Have you felt like you’ve gotten a bad deal in the past when purchasing a vehicle? Dealers, as well as private sellers, want to get the most money they can for their car. It is for this very reason that you are unable to head into any car dealership with the intentions of making a deal with a friend. Keep reading for further tips.
You should find a way of financing your new car before shopping. Check with a bank or local credit union to get this done. You may even get a lower interest rate and you will know what you can afford.
Don’t pay full price! What the dealers list on the sticker is not what they actually think they will get. If you aren’t a good negotiator, bring a good negotiator with you. You must know what the fair market value of the vehicle you want is before you set foot in the dealership.
Never buy any car without having a test drive. Even if you’ve already test driven this exact brand and model, you must know if it drives well. It’s possible that the vehicle has some defect or issue that might affect the way it handles on the road.
Safety is an important feature you should look for in your new vehicle. The brakes and suspension are two things to take into account when car shopping. You need to buy a car that is equipped with airbags; this is safer than without. Safety is important because you are often in your car.
Do not bring your fancy car to the dealership. The dealer will take one look at your vehicle and refuse to work with you on negotiating a lower price. The only time this is a good idea is if you are planning to trade in such a vehicle.
Plan on going car shopping during the last week of the month. Salesmen at most dealerships try to reach a quota for the month, and will want to sell as many cars as they can. At month’s end, sales staff who need to fulfill a quota may be more likely to give you a better price in order to sell a vehicle.
Looking online can be a great way to find good deals on used cars. You can find a car without visiting a dealership. Try looking at online classifieds or auction sites, if possible. That way, you can make a fair deal without pressure.
Once you find a car in which you are interested, check it out carefully. Look for scratches or dents on the outside. Inspect the interior to find rips, stains or other flaws. Do not forget that once you make the purchase, the car belongs to you. So any rips, tears, scratches or dents are your to keep.
Consider fuel economy during your car buying process. A fuel efficient car may cost more in the beginning, but it will save you a lot of money over the life of the car. Taking a look at the big picture is the best way to keep costs down.
Don’t just take whatever deal the salesman is trying to sell you. It’s not a good idea to do this. Negotiate something better, because you want one that works for you. So, it is important you properly use these tips.