Car shopping is something that most people have to do at some time in their life. The experience can be a good one, or it can be quite stressful. The following article contains useful tips you can use when you are car shopping and want to make the most of the experience.

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.

You want to make sure you’ve secured an automobile loan before going into the dealership. One reason car purchases take so long is because of the whole financial part. Already having a loan will speed up the whole process.

Never take a car at face value. Though you may not be a mechanic, it is a good idea to do a thorough inspection of the vehicle. An important part of the inspection is a test drive. This allows you to feel the car on the road, listen for any wayward noises and possible spot issues with performance.

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.

Keep comfort in mind when purchasing a car. So many people focus on the way the car looks and what features it has rather than paying attention to the comfort. Are the seats comfy? Can the seat be adjusted to fit your body? Take these things into consideration before getting a car.

Be on the lookout for year end specials. These specials generally start in the fourth quarter of each year and feature manufacturer set deals that remain unrivaled when compared to other deals in the year. These deals exist due to the new year and new model year, which means newer cars taking the place of older ones.

Search the Internet to find great used car deals. There isn’t a reason to go to a dealer anymore. Sites like Craigslist, eBay and online classifieds make finding a vehicle easy. Doing so can save time and money, and avoid a lot of the negatives associated with car purchases.

Wait until a new model isn’t so new, if you really want it. There’s no point in being the first person with the latest car, if you have to pay more for it. Usually, prices go down after the initial launch. So, if you can hold off your excitement for a few weeks or more, you may get a better deal.

Read before you sign. Make sure you read all the paperwork before you put your signature on it. After you have signed, your legal responsibilities are set in stone. You can always take it home with you to read it. If they won’t let you take it with you, ask them for a copy.

Call the lot to see if they have the model you desire in stock. Once you walk through a dealership’s doors, they will try to sell you anything and everything, even if it isn’t what you are really interested in. If you want something that they do not carry, you will waste your time. Make a quick call and find out the situation.

Never sign an As-is warranty when buying a used car. These type of warranties are always a bad idea. At the minimum any dealer should give you a 30 to 90 day warranty. If you sign an as-is warranty, you’ll be responsible for any repairs even if it happens as you are driving off the car lot.

When in the finance office, read your final contract thoroughly. Many dealerships will try to rush you through this step, and they may change important information or financing terms as a result. Make sure the terms are exactly what you agreed to. If they are not, ask them to make changes before you sign anything.

Calculate the yearly mileage you will be driving. This will help you decide if you should lease a vehicle or purchase a vehicle outright. If you normally drive less than 1,000 miles a month, you should consider a lease. A leased car generally has lower payments than a car purchased outright.

When deciding which vehicle you should purchase, think of where you normally drive. If you drive a lot on the highway, you should invest in a vehicle with excellent mileage for instance by choosing a hybrid. By thinking of how you will use your car, you can ensure your new car will fit your driving.

Do not simply accept a sales offer on a new vehicle based upon what you FEEL your trade-in is able to fetch. Rather, it’s imperative that you verify the actual value of the trade-in before you approach the dealer. You will be able to know what dollar amount you can possibly get from the deal, and this can help you in figuring out an acceptable price for the new vehicle.

Make a list of the cars that interest you. Once you know what kind of cars you like, you can begin narrowing the list down by price, features and reliability. It will make it easier for you to find the car that will suite your needs at a price that you can afford to pay.

There are many things you can do to make your car shopping experience a positive one. Use what you learned in this article to get the car of your dreams, all while dealing with little stress. It is possible to get a nice car and have fun doing it.