Cars come in many varieties. There are new cars, used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. Buying just one of these kinds of vehicles warrants good decision making, as the car is a life long investment. You can make wiser purchasing decisions by reading this article, as it contains advice that can be applied to car shopping.

When buying a used car, a great way to tell if the car has been in an accident is to look into the door frames. Usually when a car is repainted, you will notice over spray in this area. This is not proof that a car was in an accident, but it will let you know it was repainted.

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.

Check out the maker’s site if you want to customize your car. While the cars on the dealership lot may be the kind of car, you want, a number of car manufacturers give you the opportunity to customize the car a bit with color and features. You may have to wait a few weeks more to get your car, but it might be worth it.

Before signing any contract take the time to read every line, including the fine print. If there is anything listed that you do not understand, do not sign until you get an answer that you understand. Unsavory salesmen can use a contract to insert many fees that were not discussed.

Look at cars online. You will be able to locate nearly any car you want on the Internet. Find out all you are able to about the cars you are interested in before you go and look at them. You can look on the Internet for information like MPG, specifications, resell value, size and ratings.

Take your time when buying a new car and do your homework. Do not be afraid to get up and walk away from a deal. Don’t fall in love with a specific car. If the numbers the dealer is giving you are not what you want, just walk away.

Understand the financing office. Most dealerships make the bulk of their money in the financing office. Your interest rate, extended warranties and other add ons are all sold at a premium once you are in there. Understand this, and select any of those options carefully. Most are not necessary for the average car owner.

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.

The best deals can be found online. The car dealership is no longer necessary. Rather, check out classified advertisements, Craigslist and even eBay. It is possible to get a great deal and sidestep the high pressure tactics of traditional dealers.

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.

Investigate cash rebates and discounts you are eligible for. Sometimes, there are discounts for veterans and students, for example. There are all kinds of discounts and rebates that are often run. Do a little research and find out if you qualify for any of the special deals that are available. That could save you some money on your car.

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.

While the dealership that you buy your vehicle through will offer financing, check into your options. Get a loan quote from your bank or a credit union. Oftentimes, they will offer better rates than the dealership. This will allow you to bring those quote to the dealership’s financial officer and negotiate a lower rate.

Try not to purchase a car when it is brand new to the market. The sooner you try to purchase a vehicle after it is released, the more you can expect to pay. Allow some time to pass to let the excitement wane.

When you are looking for a used vehicle, you should avoid any cars with high mileage. People will tell you that they drove on the highway or that they drove responsibly, but you really don’t know. Even if you like the car, avoid buying it if the mileage is too high.

If a car salesman tells you, a deal is only good for today, do not fall prey to this trick. Dealerships like to put a sense of urgency into the negotiation process in order to get you to make a hasty decision. This always works to their benefit, and it rarely works to yours. If a deal is offered to you today, any reputable dealership will extend it to you tomorrow.

Remember, many kinds of cars exist, and you have to think carefully before you buy any type of car. The car you choose should last you for many years, therefore you have to make the right choice about the kind of car you want to buy. Keep the featured car shopping advice in mind and you’ll get the car you need.