As you buy a car, your main priority is likely to be good value. It’s not easy when you have nagging salesmen trying to squeeze every last dime out of you. However, with a bit of know-how, you can do it.

Learn about the true market value of the car before making an offer. Oftentimes, dealers will have the car marked up a certain percent over the value so they have some wiggle room. If you know the market value, you can better haggle with them about the price you will pay out the door.

Check out the maker’s site if you want to customize your car. While the cars on the dealership lot may be the kind of car, you want, a number of car manufacturers give you the opportunity to customize the car a bit with color and features. You may have to wait a few weeks more to get your car, but it might be worth it.

Take a look at owner reviews before selecting the car you want to buy. These can be found online, at many different websites. Owner reviews give you a good idea about how much others enjoy the car, and if they would recommend it to friends and family. They offer a different perspective than professional reviews, and they are very informative for anyone who is car shopping.

Never limit your options when shopping for a car, and that means not settling on a dealership if you don’t have to. You can also shop at small lots or buy from private owners. Use social networking sites and classifieds to help you find the car you want at a good price.

Avoid being distracted when you are shopping at a car lot. With so many vehicles available, it is easy for all your research and planning to go out the window. Remember, you should have a clear idea of the vehicle you want before you set foot on the lot, and do not let the salesperson steer you from your goal.

Always take any used car you are thinking of buying to a mechanic that you trust. Do not take the dealers word that the car is in good condition. They might have only owned the car for a few days or bought it from an auction. They really have very little knowledge of the vehicle you are trying to buy.

Before you go shopping for a new or used car, assess your budget. You must know just how much you can afford to spend. You should establish a monthly budget for your car payments and your insurance. You need to secure a loan before shopping for cars.

If you are absolutely in love with a certain color or interior finish, don’t settle for less. Though the specific vehicle that you want might not be in stock at your local dealership, ask them if they can get it for you. Most dealerships have relationships with other dealerships and will trade vehicles back and forth. Keep in mind though, you might end up paying a little bit extra to cover some of the costs of the trade.

Set a spending limit before shopping for your new car. It is easy to get swayed by pushy salesmen or a nice leather interior, but it is important that you stay within your budget. You may like the cause of spending extra, but you will not like it when it comes time to pay for it.

When purchasing a car, be wary of the age and mileage warranty of the vehicle. In most cases, you are likely to hit the mileage first so make sure you understand exactly how long you are likely to be covered before making a decision on what vehicle you will purchase.

Try to avoid an as-is warranty at all costs when car shopping. You will end up regretting this decision. At minimum, a dealer should provide you with a warranty of 30-90 days upon purchasing any vehicle. If the vehicle needs a major repair a day or two after you buy it, you will have to pay for the repair.

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.

If you feel intimidated or bullied, leave them. If they attempt to encourage you to change your mind, leave anyway. Lie if you must. Make sure that you leave! There are many other options, and if a salesperson feels the need to intimidate you, they probably need to make up for the low quality of their vehicles.

Look around online for prices on cars near where you live. Sometimes, nearby cities will provide you with a significant discount. Online pricing information gives you a clearer picture about where you should look for your next vehicle.

Never give your trade-in’s keys to the dealer before you’ve come to an agreement. The dealer could take your keys (and thus, your car) hostage and manipulate you into an unfair deal. Always hold on to your keys and if the dealer wants to take a look inside the car, open it up for them while you hold the keys.

When you buy a car, you will be handed a lengthy contract. Learn what it all means before you set foot on the lot. You can find information about each element on the contract online, that way you’ll know what is being offered to you and what is being asked of you as a buyer.

When you get financing from a dealership, you must scrutinize the contract you are offered. You need to know how much you’re being given, what the interest rate is, how soon it is due in full, how much the payments are, when the payments are due, what happens when you miss a payment, etc.

This article should help you learn how to handle the car dealer when you are buying a car. This helps you to avoid the most common tactics they are known for. Keep these tips in mind and get out there!