A car represents one of the most substantial purchases you are likely to make in a given year. The key to striking the best deal and getting the vehicle you need is to spend some time doing your research. Use the advice that follows below and you will have the facts you need to make a smart decision.
You should not buy a used car without having a good third-party mechanic look at it first. If your dealer does not want to do this, turn around and go somewhere else. A professional mechanic is going to be able to give you objective feedback about the state of the car, including signs of previous wrecks or exposure to flood waters.
If you are in the position to buy a new car, you should think about the vehicle’s gas mileage, as that will affect your overall budget. For instance, you may want an automobile with a V-8 engine and the ability to tow. This can help you to maximize on the features that you are presented with.
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.
Make sure that when you are car shopping that you know what you’re looking for first. Call around to some of the dealerships and see if they have something you’d be interested in. You may also be able to find their website and check out the vehicles before spending time going up there.
Be cautious about giving out your social security number. Dealers request this information so they can run a credit report on you. Multiple credit report requests can damage your overall chances of getting a low interest rate. Wait until you have a sure deal before you fill out the part of the application that requires the Social Security number.
If you have a specific car in mind, call the dealership first to see if they have one available. If you just drive there, the salesman’s job is to just get you to buy a car. If you need a certain car they don’t have, don’t waste your time going down to that lot. Call ahead and find out.
Don’t tie yourself into one make or model, but also avoid opening yourself to every single car. You should go into a dealership with a goal-orientated flexibility. This means that you need to research two or three cars beforehand and then be willing to switch between these based on the best negotiation.
If you’re buying a used vehicle, you need to make sure you get a record of any accidents it may have had with previous owners. Just because a car looks good doesn’t mean that it’s in tip-top shape. The dealerships have a nasty habit of making things look better than they really are.
If you know what kind of car, you want, and you know what dealership you want to go through, give them a call before you go. This way, the dealer can have the car ready for a test drive when you get there. It will save you and the dealer time that could be spent negotiating.
Prices of cars are often listed on dealer websites. There are different prices in different zip codes, so you might find a much better deal in a nearby city. This will allow you to get the most for your money.
Never buy a car without test driving it first. That even includes brand new cars and trucks. Not only do you want to make sure the car is mechanically sound, you also want to see how the car fits you. Decide if the car “feels” right. Some cars are not designed for taller people, for instance.
Check your credit score before you head to the dealership to make a car purchase. Even if you are doing well financially at this time, you may not be able to afford the high finance charges that are associated with less than stellar credit. It would be difficult to go to a dealer, fall in love with a car and then fond out you cannot afford the finance charges.
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.
Make it a rule that you must test drive the exact car that you are considering buying. There can be problems that do not show up until you reach a certain speed or need to do a certain maneuver. You’ll want to check out as much of the car as possible, including test driving, to avoid problems after you’ve made your purchase.
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.
Do you want to buy new or used? There are certain situations that might make it better for you to buy new, but if your budget does not allow for it, there are great used deals as well. Learn about warranties and rebates on both new and used before you begin shopping.
Decide on at least three different models that you like and shop for each one to net you the best deal. This will allow you to negotiate three deals and then choose the one that fits you best. Although this will take time, you can rest assured that you will get the best deal possible.
New car shopping is stressful simply because it involves spending such a great deal of money. Education is critical to making a wise choice, given the abundance of choices available. Review the information above as needed, and the process really can be easier than you may have ever imagined it could be.