Most people don’t care for the process of shopping for a car. This could be because of the time investment, or simply all the options. This article will help reduce your stress levels as you shop. If you desire to enhance your knowledge on this subject then keep reading to learn more.
Figure out your financing before shopping for a car. Talk to either a bank or a credit union about it. This often provides you with a much better interest rate, and you can visit the dealership with a solid idea of what you can afford.
When you are shopping for cars, you should take a friend with you. He or she can give you another perspective on a vehicle, and may be more willing to leave if you are not offered a good deal. Bring a friend, a parent or a spouse.
Safety Features
Safety features and specifications are extremely important things to consider when shopping for your next vehicle. You must make sure you have ABS or antilock brakes. You need to buy a car that is equipped with airbags; this is safer than without. When you think about how much time you and your family will spend in the car, it’s easy to see why safety features are so important.
Think about whether the fuel economy of your car will make it more or less affordable for you. You might, for example, be considering a V-8 model that features towing capacity. However, you should think about how much you will truly use that extra power.
Get the cost on the car in stone before you discuss trade-ins, or any other monetary exchanges. These items should all be subtracted from the rock bottom price. You will get a better price by negotiating the deal first, and then discussing these “extras”.
Test Drive
Taking a test drive is imperative. Even if you know what your next car should be and the dealer has it, still take it out for a test drive. No amount of prior research can compete with first hand experience. You may find yourself unpleasantly surprised by a rough ride or coarse handling.
Try planning car shopping trips near the end of a month. Typically, you can get the best deals around this time. 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.
Ask if you can have the car looked over by your mechanic. Choose a mechanic that you trust. Avoid using mechanics that the dealer recommended. A good mechanic can help you determine whether or not the vehicle is priced reasonably and free of defects.
Search the Internet to find great used car deals. The convenience of the Internet has all but eliminated the need to set foot on a car lot. Instead of a dealership, you could visit Craigslist, eBay, or classified ads. Using this technique will allow you to save time and the headache generally associated with car buying.
If you know the specific model that you want, call the dealership to see if they have it on the lot. The salesman will do everything they can to have the car ready for you. Going to a dealership that doesn’t have the car you want is a big waste of time. Calling ahead can save you time.
No two dealerships will offer the same experience. It is true that a lot of salespeople are pushy, but some dealers understand that customers do not like these methods. The landscape in sales is changing, as a lot of salesman are becoming kinder. If your salesperson is pushy, just leave. There are salesperson with very different styles that you will have to choose from.
AS-is warranties should always be avoided. You’ll regret it afterwards if you do. At minimum, a dealer should provide you with a warranty of 30-90 days upon purchasing any vehicle. If you have issues a month after the car is yours, you have to fix them.
Before committing to a new vehicle, check with your insurance provider for an estimate. That car that seems so affordable at this point may not seem that way once you realize you will be paying a bundle on premiums. Find a vehicle that’s a great balance between affordable insurance and price.
If the salesperson goes to the manager to “present your offer” to them, know that the offer they come back with isn’t the lowest yet. Counter that second offer, and when the salesperson returns a second time from his manager, he will have the lowest offer for you. If they are eager to sell, this is likely to be as low as they will go.
Test driving is essential. You might not see problem until you own the car for awhile. Test out as much as possible before signing that contract.
Now that you’ve read this article, start thinking about your next car. Utilize this advice, and the process of car shopping can be much less stressful. Just keep at it and you’ll have a great car in the end.