Have you ever gone to a dealership to buy a car and felt like you were just totally not being treated fairly? Pretty much everyone has been in that situation, and there is no need to settle for this. Keep reading to find out more about how you can better take control in finding the deal for you.

You should take the car-buying process very seriously. Many people are so happy about the prospect of buying a car that they do not think of the seriousness of the task. Buying a car is a serious financial investment, and you should do all you can to remain businesslike.

Go into the dealership with a bottom line price in mind. The salesman might try to focus on the monthly payments or financing terms, but your goal should be to get the price you want on the car you want. You can always negotiate the financing terms later, or even finance with your own bank outside of the dealership.

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.

Have a friend or family member that sells cars come along with you as you search for a new car. Car salesmen can be very aggressive, but if they know that you are with a fellow salesman you will have an easier time getting the deal that you want and deserve.

When negotiating a deal on your new car, have online information in hand. There are many sites that will provide you with things like invoice pricing and incentives, and this information can prove valuable as you negotiate your price. Print it out and bring it to the car dealership, so there is no question about the accuracy of what you are saying.

Although some sites suggested not test driving a vehicle because of the emotional attachment that can happen, it is never a good idea to purchase something without trying it out. Take at least a fifteen minute long test drive to really get a feel for how the car handles and how comfortable the car truly is.

Always take any used car you are thinking of buying to a mechanic that you trust. Do not take the dealers word that the car is in good condition. They might have only owned the car for a few days or bought it from an auction. They really have very little knowledge of the vehicle you are trying to buy.

Don’t let the salesperson know you have a trade in until you have a firm sales price in hand. Some dealers will inflate the price if they think you’re trading in a car, so they can offer you a lot for the trade in, which is, then balanced by the new price they give on the car they’re selling.

Understand that introductory terms are just that, introductory. Therefore, know what to expect afterwards, and assess your budget to make sure that it accommodates it nicely. If you don’t, you could find yourself getting duped by one of the oldest tricks in the book. Don’t let that happen to you!

Sort through car prices online as well as your surrounding area. Prices differ from zip code to zip code so make sure you find the best deal. Looking at price trends online will help to give you an idea of which cities offer the best prices.

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.

Be careful when it comes to leasing a vehicle. You can encounter huge expenses if you go over the mileage that is stated in the contract and if you cause any damage to the interior. Avoid leasing if you drive a lot or can not ensure that you will stick to a certain number of miles each year.

Hone your negotiation skills before you go to the lot. Practice with friends and family to help you prepare for the big day. Read online to find out what sort of sales tactics dealers use. This will give you the answer to any question they ask, keeping the power in your hands.

Make sure you inform yourself not only on the car industry, but also the specifics of the car dealer industry. They have some tricks they use to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. Be sure to keep an eye out for things like unneeded warranties, or insurance straight from the dealership.

Make sure you ask whoever is selling a car what kind of work has been done on it. You also want to be sure to go over it very carefully to see if you need to do any work. Bring along a friend that knows about these things if you’re not totally sure what to look for.

When negotiating terms of a car note, think about your budget seriously. Don’t max out your budget with a car payment or settle for what you can afford. Undershoot the payment, so you can pay more each month, saving yourself on interest and paying the car off much faster.

Test drive the competition’s cars. Most people only test drive the car they want. To get the full story, it is best to also test drive directly-comparable cars offered by other car makers. It will give you the opportunity to compare the key differences and to give you confidence in your choice.

You should now not ever feel like you’re walking into a bad deal when at a dealership. You know plenty more information now that will cause red flags if you hear something that isn’t right. Utilize the advice you’ve read, and get started finding the right automobile and the right terms for you.