Car shopping can be very stressful for the buyer. Since there are so many options, shopping for a car can be overwhelming. Use the following advice to help make car shopping less stressful.
Anytime you are thinking about purchasing a car, you first need to know the true value of the car. This can be done by searching online for the MRSP and comparing it with the offers you find in your area. Be sure to check at many different sites first of all.
Learn about the true market value of the car before making an offer. Oftentimes, dealers will have the car marked up a certain percent over the value so they have some wiggle room. If you know the market value, you can better haggle with them about the price you will pay out the door.
Arrange car financing prior to buying a car. Go in to a credit union or bank to talk in person. You will more than likely get a lower interest rate than what the dealership would offer and have a better idea of how much money you can spend on your new car.
Before signing any contract take the time to read every line, including the fine print. If there is anything listed that you do not understand, do not sign until you get an answer that you understand. Unsavory salesmen can use a contract to insert many fees that were not discussed.
If you are susceptible to pressure selling, bring a friend along. Have a friend or family member go with you to assist in asking the important questions and negotiating a price. Tell your companion your priorities and budget goals in advance of your trip.
Only use reviews on the internet as a general guide. A lot of people when they have problems with a car will post negative reviews on the internet. So look at all the reviews for common problems as opposed to a general ranking. If there is a problem with a major component, then probably find a different vehicle.
If you are car shopping and want to test drive some different cars, make sure you bring your license and insurance card with you. Many dealers will want a photo copy of them before you drive. This is just to protect them in case someone steals or damages a car. If you do not have them with you, they might not let you test drive.
Never settle for the price that’s set for the car when you’re shopping for one. You must be a great negotiator and try to knock a little off the price. Every car dealership knows that they’re going to have to negotiate anyway, so they make the car seem like it costs more than they’d settle for.
Prior to shopping for a car, take a look at your budget. This will allow you to know how much of a payment you can afford. Think about what would be an affordable monthly payment. Try to find your loan before finding a car.
If you are trying to determine your trade-in value for your current vehicle, be sure to take it to a few dealers. By going to a few different dealers, you’ll be able to get a rough estimate of how much your car is actually worth. This will allow you to turn down low ball offers that someone may make for your car.
Watch out for dealership advertising fees. These are often tacked on to new car purchases, and you should not have to pay them. Car dealerships have to advertise as part of doing business, and many shoppers who challenge this fee will win. If your salesman will not remove this fee, ask to speak with a manager.
Make sure you read everything before you sign it. If you just sign without reading, you might be disappointed. If you sign, you are locked in. If you do not want to be rushed while reading your contracts, ask if you can take things home to read in peace. If they won’t let you take it with you, ask them for a copy.
Research through the web and magazines for information when buying a car used. There are very useful Internet resources to help you determine a car’s worth. The Blue Book or other sources can be useful for determining a car’s value. If the dealership is trying to sell the car for a higher price than what it is worth, look for a different dealer.
Whenever you are in the market for a car, be it new or old, make sure you take it for a test drive. You need to get a feel for your car to see if you can picture yourself driving it day in and day out so this step cannot be emphasized enough.
Avoid signing as-is warranties when you buy a used vehicle. You’ll regret it afterwards if you do. The minimum you should accept is a 30 to 90-day warranty. When you don’t have such a warranty, any repairs after the car drives away will be your responsibility.
When in the finance office, read your final contract thoroughly. Many dealerships will try to rush you through this step, and they may change important information or financing terms as a result. Make sure the terms are exactly what you agreed to. If they are not, ask them to make changes before you sign anything.
When you are looking for a used vehicle, you should avoid any cars with high mileage. People will tell you that they drove on the highway or that they drove responsibly, but you really don’t know. Even if you like the car, avoid buying it if the mileage is too high.
You should now know enough to cut down on the stress that is associated with car shopping. Keep these things in mind as you work your way through each step of the purchasing process. Doing so helps you to find the right car for you.