It can be a stressful experience when you are shopping for a car. Too many models to choose from and financing choices are overwhelming. Read the tips below, and use them to take some of the stress out of car buying.

Arrange car financing prior to buying a car. You can accomplish this with a trip to your bank or nearby credit union. They often have better interest rates and you can walk into a lot knowing you can pay for the car you want.

Prior to purchasing a used car, make sure that a mechanic inspects it thoroughly. If they refuse, go elsewhere. To the untrained eye, it’s almost impossible to determine whether a vehicle has been damaged in a flood, wreck or fire. A mechanic can identify these and other issues before you agree to buy the car.

Have someone else come along when you go shopping for a car. This person has the ability to act as the perfect sounding board, and they can help you leave a deal that is not great for you. This can be anyone you trust like a parent, spouse or friend.

As you shop for a vehicle, make certain you find one with high safety ratings and options. You cannot do without anti-lock brakes, also referred to as ABS. It is also important to have air bags. Safety is of the utmost importance because you will spend much time in this car.

If you are in the market for a new car, you should call your bank before shopping and make sure you can get a loan. This is just for your own security. In many cases, the dealership can secure an acceptable interest rate than you might find at your bank. Still, it helps to have a clear picture of what you can expect to pay.

If you are paying a high payment on a luxury vehicle right now, do not take that car with you. No matter how good you are at negotiating, they will reject any lower offers you put forth. If you are going to trade in that nice car, then that is the only reason you would bring it with you.

Renting cars is a great way to do your own test drives. This allows you to learn more about the cars you are considering. Bring the whole family along for a test drive. This will allow you to get a glimpse of what life would be like with the car.

Try to shop for your new vehicle towards month’s end. There is usually a quota in place at dealerships which the sales people strive to reach. At the end of the month, the salesmen may still be behind on their quota and could be more willing to negotiate a better deal with you just to get a car sold.

Visit auto shows so you have a better idea of what interests you most. They have all different makes and models together in one building. You will also have access to numerous professionals who can tell you anything and everything about each vehicle. After your visit to an auto show, you will have an inkling of the particular vehicles you would like to look at in depth.

Before you begin car shopping, write out a budget. Unless you know how much money you have available, you could end up in over your head. Get an idea what you can afford for your car payments. Try to find your loan before finding a car.

Don’t give out your SS number quickly. It is common for car dealers to ask for this right away and use it to pull your credit. If you decide not to purchase there, having your credit run by multiple dealerships can hurt your chances of getting the best deal. Wait until you know you have a deal ironed out before you offer your Social Security number.

When purchasing a used car, always do your homework. This can give you a better idea of what you should be paying. Use NADA or Kelly Blue Book to find out what the vehicle is worth. If the dealer tries to get more than what those sources say, walk away.

Sort through car prices online as well as your surrounding area. The price of a vehicle may vary from one zip code to the next, so you should be willing to drive further to get a good deal. Also, price trends are something to consider when buying a car.

Be sure to look for rebates before you go shopping. Lots of car dealerships offer on-site rebates. Some dealerships will be sneaky and not even mention any rebate.

Do not allow yourself to be swindled by your car salesman. Just because he or she is friendly doesn’t mean he or she has your best interest at heart. Don’t let their personality and smile trick you into buying a car that is not right for you.

If the bank offers you a good interest rate on a car purchase, take them up on the offer. It can save you bit of money in interest rates. The bank will allow you to pay a lot less compared to those people.

You want to be open to different types of vehicles. There are a lot of cars that are similar and have the same functions. For example, if the car you want is compact, you can get a Toyota Corolla. Honda can sell you a Civic, and you may find the Ford Focus to be a good vehicle as well. If you spend some time comparing prices and features, you should be able to get the best value for your dollar.

Find out the value of your trade-in before you go car shopping. When you know how much you’ll get back, you’ll be better prepared to accept an offer on the new car. You’ll be able to use this information to haggle for a better trade-in value.

You will now be better prepared to buy a car. Implement what you’ve learned here, and you’ll get through the process unscathed. It should no longer be painful to choose and locate the perfect vehicle without straying from your budget.