There are people out there that know a lot about cars and know exactly how much every make and model of car are worth. Most people do not. Don’t feel ashamed if you need help. Start by using the tips from this article.

If you pay the sticker price, you are basically throwing money at the dealer. In fact, you should never purchase a car for the listed price. These prices are high to allow negotiating room for the seller.

You should have a good idea of the kind of vehicle you want before going to a dealership. Look online to find what would work best for your personal situation. This can help you see the price range of the car you want so that you won’t get tricked by a slick salesman.

You should always have someone go with you when going car shopping. They may hear things you miss and will help make it easier to turn down a deal, should it be an unfavorable one. This can be any relative, a co-worker or a friend.

Car Shopping

Expect that car shopping will take a good chunk of time. Don’t go car shopping if you’re pressed for time. You should set aside the entire afternoon for that. If you do not have a lot of time, you can always come back.

If you are wanting to buy a new car, you should ask your bank for financing before you go to the dealership. This is simply for your own peace of mind. In some cases, your dealership will help you secure a low interest rate but it is good to know about the interest rates that would be available through your bank.

Don’t overlook a test drive. Even if you are sure that you want a particular make and model, take the few minutes needed to test drive it. Nothing can substitute your actual experience with the car. It could be that the car doesn’t ride as smoothly as you like or doesn’t handle as you were expecting.

Ask if you can have an independent mechanic do an inspection. This mechanic needs to be one you can trust. The mechanic should be someone that you hand pick personally. He should tell you both if it’s a good deal and whether it is ready to be driven.

Avoid signing as-is warranties when you buy a used vehicle. It can be a very bad choice. At minimum, a dealer should provide you with a warranty of 30-90 days upon purchasing any vehicle. If the vehicle needs a major repair a day or two after you buy it, you will have to pay for the repair.

Consider fuel economy during your car buying process. More economical cars may cost more upfront, but you can save thousands on gas over the next five years. Think about budgeting in the long term, rather than what you want to spend.

Before purchasing a vehicle, talk with your insurance agent about estimate cost for insurance coverage. A car that looks affordable in itself might not prove so once you find out your new premiums. Look for a vehicle that will balance price with low insurance rates.

Do you know which rebates are offered? Rebates are a common promotional tool used to stimulate quick and easy sales. If the dealership is less reputable, they will simply pocket the rebate.

Buying a car near the end of a calendar month can prove advantageous. There are monthly quotas that all dealerships are trying to meet. If you purchase your car during the last week of the month, salespeople will try generating more sales so they can meet their quotas. Sometimes, you can use this to your advantage and negotiate a better price on the car you want.

Don’t agree to a dealer’s sales discount on a vehicle based on YOUR beliefs of what your car is worth; rather, do your research. You will be able to know what dollar amount you can possibly get from the deal, and this can help you in figuring out an acceptable price for the new vehicle.

Make sure to do your research before going to a dealership. You can find online vehicle comparison websites as well as consumer magazines to help you discover a car that fits your needs. Here, you will also find what standard features come with the vehicle, as well as any available options. You’ll be a better negotiator as a result.

Shopping for a new car should not be overwhelming. You now have the information you need to make a great buying decision. By paying the best price for your dream vehicle, you are going to be more satisfied while driving it. Have a great time shopping for a vehicle!