Buying a car is not something that you should take lightly. Car shopping can be about picking out a car that you like, of course, but keep in mind that the car you choose has to protect your family in the case of an accident, and has to be able to get you where you need to go. Here are some wise suggestions to consider when car shopping.

When shopping for a car, it’s important that you are aware of your needs beforehand. How much do you have to spend? How many passengers do you expect to have? Is fuel economy a particular concern? Do you want a two-door car or a four-door car? Get it all down on paper, and bring it with you when shopping so that you don’t forget.

Prior to visiting a dealership, you should have some idea of what kind of vehicle you want. You should do some research online to learn more about different kinds of vehicles before you make your decision. You can also get a good idea of the expected price range of your desired car, so you won’t be caught unawares by a slick salesperson.

If you are in the market for a used car, a great way to tell if the speedometer is correct is to look at the gas and brake pedals. If someone says the car has 30,000 miles on it, and the brake and gas pedals are worn, it is a good indication the odometer was turned back.

Remember to consider fuel economy when deciding on your budget for buying a car. For instance, you may think it is wise to buy a vehicle with a V-8 engine and towing capability. But you should consider how often you will be using the towing feature and how often you will need the extra horsepower a V-8 offers.

Figure out how much you can afford on a car payment before you get there. If you wait, your eyes will be big, and you will be willing to pay anything to get what you want. Start out with a firm figure and do not allow yourself to be moved by anything the salesman says.

While you may want to buy a car today, buying off the lot may mean that they don’t have a car with the features you desire. You can always ask them to call affiliated dealerships to see if they have the car on the lot, but don’t sound desperate or they’ll raise the price.

Speak with the car dealer about his return policy. You may even want to get the policy in writing. Even if you have test driven the car and everything seems fine, you never know what could happen later that day or week. It’s important that you know what the dealer’s policy is on returning it in case something should happen.

Whenever buying a certified pre-owned vehicle, try and find out what the return policy is, or even if one exists. If one does, make sure you understand how long it is and whether or not you will get registration and licence fees refunded along with sales tax for the vehicle.

When it comes to purchasing a car, whether new or pre-owned, you need to beef up on your negotiation skills. Cars are intentionally marked up because the sellers understand that a negotiation must take place. So make sure you NEVER pay sticker price for your vehicle and if you can’t haggle, get someone to do it for you.

Consider fuel economy during your car buying process. A car with better gas mileage may be more expensive, but it will save you more money over the years. Consider this when you’re thinking of getting a new vehicle and consider your budget long term as well.

Ask about the mechanics at your dealer. Find out what other customers have to say. Call the department up and get advice from them. You should pick the dealer that has the best answer.

Try to avoid being taken to a “closing” room. When reaching the final stages of negotiation, many salespeople take the customer to a separate room, and sometimes even a separate “closing” salesperson. Try to avoid this if possible, staying in the open where you are less likely to be intimidated.

Bring up the fact that you have a trade in after you have negotiated a fixed price. While you might not get top dollar for the vehicle, that is okay. You are close to getting the deal you want, so giving a little is okay in this instance. Now, you must make the sale.

When shopping for a new car, keep in mind what are your needs. Seeing many new cars can be distracting for a shopping, and you don’t want to walk away with something that isn’t practical. Even though the new sports car may look and drive nicely, it wouldn’t be practical to be used as a family car.

Ask the dealer to include a 72 hour grace period to return the car in the contract. It is almost impossible to learn everything there is to know about a vehicle during the shopping process, but major flaws usually show themselves in the first couple of days. If they are not willing to do this you should steer clear of them altogether.

Since purchasing a vehicle, new or used, is a significant investment, it is important that you explore your options thoroughly. A good starting point is determining what your budget is for this purchase and how you will finance this purchase if you do not have enough money saved to make full payment up front. By knowing how much you can afford to pay each month, you can narrow down your choices when you start actually shopping for your next automobile.

Your car is a big part of your life. You need a vehicle that can help you to get around, keep you safe, look good, and save you money. The choice you make will be with you for a long time, so it is important that you do what you can to make sure your choice is a good one. Use the tips here and you will be sure to make the best choice for you.