A survey among 12,000 women indicates buying cars remains problematic.
The poll, conducted by CarMax, Inc. the country's largest used car retailer, reiterated previous years' assessment. In short, purchasing a car is a hassle for many women.
The women answered the following question: What was most lacking when you bought your last car? Here are the results for this year, followed by 2006 results:
* A quick, effortless transaction — 21 percent (2007), 21 percent (2006).
* A salesperson I like and trusted — 16 percent, 15 percent.
* Lowest, fair pricing — 14 percent, 14 percent.
* A fair trade-in value — 13 percent, 14 percent
* Respect for/attention to my wants and needs — 13 percent, 13 percent
* A fair, reasonable finance rate — 7 percent, 6 percent
* Understandable paperwork — 4 percent, 4 percent
Other factors — 12 percent, 12 percent
CarMax offers the following tips for women car shoppers:
* Use the Internet to research vehicle types, makes, models, options, features, and prices. Visit web sites to see prices and images of models, vehicle history reports and customer reviews.
* Print out fact sheets or information about the vehicles you're interested in.
* Bring key paperwork items with you, including title and registration for your current vehicle, your driver's license, and insurance card.
* If you have been pre-approved for a car loan, bring in the approval letter with you.
* Find a car retailer and salesperson you like and trust by asking friends and family for referrals.
* Try a retailer that offers no-haggle prices and a la carte pricing on each part of the car-buying transaction.
* Get a fair offer on your trade-in separately from your car purchase.
*Have confidence in your car shopping abilities. You have done your research and are prepared to make a smart car buying decision.
* Do not hesitate to ask questions — as many as you need so understand exactly what you are paying for.
* Be prepared to walk away if you're unhappy with your car-buying experience.
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