Want to get the best car at the best price? Dealing with salespeople is not easy, but you should be able to get the car you want if you prepare yourself in advance. You simply need to go to the dealership prepared.

When you are going to buy a car, you need to know ahead of time which features are essential for you in the car. Have a clear picture of what you want, so you can search for the right price as well as the right car for your needs.

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.

Rather than buying a brand-new car, purchase a lightly used one that is only a couple of years old. Many cars come with transferable warranties that last for three years or 36,000 miles. You will save a significant amount over buying new, and the warranty will give you peace of mind for the first year or so.

Do not make the mistake of believing that you have to pay the full asking price for a used car. There should always be room for negotiation. if a car has been on the market for a while with no buyers, that will make the seller more likely to accept an offer of less than they are asking for.

When overbearing salespeople are difficult for you to handle, take someone with you when you shop. Bring along a friend or relative to help you negotiate prices and ask important questions. You should talk to your friends or family member about your budget and needs before you head out to the dealership.

Take an extended test drive. Don’t just take it for a quick spin through the neighborhood by yourself. Instead, enlist everyone who will be regularly riding in the car to share their opinions. Ask the dealer for a full afternoon test drive so that you have the chance to take it on the freeway to check things like the pickup and the blind spots, and spend some time really feeling the comfort of the interior.

Make sure that when you are car shopping that you know what you’re looking for first. Call around to some of the dealerships and see if they have something you’d be interested in. You may also be able to find their website and check out the vehicles before spending time going up there.

Ask your dealer to let you take the car to your mechanic. This should be someone you trust. Never use one recommended by the car dealer. He should tell you both if it’s a good deal and whether it is ready to be driven.

Talk to your bank or credit union before you head out to the dealership when you are in the market for a car. Find out how much of a loan you are eligible for. This way, you will know how much you can afford to spend, and you will know what kind of car to look for.

Figure out how much you can afford on a car payment before you get there. If you wait, your eyes will be big, and you will be willing to pay anything to get what you want. Start out with a firm figure and do not allow yourself to be moved by anything the salesman says.

When purchasing a car, be wary of the age and mileage warranty of the vehicle. In most cases, you are likely to hit the mileage first so make sure you understand exactly how long you are likely to be covered before making a decision on what vehicle you will purchase.

Make sure you allow time before making a purchase of a car that has been newly released. The cost will be higher than if you wait. Allow some time to pass to let the excitement wane.

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.

Visit an insurance agent in order to receive an estimated cost of coverage prior to buying your desired vehicle. Once you find the price you will pay on premiums, you may rethink the car. Look for a vehicle that will balance price with low insurance rates.

Talk with an insurance company and have them on standby for your purchase. You can’t drive an uninsured car off the lot and you do not want the insurance that the dealerships offer. Instead, when they propose their insurance, simply hand them your provider’s card and ask them to call.

When you buy a car, you must know about its fuel economy. You don’t want to drive a vehicle which was cheap to buy but expensive to run! Find a car which is a happy medium of low initial investment plus reduced cost to fill the tank. The better the MPG, the happier you’ll be.

Did you know that the EPA levies a tax against cars which have a miles per gallon rating of less than 21.5? This could be as much as $7,700 per year for the worst offenders! Find out whether or not the car you buy will be taxed before you buy it.

Look into financing before searching for vehicles. You will know what is in your budget. This will also keep you from being enticed by low down/monthly payment offers on cars that are out of your price range.

If you are eligible for a great rate on an auto loan from a car dealership for the purchase of your vehicle consider the length of time the loan is for. If you can pay off your car sooner, you can save money by reducing the interest you pay, even if that interest is at a low rate. For instance, you can ask the car dealership whether a five-year loan can be reduced to a three-year loan at the same rate.

Now that you’ve finished this article, you know better how to go about car shopping. You’ll be prepared for anything. Remember the helpful advice you’ve read, and get started.