Have you wanted to go car shopping but don’t know where to begin? Are you way too busy, or not even sure where to begin? Don’t get stuck wasting precious time and money looking for cars and follow this guide. You will be given all the information you need.
Always bring a mechanic along when shopping for a new vehicle. Car dealers are notorious for selling lemons and you do not want to be their next victim. If you can not get a mechanic to look at cars with you, at least be sure that you have him look at your final choice before you buy it.
Never buy a car on your first purchase to the showroom. Every car dealer will try to get you to walk out with a new set of keys in hand. While this may be tempting, understand that this is a big purchase. Take your time shopping around and make sure that the deal you’re being offered is really the best one for you.
Before you make an offer on any car, you need to learn all you can about the dealership. You will have more negotiating power if you know how they operate and what finance options they offer. Reading customer reviews can also give you a good picture of what you may be getting into.
Be flexible. While you should head to the car dealership with a good idea of what you are looking for, it can pay to have a little wiggle room. Try to have several makes or models that fit your needs, and you can choose the best deal when you find out what is available at your particular dealer
If you are paying a high payment on a luxury vehicle right now, do not take that car with you. If the staff see that car, they’ll think you’re made of money. Borrow a car if you have to.
Work on your credit score before you buy a car. A bad credit score means higher interest fees. That will result in a higher monthly car bill. And in some cases, that will result in higher premiums for car insurance. Get your credit in order so you aren’t locked into high fees for the life of your car loan.
Bring someone with you. Your friend can advise you if you’re acting irrationally. Ask them ahead of time to keep their eyes and ears open for any flaws that they might notice as well.
If you are looking to purchase a used car, it is of the utmost importance that you get a copy of the vehicle maintenance and repair history. This will allow you to see what has been done to the car, and if it has been in any serious accidents.
It is a good idea to do plenty of research on cars before you ever go to a dealership. The more you know about a particular model, the better you can judge whether it is right for you. There are many online resources that let you compare different brands and models.
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.
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.
There are many valuable resources available online. You really do not have to visit an actual car dealer. Try looking at online classifieds or auction sites, if possible. You can save tons of cash and avoid pressure sales you’d get at a dealership.
Try to avoid an as-is warranty at all costs when car shopping. It can be a very bad choice. You should have at least a 60 day warranty in place upon purchase. You will have no recourse of a major repair is needed immediately after you drive away from the dealer’s lot.
Avoid the warranty options offered by car dealers on used cars. They are almost always overpriced and usually do not cover the more expensive repairs that you would want to have done Instead, purchase your warranty separately from a trusted warranty company that you find on your own. If you do not know of any, ask a friend or family member for advice.
When you are looking for a used vehicle, you should avoid any cars with high mileage. People will tell you that they drove on the highway or that they drove responsibly, but you really don’t know. Even if you like the car, avoid buying it if the mileage is too high.
An excellent time to go car shopping is the last week of the month. You may be the last sale the dealer needs to make the quota for the month. Begin the process of negotiating on price two or three days before the month ends. This will give you time to make a wise decision and get a great deal.
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.
Now that you know some in-depth information on car shopping, you should find your great car easily. Getting a car you enjoy is essential. Don’t allow that car to slip away and start practicing the advice you just got.