One of the things I learned early in my years on the showroom floor had nothing to do with cars, pricing, or negotiation. It was about people. More specifically, it was about the look I’d see on someone’s face the moment I introduced myself and welcomed them in.
It was polite. It was guarded. And it was almost always the same.
There was skepticism.
Many people walked into a dealership already bracing themselves. They were expecting pressure. Expecting confusion. Expecting to be taken advantage of. And more often than not, that feeling was even stronger when a woman came in by herself.
You didn’t have to be a mind reader to see it. It showed up in the questions, in the hesitation, in the way conversations started. Some had been talked down to before. Some had felt rushed. Some had left a dealership years earlier feeling like they hadn’t been treated fairly. So when they walked in alone, they were ready for a fight they hoped they wouldn’t have to have.
That reality changed the way I approached people.
I learned to slow down. I explained things more clearly. I made sure every question was answered completely. Not because I was trying to “sell” anything differently, but because I realized trust had to come first. If someone feels comfortable, the rest of the process takes care of itself.
Fast forward to today, and I still see that same hesitation — but I also see something else: confidence.
In 2026, women are buying cars by themselves every single day. They’re doing the research. They’re comparing models. They’re making the decisions. And frankly, they’re often some of the most prepared buyers out there. They ask smart questions. They think long-term. They care about safety, reliability, and how a vehicle fits into real life.
And I’ll tell you something else I’ve noticed over the years. Many of the calls I get now are from women who are doing this on their own. Some are buying after a major life change, like the loss of a spouse. Some just prefer to handle it themselves. Others simply want straight answers without feeling rushed.
When I take those calls, I still slow down. I still take extra time. Not because they need it, but because I know how important it is to feel heard and respected during the process. Buying a car is a big decision, and no one should feel uncomfortable making it.
The good news is the business itself has changed a lot. There’s more transparency today than ever before. Information is easier to find. Pricing is more visible. Many dealerships understand that treating people with patience and respect isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s how you earn lifelong customers.
But the most important change isn’t the industry. It’s the buyer.
Women don’t need backup to buy a car. They don’t need someone else to ask the questions. They don’t need someone standing beside them to make sure they’re treated fairly. Preparation and confidence go a long way, and both are more common now than ever.
That said, it’s still okay to feel a little cautious. A dealership visit is unfamiliar territory for a lot of people. But that cautious feeling shouldn’t turn into fear. You deserve clear answers. You deserve patience. And you deserve to be treated like the decision-maker, because you are.
If at any point something feels off — if someone talks over you, rushes you, or makes assumptions — that’s your sign to slow things down or simply leave. A good experience doesn’t come from pressure. It comes from respect.
Looking back, some of the best customers I ever worked with were women who walked in alone, asked thoughtful questions, and made careful decisions. They weren’t trying to “win” a negotiation. They were trying to make the right choice for their lives. And that’s exactly what car buying should be about.
So if you’re thinking about buying a car by yourself, here’s what I want you to remember: you’re not at a disadvantage. Not even close. You’re in control. Take your time. Ask questions. Trust your instincts. Use the contacts on my website to find someone honest, who understands, and who will be honest with you and not pressure you.
Buying a car alone shouldn’t feel intimidating anymore. And when you find the right place, it won’t.