Some people know cars inside and out. Everyone else, well, they’re not exactly as astute and need some help when shopping for the right car. If you fall into the latter category, this article is for you.
Car Loan
Get a car loan online prior to going to a dealership. When you get a car loan at the dealership, it can take a really long time. By having a loan in hand in advance, the whole process is sure to move fast.
Before heading to the dealership, do some comparison shopping online. Don’t visit a dealership until you have a good idea of what you want in a vehicle, such as size, brand, and pricing. Do online research to find out the specifications and rating that are important to you.
Get your financing set up before you visit a dealership. Go in to a credit union or bank to talk in person. 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.
Bring someone with you if you don’t think you can withstand sales pressure. Take someone you trust to help facilitate negotiations and ask key questions. You should talk to your friends or family member about your budget and needs before you head out to the dealership.
If you already drive a nice vehicle, avoid taking that car to the dealership with you. They’ll see that nice car and try to give you a bad offer since they think that you’re walking around with quite a bit of money.
Test a car by renting the same make and model. This will give you a chance to spend some time driving the vehicle. Take your family on a road trip, and you’ll see if the car is a fit for you. Doing so helps you make an informed decision on such a large commitment.
Check your budget prior to embarking on an expedition to purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle. This will allow you to know how much of a payment you can afford. Calculate what you can afford to spend on car monthly car payments. It may be a good idea to shop for a loan before you look at any cars.
Don’t give out your SS number quickly. Often dealers will ask for that early on and run a quick credit check. You should not let multiple dealers run your credit. No one needs your personal information till you’re absolutely ready to buy.
Even before you go to a dealership, have a certain number in your mind. You should know what you want to spend and the price of the car.
It is best to avoid talking about your trade-in early in the negotiations. Only reveal this after the negotiation process is complete. Disclosing early will allow the dealer to alter the deal on the car.
Read before you sign. Read the whole contract before agreeing to anything. Once you’ve signed a contract, you’re legally bound to honor it. You can even ask to take the contract home to look over it some more. If the dealership will not give you a copy, take as long as you need and read it in its entirety.
When you found a car that you’d like to look at, make sure to go over it well. Pay close attention to any cosmetic damage on the car. Check over the interior to see if there are stains or tears. Remember, once you sign the contract, the car is your responsibility. This includes all the stains, rips, dents and scratches.
Before visiting a dealership, feel free to call in advance and ask them if they have the specific car model you are interested in. If you just drive there, the salesman’s job is to just get you to buy a car. If you are truly interested in a particular model that they do not have, it is a waste of time to go there. Call ahead and find out what the story is.
When buying a car, think about fuel economy. A more economical car might cost you a little more upfront, but it can also save you thousands of dollars on gasoline over the course of five years. The fuel savings should be considered when budgeting for a car.
Prices of cars are often listed on dealer websites. 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. Check out which dealers have the best prices and go there.
Prior to negotiating the deal, familiarize yourself with available incentive offers. Know about rebates, loan rates, incentive programs, trade-in values and warranties. Entering into negotiations for your vehicle purchase will go much more smoothly if you already know your options.
You should get rid of the price of advertising in the fee. Why should you pay for their ads? If they insist, tell them you’ll walk. They will most likely not let you walk out.
Be sure that you find out information about all rebates before you go. Many dealers offer rebates at the lot to offer some incentive toward a quick sale. Dealers that are more shady will not offer you the rebate, but rather, keep the cash back for themselves without your knowledge.
Research your car’s trade-in price and negotiate based on its value. By knowing how much you’ll get out of your car, you’ll have a better idea of how much you should pay for the new car.
If you are buying a car and think your credit rate is right for bank financing, use it! You will be saving money by avoiding high interest rates other lenders will charge you. Banks usually have a lower interest rate.
Don’t feel overwhelmed anymore! You can make a wise choice now that you know what to do. If you have saved some money on your car you will be happier when driving it. Good luck shopping!