Are you interested in buying a car but are unclear about the process? Maybe your schedule is just too hectic, or you aren’t sure what you should be looking for. Don’t get stuck wasting precious time and money looking for cars and follow this guide. Keep reading to learn more.

Make a wish list of cars that you are interested in. You have seen many cars in advertisements and on the road. It should be easy for you to build a solid list of vehicles that would suit your style. You can add a couple of dream cars that seem out of your range; however, be realistic about what you can afford.

Bring a spare set of keys with you to the dealership. When they ask for the keys to your trade in, give them the spare. Some dealerships will use your car keys to hold you hostage if a deal is not made. You want to avoid this, so make sure you have the ability to walk out of the dealership at any time without having to ask for your keys.

Those of you who are in the market for a certified pre-owned vehicle would be wise to check the cars certification checklist. This will allow you to be sure that all components have been inspected and everything is in order allowing you to buy with a great deal of confidence.

Check out multiple dealerships for the car you desire. Once you select which make and model you want, don’t just stick to the closest lot. If there are multiple dealers of that brand, check them all out. Don’t forget to check out used lots as well, they often offer great bargains on cars which will drive for a long time to come.

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.

Check for dealer incentives. You might want to call ahead to a few different dealerships to find out which promotions; they are running that may benefit you. Do that before going out to a million different spots. Just use the phone and ask them personally, and you may be able to save more on your car.

While purchasing a used car often is a great deal, don’t forget that it carries some real risk. While you may be happy with the $5,000, you saved, if you need to buy a new engine in 6 months, you really haven’t saved anything. Always be cautious when buying used.

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.

If you don’t have friends or family in your area to ask for advice from, check the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out how the dealers in your area are dealing with customers. This will allow you to at least remove those with many complaints from your list of options.

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 in the finance office, read your final contract thoroughly. Many dealerships will try to rush you through this step, and they may change important information or financing terms as a result. Make sure the terms are exactly what you agreed to. If they are not, ask them to make changes before you sign anything.

If you see two price stickers on a car in a lot, you might want to head to a different location. This is a sign of a high pressure sales force who wants you to buy all the bells and whistles. If you think you can withstand their tactics, you can stay, but you may not get the best deal there.

Calculate the yearly mileage you will be driving. This will help you decide if you should lease a vehicle or purchase a vehicle outright. If you normally drive less than 1,000 miles a month, you should consider a lease. A leased car generally has lower payments than a car purchased outright.

Review the car’s “hidden” costs. This includes insurance, gas, maintenance and more. Repair costs can also add to the cost of owning a car. These are all factors that can make your ownership cost vary significantly.

Even if you have had your heart set on buying a particular vehicle, try to keep an open mind. There are many people who get so fixated on one car that they allow better deals to slip through their fingers. Look at other cars that are similar to the one you want since they may be a better fit for you.

When you get financing from a dealership, you must scrutinize the contract you are offered. You need to know how much you’re being given, what the interest rate is, how soon it is due in full, how much the payments are, when the payments are due, what happens when you miss a payment, etc.

When you want to test drive a car being sold by an individual rather than a company, be certain that the vehicle currently has car insurance by asking to see the insurance card. A legitimate seller should not have terminated car insurance on a vehicle that he is selling because anticipating that potential buyers will want to test drive the car is part of a sensible car sale transaction.

Now that you know some in-depth information on car shopping, you should find your great car easily. Finding the car that meets your needs is essential in our modern world. Use what you just learned and do not let that car get away.