Buying a car is not something that you should take lightly. Car shopping can be about picking out a car that you like, of course, but keep in mind that the car you choose has to protect your family in the case of an accident, and has to be able to get you where you need to go. Here are some wise suggestions to consider when car shopping.
Do not let the car dealer talk you into buying a car that is not within your budget. If you allow it, a salesman will convince you that you need something more expensive or sporty. When you purchase a vehicle that is not within your budget, you can be sure that the dealership and salesperson — not YOU — will benefit.
Watch out for the up sells in the financing office. When you reach the financing office, you will always be offered an extended warranty, interior protection, gap insurance and other such add ons. Make sure that you understand these well before making a decision to purchase them. Most are not worth the money you will spend, and you’re better off saving each month in the event that you need a repair or your interior gets a stain.
Don’t forget to look into the cost of parts for a vehicle before you buy it. Some cars, especially imports, cost significantly more to maintain than others. Investigate the cost of parts that wear out frequently, such as tires, brakes, and windshield wiper blades. Research the cost of alternators, spark plugs, and other engine components, too.
You should never pay a car’s sticker price. No dealer truly expects you to pay exactly what they ask. If you don’t think you can properly negotiate, bring along someone who can. Before you go to the showroom, know what a good price is for the car so you will know your limits.
Allocate plenty of time at whatever dealership you are visiting. If you try to rush the process, you can miss out on great deals and the chance to find the perfect vehicle. It is in your best interest to set aside an entire morning or afternoon. You can always come back some other time if you are pressed for time.
Have a friend or family member that sells cars come along with you as you search for a new car. Car salesmen can be very aggressive, but if they know that you are with a fellow salesman you will have an easier time getting the deal that you want and deserve.
Bring a spare set of keys with you to the dealership. When they ask for the keys to your trade in, give them the spare. Some dealerships will use your car keys to hold you hostage if a deal is not made. You want to avoid this, so make sure you have the ability to walk out of the dealership at any time without having to ask for your keys.
Be firm in what extras you want. Almost every salesperson is going to at least attempt to “upsell” you in an effort to get a bigger sale. Don’t let them pressure you into the next model up or features you don’t need. If they claim not to have the model you are looking for in stock, only the “better” one, ask if they can locate one at another dealer.
Visit auto shows so you have a better idea of what interests you most. Car shows are a great chance to compare a number of different models against each other, all in one place. It also gives you the chance to converse with experts. After leaving a car show, you may even have decided upon the right car for you.
Social security numbers should not be given until a deal is made. It is common for car dealers to ask for this right away and use it to pull your credit. If that ends up not being the dealership for you, getting credit reports pulled at several dealers may actually harm your financing options. Do not allow anyone to pull your credit until you have hammered out your deal.
Don’t talk about your trade in. You should never tell the dealer about your trade-in without first ensuring you have secured the lowest possible price for your new vehicle. If you tell them about your trade-in too early, you may get an even worse deal on that, so you have to be careful.
Check out multiple dealerships for the car you desire. Once you select which make and model you want, don’t just stick to the closest lot. If there are multiple dealers of that brand, check them all out. Don’t forget to check out used lots as well, they often offer great bargains on cars which will drive for a long time to come.
Be on the lookout for year end specials. These specials generally start in the fourth quarter of each year and feature manufacturer set deals that remain unrivaled when compared to other deals in the year. These deals exist due to the new year and new model year, which means newer cars taking the place of older ones.
Research the laws in your state when it comes to purchasing a bad car. There are some states that have lemon laws. They will protect you from buying a car that isn’t in great condition and not being able to get a refund. Not every state has these laws, which is why it is important for you to do your research.
Your car is a big part of your life. You need a vehicle that can help you to get around, keep you safe, look good, and save you money. The choice you make will be with you for a long time, so it is important that you do what you can to make sure your choice is a good one. Use the tips here and you will be sure to make the best choice for you.