Make Sure You Get The Best Deal When Car Shopping

 

Buying a brand new car is one of the best feelings in the world. However, that feeling can quickly turn ugly if your car gives you a headache a few short weeks after you purchase it. Use the advice given in this article to ensure that you make a wise selection when buying your next car.

Before beginning your car shopping journey map out exactly how much of a payment you can afford. Take the time to write out a budget and see how much money is left over each month. By doing this one step, you can avoid getting into a situation where you put a financial strain on your budget.

Ask the car dealer to show you a vehicle history report. This can tell you if the vehicle has been in an accident or if it has been recalled. It can also show you what repairs have been done and when they were done so that you know exactly what you are buying.

Make sure that the car you purchase has been inspected fully. Be sure to have a trustworthy mechanic standing by. Avoid using mechanics that the dealer recommended. Your mechanic should tell you both whether the car runs well and whether it’s priced appropriately.

Never shop for a car based on what you want to pay monthly. Most car sellers will try to help you shop around a monthly payment. This means they can put you in a car that is not what you want by telling you it is what you can afford. The only one who wins is the dealership.

All car dealerships are not made equally. If you find one store to have prices that are very expensive, just walk right back out. If they have overpriced their products, you can feel free to assume they will not take this negotiation seriously. Look for a reputable dealer instead.

Do plenty of research before purchasing a used car. This can give you a better idea of what you should be paying. The Blue Book or other sources can be useful for determining a car’s value. If the dealer tries to get more than what those sources say, walk away.

Take fuel economy into account when calculating the cost of a vehicle. When you are determining your monthly car payments, figure out how much you’ll end up paying for gas each month based on the fuel economy of the car. A more expensive fuel-efficient car and a less-expensive gas guzzler may end up costing you the same amount out of pocket each month after you’ve figured in the amount you’ll spend on gas.

When in the finance office, read your final contract thoroughly. Many dealerships will try to rush you through this step, and they may change important information or financing terms as a result. Make sure the terms are exactly what you agreed to. If they are not, ask them to make changes before you sign anything.

While the dealership that you buy your vehicle through will offer financing, check into your options. Get a loan quote from your bank or a credit union. Oftentimes, they will offer better rates than the dealership. This will allow you to bring those quote to the dealership’s financial officer and negotiate a lower rate.

Remember that a salesman wants nothing more than to earn commission and meet a quota. It might be obvious, but you might forget if the salesperson knows how to sell. Keep your eye on extra charges. These extras can increase the overall sales price by thousands.

Try to avoid being taken to a “closing” room. When reaching the final stages of negotiation, many salespeople take the customer to a separate room, and sometimes even a separate “closing” salesperson. Try to avoid this if possible, staying in the open where you are less likely to be intimidated.

Before you ever start negotiating price, you should have your bottom line in mind. You don’t want to get caught up talking price without your parameters or they will be set for you. Refuse to talk price until you have researched your options. This will fare you better when striking your deal.

Don’t rush! Dealers will try to push you, but make sure that you hold your ground. Keep in mind that the salesperson is more than likely lying. The vast majority of the time, you can still utilize special promotions in the future, regardless of what the salesman says.

Don’t get stuck in a rut with the model you want. Look at major dealers–these all usually have the types of vehicles you may be interested in. Ford, Honda, and Toyota will all have compact cars, SUVs, and trucks that are very comparable. Compare the available models, and find the best deal with the most ‘extras’ available.

Do not sign anything until you are absolutely sure you are ready to make the purchase. As long as you haven’t signed, then you hold all the power in the transaction. Remember you can leave the negotiation table and go to another dealership if you are feeling uncomfortable for any reason.

Look for functionality in the interior of the car. You will want to be sure that the controls are intuitive and easy to use while you are driving. If you have to look around to change the temperature or radio station, it will be a distraction while driving and can be a safety hazard. In addition, test out any bluetooth capabilities to make sure they are easy to use with your mobile device.

Don’t let the dealer know you need the car today! The salesperson will try to capitalize on your desperation by offering you vehicles that are not necessarily in your best interest to buy. You should instead act like you have as much time as you need.

You should now have a better idea of what it takes to buy a car that you can be happy with for years to come. Make sure to implement the advice given so that you don’t end up making a purchase you regret. With a little patience and information, you can end up with a wonderful car!