A lot of people consider car shopping one of the least desirable things that they have to do. While driving a new car can be fun, buying a car is a process that requires time and research. By using the following information, you’ll be well on your way to making the best purchase possible.

Have a clear understanding of what those upgrades will cost you. Purchasing the fancy stereo, leather seats and DVD player might be appealing, but those options can add a significant amount to the price of your car. Take some time to think about how much you really need the upgrades, and only purchase the ones you will use the most.

When negotiating cost, think about the entire price, rather than the monthly payment. The dealer can set the monthly payments at any amount, but this will extend your terms, resulting in a very high purchase price. Rather, concentrate on getting the lowest overall cost for the car. Then you can figure out what the monthly payment you can afford is.

You should hire a trustworthy mechanic to look at the vehicle you are interested in. If the owners don’t allow this, then it is best that you do not buy it. This could mean you have to pay for problems that aren’t evident at the time. You want to avoid falling into these without being aware of them beforehand.

When you go shopping for a new car, have someone else go with you. They can be an extra set of ears, along with being more reasonable about leaving when hearing a deal that doesn’t benefit you. You can take your significant other with you, your mom or dad, or a 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.

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.

Make sure to take your time. Even if you are really excited about buying a car, don’t run out and buy it on the same day. Make sure that you have taken the time to do research on safety, repairs and other factors before doing something you might end up regretting.

Shop for a car towards the end of a month. Everyone has a quota to meet each month. Some salespeople want to make a deal because they are desperate to meet their monthly goal.

Do not base your car buying decision solely on price. While price is certainly important, so is the reputation of the dealership. You want to find a place that is known for great customer service and standing behind the cars they sell in case you have any problems down the road.

Check for dealer incentives. You might want to call ahead to a few different dealerships to find out which promotions; they are running that may benefit you. Do that before going out to a million different spots. Just use the phone and ask them personally, and you may be able to save more on your car.

If you have a certain model in mind, call to see if there is one on the dealer’s lot. If you go without calling, the salesperson may try to sell you a car that you don’t want. Make sure, though, that the car is there for you. Call them beforehand and ask.

How the staff at a dealership treats you when you arrive and thereafter show a lot about how they work. If the same salesperson takes you from start to finish, you have a good lot. If they pass you off to a high pressure “closer,” you might want to head to another location.

Research the resale value of the car you are considering. This way, when the time comes to sell the car you are buying, you will be able to get a decent amount of money back out of it. You do not want to end up stuck with a car because you owe more than you can sell it for.

Know the incentives available before starting the negotiation process. Research and understand what incentives may be offered. These may include rebates, trade-in values, warranties and many other offers. You can haggle much better if you’re aware of what they’re offering before going to the lot.

Before committing to a new vehicle, check with your insurance provider for an estimate. Once you find the price you will pay on premiums, you may rethink the car. You want to figure out which vehicle will not only give you good insurance rates but is also listed at a price you can afford.

When you want a car with certain features, you may have to special order it, but you may not be able to if the car comes from overseas. That said, the dealer may be able to call other lots to find the exact model you want and have it brought over for you, so ask for that option.

Check your credit score before you head to the dealership to make a car purchase. Even if you are doing well financially at this time, you may not be able to afford the high finance charges that are associated with less than stellar credit. It would be difficult to go to a dealer, fall in love with a car and then fond out you cannot afford the finance charges.

When it comes to car buying, people are faced with tough decisions. You must educate yourself on the process if you want to be happy with your purchase. Refer to the information you’ve just learned to help you make that next great car purchase.