Buying a car is a huge investment that should not be taken lightly. Whether you are buying new or used, there are many things you should consider about your car of choice before you make the purchase. Use the tips in the following article to help you narrow down your choices and make the right decision.
You should take the car-buying process very seriously. Many people are so happy about the prospect of buying a car that they do not think of the seriousness of the task. Buying a car is a serious financial investment, and you should do all you can to remain businesslike.
Know your limits. Before you start shopping for your next car or truck, decide how much you can afford to pay, and stick to it. Don’t forget to include interest in your calculations. You can expect to pay around 20 percent as a down payment as well, so be prepared.
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.
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.
Know your credit score before you enter the showroom. Your credit score will help to determine your financing rate, and knowing it helps you to understand how much you will have to pay for your car. The best financing rates are often reserved for those with the best credit score. Knowing yours can help you to be realistic about your chances of getting the very best deals.
Once you know how much you have to spend, find out about the cars within that range. Learn about the car itself, its miles per gallon, number of doors, trunk space, driver’s reviews, safety record and how frequently it needs repairs on average. Assign each a rating and go for those at the top of the list.
If you cannot find the exact car that you want, ask your dealership if they can order it for you. Most domestic cars can be custom ordered with the exact upgrades and options that you want. Even used cars are often easy for car dealerships to find and have shipped to their location. You will have to wait a bit longer for this option, but it might be worth it if you have your heart set on something specific.
Do your homework. There are many websites online that will give you an estimate of what your car can be sold for. Utilize NADA or Kelly Blue Book in order to figure out the value of a car. If there is a dealer selling cars at too high of a price, search other places.
Not all salespeople or dealerships are the same. While salespeople have a reputation of being too pushy, this tactic is losing popularity. Many are finding out that happy and gentle salespeople have repeat business. You can always leave if the salesperson is not doing a good job. There is always a more pleasant salesman waiting to sell you a car.
To make your negotiations go smoothly when purchasing a new car have a minimum of a twenty percent down payment saved. By having a down payment, you will be able to lower your interest rate and payments and have leverage when discussing your trade in options. You may find that you will net more savings by not trading a car in and selling it on your own.
If you see two price stickers on a car in a lot, you might want to head to a different location. This is a sign of a high pressure sales force who wants you to buy all the bells and whistles. If you think you can withstand their tactics, you can stay, but you may not get the best deal there.
The goal of a salesperson is making top dollar. It’s difficult to remember this when faced with a friendly, flattering salesman. Try not to get pulled into the extra fees that they can charge. That car won’t be a bargain if you end up paying a lot for extras.
If you feel overwhelmed, leave the lot. They may try to talk you into staying, but you should leave immediately. Make up an excuse. Make sure that you leave! There are dozens of dealerships nearby, so the hassle isn’t worth it.
Do not try negotiating unless you see the car that you want is available. He might tell you that he can get it in for you, but you do not know if it will be the exact one you want. You do not want to waste your time negotiating for a car that you do not really want.
The best time to buy a car is typically the close of every month. Salesman need to hit a quota per month, so this time is optimal for shopping. Begin the process of negotiating on price two or three days before the month ends. This will give you time to make a wise decision and get a great deal.
Take the time to find the car that you want before heading to the dealership. Learn about the available options for that car. Furthermore, research to find out what other consumers are paying for that car with the options that you want. This way, you can better be prepared to get the dealer to sell you the car for what it’s worth.
As stated in the introduction, buying a new car is a big deal. Cars are expensive, so the decision should not be taken lightly. You want to make a decision that you will be proud of. Use the advice outlined above when you go car shopping and choose a car that you will love.