Shopping for a car? Are you interested in some tips on how to buy a car? This article is the right place to find that kind of advice. Continue reading to learn some excellent information on buying a new or used car.

You want to make sure you’ve secured an automobile loan before going into the dealership. The reason a car takes so long to get is because they need to look at your credit while securing a lender for you. If you have a loan in-hand when you visit the dealership, the purchasing process will be streamlined.

Do some online window shopping ahead of time. You should try to save your dealership trip until after you’ve decided on the type of car you want. Research brands online to learn what you like best as well as which brands are safest. The dealer often won’t talk about safety or other things it’s important for you to know.

Know what kind of truck or car you want before going to a lot. Research online to see what is best for your living and financial situation. This research will also give you an idea of the price that you should expect to pay for the car you’d like to buy.

Never buy any car without having a test drive. You may have already driven the same model and make, but you should drive the exact car you plan to buy to ensure its quality. There could always be something which makes you hate driving the car.

Safety features are essential for any car. Never purchase a vehicle that does not have an anti-lock brake system, or ABS. It is also important to have air bags. Safety is important since you will be in this vehicle a lot.

Think about whether the fuel economy of your car will make it more or less affordable for you. A powerful engine and the ability to tow heavy loads are impressive features, for example. However, you have to consider whether you’ll use that towing capacity and if you’ll often use the extra horsepower of a V-8.

Start your car shopping online. You can find any car you can imagine online. Research vehicles you’re interested in before going to the car lot. By researching online, you can find specs, gas mileage data, resell value, ratings and almost any other information that you desire.

Purchasing a car is a lot of fun, but it can also wear you out. Before you even need to leave your home, you can do some shopping around by checking out some comparison websites. There are several online sites that consolidate information from various private owners and dealerships so that you can conduct a side-by-side comparison shopping of different vehicles and their amenities and asking price. These sites can be a great asset when looking for great value.

Go to the auto show to check out makes and models on offer. They have all different makes and models together in one building. You can also find out much information from many knowledgeable sources there. You’ll know which models peak your interest, afterwards.

Ask to bring in your own mechanic. Choose an honest mechanic with a good reputation. Don’t use a dealer mechanic. The mechanic will let you know if the car is worth what the dealer is asking and if it’s okay to be driven.

When purchasing a used car, it’s important that you do thorough research. There are many online sources that will inform you of what a certain car is worth. NADA and Kelly Blue Book are great resources for finding out the value of a car. If the dealer tries to get more than what those sources say, walk away.

If you are extremely interested in a vehicle, spend time thoroughly checking it over. Look over the outside of the car to make sure you don’t miss any major scratches or dents. Look at the interior for any tears in the upholstery or stains on the carpet. When that car is purchased, the problems become yours. This will also include stains, dents, rips, and any scratches.

Not every dealership or salesperson is the same. The stereotypical overbearing salesman is no longer the standard. Dealerships are starting to realize softer sales means customers that are happy. There is no shame in walking away from overly pushy salespeople. Other, more reasonable, salespeople would be thrilled to help you.

Go online and check prices of cars locally and in cities nearby. You may discover that other zip codes in your region offer better prices than you can find closer to home. A little bit of research online may end up saving you money.

Now that you’ve read this advice, you can shop for a car sans stress. You will find that an affordable new car is fun to drive anywhere you want to go. Your hard work will be rewarded.