Solid Advice When Shopping For A Car |
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Greg James
January 31, 2013
Many people dread car shopping. Finding a new car can take some time and requires a lot of work. This article will help reduce your stress levels as you shop. Continue reading to find out great tips.
There are many valuable resources available online. There is no reason to visit a car dealer these days. You should look on Craigslist.com and eBay, or look in the newspaper. Doing so can save time and money, and avoid a lot of the negatives associated with car purchases.
Research your chosen dealership prior to offering to buy a car. You will have a negotiating advantage if you understand their trade and financing practices. You can avoid being taken advantage of by reading over reviews from other customers.
Do you know what your budget is? Figure out how much you can afford, and then do some research on current prices. Failing to do this can put you in a bad deal.
Talk to a bank about a loan before going to the dealer. This allows you to save some cash, and you'll be able to settle for less than other lenders would offer. Banks usually have a lower interest rate.
Try shopping online. You can find any car you can imagine online. Learn all you are able to about the makes and models available that you think you might like before you ever go to an actual physical car lot. With a few clicks and Google searches, you can quickly locate information on safety ratings, fuel economy, resell value and reviews.
A test drive needs to be taken. You never know how the car is going to run, despite how it may look outside. Always take the time to test the equipment. A test drive can give you so much information. You might notice that the feel of the car isn't what you expected.
Don't get taken advantage of by a car salesperson. Just because he or she is friendly doesn't mean he or she has your best interest at heart. While it is fine to be friendly with your salesman, don't let feelings of camaraderie lead you into making a bad decision.
Don't say a peep about your trade-in. You shouldn't let the dealership know you have a car to trade unless you've established a set price for the car you are purchasing. If you tell them about your trade-in too early, you may get an even worse deal on that, so you have to be careful.
If you need to find a good deal, look online. A simple Internet search can help you save a lot of money. After you find a great deal on the car of your dreams, you can visit the dealer and make your purchase. If the dealership is close, think about going to them to save a little more money.
Many salesmen have monthly quotas. Take advantage of car shopping at the end of a month. Salesman that haven't made their expected numbers will just try to make another sale. This gives you a bit more leverage in your bargaining.
Do not dress up too extravagantly when shopping for a car. If you walk into the dealer looking as if you have all the money in the world, it will be almost impossible to negotiate a more affordable deal.
When shopping for a car, it is wise to arrange financing in advance. This is something that is good for your security. Often times a dealership will get you a better offer than your bank, however it's always good to have a backup plan.
Go car shopping online before going to the dealership. Never set foot on a lot until you are certain which make and model you are interested in purchasing. Use the Internet to do the research and find out what's available in your price range, what is the safest option and any particular brands that you should look for.
Know when to walk away. That is a true statement for everything, even cars. If the deal you're offered sucks, leave. If something does not feel right, you can always walk away. If the cars are not what you had in mind, go elsewhere. You will always be able to find another dealership.
Prior to getting a used vehicle from a dealership, be sure to ask a third party mechanic to look at it. If the seller or dealer declines, take your business elsewhere. Mechanics provide you with a neutral opinion on the quality of the vehicle.
Now that you've learned a few tips about car shopping, you should be ready to get started. Use everything you've just learned to ensure that you end up with the best possible vehicle. Keep trying and don't give up to get the car you want at the right price.