Know what you want before you step foot in a dealership. You are going to be dealing with professional salespeople, so have your mind made up about what you are willing to pay, what you want and what you are not interested in. That will make it less likely for them to sway you.
Have at least a general idea of what type of car you'd like before you walk into a dealership. You should do some research online to learn more about different kinds of vehicles before you make your decision. Once you know what kind of car you want, do some research on its price and do not let salespeople make you offers that do not correspond to the average price.
When buying a used car, a great way to tell if the car has been in an accident is to look into the door frames. Usually when a car is repainted, you will notice over spray in this area. This is not proof that a car was in an accident, but it will let you know it was repainted.
If you are in the market for a used car, you should always get a CarFax report. The CarFax report will let you know if the car has been in an accident. If the car has been in an accident, you probably want to keep searching and not buy that car.
Take advantage of online resources for car buyers. No matter what make or model you desire, you can be certain that you'll find it online. Do not even visit a dealership until you have learned everything there is to know about your options. An online search can reveal anything you would like to know including MPG, resale value, specifications, rating and size.
When buying a new car, check out reviews of the vehicle on the internet before going to the dealer. If people have had bad experiences with the car you are thinking of buying, you might want to choose a different one. Most new car loans are for 6 years and you do not want to have problems with the car in that time frame.
When purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle that comes with a warranty, make sure you read the fine print. Most warranties on these vehicles only cover power-train and don't cover much else. There are also cases in which the warranty may not be transferable which would make it void in your case.
When you want to shop for cars, you need to have a friend with you that has little interest in your car purchase. They will be able to help you avoid mistakes, such as making an emotional decision. Ask this person to point out any possible problems or disadvantages that they identify during a test drive.
Stand firm on your down payment. Cars can be sold with no down payment; however, some money down will help the final cost. Be wary of sellers who ask you to increase your down payment. This extra money will typically only go into the pocket of the salesperson and dealership, and does not help your bottom line.
When it comes to purchasing a car, whether new or pre-owned, you need to beef up on your negotiation skills. Cars are intentionally marked up because the sellers understand that a negotiation must take place. So make sure you NEVER pay sticker price for your vehicle and if you can't haggle, get someone to do it for you.
If you are absolutely in love with a certain color or interior finish, don't settle for less. Though the specific vehicle that you want might not be in stock at your local dealership, ask them if they can get it for you. Most dealerships have relationships with other dealerships and will trade vehicles back and forth. Keep in mind though, you might end up paying a little bit extra to cover some of the costs of the trade.
Before you start talking, find out about incentives. Brush up on important information about trade-in values, warranties and pricing promotions like rebates. You will be able to haggle better if you know what they are offering before you walk into the dealership to buy your car.
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