to serve you, they're also in it for the money and nothing more. Just business, nothing personal is their motto.

Lastly, bring a trusted friend or relative who knows about cars so that they can give you unbiased opinions/ observations about the car you want. Having someone with you who is knowledgeable about these things can save you a ton of headaches down the line.



Hello sir,

May I add, don't buy a car based on popular internet reviews. Seek out real owners and have your questions about after sales service and availability of parts ready. Most dealers will always say that their parts are always available just to boost sales. Many casas don't employ real mechanics, ask which casa is really trustworthy. Lastly, take your time, don't get too excited about buying it at once. The car you will get is what the casa will give you, you cannot choose among many of the same models because they are only focused on fast sales. Godspeed!

[yebo]

Thanks everyone for all the replies so far. Learning a lot.

Additional question:

Regarding LTO Registration.

1) Is LTO free registration a usually free thing?

2) Will they be the ones handling the free registration?

3) How long should this take?

4) Should I wait for the LTO registration before driving the car home? (Let's assume I the dealership I want to buy the car from is all the way in QC, and I live in Laspinas or Muntinlupa) I definitely don't want to be apprehended on my first car purchase.

Thank you

1. LTO is "free", meaning it is already factored in the srp. You paid for it but they tell you it's free.

2. They have an employee who takes care of registering your car. In fact when the 1st 3 years registration gets duw for renewal you van even ask the casa to renew it for you, for a fee of course.

3. Mine took 1 month for the OR/CR to gey releases and another 2 months for the plates. All new cars sold after september 2018 get new plates fast.

4. You can drive it already, just don't get caught! But since it is your 1st car, and if i am right to assume you have.not been driving a long time, then i suggest to keep it in the garage until you get the OR/CR. Knock on wood, most new cars with new drivers i see on the road have dents on them, so naaksidente na agad. Pag wala ka OR/CR talo.a na agad sa accident investigation since di mo dapat nilabas kotse mo.

[baludoy]

many years ago, my car was sideswiped by a brand new advie, being driven to the dealer's, at about midnight.

May nakasabay ako dati isang convoy ng mini cooper sa edsa papunta malamang sa bgc casa kasi pa u-turn sila sa buendia. Mga early evening or late afternoon pa that time. Hindi lang sila makahataw kasi traffic [emoji3]

do what you gotta do so you can do what you wanna do

[sparc179]

Hello sir,

May I add, don't buy a car based on popular internet reviews. Seek out real owners and have your questions about after sales service and availability of parts ready. Most dealers will always say that their parts are always available just to boost sales. Many casas don't employ real mechanics, ask which casa is really trustworthy. Lastly, take your time, don't get too excited about buying it at once. The car you will get is what the casa will give you, you cannot choose among many of the same models because they are only focused on fast sales. Godspeed!

I second this, best way to get opinions from the experiences of owners and users of the same model you're getting would be to join a forum like this one and maybe an FB group of owners. They will sometimes post pictures and guides on where to go if you're looking for certain parts and accessories you may need.

All of your questions so far have been answered here, just keep posting away until you're satisfied.

Mind telling us what unit you're planning to purchase?

[Fil Trans]

Mind telling us what unit you're planning to purchase?

Thank you for all the replies and great info so far. I'm learning a lot. I'm planning on getting the new Brio, so it will be my first automatic and first time I'm going to be driving a car that's sedan height. Quite nervous.