Going to a car dealership is an experience that is both exciting but also intimidating. If you want to end up with a car that you love, do your research. Use the following advice to help you make the best decision.

Do a little research before you enter the showroom. When you walk into a showroom, sticker prices are usually listed right on the cars. It is important to understand that all dealerships have some wiggle room from these prices. If you do your research online first, you can gain an understanding of how much the car you want is selling for you in your area. This will help you to understand how much room there is to negotiate down from sticker price, so that you get the deal you are really looking for.

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.

Do a bit of online browsing prior to visiting a car dealership. Don’t visit a dealership until you have a good idea of what you want in a vehicle, such as size, brand, and pricing. You should look online and research the makes and models that are most suitable for you, the safety records and other information that a dealer will not discuss.

Never leave your car with the dealership overnight. Many dealerships will offer you the opportunity to take the car that you are considering home in order to test drive it longer. While this is certainly appealing, it essentially means they are given the opportunity to hold the car you own hostage. This makes it more difficult to walk away from a bad deal, and it is not to your advantage.

Don’t take it for granted that the sticker price is the lowest you’ll pay. The dealer does not expect anyone to pay the sticker price. If you feel that your negotiating skills aren’t up to par, take along a friend or family member that has a special talent for it. Research the value of the car and know what number you should be aiming for.

When you are shopping for cars, you should take a friend with you. This person has the ability to act as the perfect sounding board, and they can help you leave a deal that is not great for you. You could take your buddy, a family member or a spouse.

If the price of a car is non-negotiable, see if you can negotiate on other terms. Some dealerships will agree to provide several months’ worth of free gasoline or a year of free oil changes, for instance. It never hurts to ask if a salesman can sweeten the deal.

Before going car shopping, clean all personal items out of your car. Doing this one thing will save you considerable time at the dealership. This will also ensure that you do not leave behind important documents such as insurance papers. Nothing is worse than getting home and realizing the you left something in the car you just traded in.

Work on your credit score before you buy a car. A bad credit score means higher interest fees. That will result in a higher monthly car bill. And in some cases, that will result in higher premiums for car insurance. Get your credit in order so you aren’t locked into high fees for the life of your car loan.

Find out about dealers before choosing one. Start by asking your trusted friends, family, and neighbors about their positive and negative experiences with car dealers in the area. Furthermore, look up the dealers online at the Better Business Bureau website. Watch for any red flags about misleading or unfair business practices.

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.

Understand that introductory terms are just that, introductory. Therefore, know what to expect afterwards, and assess your budget to make sure that it accommodates it nicely. If you don’t, you could find yourself getting duped by one of the oldest tricks in the book. Don’t let that happen to you!

Look at car prices online, in nearby cities and your city. You might get a better deal if you buy from a neighboring city, since prices vary from zip code to zip code. Researching price trends online can give you information about which city will offer the lowest price.

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.

Your first offer should be at or very close to the invoice price of the vehicle. This likely be rejected, but will start the negotiation process in your favor. At some point, the salesperson will likely step out to speak to a manager. When they return, if the price is within your price range, accept. If not, continue negotiations. If you have not reached an agreement within 2 or 3 tries, it may be time to cut your losses and try another dealer.

Shopping for a new vehicle is a stressful experience for most buyers, but it can also be fun. However, by taking the time necessary to educate yourself about the process, it really is possible to enjoy the process and get the vehicle you truly need. Remember what you have learned here, and you’ll be well on the way to securing the vehicle you really want.