It is a real hassle to narrow down car options. It can be hard to determine the options that you really need and those you don’t. The article below can help you make good car buying decisions.

Do not make the mistake of focusing on only the monthly payment amount when you are car shopping. This can cause you to buy a more expensive car than you can really afford. You need to focus on the total cost of the vehicle itself and whether that is a good deal.

Take time to look over the dealer prior to making buying offers. You will have a negotiating advantage if you understand their trade and financing practices. Also, reading their customer reviews may help you avoid losing money.

When buying a used car, be very careful about how clean the car is. Many car salespeople have professional cleaners who can make a piece of junk look brand new. Always get the car checked by a mechanic. Even if it looks fantastic, a mechanic will be able to spot any major issues.

Visit auto shows so you have a better idea of what interests you most. Auto shows are a unique opportunity to compare many different makes side-by-side under one roof. You can also gain insights from folks who know cars well. After spending time at the car show, you will have a clearer picture of what it is that you want.

Is there a specific feature you really want? Is it, heated seats or a sunroof? Before you even approach the lot, find out which cars in your price range actually offer this feature. This will reduce the time spent on the lot looking at cars you don’t want as the feature isn’t available.

Many of the perks a dealer offers are really expensive, including rust-proofing, paint sealant and anti-theft devices. Shop around before you even approach the lot to find out what local car shops are charging for these services, and then take the quotes you get with you to either get a deal from the dealer or skip those add-ons totally.

Get a loan from your bank instead of the car dealer. A car dealership makes a lot of their income selling loans, and because of this, the loans are almost always more costly in the long run. To ensure that you pay as little as you can you should get a loan approved by a bank before you even begin looking for a vehicle.

Call the lot to see if they have the model you desire in stock. If you go there and they don’t have what you want, the salesperson will try to get you to buy a different car, even if it is not what you were looking for. You’ll just be wasting your time if they don’t have the car that you want. Call the dealer first and ask.

Speak to loved ones about who they bought their car from. Their advice should help steer you in the right direction. You can trust what they say as they are likely to be looking out for your best interests, which makes their advice far more reliable than that which you find on the internet.

Don’t overlook gas mileage. Cars that get more miles to the gallon might be worth the extra investment upfront. Keep this in mind as you choose a model.

If you ever feel like a car salesman is bullying you into making a decision, walk away. They may try to talk you into staying, but you should leave immediately. Make up an excuse if necessary. Leave if you do not feel comfortable at any point. There are many more “fish in the sea,” and you need to be happy with the people you are buying from.

Never give your trade-in’s keys to the dealer before you’ve come to an agreement. The dealer could take your keys (and thus, your car) hostage and manipulate you into an unfair deal. Always hold on to your keys and if the dealer wants to take a look inside the car, open it up for them while you hold the keys.

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.

Always check the Carfax of any vehicle you are considering before you make a purchase. This will give you a good idea of whether the vehicle you want is in any condition to be purchased. You want to avoid cars that are salvage vehicles and/or may have had the odometers rolled back.

As far as purchasing a car goes, you need to do your research. Really, you shouldn’t choose to go to a lot before doing the proper research. Learn about all the cars you are interested in. Understand the dealer and the car brand. This will better prepare you to deal with a car dealer.

Never purchase a car you have not yet test driven. You must get a car test driven so that you’re able to feel what it drives like before you spend money on buying it. If your dealership doesn’t currently have the vehicle you are looking to buy in stock, go to another.

Talk to your insurance company before visiting the dealership. Find out how much it would cost to insure the type of vehicles you are planning on looking for. It’s important to factor insurance costs into your car-buying budget because your insurance can skyrocket when you buy a brand-new vehicle if you aren’t careful.

At this point, you should know what to look for when purchasing a new vehicle. All that is now required is getting out there and starting your research. Keep in mind that you should not buy anything unless you feel totally comfortable with all aspects of the deal. Remember to use the information you discovered here.