Going Car Shopping? Use These Tips! |
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Mary Bruns
July 23, 2013
Is it time for you to purchase a new car? Are you scared of the process? Don't worry and read the article below to help you through the car shopping process.
Always ask the seller if they are willing to let you do a test drive. While some private sellers may not offer you the chance to do a test drive, there are many that will. You should try to do your deal with someone who will allow you to see how the car runs.
Shop around before you even go to the dealership. If you spend some time on local dealer's websites, you can learn about incentives that are offered. If you know what one dealership is offering, you can use it as a negotiating point and may be able to get a better deal.
You should never pay a car's sticker price. That usually isn't what the salesmen will expect of you anyway. When you need help with negotiating, ask a loved one to come along. Before you go to the showroom, know what a good price is for the car so you will know your limits.
When buying a used car, be very careful about how clean the car is. Many car salespeople have professional cleaners who can make a piece of junk look brand new. Always get the car checked by a mechanic. Even if it looks fantastic, a mechanic will be able to spot any major issues.
MPG plays a huge role in a car purchase. For instance, a V-8 that can tow may appear to be a good idea. But you should consider how often you will be using the towing feature and how often you will need the extra horsepower a V-8 offers.
Set a budget and stick to it when shopping for a car. It can be very hard to stick to a budget when you find a car that you really want, but there is nothing good about an impulse buy. Figure out what you can afford before you start looking so that you do not break the bank.
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.
Those of you who are in the market for a certified pre-owned vehicle would be wise to check the cars certification checklist. This will allow you to be sure that all components have been inspected and everything is in order allowing you to buy with a great deal of confidence.
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.
Investigate cash rebates and discounts you are eligible for. Sometimes, there are discounts for veterans and students, for example. There are all kinds of discounts and rebates that are often run. Do a little research and find out if you qualify for any of the special deals that are available. That could save you some money on your car.
To make your negotiations go smoothly when purchasing a new car have a minimum of a twenty percent down payment saved. By having a down payment, you will be able to lower your interest rate and payments and have leverage when discussing your trade in options. You may find that you will net more savings by not trading a car in and selling it on your own.
Don't tie yourself into one make or model, but also avoid opening yourself to every single car. You should go into a dealership with a goal-orientated flexibility. This means that you need to research two or three cars beforehand and then be willing to switch between these based on the best negotiation.
After reading the article, are you more confident about your car purchase? The suggestions found here are invaluable and will only enhance your car buying adventure. Give this information to any friends or family members who may have an interest in buying a car, and you will all benefit from it.