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Confidence and knowledge are the key elements in buying a car. A woman buying a car needs to educate herself, then she needs a confident attitude. Unfortunately, car salesmen tend to be sexist, even if they don't consciously mean to be that way. Most of them automatically assume that a woman knows little to nothing about cars, and many will even mention the vanity mirror as selling points. However, a woman who goes into the dealership with confidence and some basic knowledge will eventually be given some respect and a much less intimidating experience.

There is no need for a female car shopper to become an engine expert or be able to banter with the mechanic, but a little general information is necessary. She should know the names of the major parts of a vehicle and what they do, and what parts tend to have problems or need replacement. It is important to ask, for example, when buying a pre-owned car, when the exhaust was last serviced, or whether the timing belt has been changed. A little research goes a long way, and if she asks about these things up front, the sales person will be unable to pull the wool over her eyes, showing her a pretty car with low mileage.

The first time I went car shopping, the salesman spoke only to my husband, and when I asked a question, he answered my husband, even though we told him that it was to be MY car. We did not buy from that dealer. At the next dealership, I looked the cars over before talking to a salesman. I then immediately began asking questions about the catalytic converter, the distributor, the exhaust and brakes. The salesman clammed up, and couldn't answer most of my questions. He had to go and ask the mechanic. He spoke to me, not my husband, during our exchange, and I got a good car for a good price.

Learn more about this author, Sheri Bertaux.
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