Shopping for a car should be a great experience for you. Driving it once you own it is fun, after all. Far too often, people get stressed shopping for a car, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Use the advice offered below to help make the process more enjoyable.
Look online for a great deal. Once you know the make and brand you are in the market for, then go see the dealer. Use the Internet to do the research and find out what’s available in your price range, what is the safest option and any particular brands that you should look for.
Check online to find the best deals. Doing some online research can result in major savings. After finding the right car, just head over to the dealership to arrange for a purchase. Find the closest reliable dealership to save money on gas.
Know what kind of vehicle you are considering ahead of time. Research all of you options prior to shopping so you can figure out what works best for your budget and family needs. Going through this process will also give you insight into the cost of the type of car that you want so that you know what you should pay at the dealership.
Prior to purchasing a used car, ask an independent mechanic to have a look. If the dealer does not cooperate, go to another dealer. You need a mechanic to give you an objective opinion about the car’s condition and check for damages, submersion in water or other problems some dealers try to hide.
Sticker value is always negotiable. The sticker price isn’t set in stone. If you don’t think you can properly negotiate, bring along someone who can. Know in advance what an actual market value is for the car that you want, so that you know if you are getting close to a fair price.
Expect that car shopping will take a good chunk of time. You don’t want to rush or feel rushed. This will cause you to regret your decisions. Take the whole afternoon. If something comes up that you need to attend to, don’t hesitate to leave and return later.
Have a firm budget set before you go shopping for a new car. As you shop, avoid exceeding your budgeted amount despite the salesperson’s representations. You are the person who will have to pay for the car in the coming years, not the salesman.
Talk to your bank beforehand to ensure you are eligible for a loan. This is something that is good for your security. Though the dealership’s finance department may get you a better deal than the bank, it’s still wise to know what the interest rates will be prior to shopping.
Get the cost on the car in stone before you discuss trade-ins, or any other monetary exchanges. They should come out of the lowest price available. This ensures you get a real deal.
Test driving is mandatory. You never know how the car is going to run, despite how it may look outside. Always take the time to test the equipment. No amount of prior research can compete with first hand experience. Maybe you don’t like the ride, or you may find the car isn’t built in a way your body can adapt to.
Call Ahead
If you know you want a specific model, call ahead and ask if the dealer has one on the lot. The salesman will do everything they can to have the car ready for you. Going to a dealership that doesn’t have the car you want is a big waste of time. Call ahead and find out.
Avoid purchasing any used vehicle that is as-is. This can be something that you will regret in the future. You should get at least 30 days of warranty with your purchase. If something malfunctions after you drive the car off into the sunset, you’re responsible.
When the person selling you a car asks their manager to give you a new offer, remember that this won’t yet be the lowest offer. Always have a counter offer ready, and then wait to see what better offer they have to give you. They want to sell you the car, so they won’t keep you waiting any longer.
While some people cringe at the thought of buying a car, after applying these tips you can avoid the stress. Fortunately, you have many options that make it relatively easy to enjoy the car-buying experience. Ditch the car-buying blues and set out to find the car, truck or SUV that will meet your needs.