Purchasing a new car in today’s world can be the most exciting and the most frustrating experience. So, learning from my previous car-buying experiences, I decided to try something new.
It began with my finance loan. I had a long credit card history with Capital One, so I decided to see what options they would give me for my loan. As a result, I got prequalified for enough money to buy a nice new car without going over my own personal monthly limit.
Then, I started shopping. I wanted the car to be small, affordable, fuel-efficient, brand new, and white – to match my other white car. I spent weeks searching for my perfect car! Eventually, I found it! A brand new, 2019 Hyundai Elantra, in white.
As someone who only buys Mopar (Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, etc.) vehicles, purchasing this car was a stretch. I chose this car because its purpose was to be the primary vehicle for a new driver who travels far for work. Mopar vehicles can be expensive so choosing an affordable option was vital.
Finally, I was ready to purchase. I found a local Hyundai dealership that had the car and color I wanted.
The last step was taking a test drive and purchase. The moment I approached the doors of the dealership, someone greeted me. I said, “I’m here to make your life easy.” I told him what car I wanted to test drive. The key to a successful test drive is not to show your excitement. The salesman had no idea what I was feeling or thinking.
One significant highlight of my car buying experience was that I knew exactly how much I was willing to spend on this car – far less than the sticker price. I walked into this purchase with no actual expectations of walking away with this perfect – for me – car. If I had exposed my excitement or had an expectation, I would have 1) been disappointed and 2) allowed the salesman to squeeze more money out of me.
Things I noticed about this particular dealership was how quiet the day had been. There wasn’t a single customer, just a bunch of salesmen waiting for someone to shop. I believe, the slow-moving sale day attributed to my ability to negotiate a fair deal which leaned in my favor.
Someone in my household uses this vehicle every day. The quality isn’t as high as my Jeep, but it is adequate for a new, inexperienced driver. I take great care of this car, which will significantly increase its life and benefit our family in the long run.
Multiple products were used in the complete purchase of this vehicle. For the sake of conversation, Capital One was an excellent service that made this experience happen. As a consumer, one critical insight into this service experience is “getting prequalified for car loans will significantly improve your car buying experience.”
Over the years, Capital One has done wonderful things to improve a consumer’s car-buying experience. For example, streamlining the prequalification process and creating a car searching app – like Auto Trader.
As the e-commerce industry improves, Capital One might consider facilitating a direct-to-consumer purchasing option when buying a car. This would increase the consumer’s loyalty to the Capital One service, while cutting out the salesman.
After my last car buying experience, I will never purchase a car the “old-fashion” way again.
Jessica Kupcake 