So, you’re looking for your next vehicle. Well, that’s great, but are you aware of some of the many mistakes car buyers often make? This article has some valuable information for anyone who is planning to buy a car.

Arranging financing prior to actually shopping for a vehicle is a great idea. You can go to a bank in order to secure the funds. Doing this often nets you interest rates better than dealers would give, and you also get to shop knowing what your budget is for a new vehicle.

Before you go in to look at a new car, make sure you have thoroughly researched the proper trade in value of your current car. In fact, why not try to sell it yourself first before you buy. Either way, you will get more from your vehicle if you know what it is really worth.

If you aren’t concerned about getting the absolutely latest model, consider car shopping in November or December. During this time frame, dealerships will offer deals on the current models. They want to clear out their inventory to make way for shipments of the next year’s models. This means that you will be offered more incentives, lower sticker prices, and more room to negotiate!

Rental cars are an excellent source of information to test a vehicle. This will help you get a good idea of what it is like to drive. Test drive the vehicle with your family and test different speeds so that you can figure out whether this vehicle is right for you. This will allow you to get a glimpse of what life would be like with the car.

Never take a car at face value. Though you may not be a mechanic, it is a good idea to do a thorough inspection of the vehicle. An important part of the inspection is a test drive. This allows you to feel the car on the road, listen for any wayward noises and possible spot issues with performance.

Don’t fold to pressure. The salesman doesn’t want you to walk out of his dealership, so he will tell you whatever it takes to get you to sign a contract at that moment. Ignore him. Do what is best for you, and if you need to have some time to think about it, take the time you need.

Decide whether you want a used car or a new one. A new car has the obvious advantages, but used cars can be a pretty good deal as well. There are many certified used cars now that have been found to perform well, and cost substantially less than new cars do.

Never agree to pay the asking price! There are few cars for sale out there that do not have some room for negotiation in the price. When you have researched the vehicle, inspected it and given it your approval, negotiate the final price based off your findings. Do not settle on a price until you are happy with your investment.

Find out all you can about rebates. You can either get a cash rebate, low loan interest rate or the dealer themselves gets the rebate in cash. It is the manufacturer who offers these rebates, not the dealership. This will only be available on cars available on the lot, of course.

Watch out for dealership advertising fees. These are often tacked on to new car purchases, and you should not have to pay them. Car dealerships have to advertise as part of doing business, and many shoppers who challenge this fee will win. If your salesman will not remove this fee, ask to speak with a manager.

If you feel intimidated or bullied, leave them. Even if they attempt to change your mind, exit anyway. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. Don’t waste another minute of your time there. You have other choices, so there is no reason to stay if you feel uncomfortable.

When you are looking for a used vehicle, you should avoid any cars with high mileage. People will tell you that they drove on the highway or that they drove responsibly, but you really don’t know. Even if you like the car, avoid buying it if the mileage is too high.

Figure out what the service department does for dealers you want to visit with. Make inquiries to see if current customers are happy. Call the department and see how they respond to your questions. Find a dealership that has a knowledgeable staff that can help you find what you need.

Before going to dealer, have a budget set. Know how much you are willing to spend, and do not exceed that limit. Do this well in advance of entering the showroom. Once you are there, it is tempting to buy extras you do not need or cannot afford. Have a budget.

You want to look sharp but not rich when buying a car. Don’t wear your diamond tiara and mink coat when you go car shopping. It will be very difficult to barter in that outfit!

If you live in a place where cars are required to pass emissions, make sure it passes before buying. It can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars to get a car to pass inspection. In some cases, you cannot get the car registered to you without passing these inspections.

Never go rushing into a deal when you’re trying to buy a car. Dealers are going to always try and create a false sense of urgency that may pressure you to buy sooner rather than later. Take your time. There is usually always a special deal that will be there.

Don’t fall for the lower payments incentive. Often times dealers will try and entice you with low monthly payments, but this does not mean you are paying a lower price. It often means that you’ll just be making payments longer which means you will be paying more in interest.

As you know, there are many potential pitfalls to avoid when buying a new vehicle. You should utilize these tips so you can buy a car more carefully. Good luck finding that reliable vehicle!