If you are thinking about purchasing a new car or truck, then you may be worried about getting ripped off. Everyone has heard stories about car dealerships, but if you are prepared with research and information, you can feel confident about the decisions you make. Read through this article to get that information.

When sitting at the bargaining table, take the time to negotiate the price of the car before talking about your trade-in. Doing this will help you get the best price on both vehicles. To do this effectively do not discuss trade-ins until after you have settled on a price of the new vehicle.

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.

When you are ready to purchase a new vehicle, know your budget prior to visiting the dealer. Keep to this budget regardless of how much you a cajoled or what financing options you are offered. Do not let the salesperson talk you into purchasing an expensive car if you are going to spend the next years struggling to make your payments.

Research the value of your trade-in. Not only do you need to research the best price for the new car you would like to purchase, but you also need to know how much your trade-in is worth. Do your homework and find out the retail and wholesale values of your trade-in. Aim to get the retail value from the dealer.

Never turn over your trade-in keys to the salesperson before the deal is finalized. Some pushy salespeople will hang onto them in an effort to pressure you into hearing them out, even after you have turned down a deal. Keep the keys in your possession and only hand them over when the deal is done.

Remember that you have the option to purchase a vehicle from somewhere other than a dealership. You might find the ideal vehicle from a smaller lot, or even an individual seller. Make sure you scan the local papers and social networking sites so you’re able to make your search as effective as possible.

Bring someone with you. Your friend can offer you an unbiased opinion. Take them along with you during the test drive, and ask them to tell you any negatives they see.

Stand firm on your down payment. Cars can be sold with no down payment; however, some money down will help the final cost. Be wary of sellers who ask you to increase your down payment. This extra money will typically only go into the pocket of the salesperson and dealership, and does not help your bottom line.

Wait until a new model isn’t so new, if you really want it. There’s no point in being the first person with the latest car, if you have to pay more for it. Usually, prices go down after the initial launch. So, if you can hold off your excitement for a few weeks or more, you may get a better deal.

It is illegal for a dealer ship to roll back the odometer on any car they sell. Even if they put a new motor in the car, it is still illegal. If you suspect that a dealer is not stating the correct mileage on a car, leave and shop elsewhere.

Sit down and write a list of what you want in a vehicle. There should be a separation between things you need and things you want. If you find a car that meets all of your needs, you should not hesitate because it does not have every single thing that you want.

Understand that introductory terms are just that, introductory. Therefore, know what to expect afterwards, and assess your budget to make sure that it accommodates it nicely. If you don’t, you could find yourself getting duped by one of the oldest tricks in the book. Don’t let that happen to you!

Make sure you allow time before making a purchase of a car that has been newly released. If you get it the minute it comes out, you’ll pay more than you normally would. After a few months or even a year, the hype will subside and you can get a much better deal.

Before you make your final selection of a car, talk to your insurance agent. Some types of vehicles can cause your insurance to go up significantly. This increase in monthly insurance premiums might leave less in your budget to afford the car of your dreams. By having a clear understanding of the total cost to own the car, you can make an educated decision.

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.

Ask the car dealer about the previous owner. The previous owner’s age alone can usually tell you a lot about how the vehicle would have been driven and cared for. For example, teenagers are notorious for not getting repairs when they are needed and usually have a small accident or two.

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.

Now that you are prepared and informed, you are ready to go out and find the right car at the perfect price point. Don’t forget these tips, and if you feel you are being pressured, step back and go through the article again. It is here for you whenever you need it!