--- title: "Question of the Day: What’s Your Best Car-Buying Advice?" date: "2022-06-08" modified: "2022-06-08" authors: - name: "Aaron Cole" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/aaron-cole" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/question-of-the-day-whats-your-best-car-buying-advice" categories: - "Culture" - "News" - "QOTD" tags: - "advice" - "Question Of The Day" - "sales" --- # Question of the Day: What’s Your Best Car-Buying Advice? ![]() *New car with red ribbon and red bow* Hi there, we haven’t been formally introduced yet, but I’m the guy who would study [your car-shopping habits]() and weaponize those against you. Correction: I *used* to be the guy. I’ll spare you the details, but those days are over. I’m here now to be your ally during these [unprecedented car-buying days](). Sure, I have some tips and inside info, but I want to hear yours first. Namely, what advice do you give new-car buyers when they’re shopping? Picture this: A cloudless, blue summer day, an afternoon spent out in the sun, soaking up some vitamin D with friends. Inevitably the conversation turns to cars—like it always does when you're around—and a friend chimes in: “You know a lot about cars. What do you know about the new Puntiac Remorsa? I want to buy one.” You, always the expert, chime in with your best tip: “Actually, I know a lot. If you’re shopping for a Puntiac, keep in mind that the Remorsa BFE is the volume trim and the best bang for your buck. Start there.” Clever—and correct. But also made up. (Although Remorsa would be a *wonderful* car name.) What I mean is: You have your own advice. And I want to hear it. Me? I’ll start. Coming from the inside, I can say that most shoppers don’t shop for types of cars; most shoppers start with a brand in mind first. That’s probably not the best idea, and here’s why: Your friendly neighborhood Isuzu/Eagle dealer is expertly trained in starting you with Eagle Summit money but selling you a Talon instead. What does that mean? They know you’ll walk on the lot with the idea that you want “a Toyota,” or “a BMW,” instead of a specific model. They’ll find the model that stretches your budget to the breaking point, with the[ longest loan they can pull up](). It works. It pays dividends to know what you need (versus what you want) and shop competitors from other brands. Don’t shop only Toyota; shop a small utility vehicle from multiple automakers. You’re less likely to get rolled up into a loan that you don’t want, for a car you don’t need, by a salesperson you shouldn’t trust. But enough about the underbelly of the biz. Let’s hear from you. Drop a comment below and help a fellow shopper who needs some sunny advice from a friend. ## Author Aaron began his career in journalism when the news was printed on dead trees and thrown on driveways. A graduate of the University of Utah, he began his career as a sportswriter and has covered news for over a decade. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [Instagram]()