There is no denying the fact that purchasing a car can be a nerve-wracking, stress-filled experience. Before you make a decision and spend a great amount of money on a vehicle, it pays to acquire a bit of knowledge on the subject. Keep the tips that follow close at hand, and you will have what it takes to make an optimal decision.
When shopping for a new vehicle, consider all of your options. There are many used cars that have extremely low miles and rock bottom prices. The ones to look for are the ones that have been leased and returned. These cars have been serviced at the dealership and usually have plenty of factory warranty protection left.
When buying a used car, a great way to tell if the car has been in an accident is to look into the door frames. Usually when a car is repainted, you will notice over spray in this area. This is not proof that a car was in an accident, but it will let you know it was repainted.
Find out about the different warranties that are available. You do not want to spend a couple thousand dollars on a warranty that is not going to cover the repairs that commonly occur. Instead, shop outside of the dealership to find one that will cover the repairs at a better price.
Do not pay for lots of extras when you are buying a car. Sure, it would be nice to have a lot of fun features in your new car, but do you really need them? Every toy or gadget you add jacks up the price of the car considerably. Figure out what you really need, and just stick to that.
Be aggressive and assertive. You will inevitably end up negotiating the price of your vehicle, so don’t be afraid to push a little. Be prepared to walk away from the dealership if you aren’t making progress. Leave the offer alone for a day or two, and then contact the salesman again. If they know that you are willing to walk away, they will be more likely to accept your offer or to counter-offer with a more reasonable price.
Fuel economy should be an important consideration in choosing your next vehicle. For example, it may seem like a good idea to purchase a V-8 with towing capability. But, ask yourself whether your truly need that additional power.
See if you can do your car shopping at month’s end. At the end of the month, dealership salesmen are usually trying to fill unmet quotas. You will probably find salespeople who need to meet their quotas before the last day of the month and will offer you some good deals to sell you a vehicle.
Go to a car show to find out which cars you are interested in. They have all different makes and models together in one building. You will also be able to ask questions of people that know about these cars. You should be able to walk out of an auto show with a good idea of the cars you’d like to look into further.
Is there a specific feature you really want? Is it, heated seats or a sunroof? Before you even approach the lot, find out which cars in your price range actually offer this feature. This will reduce the time spent on the lot looking at cars you don’t want as the feature isn’t available.
Whenever shopping for a used car, it would be wise to stick with certified pre-owned vehicles as this greatly reduces the likelihood that you’ll end up with a car that is in poor condition. Just make sure that the certification if offered by the car manufacturer rather than the dealer.
Check out multiple dealerships for the car you desire. Once you select which make and model you want, don’t just stick to the closest lot. If there are multiple dealers of that brand, check them all out. Don’t forget to check out used lots as well, they often offer great bargains on cars which will drive for a long time to come.
Read all the documents that are presented to you when you purchase a new car. They will usually have a large stack for you to sign. Don’t feel pressured into signing anything that you do not understand. If you do not understand something, ask about it before signing. Until you sign your name to all the paperwork, you can walk out of the dealership and not owe a dime.
Although monthly payments are important when considering a new car purchase, many times a dealership will extend the length of the loan and raise the interest rate to get smaller payments. To avoid this do not negotiate payment amounts until you have negotiated the sales price of the vehicle.
When purchasing a certified pre-owned vehicle that comes with a warranty, make sure you read the fine print. Most warranties on these vehicles only cover power-train and don’t cover much else. There are also cases in which the warranty may not be transferable which would make it void in your case.
Make it clear to a car dealer that you have a certain budget, and you want to stick to that. This can stop them from offering you vehicles that are far more than you can afford. Be firm on that and do not bend. This will make it more likely for you to get a car that is well within your budget.
Before you buy anything, have a conversation with an insurance agent. They can give you an estimated cost for coverage. A great deal on a car may not be so great when you include the cost of insuring it. You’ll want to look for a vehicle that is decently priced, even after paying for the insurance.
Car shopping is something that many people dread, but see as a necessary part of life every few years. By spending a bit of time in advance studying the options, it really is possible to have an enjoyable experience. With any luck, the advice in the article above has given you the tools to do just that.