With so many variables that go into it, car buying can be a hassle. How can you know what to get? Use this information as a guide along the way to help make the right decisions and avoid poor deals.

Allocate plenty of time at whatever dealership you are visiting. You don’t want to feel like you’re rushed and commit to a deal you’re not comfortable with. You should allocate at least a full afternoon. If you have other obligations, plan on coming back the next day.

Figure out your budget and then go to see the dealer — in that order. When shopping, do not go above the maximum amount you can pay, no matter what the dealer tells you. Remember that you are the one that might be paying for your car for around 6 years, not the dealer.

Don’t drive your really expensive car to the dealer when you’re looking to buy another car. If the staff see that car, they’ll think you’re made of money. Borrow a car if you have to.

Read all of the fine print that is on the contract for the car you want to purchase. Even if you think the car salesman is being perfectly honest with you about everything involved, you need to make sure you are not signing anything that you will have regrets about later.

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.

When negotiating a deal on your new car, have online information in hand. There are many sites that will provide you with things like invoice pricing and incentives, and this information can prove valuable as you negotiate your price. Print it out and bring it to the car dealership, so there is no question about the accuracy of what you are saying.

When heading to a car dealership, get prepared for your bargaining side to come out. While there many be some dealers who have your best interest at heart, most just want to get as much money out of you as they can. This is why you have to be strict and never settle on a deal you are uncomfortable with.

Many people who have bad credit end up at a buy-here pay-here dealership. Be very careful of these types of dealers. Usually they buy cars at auction for little money and the majority of the money they make is off of the high interest rates they charge. If you have any choice, always get a loan from a bank, not the dealership.

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.

Looking online can be a great way to find good deals on used cars. You really do not have to visit an actual car dealer. Check Craigslist, eBay and classified sites. Using this technique will allow you to save time and the headache generally associated with car buying.

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.

When you found a car that you’d like to look at, make sure to go over it well. Be sure to look for any dents or scratches on the outside of the car. Inspect the interior to find rips, stains or other flaws. Keep in mind that a car is all yours after you have made a purchase. As a result, the scratches, dents, rips, stains, etc. will be your responsibility.

Even if a car is in your price range, do not forget to consider the gas mileage and annual maintenance fees that will come with your purchase. Many people buy vehicles that they think are affordable, but later they regret it when they see how much they have to pay annually for gas and routine maintenance.

Cars go for better prices at the end of a month. Salespeople want to meet their monthly goals by making another sale that could put them in their desired count. Stop in a few days before the month’s end, and you may be able to negotiate a better deal.

Learn about the service departments of dealerships you are planning on visiting. Check with others to find out how satisfied customers are with the service. You could also call the service department and ask them for advice for a problem you know the answer to. You want to select a dealer with great reviews, good customer service, and an impeccable track record.

Try to avoid being taken to a “closing” room. When reaching the final stages of negotiation, many salespeople take the customer to a separate room, and sometimes even a separate “closing” salesperson. Try to avoid this if possible, staying in the open where you are less likely to be intimidated.

If you have flexibility, try to wait for a promotion with low interest. If you are really patient, you may even be able to find zero interest periods. This will make the total price you pay for your car be significantly less than you planed to pay. Keep an eye out for local dealerships running this.

Now, you should know more about what you’re looking for when purchasing a vehicle. Now the only thing you need to do is begin your research. Keep in mind that you should never finalize any deal that you cannot sleep soundly at night with, and also apply all ideas presented within this article.