Car Shopping: Do It The Right Way

With the right advice, you can have a much better experience when it comes to buying cars. Everyone has had a less than stellar experience. Flip everything on the salesman, and learn to stand on your own two feet. You can take control, and you can get the deal that youve been looking for.

Visit your local bank and get pre-approved for a car loan. This one step cannot only save you a lot of time at dealership, but it will also save you money most of the time. By getting a loan at your bank, you can negotiate your interest rate more effectively; thus, lowering your overall payment.

Ask the car dealer to show you a vehicle history report. This can tell you if the vehicle has been in an accident or if it has been recalled. It can also show you what repairs have been done and when they were done so that you know exactly what you are buying.

Absolutely refrain from paying the full asking price for any car. That usually isnt what the salesmen will expect of you anyway. If negotiation is not something that you personally excel at, bring along someone that does. It is smart to know what an appropriate price for the specific car is in advance so that you can decide how much you want to pay.

When you are looking for a car, be sure to look at the safety features that are the most important. Anti-lock brakes or ABS are a must. Airbags are another must-have, so choose a vehicle with multiple airbags. Safety is key, as you will spend a great deal of time riding in this car.

Before you begin your car shopping journey, go to the bank and get pre-approved. This is simply for your own peace of mind. In some cases, your dealership will help you secure a low interest rate but it is good to know about the interest rates that would be available through your bank.

Shopping for a new car can seem complicated when it comes to pricing. Take your iPad or phone with you to the dealer. You can search the Internet and find car payment calculators that will let you know what your payment is going to be without having to rely on the dealer.

Dont just think about getting a car from a dealership. You can go to smaller lots or buy from private owners and get some really good deals. Take advantage of classified ads and websites intended to help you identify sources for the car you want.

A great tip for those looking to buy a used car would be to research what the resale value of the car is. Look at the Kelly Blue Book value and compare it to the condition that the vehicle is currently in to see whether or not the price is fair.

Many salesmen have monthly quotas. This system works to your advantage at the end of the month. If a salesperson is behind on their monthly quota, they will be ready to lower prices to get you to buy a car. These quotas will help you be able to argue out a better deal.

Exercise

If you are a female shopper and feel as though the dealership is looking down on you, exercise your right to shop elsewhere. Many dealers still have the idea that women are uninformed emotional shoppers. Prove them wrong by informing yourself and dealing only with salesmen who respect you regardless of gender.

You should now know more about what to do when you visit a dealership. Whether youre buying used or new cars, its time to saddle up and take care of business. No one is actually stopping you from that deal but yourself. Be well-informed, and take that information to the bank!