When you car shop, it should be enjoyable. It is fun to drive around a brand new car, and buying it should be fun, too. Most people think car buying is stressful, but you don’t need to make it so. Use the advice offered below to help make the process more enjoyable.
Think about getting your car loan from your bank. Getting a car from a dealership takes a long time because your dealer needs to find you a loan. If you already have a loan, the process will take a lot less time.
Prior to setting food on a car lot, figure out your financing. Visit your local bank or credit union to do this. Doing this often nets you interest rates better than dealers would give, and you also get to shop knowing what your budget is for a new vehicle.
Have some company escort you when shopping for a new car. They can serve as a disinterested observer and can help you walk away if you are not getting a fair deal. They can be anyone from your Mom to a coworker.
Set aside a large block of time to spend at each dealership. It is a bad idea to be in a rush, because it might cause you to make a poor deal. Allowing for an entire afternoon is best. If you are pressed for time, you should leave and return the following day.
Do not buy a car without test driving it. Even if you have previously test driven the same make and model, you need to make sure that this car drives well. It’s possible that the vehicle has some defect or issue that might affect the way it handles on the road.
When you are looking for a car to purchase, make sure that any vehicle you consider is equipped with the latest safety features. Never purchase a vehicle that does not have an anti-lock brake system, or ABS. Airbags are another must-have, so choose a vehicle with multiple airbags. It is vital that your car is safe.
Don’t drive an expensive car to the lot. The salesman may take one look at your fancy ride and refuse any low-ball offer you make. If you are looking to trade the vehicle in, this does not apply.
Shopping for new cars can be fun and exhausting. Use your computer and the Internet for comparison shopping to save yourself a lot of dollars and time. There are places on the Internet that have tools to help you find the car you need and want. This can help you get a general idea of what you’re looking for, before you even go to a dealership.
You need to know what you can spend before doing it. Calculate this number based on what you can afford, as well as current car values.
Request that the dealer allow you to have the car inspected by a mechanic. The mechanic should be trustworthy. Don’t use a dealer mechanic. Your mechanic should tell you both whether the car runs well and whether it’s priced appropriately.
Check the car that you purchase for any imperfections before buying. Inspect the exterior of the car for scratches and dents. Look at the interior for any tears in the upholstery or stains on the carpet. Keep in mind that the car is yours once you’ve bought it. This includes all the stains, rips, dents and scratches.
Don’t buy a new model of car immediately upon its release. If you get it the minute it comes out, you’ll pay more than you normally would. Give it a while so that all the hype can die down later.
When you are looking for a car, try to shop near the end of the month. The individuals working on the car lot have goals to meet. Your sale could mean the different between success or failure. Begin the process of negotiating on price two or three days before the month ends. This will give you time to make a wise decision and get a great deal.
Speak to your insurance company so you’re able to get an estimate on the vehicle you’re thinking of buying. Even if this car is affordable now to you, you have to think in the long term as to what the insurance will cost. You want a car that strikes a balance between cost of the auto and insurance.
Learn about how the service department works at those dealers you are considering. See if you can find anyone that has experience dealing with the service. They can give you an idea of how the service is. You may even choose to call the department yourself and ask questions to see how they respond. Select a dealer that has a competent staff so that you have a good source to turn to when the need arises.
It’s very important to test drive a car before you think about purchasing it. There may be problems with a vehicle that you may not notice without first test driving it. Test as many elements of the car as you can in order to avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Stand your ground and avoid being taken advantage of at a dealership. At times, salesmen appear like they have your best interests at heart, but this is just their way of earning your trust. You should take a few days to think about the deal they are offering you instead of letting them convince you to purchase a car right away.
Talk with trusted friends or family about nearby dealerships. You should ask if they have someone that they had a good time buying a car from. Be sure to discuss such specific topics as ongoing servicing and repair. Find out if the car they bought has stood the test of time. If you get multiple endorsements of a single spot, make sure to pay that dealer a visit.
Car shopping may make someone cringe, but you should now be able to see that it doesn’t have to be stressful. You can do several things to give yourself a more positive experience. Use the tips to get the car you want and stop being stressed.