Some people hate shopping for a brand new car. A little research can turn a negative experience into a positive one. Take a look at the following information and be prepared for your trip to the dealership.
Before you leave to buy a car, you have to know certain things about what you need. How much can you spend? How large is your family? What gas mileage are you looking for? Do you want a car with two or four doors? Get it all down on paper, and bring it with you when shopping so that you don’t forget.
Go to different dealerships before settling on one. A different dealership might be able to get you a better price on the car you want, and may be running different promotions. Try three or four in your area, and even if you have to travel a bit farther, it may be worth it.
Rather than buying a brand-new car, purchase a lightly used one that is only a couple of years old. Many cars come with transferable warranties that last for three years or 36,000 miles. You will save a significant amount over buying new, and the warranty will give you peace of mind for the first year or so.
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.
Do not allow anyone to intimidate you into making a purchase that may not be the right one for you. Do not fall for lines like “This will be gone if you try to buy it later.” These types of statements are usually made to sway you into make a purchase right away.
Don’t forget to calculate ownership costs when selecting a new vehicle. That bargain priced SUV might not be such a good deal if it means you will be spending twice the amount you used to on gasoline to drive it. The same goes for sporty racing style cars or models favored by car thieves that both can come with increased insurance rates.
If you are trading your car in, take it to a detail shop and have the upholstery and carpets cleaned along with a wash and wax. Doing this one thing can usually net you several hundred dollars or more in trade-in value compared to a car that isn’t clean.
Car shopping with a loved one is a great idea. They can assist you with preventing mistakes like emotional decisions. They will also be able to tell you if the car has any issues that you didn’t notice.
Buying a new vehicle is an adventure that some people look forward to, while others believe it is a necessary evil. If you want to enjoy your experience, you have to be educated about what you are doing. Bear in mind everything you’ve learned here. Each little bit will help you to make a smart, financially sound decision.