Sharing experiences of women buying cars

1. Determine your budget (cash or loan)

Based on my own experience, my initial budget was 120,000 yuan, but it eventually increased to 140,000 yuan due to changes in the model I preferred. However, it is important to remember that your car price should not exceed your annual income. (The poster's budget actually included financial support from their parents... which exceeded their annual income.)

2. Filter models

Filter models within your budget (you can refer to platforms like DangCheDi, Douyin, or Xiaohongshu), then go for a test drive in person.

Test drives are crucial; the OP’s preferred model changed during the test drive.

3. Understand the bottom price of the vehicle

After confirming your preferred model, search on Xiaohongshu for the actual transaction prices of that model in recent periods.

Xiaohongshu has real owners sharing transaction cases, and you can also check the quotes for proxy purchases to help you determine the approximate price of the vehicle, so you won’t be misled by salespeople.

⚠️ Prices offered by salespeople can vary significantly by region. It is recommended to research the prices in the provincial capital of your area (provincial capitals often offer greater discounts).

4. Negotiate the price at the 4S dealership

Official suggested retail price (including spare tire)

Cash discount (sometimes called the base vehicle discount, which is the main difference in discounts across regions)

Insurance

Purchase tax

Final price = Official suggested retail price - Cash discount + Insurance + Purchase tax

Note‼️4S dealership tactics

1) Double insurance for 2,699 (5 years/4 times including labor + 1-year engine warranty extension + renewal)

(Some dealerships may not require this, but the vehicle price will be adjusted by 1,000–2,000, meaning the salesperson initially quoted 126,000, but now the vehicle must be sold for 127,000.)

This depends on individual needs. If you prefer to have your vehicle maintained at the 4S store, you can purchase it, as it is generally cheaper than purchasing maintenance separately from the 4S store. (The poster did not opt for this.)

2) For those taking out a loan, the 4S dealership's financial service fee is negotiable. Skilled negotiators can eliminate it entirely, so everyone should give it their best shot! 💪

5. Vehicle inspection

Mainly check the production dates of the chassis, windows, and glass.

(High-quality vehicles should have production dates for windows and glass that precede the vehicle's production date.)

Check if the paintwork is intact (in a well-lit area).

Whether the undercarriage has any scratches or dents.

6. After confirming the vehicle is in good condition, pay the amount.

7. Registration

Registration fees (minimum 140), hiring someone to assist with registration typically costs around 200–300, exceeding 500 is purely exploitative.

8. Vehicle pickup

The following documents must be checked upon pickup:

- [x] Whole vehicle warranty certificate,

- [x] Two keys,

- [x] Maintenance manual,

- [x] Certificate of conformity,

- [x] Vehicle consistency certification,

- [x] Purchase contract,