Did you ever notice how some cars and trucks are peddled and promoted heavily? How much of that is hype versus actual excellence? If you were to believe the commercials, these vehicles are the best ever made, but common sense tells you otherwise. So, how do you separate the hype from fact? Here is how.
Identifying Hype Language
Hype language involves words or phrases that get you really excited about something. Phrases like "BEST car of the Year award," or "Voted Most Likely to protect you in an accident" is hype language. Many cars win awards, and the sources for these awards are numerous, which means that any car could win a "best car of the year award." If you are wearing your seat belt, and your vehicle has air bags, your car will likely protect you in an accident. Sort out the hype phrases, then assess them for accuracy and compare them to real-life situations.
Understanding the Sales Push
If you visit a dealership, and the dealer wants to push a Ford truck over promoting a Nissan Altima, you have to ask yourself why the dealer would do that. This is especially true if you came in to buy a sedan, and the dealer wants you to buy a truck instead. If you take a quick visual or physical tour of the lot, you might be able to answer your own question.
Excess inventory of one particular vehicle means that the dealers on the floor have been told to move these vehicles any way they can. If you actually want a truck, that is good news for you. If you do not want a truck, stick to your guns and buy that new Nissan Ultima (or whatever other passenger car you have your heart set on).
Research Using Valid Sources
Valid sources for finding a good car for the best value include Kelly Blue Book (KBB), Consumer Reports, and Better Business Bureau's guide to automobiles (BBB). There are a few other sources you can use, but you should start with these. They will help you research cars and trucks that you are interested in purchasing. These sources can also help you sort out the hype from facts about cars you may have been excited about but you wanted to be sure they were the right vehicles for you.
Hopefully these tips will help you find the car you need. Contact local auto dealers to learn more.
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