Are you considering buying a new car, truck or SUV? Do you know what kind of car you want? Do you know how to get the best deal on that vehicle? The information you find in the article below will assist you in all things that come into play when buying a car.

The key to smart car shopping is to have all your needs listed before you leave the house. Do you know what you can afford? How many passengers do you need to drive around? What mileage are you looking for? Do you want a car with two or four doors? Make a list of everything you want, and take it with you so nothing is forgotten.

What can you afford? You have to understand exactly how much money you have every month to not only pay for the car lease, but also insurance, licensing costs, gas, and repairs. Everything must be covered every single month or else you’ll have to reduce the amount you have to spend on the car itself.

Don’t forget to look into the cost of parts for a vehicle before you buy it. Some cars, especially imports, cost significantly more to maintain than others. Investigate the cost of parts that wear out frequently, such as tires, brakes, and windshield wiper blades. Research the cost of alternators, spark plugs, and other engine components, too.

Find out about the different warranties that are available. You do not want to spend a couple thousand dollars on a warranty that is not going to cover the repairs that commonly occur. Instead, shop outside of the dealership to find one that will cover the repairs at a better price.

Do not allow anyone to intimidate you into making a purchase that may not be the right one for you. Do not fall for lines like “This will be gone if you try to buy it later.” These types of statements are usually made to sway you into make a purchase right away.

Safety features are a must when car shopping. Anti-lock brakes are crucial. It is also important to have air bags. It is vital that your car is safe.

When shopping for a car, consider how the vehicles fuel economy will affect your budget. For instance, you may think it is wise to buy a vehicle with a V-8 engine and towing capability. However, you should think about how much you will truly use that extra power.

Don’t just think about getting a car from a dealership. In fact, you may be able to buy a car from a used lot or private seller. Take advantage of classified ads and websites intended to help you identify sources for the car you want.

If the price of a car is non-negotiable, see if you can negotiate on other terms. Some dealerships will agree to provide several months’ worth of free gasoline or a year of free oil changes, for instance. It never hurts to ask if a salesman can sweeten the deal.

Test drive more than one car before you buy it. Any new car is going to feel fantastic if you’re used to driving an old one. Think seriously about how the ride feels, where the buttons are located, and how much of the road you are able to see. Test-driving more than one car will help you realize where you want to be.

One important thing to keep in mind is the overall average value of cars in your country. By knowing the general value, you can see if the car lot where you are shopping is overcharging or not. If you feel all their prices are too high, simply move on to the next one.

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.

Watch out for dealership advertising fees. These are often tacked on to new car purchases, and you should not have to pay them. Car dealerships have to advertise as part of doing business, and many shoppers who challenge this fee will win. If your salesman will not remove this fee, ask to speak with a manager.

A dealer with a great reputation may offer you a better deal than one which advertises great prices. You may find that a dealer who people like to buy from offers perks which aren’t available elsewhere, including reduced pressure sales tactics and lower overall price due to freebies thrown in to the sale.

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.

Research the laws in your state when it comes to purchasing a bad car. There are some states that have lemon laws. They will protect you from buying a car that isn’t in great condition and not being able to get a refund. Not every state has these laws, which is why it is important for you to do your research.

Don’t ever buy a car the first day you find it and check it out. Give yourself at least a day to sleep on it and think of anything else you can to help you secure a better deal. Waiting with patience will fare you much better in the long run.

You should now have a better understanding of the best steps to take when buying a car. Preparing yourself before you even begin the haggling process will help you get a great deal on a vehicle of any kind. Use what you have learned here and head to the dealership to buy your new or used car.