Do you want a shiny, new car in your driveway? Are you worried about how hard it is to buy one? We wrote this article with you in mind, and the advice here will make buying your next car a process which you not only enjoy, but leaves you with an amazing car at a great price.
If you are trading in an automobile, visit your local library and find out the value of your car. You can also look this information up online in several different locations. By having the trade-in value of your car and the retail value of your car you can negotiate better.
Establish a budget before you go car shopping so you have a great idea of what is in your price range. Try your best to stay within your budget. If you must go over, the amount that you go over should not be so significant that it puts you in a financial bind.
Prior to even stepping foot in a dealership, you need to know what kind of car you want. If you have kids, maybe you should be looking for a van or large SUV. If it is just you, maybe you want something more sportier. Either way, knowing what you want will make the whole process of shopping for a car easier.
Research any dealership you are considering before offering on a car there. Knowing their financing arrangements and trade in policies will help you to negotiate on a stronger footing. Saving money by doing a little homework is the best thing you can do before car shopping.
When you are shopping for cars, you should take a friend with you. This person can act as another set of ears, and they might be more reasonable about walking away from a deal if it isn’t in your best interest to accept it. This person can be anyone, from a family member to a close friend.
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.
Always test drive a car before you buy it. Although you may have already driven this make and model, you’ll want to ensure that this car works properly. It’s possible the car has problems that can only be uncovered by driving it.
Think about both fuel economy, and how much money you have to spend, when you are out looking at cars. For example, it may seem like a good idea to purchase a V-8 with towing capability. That said, if you only tow a boat once a year, you’ll be paying through the nose for gas unnecessarily the other 364 days.
Avoid discussing incentives, down payments or trade-ins until you know how much you are going to pay for the vehicle. They should come out of the lowest price available. You are sure to do better if you negotiate the price first, then throw in the other factors.
Only use reviews on the internet as a general guide. A lot of people when they have problems with a car will post negative reviews on the internet. So look at all the reviews for common problems as opposed to a general ranking. If there is a problem with a major component, then probably find a different vehicle.
Most salespeople have monthly quotas they need to meet. Take advantage of car shopping at the end of a month. Salesman that haven’t made their expected numbers will just try to make another sale. Doing so gives you an advantage during negotiation.
Don’t divulge your trade-in car immediately. Only reveal this after the negotiation process is complete. If you wait until after the price negotiations, you will actually get the value of your trade-in.
If you know what kind of car you want, call the lot and ask if they have it. Going to the lot may cause the sales staff to offer you other cars you don’t want just to get a sale. If a sedan is your cup of tea and the dealership has none, you’ve wasted your time. Always call first.
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.
If you know what kind of car, you want, and you know what dealership you want to go through, give them a call before you go. This way, the dealer can have the car ready for a test drive when you get there. It will save you and the dealer time that could be spent negotiating.
Sort through car prices online as well as your surrounding area. The price of a vehicle may vary from one zip code to the next, so you should be willing to drive further to get a good deal. This will allow you to get the most for your money.
Take extra care when car shopping if you are a female. The sad fact is that some salespeople believe that women are uninformed buyers and will try to take advantage. Arm yourself with research on prices ahead of time, and don’t be afraid to walk away if your salesperson seems condescending.
Never buy a car without test driving it first. That even includes brand new cars and trucks. Not only do you want to make sure the car is mechanically sound, you also want to see how the car fits you. Decide if the car “feels” right. Some cars are not designed for taller people, for instance.
It isn’t too hard to buy a car now, is it? You just needed the right advice to make you a confident buyer. Take all this knowledge and use it in your buying adventure, then share it with loved ones to ensure they have the best possible car shopping experiences, too.