Have you wanted to go car shopping but don’t know where to begin? Where do you begin, and when do you find the time to do it? It could be anything. Do not waste your resources hunting for vehicles, use this advice instead. Keep reading to learn more.

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, ever skip the test drive when you are car shopping. You have to get behind the wheel of that car and see how it feels before committing to a buying it. Make sure you try a variety of driving conditions, including surface streets and interstate driving. Do not forget to try pulling it into a parking space in a shopping center.

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.

Know your limits. Before you start shopping for your next car or truck, decide how much you can afford to pay, and stick to it. Don’t forget to include interest in your calculations. You can expect to pay around 20 percent as a down payment as well, so be prepared.

Shop around before you even go to the dealership. If you spend some time on local dealer’s websites, you can learn about incentives that are offered. If you know what one dealership is offering, you can use it as a negotiating point and may be able to get a better deal.

If you aren’t confident you can resist high-pressure sale pitches, do not go car shopping alone. Ask a friend or family member to come with you and help you make the right decision. Tell your companion your priorities and budget goals in advance of your trip.

Once you know how much you have to spend, find out about the cars within that range. Learn about the car itself, its miles per gallon, number of doors, trunk space, driver’s reviews, safety record and how frequently it needs repairs on average. Assign each a rating and go for those at the top of the list.

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.

Talk to your friends and neighbors before buying your car. Ask what their experience was like with various dealerships, and visit only the dealerships that you are hearing positive things about. This can save you a lot of hassle while you are shopping and make your car buying experience that much more pleasant.

When purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle that comes with a warranty, make sure you read the fine print. Most warranties on these vehicles only cover power-train and don’t cover much else. There are also cases in which the warranty may not be transferable which would make it void in your case.

It is illegal for a dealer ship to roll back the odometer on any car they sell. Even if they put a new motor in the car, it is still illegal. If you suspect that a dealer is not stating the correct mileage on a car, leave and shop elsewhere.

An excellent time to go car shopping is the last week of the month. Salesmen want to make their monthly goals and making one more sale might just put them over the count they needed. Wait a couple of days to deal with them; when the month comes to an end, you are more likely to come away with the best deal.

Be wary of financing if you plan to get another car soon. If you want to get a car without putting any money down, and plan to get a new car in a year or two, you’re setting yourself up to carry balances from car to car. You’ll end up paying more than the car is worth.

Your first offer should be at or very close to the invoice price of the vehicle. This likely be rejected, but will start the negotiation process in your favor. At some point, the salesperson will likely step out to speak to a manager. When they return, if the price is within your price range, accept. If not, continue negotiations. If you have not reached an agreement within 2 or 3 tries, it may be time to cut your losses and try another dealer.

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.

When you want to buy a car, do your research online. You can find out about all the makes and models available on the car brand’s website. You can even find the dealer’s site and peruse the cars on the lot. Some dealers even offer specials through their site, so check those out too.

Now that you have a clearer picture about what it takes to get a great deal, you should be less fearful and intimidated by the idea of shopping for a vehicle. Finding a car that fits your needs is important in this day and age. Use what you’ve learned to secure the best deal.