Be sure that you know what type of car you're looking for and some specifics, such as price, before you leave to go car shopping. For example, you will need to know your budget. How many people are you going to be driving around? What mileage are you looking for? A sports car or sedan? Make a list of everything you want, and take it with you so nothing is forgotten.
Negotiating helps to save you a lot of money towards your purchase. Never pay the sticker price of a vehicle. These prices are too large on purpose so that dealers have some negotiation room. Use this to your advantage.
Take time to look over the dealer prior to making buying offers. You are sure to have more success in your negotiations if you already know how they typically do business. You can avoid being taken advantage of by reading over reviews from other customers.
If you're shopping for a used car, try to have it inspected by a mechanic not from the dealership. If the dealer denies this, look somewhere else. A mechanic will help you identify issues and recognize signs of a wreck if you are purchasing a used car.
Figure out your budget and then go to see the dealer -- in that order. Don't get a car that is more than you can afford, even if a salesperson tries to new drivers insurance convince you to. You are going to be the one who has to pay it off.
If you want a new car, contact the bank first to see if you qualify for a loan. This can provide you with important peace of mind. Normally a dealership can give you a better interest rate than a bank.
If you drive a pricey vehicle already, don't bring it with you on your car shopping trip. Once they see what you are driving, they will be less likely to make any deals with you.
Do not give out your SS number haphazardly. Dealers will use it to check your credit report when you give it to them. You have to realize that the process of checking your credit can ultimately damage your score, so be careful in this respect. Therefore, wait until you have negotiated a deal before giving out your Social Security information.
It might not be possible for you to get everything that you want in a car. You may not find the car of your dreams, or you may not be able to afford a car with all the extras. The absence of heated seats will not detract from your driving experience.
You need to know what you can spend before doing it. Calculate this number based on what you can afford, as well as current car values.
Ask to bring in your own mechanic. Choose an honest mechanic with a good reputation. Do not use a mechanic suggested by the dealer. The mechanic should tell you whether it can be driven and if it's a good enough deal for the price.
Keep the fact that you have a car to trade in a secret. Wait to mention a trade-in vehicle until after you have a firm deal on the new vehicle. The dealership might adjust the cost of the new car based on the fact that you have a car to trade in if they know about it beforehand.
Ask your local dealer if they have a particular model, if you have one in mind, before you visit their showrrom If you go without calling, the salesperson may try to sell you a car that you don't want. If the dealer does not have a car that meets your needs, your trip will be a waste. Calling ahead can save you time.
Car shopping with knowledge will set you apart from your peers. Use these suggestions to drive away in something you're happy in. This will help ease the entire process.
