Are you shopping for a car? Do you want some ways to ensure the process is fun and simple? This is the place for you, since this article is full of great advice meant to help you enjoy the process of car buying. Read on to find out how.

Go to different dealerships before settling on one. A different dealership might be able to get you a better price on the car you want, and may be running different promotions. Try three or four in your area, and even if you have to travel a bit farther, it may be worth it.

Do not allow yourself to buy the first car that you see, even if it seems like it would be perfect for you. There are so many vehicles out there for sale that buying the first one may cause you to lose out on making a much better deal on a car you may like a bit more.

Use the Internet to shop. You will be able to view a wider selection on the Internet. While online, learn everything about the car of your choice before visiting a dealer. Everything can be found online: MPR, size, specs, and even ratings.

Form a budget prior to heading out and looking at a car. You should have a clear idea on the amount of money you can spend on a car. Get an idea what you can afford for your car payments. This is a great idea if you are going to be shopping for a car.

Those of you who are in the market for a certified pre-owned vehicle would be wise to check the cars certification checklist. This will allow you to be sure that all components have been inspected and everything is in order allowing you to buy with a great deal of confidence.

Do not get all the extras offered during the negotiation. These things include extended warranties, clear coat and fabric care options. You can generally purchase these features after you have bought the car for a fraction of the price. Also, do yo really want to be paying for these few features over the length of the loan.

Offer to purchase a car on the spot if the dealer will meet your price requirements. Offer a price that is reasonable, usually at or slightly above invoice. Come armed with information about how you came to this price, and ask for a commitment in writing that they agree to it.

Do not buy used cars without doing research first. Online resources can help you determine the value of a car. Use NADA or Kelly Blue Book to find out what the vehicle is worth. If the dealer sells the car for a lot more when you look at these sources, then you need to go elsewhere.

A certified used vehicle does not guarantee that the vehicle is in good condition. This is just a new way for car dealers to trick people into thinking that they are guaranteed a high quality used vehicle. Do not fall for it. Research certified vehicles just as you would any other to fully protect yourself.

Talk to an insurance agent to get an estimated cost before you purchase the vehicle you want. That car that seems so affordable at this point may not seem that way once you realize you will be paying a bundle on premiums. Select a vehicle that strikes the right note in terms of purchase price and insurance costs.

You need to be aware of any rebates the dealer is offering. Some dealerships offer rebates in order to sell a car quickly. Some dealerships might try to pocket the rebate if you aren’t aware of it.

If you are a female shopper and feel as though the dealership is looking down on you, exercise your right to shop elsewhere. Many dealers still have the idea that women are uninformed emotional shoppers. Prove them wrong by informing yourself and dealing only with salesmen who respect you regardless of gender.

When you get financing from a dealership, you must scrutinize the contract you are offered. You need to know how much you’re being given, what the interest rate is, how soon it is due in full, how much the payments are, when the payments are due, what happens when you miss a payment, etc.

When trading in your car for a new car, find out how much it is worth before going to the dealer. Usually the dealer will go way low on your trade. Do not fall for this trick. Have proof from NADA and Kelly Blue Book about how much your car is worth and do not accept less.

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.

If you’re considering buying an SUV, truck, or van, you’ll want to take note of the height of the vehicle. If your new vehicle is parked in a garage, you should measure how high your garage door opening is. With this information, you’ll be able to find a vehicle that will fit into your garage once you get it home.

You absolutely should never buy a car without test driving it! Not only that, you shouldn’t buy a car if you haven’t given the exact model you want a test drive. You’ll have no idea if you like a four-wheel drive model if you test out the two-wheel drive version!

Find out the value of your trade-in before you go car shopping. Trading in a vehicle can take some money off the final price, but that’s only if you know how much it’s worth. You can haggle better if you know more.

Armed with the information you learned here, you should now be ready to purchase a vehicle with confidence. You’re on your way towards choosing that sweet ride! The effort up front will be worth it!