While some people love to shop for new vehicles, others find it generally unpleasant to do so. If you fall into the second category, it is a good idea to devote some time to learning about how to purchase a car and getting ready to handle the task. Take a look at the following information and be prepared for your trip to the dealership.

Don’t let salesmen talk you into anything that is unaffordable. A lot of current sports car owners were smoothly talked into one by a salesman who convinced them that they would look great driving it. Remember that the salesperson is trying to make a fair commission, so selling expensive vehicles can help them.

The Internet is a goldmine of promotions and special deals. Online searches can help you get a great price. If you find a car you like, you can ask your dealership if they can obtain it for you to buy. You may even consider making the trip to buy the vehicle yourself if it will save you quite a bit of money.

If you’re shopping for a used car, try to have it inspected by a mechanic not from the dealership. If they say no, leave. 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.

Sticker Price

You should never pay the full sticker price of a car. Sticker price is an over-inflated amount they don’t think anyone will pay. Bring a friend that is a good negotiator if that is not your strong point. You should be sure that you know what a fair price for the vehicle is beforehand so you know what you are willing to pay.

Bring along a friend. This person can provide another perspective, which can help you make the best decision. This person could be a spouse, parent, or even a friend.

Bring someone with you when you are shopping for a car. Ask a loved one to help you stay strong. You should talk to your friends or family member about your budget and needs before you head out to the dealership.

Be sure to always test drive a car before buying it. Even if you know what your next car should be and the dealer has it, still take it out for a test drive. Being in the car and driving it gives you knowledge you can’t get otherwise. It could be that the car doesn’t ride as smoothly as you like or doesn’t handle as you were expecting.

Salesmen typically have goals they must reach every month. That’s why it pays to shop for cars at the end of the month. Salespeople who have a quota to meet are eager to make another sale. You can get a lower price as they’re more desperate than you are.

Auto Shows

Look into auto shows to help you decide what type of car you’d like. Auto shows provide you with a rare opportunity to do side-by-side comparisons of various vehicles in one place. This also gives you the opportunity to talk to knowledgeable folks. This will give you valuable information that you will need to make your decision.

Make sure that you know your budget before going car shopping. It is best to know exactly where you stand before you begin looking at cars. Figure out how much you can spend each month on car payments. Perhaps you should even put off car shopping until after you have secured a pre-approved loan.

If you find a car you want, be sure you are confident in your decision. Look over the body of the car for any imperfections. Search the interior for carpet stains or upholstery tears. Keep in mind that the car is yours once you’ve bought it. That means the stains, flaws and dings as well.

Call the lot to see if they have the model you desire in stock. If you just drive there, the salesman’s job is to just get you to buy a car. If you are looking for a specific car that isn’t in stock, going there is just wasting your time. Calling ahead can save you time.

AS-is warranties should always be avoided. 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. You are going to end up paying to fix the car, even if it breaks down right after you drive it off the lot.

Nearby Cities

Look at car prices online, in nearby cities and your city. Sometimes, nearby cities will provide you with a significant discount. You can figure out which cities have the best prices if you look online to see the price trends.

Wait until the month’s end to shop for your car if you can. Dealers are trying to reach their monthly quotas and you could help them with that. By allowing more than one day for negotiations, it is possible to get a much better deal than you would otherwise.

Buying a car near the end of a calendar month can prove advantageous. All dealerships have to meet monthly quotas. If you buy near the end of a month, you help them get those last sales to meet that quota. Sometimes, you can use this to your advantage and negotiate a better price on the car you want.

Take your time when you are going through the car shopping process. Car dealers will try to always pressure you into a buy. Do not fall for this trick. Special offers are probably going to be available the next time you visit as well.

When it comes to buying a car, some anticipate the thrill of the hunt. Others choose to suffer in silence. To have a positive car shopping experience, you need knowledge. Apply what you’ve just learned, and stand ready to negotiate your way into your new car.